Model 29 No Dash for $700?? ($480USD)!

[Moo Moo]

Hey Guys (and Gals)

A guy up in Queensland has this Model 29 No Dash, in Fair Condition, for only $700 AU. The serial number is S198516. That's about $480 USD in today's markets. Listed as:-

"Pinned and Recessed. Manufactured in 1960.
Mechanically good, locks up tight with holster wear.
Non original target grips."

I sent an email back to the letter wanting further details. He wrote: "No idea of it’s history, I bought it off a dealer a while back. I’ve shot one silhouette match with it using light handloads...not my cup of tea. No rust issues under grips. Timing is ok, double and single. No hammer push off, crane is straight. I assumed it had been carried more than shot given the holster wear."

Is it too good to be true? The seller wants me to forward him a direct deposit (bank transfer) before he will take it to his dealer for transfer. Usually, I do not do this until I know that the dealer has the handgun in his possession and get an e-mail confirmation with the address of my dealer for transfer.

Any advice would be appreciated. Does the gun look right?

Thanks
Moo Moo

 

[Narragansett]

If there are no issues, I would buy it for sure

 

[CptCurl]

I don't like the way its cylinder latch thumbpiece is gouging the frame. Haven't seen that in such extreme before.

The price is only so-so, considering it's missing the proper grips and there's a lot of finish wear. However, I don't imagine that these are common in Oz.

You might want to shop around for original stocks and consider the cost (they aren't cheap).

The forcing cone needs to be cleaned!

Curl

 

[mbliss57]

Even with some potential issues it may be a bargain. I assume that these are very hard to nearly impossible find there? Anything that is wrong could be fixed as long as you have a gunsmith around. So I don't see a reason not to persue the gun for what it is.
I would be skepitcal of the sellers terms though. That seems a bit dicey.
Maybe sending a small deposit would convince him you are serious. But if it's not standard protocol to pay until the gun is in a dealers hands I would adhere to that. Or ask why he is not following the protocol.

 

[beagleye]

The forcing cone has an interesting look, is that lead?

 

[iskra]

It 'appears' a good deal, but really impossible to determine (as you know) at least until gun in hand. I presume this is a "no return". Just as seen, seems a definite "buy".
As to his terms, again, can't speak for circumstances in Australia. Here - 'no way'. 10% chance just 'fussy'. 90% chance ... 'Other', as in not good.
All your happy decisions in context of such choice better than none!
Good luck and...
Just my take
John

 

[pasound]

Looks like it might have never been properly cleaned. Id say it's a good deal.

 

[deyomatic]

I think it's a great deal, but it sounds like you're more worried about the money up front part of the deal. The way you have phrased it sounds a bit sketchy.

 

[Moo Moo]

Thanks for the advice guys. Spoken to him again and he now happy for a 10% deposit. That's good.

Yes, model 29's are hard to come by given our stupid gun laws. Generally, model 29's are only allowed in civilian hands if they have a High Calibre Permit (shooting Metallic Silhouette) (in addition to their normal Firearms Licence) or are a Category G Handgun Collector on their Firearms Licence. Many would have been destroyed by the Government in the 2003 Handgun Buyback.

 

[bigggbbruce]

The forcing cone has an interesting look, is that lead?

Looks like erosion to me.. pass..

 

[Muley Gil]

Looks like erosion to me.. pass..

The forcing cone can be re-cut or the barrel set back a turn or two. If everything else is OK, I think that is a good deal.

 

[Moo Moo]

Thanks for all your responses however the deal has just fallen through. (Every legally owned firearm in Australia is registered). When I asked the seller to email me a copy of the registration certificate, he said words to the effect of "I'm making him jump through too many hoops". Oh well. I'd rather miss out on a potential bargain than gamble away $700 on this "sketchy dude".

 

[triaxle]

That gov buy back is a joke we folks here have to watch out for .

 

[Moo Moo]

That gov buy back is a joke we folks here have to watch out for .

And to make the 2003 Handgun Buyback look good, they paid above market value for the guns they bought back and then destroyed. What also happen was that if you wanted to get out of shooting all together, they would buy back all your shooting accessories, reloading equipment, ammo, etc as long as you agreed to to get out of Pistol shooting for five years. Of course, everyone who got out of pistol shooting, then went and bought rifles and shotguns. Most of them, later came back to the sport of pistol shooting after their five years had expired.

Despite the 1996 gun buyback and 2003 Handgun Buyback, there are more licenced guns in Australia than ever before!

 

[rubiranch]

Thanks for all your responses however the deal has just fallen through. (Every legally owned firearm in Australia is registered). When I asked the seller to email me a copy of the registration certificate, he said words to the effect of "I'm making him jump through too many hoops". Oh well. I'd rather miss out on a potential bargain than gamble away $700 on this "sketchy dude".

Or end up in jail.

I think it ended up good for you.

 

[bigggbbruce]

The forcing cone can be re-cut or the barrel set back a turn or two. If everything else is OK, I think that is a good deal.

So then a $700 gun turns into a $900 gun (if a good gunsmith is available)

PASS..

and since the seller wont offer reg proof..

PASS PASS...

 

[Muley Gil]

So then a $700 gun turns into a $900 gun (if a good gunsmith is available)

PASS..

and since the seller wont offer reg proof..

PASS PASS...

A quote from the OP:

"A guy up in Queensland has this Model 29 No Dash, in Fair Condition, for only $700 AU. The serial number is S198516. That's about $480 USD in today's markets."

As noted, it is a moot point anyway.

 

[Pisgah]

Money in advance for a revolver that is, so far, sight unseen by anyone except the alleged seller?

Something stinks....