Pre Model 4" 29. Somebody got a heck ova deal!

[Jocko-44]

While perusing the inter webs earlier this week I stumbled upon a 4" 4 screw Pre Model 29 .44 magnum for sale at $1049. I dropped what I was doing, grabbed the phone and credit card. To my extreme disappointment the saleswomen had said the firearm had been sold yesterday. Talk about a kick to the gut! Just how good a deal did the purchaser of this majestic firearm get? What would you value this revolver at? My hunt for a Pre Model 29 is not over! Thank you

 

[afkirby]

It was on the Cabela's website for a few days. I thought about picking it up and doing a stock swap. I've got a 6.5" .357 with cokes on it, and those non-relieved targets would be a little more "correct" for the year. Maybe if it was a 6.5" with the original rear sight I would have picked it up.

Anthony

 

[Jocko-44]

^^ Definitely wish I would have seen it sooner, oh well.

 

[afkirby]

^^ Definitely wish I would have seen it sooner, oh well.

If you use Guns International to check Cabela's listings their inventory is updated after the Cabela's website. It's not uncommon for a gun that was sold the day before to get posted afterwards on GI. Missed out on a cheap 29-1 that way.

Anthony

 

[Jocko-44]

^^ I'll have to try that, thank you

 

[22hipower]

What would you value this revolver at? My hunt for a Pre Model 29 is not over! Thank you

That one shows quite a lot of wear and it has the wrong stocks and it's a 4 screw gun from 1957 or later. Certainly worth more than the tagged price, probably a few hundred dollars more. Lots of pre-29s for sale, wait for a nice one with box/tools. It will cost you three times as much but it will be worth it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Jocko-44]

^^ Is there something wrong with the "4 screw" variation? 5's are much more desirable I take it?

 

[afkirby]

^^ Is there something wrong with the "4 screw" variation? 5's are much more desirable I take it?

5 Screws are older and more desirable, but I believe that 4 screw pre-29's are slightly less common.

 

[Jocko-44]

^^ Cool, thanks for the info

 

[22hipower]

^^ Is there something wrong with the "4 screw" variation? 5's are much more desirable I take it?

Nothing "wrong" with them, they just tend to sell for less than a first year five screw gun. In this case, it wouldn't really make any difference given the condition as we would be buying it as one to shoot not as a "collector."

A first year (1956) four inch five screw is one of 160 or so guns. A nice one is worth perhaps 20%+ more than a later four screw.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[mojave30cal]

Saw that one too. Missing the red ramp insert and the rear
sight not factory. Has wear and stocks not correct, hence the
great price.

 

[Jocko-44]

^^ Guess I didn't miss out too bad after all. Thanks for the input.

 

[DARE]

SCSW 4th Edition says $2200 for a 5 screw in Very Good condition. 4" barrel 25% premium. 4 screw $1800 no barrel premium. Those prices are with Cokes, so less if the Cokes are missing. 4th Edition is 8 years old so prices might be up some.

 

[Jocko-44]

^^ I'm sure prices have gone up, just like everything else lol

 

[Engine49guy]

The unique thing on the ( majority of) 5 screw four inchers besides the upper sideplate screw is the 6 groove backstrap IMO.
Ship dates not so much since they were built in batches and never shipped by serial number but by what was easy to grab in the vault that day resulting in lower serial guns sometimes waiting longer in the vault to be shipped.
The gun pictured in the Op is a conundrum,
It is an older collectible gun in shooter condition, refinishing it won't boost it's value,
If I'm going for a shooter probably lean more towards one with the endurance package as SW supposedly won't touch pre model marked guns.
That being said even in that condition with the wrong stocks (which do have value) it would be hard to pass up IMO.

 

[Doc44]

Incorrect stocks and rear sight blade/leaf, red insert missing from front sight, significant muzzle wear. A decent price for a shooter.

The prices in SCSW 4th need updating for this model .

Bill

 

[Jocko-44]

Im move of a shooter gun guy anyway, collector grade guns are above my pay grade!

 

[Jocko-44]

What is the name of the stocks that are in the pics? Thanks

 

[Engine49guy]

What is the name of the stocks that are in the pics? Thanks

N frame, non relieved, walnut , checkered diamond target stocks.

Btw just wanted to add that the Millett rear site unit on the OPs picture is a great sight and not easy to find.

 

[444 Magnum]

This is an excellent thread on the history of S&W grips:

Smith & Wesson N Frame Stocks / Grips - A Reference Guide