My Model 29 (?) value

[TEXVET]

I have a S&W revolver that I was told is a Model 29 (no dash) with a serial number that begins with the letter "S". The S&W people tell me the serial number dates the gun back to 1960. It is a 4" blued gun with five (5) screws. It was the duty weapon for a local police detective, so it has some wear on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle and also along the front edges of the cylinder flutes. The rest of the finish is good for its age.

I tried researching this gun in the Blue Book of Gun values. The book states that 5 screw "S" series guns should be consider as pre Model 29 hand ejector guns. My gun clearly has the 29 (no dash) stamp on the frame. My gun does not have the original stocks, box, or paperwork. I do not have photos. Anyone care to offer a guess and a value? Maybe I can get some photos and post them next week.

P.S. - not looking to sell/trade this gun. I am just trying to figure out what it is and whether I should raise my insurance.:)
Thanks.

 

[DWalt]

So what is the SN? Posting some pictures would be good. S176069 (manufactured in late 1957) is reported to be the highest 5-screw, but that I cannot vouch for. Model numbering supposedly started high S183xxx (manufactured in late 1958) range. Again, I cannot verify that.

 

[Göring's S&W]

Based on your description, its little more than a shooter grade gun. All 29 no dashes should have the "coke bottle" target grip variety which are $400 to $500 these days and hurt the value here a lot.

Its kind of interesting if it is a true 5 screw gun but I wonder, are you counting the screw that is in the front of the grip frame at bottom? That one is the mainspring tension screw and does not count. If its a 5 screw, it will have a screw in front of the hammer at the top of the frame on the right hand side. If it is a true 5 screw, it was probably made on a left over frame. Nearly all 29 no dash guns are 4 screw and all have a S prefix. Aside from all this, it has barrel wear. I would say the value is about $650 to $850 as is. 4 in guns are better, but yours has issues.

 

[DWalt]

I was trying to say that if it is marked as an M29, it is probably a 4 screw (3 sideplate and one ahead of the trigger guard). I'd have to agree with the value given if it does not have Cokes, and without case and accessories. I recently ran across a similar M29 (no Cokes, no case, longer barrel) in, probably, better condition which was going begging at a price of $700.

 

[TEXVET]

I did some more research and found this gun is a four screw M29. The serial number is S2000xx. It has a Hogue one piece finger groove rubber grip. The gun is mechanically sound with good timing and lock up. The above stated finish distress is the only issue I can see.

I bought it after being told it was a five screw model. The LGS counted all the screws including the front screw in the bottom of the frame. I paid $800 for the gun. Looks like they got to me on this one.

It is a good shooter, so I guess I will just continue to enjoy shooting it and not be concerned about its value.

 

[Voyager28]

If you like the gun, enjoy the gun and intend to keep the gun, they did not get you. Keep it a few years and you will easily get your money back. In the mean time, you've got one heck of a reliable and strong firearm there! Shoot and have fun.

Never sweat the petty things and never pet sweaty things. :)

Bob

 

[Göring's S&W]

Keep your eye out for coke bottle grips - you might luck into a pair. I know I have a few times :) I don't think you got ripped off really. Someone would probably buy it from you for the same money. The 4 screw guns were made before bangor punta, and they are well thought of. I know I prefer 5 screw and 4 screw to 3 screw, and I am not alone on that. Aside from that, its a 4in as well.

I would ask for some money back from them since they misidentified it. A 5 screw specimen is usually worth more than a 4 screw version, except in select cases.

 

[Art Doc]

Often the original stocks on the pre-1967 44 Magnums and Model 29s represent half the total value of the gun. A 4" M29 from 1960 is a way cool revolver, especially one that was carried in police work, but it's not a collector grade gun due to wear and missing original stocks.

BTW- If you know what you paid for it, why ask the value? Anything is worth what a buyer will pay for it. You paid $800 so in my opinion the gun is worth $800. Any other figure is mere conjecture.

 

[Doc44]

It is the highest numbered 5-screw I have heard of and the only one stamped MOD-29 in the yoke cut. It should have four screws in the side plate (large one at the top) and one in front of the trigger guard. Normally, Model 29s have a 4-screw frame.

Bill

 

[TEXVET]

Doc44, you must have missed my earlier revised description. This is a four screw (2 visible, 1 under the grip, and the 1 on the front top portion of the trigger guard.
The LGS had the gun in their display case for $995. I had just begun collecting older Smiths, so I thought this S serial numbered gun was very rare. I haggled them down to $800.
The fact that this revolver is 54 years old and still shoots great is a plus.
The gun and I share one thing. Neither of us look as good as we once did.

 

[yfdcap]

Sounds like you did real good. That will be a fun gun to shoot and will only increase in value.