Pre 29 with issues

[AA080]

Came across a very clean pre 29 5 screw with 6.5" barrel. The serial number on the barrel does not match the rest of the gun. In addition to not matching, this barrel has a slight bulge at the 6" mark or so. I really didn't have enough time to investigate it more unfortunately. Has Cokes also and I didn't notice any chips/cracks or repairs.

I was not even there to look at this gun, just kinda fell into my lap. Was really caught off guard, but intrigued. I am having a hard time deciding if I want to peruse this and try to better understand my options. There is no box, no accessories, just the gun.

At what price would you consider something like this? $1000? $1500?

Thanks

 

[22hipower]

Well, the Cokes are worth $500+/-. Maybe another $500 for the gun itself although I'd be trying to buy it for less than $1000 as described. I'd probably shy away from it and either spend the money on a more recent 44 magnum to shoot or look for one without issues and spend a little/lot more money. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[merl67]

When you say non matching do you mean the serial number on the barrel noes not match the one on the butt of the grip, or it doesn't match the assembly number found in the yoke frame area?

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

a lot of the old guns have been changed over the years. Re barreled.re blued,etc. How bad the buldge is would be my deciding factor

 

[AA080]

Barrel does not match the butt of the grip Merl67.

 

[Hondo44]

You didn't say if you bought it or not. Is so, how much?
And can you return it?

If you didn't buy it, pass unless it's dirt cheap.

 

[series guy]

Barrels come up for sale often enough that I would buy it and shoot it until I found another barrel and fixed the problem. They no longer make pre Model 29s and if you don't own one or haven't shot one they are a joy. Smooth action and a tribute to an era of craftsmanship that you can hold in your hand. I wouldn't pass up the opportunity.

 

[bower]

Barrel has already been replaced. With a bulge in the replacement barrel
might mean yet another barrel. No room in my stable for this one.

 

[AA080]

I did not buy it Hondo. Came here for a sanity check first! I think there is a pretty good chance I could get it for under $1k...

Series guy, that was my original thinking as well, but what the others are saying makes sense too.

I will keep you guys updated if I do get it. Right now I am leaning on passing on it up.

 

[series guy]

One advantage is that you can screw on a 4 or 5" barrel if one comes along.

 

[steelslaver]

I would pass at a $1000. Barrel is going to be around $150 then cost of having it installed. $1300 for a shooter 44 mag is to much even for a 5 screw. I guess you could sell the stocks and get some of it back. But then you have a $800 shooter. I guess its kind of a toss up.

 

[Nightowl]

Maybe you could have the barrel cut back to 5 inches!

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

If it's cheap enough you could have it re barreled. But I'd say 500 or less is cheap enough. It would be a fun project.