Model 29-2 question

[TEXVET]

I recently traded for a 6" Model 29-2. The gun is probably at least 95% new with no scratches or dings in the stocks.
The only problem with the gun is the barrel. It has a slight rose tint to it when exposed to sunlight.
A local veteran gunsmith told me the gun probably came that way from the factory and was due to the frame and barrel were blued separately.
He said after the Dirty Harry movie came out, S&W couldn't make enough Model 29s for the demand.

If this gun is completely original, what does this rose tint do to the resale value? I am into the gun for $700. I may never sell it. It is a beautiful gun, even if the barrel is rose colored, and it shoots lights out at 15 yards.

Just curious.

 

[Art Doc]

It does happen with new guns from time to time. I had a Model 40 with a barrel slightly off from the frame. Sometimes the cylinder is a shade different. I don't know the exact reason why this happens but separate bluing is as good an explanation as I could offer.

If your 29-2 has a 6" barrel it must have been made after 1978 as prior to that date they came with 6.5" barrels.

 

[madmikeb]

It's not unusual for the bluing of some parts to take on a plum tint over time, I've got a M52 that the slide has gone plum and a 29-2 of about the same vintage as yours that the barrel and cylinder has also. It may have something to do with the metallurgy and the way the bluing takes to the different alloys.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Also Ruger single actions are notorious for this. I'd just shoot and enjoy the heck out of it.

 

[A10]

I don't see it as affecting the value of the gun. The plum color is fairly common, I've seen it on several older guns.

 

[jimmyj]

Model 29-2 6" for $700.00 !
You will have no problem getting your money back if you decide to sell,
EVEN if its a "Former Virgin" with the bluing not exactly matching between barrel and frame.

 

[arjay]

My 70 series Gold Cup has a plumb colored thumb safety.Its a somewhat common glitch in guns from that era.

 

[hanken]

I bought a 27-2 in 1977 new in the box and it had a 6" barrel. The barrel had a lighter tint of blue, kind of greyish blue,the cylinder and frame were the same deep blue Smith was known for. This was one of only two S&W's I have traded in the last forty years. I have kept all the rest.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[semperfi71]

My M29-2 four inch S-series, made about 1968ish has a left side of the barrel one shade of blue and the right side a lighter shade, almost akin to the "charcoal blue" put on modern old west replica firearms.

Two shades of blue on one barrel. Some kind of anomaly but I am sure it is factory.

As others have posted...ignore and enjoy!!

 

[TEXVET]

Thanks.
You guys have related the same information that the gunsmith told me. I feel better knowing I am not the only one with a two tone Smith.

I forgot to mention the Model 29-2 came with a presentation case. The case was in good shape, but the innards were missing. Mr. Cebull took care of that for me.

My oldest Model 29 is a 4" Model 29 (no dash / S prefix) made in 1960. It is in good shape at best. I was told it was a Dallas police officer's service revolver for many years. It is not the prettiest apple in the basket, but it still shoots nice groups at seven yards.

 

[BC38]

Thanks for asking this question. My Taurus PT111 slide is that plum color too, and I was wondering if there was something wrong with it...