Used Model 29 for $1,300? (Updates at Bottom)

[giants1]

I'm in California, where good revolvers for sale, much less Model 29s and 686+s, are as rare as honest politicians.

So today, I was looking for a Glock as a back-up for an upcoming Glock match.

While I was at an LGS that I don't usually frequent (their prices are high, but it's a long story why I was there in the first place), I saw a blued Model 29 (I double-checked that to confirm it's not a 629), maybe 4", definitely with a hammer-mounted firing pin (not sure of the exact term) and I don't think a frame lock. It looked beautiful, balanced in my hand, and dry-fired like a dream.

I bought for layaway (long story) two guns that day and got a good deal and a GREAT deal. The GREAT deal (I think) was a used, but mint condition S&W 686+ 4" stainless with frame lock and only the original blue case (no external lock, manual, or other papers) for $700. I have never seen a S&W 686+ THAT cheap. The store owner said that the seller was moving out of the country and sold the 686+ to the LGS. Two guns and getting close to maxing out my credit card was as much as I could handle at the time.

That said, I paid down my credit card balance this afternoon, unrelated to the Model 29, so I could buy make a high-cost, unrelated purchase with the credit card (don't worry, I'm not in debt, just like the cash-back deal with this credit card).

Now that I'm back home, that Model 29 is calling my name. However, I'm really a Glock Guy and am afraid of .44 Magnum recoil.

Even if I weren't, it looks so great that it would be a total pampered trophy gun/safe queen (did I say that I like "Dirty Harry?"), but I guess I'm posting here for encouragement to pick it up?

Does that price sound reasonable?
How, if at all, can this deal go sideways on me?
What should I be looking for as to wear and abuse on this revolver?

Updates:

$1,299
black, synthetic S&W grips
no notation about target grips
"original box"
two speed loaders
forgot to look at the hammer for a firing pin
definitely no Hillary lock
no pinned barrel (confirmed with sales clerk that it was "screwed in")
no recessed cylinder/chamber
serial number: BKR***
29-5
6" barrel

 

[Goblin]

You didn’t mention whether it was a no-dash, -1, -2, etc., and I’m guessing you didn’t notice. That would make a difference, but given that it’s in CA, I can’t imagine you’ll ever beat that price, and I doubt you’ll lose money if you sell it after a year. I believe you should buy it and try it, but I’ll admit that a .44 is really a reloader’s revolver these days. .44 Magnum or Special ammo is expensive, and may discourage you from shooting it. A lot to think about. I have three of them, so I’m a bad person to ask.

 

[stansdds]

Yes, you got a really good deal on the 686+ for $700. As for the Model 29, if it has a pinned barrel and the cylinder has recessed chambers, which would be models 29, 29-1(super rare), or 29-2, considering current inflation and that you are in California, $1300-$1400 is not unreasonable. That is especially true for a 4 inch Model 29 and if the finish is excellent and an original finish. Does it also have the correct factory stocks? Those N-frame target stocks are fetching a couple hundred these days.

 

[giants1]

Thanks!

I didn't think to look at the -1 or -2.

Will check the chambers for recession and the barrel for pin.

I don't recall the stocks. How do I distinguish factory from aftermarket?

Would I turn a profit if I parted out the factory stocks (how much are they worth), then put aftermarket stocks on, or is the revolver worth more with factory stocks on?

 

[dsf]

A Model 29 with no lock for $1,300.00 to $1,400.00 seems a bit high. I'm in CA (northern) and have grabbed more than a few older models. I think I'd be bailing around $1,100.00. Paid that for a cased 6" blued and 6" nickel in as new condition late last year.

A worthwhile reminder on the target stocks. Can't believe we used to toss them in the gun store's "$1.00 parts" bin.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Who me? I never ‘tossed’ any Target Grips in the $1 bin.
I put them where they belonged.
In my Safe!

 

[stansdds]

Thanks!

I didn't think to look at the -1 or -2.

