Pre 29 five screw

[MP1518]

Looking at pre 29 five screw four inch . ( again

I was int he market for a regular used , pre lock , pre mim 29 .

This morning , I saw this one.

Its about 90%+ and other than the fact that it has no grips. ( Not at all ) is 100% orignal ( not modified in any way) .

The owner calls it a 1500.00 gun. Said if I really wanted it , I can make an offer. ( Which I will)

Questions:

Can I shoot modern magnums in it? (VERY little. Maybe just few rounds to check/adjust the sights)

Correct grips? What would they be?

Thank You .

Also . Whats the deal with a 4 inch or less? Seems like they are A LOT more $$$ than longer barrels.

 

[arjay]

Cokes,which will set you back 300-500 depending on condition.
If it's 90% ,it's worth far less than the asking price imho.

 

[DCWilson]

Whats the deal with a 4 inch or less? Seems like they are A LOT more $$$ than longer barrels.

Scarcity and demand. Four-inch pre-29s with five screws are scarce. It's always a judgment call on how much one should cost unless it is ANIB, in which case a serious collector would pay almost any price.

I'm not a big follower of .44 Magnums, so I'm not sure my comments on value will mean anything. But $1500 does sound high to me. About three years ago I saw one at a San Diego gunstore that was pretty worn (a lot of the blue was left, but there were nicks and scratches all over the gun). The asking price was $1250, if I recall correctly. I passed, and have not had regrets.

 

[MP1518]

Whats the deal with four inch (or shorter) guns? Is my observation correct that they are much more expensive?

( I am talking about S- series N frames)

 

[florange]

Whats the deal with four inch (or shorter) guns? Is my observation correct that they are much more expensive?

( I am talking about S- series N frames)

I think its the old law of Supply and Demand. I must admit, I am part of that Demand. I purchased a "shooter" pre-29, 5 screw, 4 inch that when I purchased it, I paid too much. Now, I have standing offers to purchase it for a slight profit. Meanwhile I bought a really Excellent early, 1959, Model 29 (no dash S # 4 screw), 6 1/2 barrel and paid the same money. I bought both to enjoy, not make a profit. There are fewer, early, short barrel guns to be had. So I guess that makes up want one more.

If that 4 inch pre 29 talks to you, then continue to negotiate and enjoy the gun. I agree that a set of "Cokes" is going to set you back at least $300 to $500.

Best of Luck

PS A local dealer here is asking $2800. for a Pre-29, 4 inch, 5 screw with an incorrect box. Its a very nice gun but not true collector quality. In any case, he will not negotiate since he says " Early 4 inch guns are HOT"....what can I say...