Model 29 variances & values

[Kingspoke]

So, I've recently been fascinated with the different models of Smith's and have recently stepped up to the big, bad, & bold 29!

Anyhow, I bought a beautiful unfired 29.2 4" Nickel, and now was looking at the late model 6" 29's (as a shooter with value), when I came upon a 29-7. I realized that this was the last of the 29's before they were discontinued, and the first of the 29's to incorporate MIM trigger/hammer & frame firing pin.

Question: Given that the 29-3E thru 29-6 (MIM thumb piece, then trigger in 1997) incorporated all the endurance package, would the 29-7 be less valuable, being it is the first complete MIM 29? The 29-7 is described in SWSC, as rarest iteration of the 29's next to the 29-1.

Rare does not necessarily equate to desirable, so being that the post 29-2 (P&R) guns had the upgrades without the MIM, would the 29-7 be more of a *******ized 29, than having any added collectable value, or perhaps even less value than an equal condition 29-4-5-6?

I know, a very convoluted question. Try your best to humor me without insults! The 29 family has so many variances it is hard to get a handle on some.

Thanks! Oh, where I can I locate the Ultimate 29 thread?

 

[grip frame]

IMO the reintroduction of the 29 in the new classic series killed any collector value that the 29-7 may have seen.

Endurance package was introduced on the 29-4E and 629-2E

 

[jcelect]

Questions, no answers here!

I have a question of your question! You ask "would the 29-7 be less valuable?" I ask "to Whom?" Are you asking the question of a model 29 collector, a shooter, a person who just wants to own a 44 mag(non shooter). or an old fart that grew up in the 44 mag era, and other categories? I follow the pre 29s(1955) to certain 29-3s(1983)! This is probably the old fart category, to which I belong! I pay no attention to any model 29s after the -3 guns(Silhouette models only) and little attention to 29-2s after the 1968 Gun Control Act(N serial prefix). In fact, this mentality carries over to all models! To me the dash number relates to a date and generally us members of my category feel the older guns are better guns! This statement raises another question, are the older guns better guns? The answer is yes from some and no from others!
In answer to your last question! You just started it, stay tuned!
jcelect SWCA#LM723

 

[EricR]

Hi jcelect,

What is the implied aversion to 29-2's post 1968 Gun Control Act?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[Kingspoke]

IMO the reintroduction of the 29 in the new classic series killed any collector value that the 29-7 may have seen.

Endurance package was introduced on the 29-4E and 629-2E

Thank you for your response! One thought I had is that the Classics have the dreaded IL, absent in the 29-7.

In my 4th edition SCSW, it states, "29-3E 1987 Endurance Package-early markings of the -4".

 

[jcelect]

GCA of 1968

In 1968 the gov't introduced this legislation which , in short, stated "all guns will have a serial number peculiar to only that gun"! pre 1968 N frame guns had an S serial number prefix. This serial number prefix was used on K frame guns in the past. The implication being, two guns could possibly have the same serial number. S&W changed the prefix on all models with the N frame guns going to the N serial prefix. It only implies a date! ! ! ! ! In the early 80s they again changed the serial numbering system to the "ABC" guns, another date! Just another tidbit from an old fart who lived it.
jcelect

 

[EricR]

Thank you for the lesson jcelect!

 

[Tom_R]

I think Any 29 that dos not have the Internal Lock will always have a Strong Dollar Amount Attached to it.

The Pre-29s from the '50s come from Smith and Wesson's Golden age in terms of fit and finish. Nice examples of these Revolvers are in Python Territory, and deservedly so, as they are better guns.

The 29, 29-1 and 29-2 are Pinned and Recessed and tey have Strong Value.

The 29-3 and all of the other Pre-Lock guns are great revolvers, they may not be P&R, but there are variances that have endurance packages and no MIM parts. These are the 29s and 629s to get in my opinion.

 

[Kingspoke]

I have a question of your question! You ask "would the 29-7 be less valuable?" I ask "to Whom?" Are you asking the question of a model 29 collector, a shooter, a person who just wants to own a 44 mag(non shooter).

Shooter quasi (not upper end) collector shooter or an old fart that grew up in the 44 mag era, and other categories? I follow the pre 29s(1955) to certain 29-3s(1983)! This is probably the old fart category, to which I belong! I pay no attention to any model 29s after the -3 guns(Silhouette models only) and little attention to 29-2s after the 1968 Gun Control Act(N serial prefix). In fact, this mentality carries over to all models! To me the dash number relates to a date and generally us members of my category feel the older guns are better guns! This statement raises another question, are the older guns better guns? The answer is yes from some and no from others!
In answer to your last question! You just started it, stay tuned!
jcelect SWCA#LM723

I'm truly glad some of you have taken the time to chime in. Initially, I was insulted by your "Old Fart" reference, but you won a reprieve when you also put yourself in the category!

