Please Advise California Newbie Seeking Early Model 29

[scotchblade]

Hi all -

I just joined these helpful forums. I used to shoot with my Dad in the 70's but golf took over. Not long ago, I discovered our old shotgun wrapped in a sheet in my mom's garage and the memories can rushing back. Now I am hooked on shooting again!

We owned a S&W .357 - a Model 28, I think, but I regretfully sold it in the nineties. Being a teen and growing up in the Dirty Harry era, I really wanted the Model 29, but Dad wouldn't do it, so I had to "settle" for the .357.

Now 56, I have no reason to own a .44 Magnum other than to satisfy a bucket list desire, which, I suppose, is as good a reason as any.

I am familiar with the new Model 29 (SKU 150145), which is on the California approved list. I've seen it on sites like Gun Broker in the $900-1K range.

But what about finding an older Model 29? One from the seventies, eighties? I'm just looking for something to take to the range and blast every now and then and would be happy with a "shooter" in decent condition.

Any suggestions on how to track one down in California?

Cheers!

 

[Dump1567]

Check the for sale section on Calguns.net and your local shops for consignments. Expect to pay a premium.

Or just buy the new one and add the Eagle Heritage grips.

Some of them are now C&R (over 50 years old) and are eligible to be shipped into CA ( exempt from the list).

Good luck.

 

[scotchblade]

Thanks, that's a good start. The main reason I was looking for an older model was because I've read some negative things about newer ones. Specifically, the internal lock and claims that they are not made as well as they once were. The internet can be extremely helpful as a learning tool, but it also plants these little seeds of doubt.

 

[Dump1567]

You can replace the lock with the plug.
My newer produced S&W's are tighter with better timing than some of the older guns I've owned.

 

[fyimo]

What you are looking for is a 29-2 that is P&R like your dad's and with me not living in California I don't know if it's on the list that you can buy and have shipped in or not. It it is on or not on the list you may be stuck buying in California only and paying a premium. The Dirty Harry version has a 6.5 inch barrel and that also gets a premium anywhere and the 6 inch is the cheapest if that helps and you can give up 1/2 inch.

 

[bamabiker]

Would Harry own one with the lock?