Will check the chambers for recession and the barrel for pin.

I don't recall the stocks. How do I distinguish factory from aftermarket?

Would I turn a profit if I parted out the factory stocks (how much are they worth), then put aftermarket stocks on, or is the revolver worth more with factory stocks on?

If it has has factory original stocks, do not part them out. Older firearms are worth a lot more when they have their original parts. If you buy it and decide you need different stocks, safely store the originals, don't sell them or throw them away.

 

[cmansguns]

They don't come around every day!

The Model 29-2 is probably more available. If it is truly a 29 no dash then more scarce than 29-2 for sure and maybe a few more bucks.

I sold my 29-2, P&R, with case (flocking gone), tools, docs and a factory LOA for $1,500 shipped and insured in June 2021. It was a fair deal in that shipping and full value insurance cost me $72.00 so net $1,428.

The pics show all original factory parts and I can tell you that the target grips are what you need to hold onto that cannon, but they do turn your palm into raw hamburg after a long range session.

Solution? Load with 44 Special "Cowboy Action" ammo and have fun all day long.

For California pricing I just don't know cause I won't ship to CA, but if the gun you are looking at doesn't have any mechanical faults and is cosmetically great...I think the price is OK, especially for a LGS.

Mine was shipped in December 1980 per LOA and one guy had PM'd me about it when I had it for sale on the Forum, but he told me that it was "not legal" in CA because it wasn't on the DROS list. Didn't matter because I wouldn't ship there anyway, but I can't believe a local LGS IN CA would attempt to sell something not on a state list so you may have to look close at the Model No. in the yoke......could be a "rarity" (like a 29-1) that slipped by or something.

Let us see some pics if you do "add" cash back to your CC on this one. No Glock pics however.

 

[giants1]

Adding Value to a Classic like This?

If it has has factory original stocks, do not part them out. Older firearms are worth a lot more when they have their original parts. If you buy it and decide you need different stocks, safely store the originals, don't sell them or throw them away.

Thanks.

From what little experience I have with used guns that aren't already in show cases on display, they often lack the original owner's manual, junk ads, and boxes/cases. I know that there are labels specific to the gun which are on the original cases/boxes. That said, is it worth my time to buy a used box/case and owner's manual/junk ads off of Ebay or a private seller, if this gun is missing those items (assuming I buy it)?

 

[giants1]

cmansguns, thanks.

Rookie questions* for you and anyone else: what is "flocking?" LOA?

* I googled these terms before posting, but couldn't find the answers.

 

[Drm50]

Flocking is the blue felt product on case liners. Hi condition 29-2s are going for north of $1200. Any 29 prelock in hi condition is $1k. I’m not saying you can’t find one for less, there is always the exception but average price is what shops & shows are getting. That is just the 29 with original grips.
You have case and docs, ect- $100/$200 more.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

The Model 29-2 is probably more available. If it is truly a 29 no dash then more scarce than 29-2 for sure and maybe a few more bucks.



I sold my 29-2, P&R, with case (flocking gone), tools, docs and a factory LOA for $1,500 shipped and insured in June 2021. It was a fair deal in that shipping and full value insurance cost me $72.00 so net $1,428.



The pics show all original factory parts and I can tell you that the target grips are what you need to hold onto that cannon, but they do turn your palm into raw hamburg after a long range session.



Solution? Load with 44 Special "Cowboy Action" ammo and have fun all day long.



For California pricing I just don't know cause I won't ship to CA, but if the gun you are looking at doesn't have any mechanical faults and is cosmetically great...I think the price is OK, especially for a LGS.



Mine was shipped in December 1980 per LOA and one guy had PM'd me about it when I had it for sale on the Forum, but he told me that it was "not legal" in CA because it wasn't on the DROS list. Didn't matter because I wouldn't ship there anyway, but I can't believe a local LGS IN CA would attempt to sell something not on a state list so you may have to look close at the Model No. in the yoke......could be a "rarity" (like a 29-1) that slipped by or something.