I would say, in terms of market value which would be more valuable, not as a serious collectors gun that you keep stored, but rather a very good condition shooter with appreciable value. Also, is it special, in 29 evolution (historical) sense similar to how the 29-2's bring more than 29-3's for example?

Your higher level of scrutiny and historical knowledge, I appreciate and this benefits me, to hear your perspective. By hearing from experienced collectors on this site, I'll glean the answer I'm looking for. Thank you for your input!

My son got me reinvigorated about shooting, and of course I gravitated back to the S&W wheel guns, that I love. I've been reading furiously about the history and distinction of various models. I find it fascinating!

 

[Kingspoke]

I think Any 29 that dos not have the Internal Lock will always have a Strong Dollar Amount Attached to it.

The Pre-29s from the '50s come from Smith and Wesson's Golden age in terms of fit and finish. Nice examples of these Revolvers are in Python Territory, and deservedly so, as they are better guns.

The 29, 29-1 and 29-2 are Pinned and Recessed and tey have Strong Value.

The 29-3 and all of the other Pre-Lock guns are great revolvers, they may not be P&R, but there are variances that have endurance packages and no MIM parts. These are the 29s and 629s to get in my opinion.

Thank you for your input. I personally detest that IL, & with a few exceptions (310,610,etc.), would probably not buy another IL gun.

 

[jcelect]

Whew? ! ?

Kingspoke
First ,let me explain my position! I am a collector/shooter and my primary interest is in the older I frame and J frame guns! I have , though the years, acquired a few N frame guns with some being mod 29s. I have a few 29-3 guns with the 10 5/8" barrel lengths in their period correct presentation cases. One 29-3 has and early N serial prefix, another has the a BAF serial number prefix, and the third has a ADP serial prefix. The 3 most important things a collector looks for in a possible purchase is, condition, condition, and condition! If I seen my BAF gun on a table at a gun show I would not give it a second glance, it is a "shooter" with probably 10,000 rounds down the tube with blueing loss from ware and deer blood. The other two guns are probably 95%. The value of the two 95% guns is probably $1200-1500 but the shooter would not bring $700 at a show(not for sale at any price). I'm looking for more of these guns but they must have a different dash number(-2, -4, and -5) and be 95%. The collector in me has paid an extreme premium for one of these guns in 41 mag caliber, one of 4 ever made!
By your writings I would put you in the shooter category, with a tendency toward collecting. You probably would not look at my shooter, because of condition, and the other two would probably would be too high priced for you to shoot. This has you looking at the later dash number guns in the highest condition and, like the rest of us, at the lowest price. The market value is placed on a gun buy the buyer. A 29-4/5/6/7 that you would pay a premium for I would not even look at! When you try to compare the value of an S serial prefix mod 29-2 to a 29-7 gun you are looking for two different buyers with a price difference of probably 2x or 3x.
jcelect

 

[Kingspoke]

Kingspoke
First ,let me explain my position! I am a collector/shooter and my primary interest is in the older I frame and J frame guns! I have , though the years, acquired a few N frame guns with some being mod 29s. I have a few 29-3 guns with the 10 5/8" barrel lengths in their period correct presentation cases. One 29-3 has and early N serial prefix, another has the a BAF serial number prefix, and the third has a ADP serial prefix. The 3 most important things a collector looks for in a possible purchase is, condition, condition, and condition! Very true, and something I have to keep in mind, 100%! If I seen my BAF gun on a table at a gun show I would not give it a second glance, it is a "shooter" with probably 10,000 rounds down the tube with blueing loss from ware and deer blood. The other two guns are probably 95%. The value of the two 95% guns is probably $1200-1500 but the shooter would not bring $700 at a show(not for sale at any price). I'm looking for more of these guns but they must have a different dash number(-2, -4, and -5) and be 95%. The collector in me has paid an extreme premium for one of these guns in 41 mag caliber, one of 4 ever made!
By your writings I would put you in the shooter category, with a tendency toward collecting. You probably would not look at my shooter Exactly, would not!, because of condition, and the other two would probably would be too high priced for you to shoot. You have exactly identified me, Yes!! This has you looking at the later dash number guns in the highest condition and, like the rest of us, at the lowest price. The market value is placed on a gun buy the buyer. A 29-4/5/6/7 that you would pay a premium for I would not even look at! That's what I kinda thought, but didn't know! When you try to compare the value of an S serial prefix mod 29-2 to a 29-7 gun you are looking for two different buyers with a price difference of probably 2x or 3x.
jcelect

Thank you! I knew with the collective experience and knowledge on this forum, that I could reconcile my questions about the 29 variances, and how to look at the values, and purchase decisions.

This has been very instructive for me, and that is the real value of having such a great forum, you can draw from that collective experience and knowledge.

Often it is better to bounce your thoughts, off others that can steer you in the right direction. I wasn't sure I was going to get any responses at first.

Now, at least this year, I'll be a supporting member for this resource, I've have benefited from! Thanks all!