S&W 29-4 3in Un-Fluted Value?

[hkp7nut]

Hi all! First post here so hoping you guys can help. Did some trading and ended up with a sweet piece. It is a S&W 29-4 in .44 Magnum with 3 inch barrel and un-fluted cylinder. I have the original box, paperwork and s&w wrapping paper. I believe the pachmeyer grips are original but I'm sure you guys will know. It's my understanding there were only a couple thousand of these made.

What I'm looking for is an honest evaluation of current market value. Usually I use the "sold" attribute of GunBroker to establish value however none of these have passed through recently.

I was told that I should try and find a set of original "combat grips" to increase the value but not sure if it's worth it to do so or not.

Many thanks and I'll try and post as many pictures as possible.

 

[75Vette]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on a fine shooter. With box and papers I'd guess it would sell for $800- $1000. Online auction price would be another story. A 3" 29 can bring crazy prices sometimes. What does the box label say for stocks?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I've seen a bunch of these 101251 NIB wearing Pachs.

Unless you find an uneducated seller with wood combat stocks, adding them will not likely increase your profit.

 

[hkp7nut]

Thanks for the input. I've been hearing values more along $1300-1500. Any more info etc would be greatly appreciated. Here are some pics of the box labels. Thanks again!

 

[madmikeb]

Now, that is sweet, I like it! I didn't even know they existed. Congrats on a nice find.

 

[75Vette]

Looks like it left the factory August 12th 1989. The RB more than likely stands for Round Butt. It also has the beginnings of the endurance package so pound away!!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Didn't S&W call this model the Classic Hunter?

 

[75Vette]

The 4th edition SCSW just lists 101251 as a 3" full underlug. Pach grips. Only 2532 made. The Classic Hunter looks like is the 8 3/8" barrel model introduced the same time frame.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The term Classic Hunter was used with a number of guns and in various barrel lengths. Guns with attributes similar to this 3 inch gun, like the unfluted cylinder and full lug.

I thought I saw a Lew Horton letter where this 3 inch gun was also referred to as a Classic Hunter, but I could be wrong. It's sure to come up again, I'll just keep my eyes open. I've got to admit it's kind of a ridiculous title, given the barrel length.

 

[stmry]

Very nice piece. My initial thoughts were 1200.

 

[75Vette]

It sure wouldn't hurt for the op to email Lew Horton to see if it's one of theirs. In the SCSW there was no mention of a 3" barrel Classic Hunter. Although, as thorough as the SCSW is, there are a few things missed. We are talking about S&W!!

 

[Masterbuck54]

Very nice indeed.
I'm still waiting for one to fall into my lap to complete the set.
I have the 5" and the Long Tube 8 3/8".
Missed one a couple years ago (just the gun) for $750.
But the hunt continues.

Masterbuck54

 

[7tenz]

Looks like it left the factory August 12th 1989. The RB more than likely stands for Round Butt. It also has the beginnings of the endurance package so pound away!!

Hard for me to tell but it looks like it doesn't have the enhanced cylinder stop notches. What else is part of the endurance package?

 

[7tenz]

I saw one that looks identical on consignment in Turners Chino about 7 or eight years ago. I can't remember the exact figures but it started at about $1300 and during a month or so it kept dropping several times. Must have been desperate to sell. It was below a thousand before I didn't see it any more.

Edit:I just remembered this piece had fluted cylinders.

 

[75Vette]

Hard for me to tell but it looks like it doesn't have the enhanced cylinder stop notches. What else is part of the endurance package?

According to the SCSW the upgrades began in 1988 with the 29-3E & early dash 4s. "New yoke retention/radius stud package/ floating hand". It wasn't until 1990 that the longer stop notches appeared in the cylinder along with a new bolt block.

 

[TheHobbyist]

Kernel, it is likely a classic hunter. I haven't got the book in front of me but just running off memory. It was offered in a few barrel lengths.

 

[Stirling]

That is a neat 3" .44.

 

[7tenz]

That is a neat 3" .44.

I like your avatar, Stirling. I have one of those.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations! That's a nice looking gun!

 

[rosefarm]

I have one I would not part with period. But the current market will support that gun at 13-1400.00. I cringe at that number, but I think it's honest. Certainly I respect all opinions. Nice gun. Love mine!