Pre 29, 4 inch, 5 screw pricing assistance.

[bizguy]

I have an opportunity to make an offer on a Pre 29 and would like some help on pricing. The gun is definitely a bit worn... Any advice on setting a price would be really useful.

The gun is a 5 screw, 4 inch barrel, with a serial number in the 148xxx range. I would say it is in 90% condition.

The cokes are missing. It is wearing smooth S&W magnas.

The red insert has been swapped for a gold insert... At least my guess is that the gold insert was not factory original. But either way, it looks really well installed.

No box, tools, or papers.

The bore looks pretty good. And, so does the recoil shield. It's definitely used and fired, but I don't think it was fired too much. The inside edge of the forcing cone is not at all rounded. It has wear on the muzzle and cylinder from a considerable amount of holster carry.

There is a bit of freckling under the trigger guard in a penny-sized area. And, there is some freckling on the side of the top strap, right above the forcing cone.

Basically, this is far from being collector-grade. But, it is a nice classic gun regardless and would make a great shooter 44 Magnum.

Your assistance in setting an offering price would be very much appreciated.

Regards,
James

 

[29aholic]

I am gonna wade in here, and probably get corrected by one or two.

A real 5" gun like you describe could be in the $2000 range give or take. The ONLY way I would make an offer on a 5" gun is to have factory confirmation or have similar provinence that it is real. Unlike Colt SAA's the 5" 29 is really the only one worth faking, and a lot have been

 

[toroflow1]

I'd estimate $800 in the condition you describe.

 

[29aholic]

Originally posted by Marvin Gardens:
Getting a little confused here. This gun is a FOUR inch isn't it?

Sorry read the OP wrong. A 4" as you describe would be in the $800-$1000 range...5 screw 4" guns are fairly scarce

 

[DCWilson]

I had a chance at a four-inch pre-29 on consignment in San Diego for 1200. I recall it as being a little rough the one time I saw it three to four months ago. I would have considered it at 750 or so, but didn't even counteroffer when I learned the asking price several weeks after I got to see it. It may still be there. I guess this goes to show that there are prices that even a California guy (or at any rate this one) won't go for.

David W.

 

[bizguy]

Thank you for the replies. If I buy the gun, I'll post pictures.
Regards,
James