Let us see some pics if you do "add" cash back to your CC on this one. No Glock pics however.

If it's a used gun. Or a consignment gun. Here in California, you can buy them all day long. No matter if it's on the list or not. Finding them is the problem.
I purchased a 25-2 and a 27-2 on the same day! And they weren't on the list! ( no limit!) Picked em up on the same day too!
Basically, if it's in California. It's a California gun. And can be sold or traded pending a DROS.

Now, shipping in state becomes the headache. For a revolver , we have the SAE ( single action exemption) . And converting any DA revolver over to a SA , will make it legal to bring in state.
If a SAE isn't performed and it's not on the list, then it cannot be sold or brought in.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I'm in California, where good revolvers for sale, much less Model 29s and 686+s, are as rare as honest politicians.



So today, I was looking for a Glock as a back-up for an upcoming Glock match.



While I was at an LGS that I don't usually frequent (their prices are high, but it's a long story why I was there in the first place), I saw a blued Model 29 (I double-checked that to confirm it's not a 629), maybe 4", definitely with a hammer-mounted firing pin (not sure of the exact term) and I don't think a frame lock. It looked beautiful, balanced in my hand, and dry-fired like a dream.



I bought for layaway (long story) two guns that day and got a good deal and a GREAT deal. The GREAT deal (I think) was a used, but mint condition S&W 686+ 4" stainless with frame lock and only the original blue case (no external lock, manual, or other papers) for $700. I have never seen a S&W 686+ THAT cheap. The store owner said that the seller was moving out of the country and sold the 686+ to the LGS. Two guns and getting close to maxing out my credit card was as much as I could handle at the time.



That said, I paid down my credit card balance this afternoon, unrelated to the Model 29, so I could buy make a high-cost, unrelated purchase with the credit card (don't worry, I'm not in debt, just like the cash-back deal with this credit card).



Now that I'm back home, that Model 29 is calling my name. However, I'm really a Glock Guy and am afraid of .44 Magnum recoil.



Even if I weren't, it looks so great that it would be a total pampered trophy gun/safe queen (did I say that I like "Dirty Harry?"), but I guess I'm posting here for encouragement to pick it up?



Does that price sound reasonable?

How, if at all, can this deal go sideways on me?

What should I be looking for as to wear and abuse on this revolver?

I've purchased all of my 29-2- 29-3's for under a $900. The 13-1400 price seems a bit high, even for the LA area.
If the gun is a no dash tho, it may seem about right as those command better prices.
If not you can wait until something better comes by.

 

[larondo]

If it's a used gun. Or a consignment gun. Here in California, you can buy them all day long. No matter if it's on the list or not. Finding them is the problem.
I purchased a 25-2 and a 27-2 on the same day! And they weren't on the list! ( no limit!) Picked em up on the same day too!
Basically, if it's in California. It's a California gun. And can be sold or traded pending a DROS.

Now, shipping in state becomes the headache. For a revolver , we have the SAE ( single action exemption) . And converting any DA revolver over to a SA , will make it legal to bring in state.
If a SAE isn't performed and it's not on the list, then it cannot be sold or brought in.

The same day pickup is for C&R (Curio & Relic), manufactured 50 years or more before the current date.
I'd love to run into a nice M27. Finding those is the challenge.
I agree, unless that M29 has special desirability, $1,3-1,400 is on the high side. With some experience you can sense the dealer's intention, whether he wants to flip the gun to make a buck or if you are looking at an honest & good deal.

 

[mauser9]

Made me recall Eastwood's line ' Do ya feel lucky punk"

 

[SJshooter]

The price is high, but in California you have to find an owner with one grandfathered in who is selling it. You can't just go on gunbroker and buy one. That drives the price up. It also makes the hunt more fun - and more difficult. It took me YEARS to find a nice 66-2 back in the 1990s. Now that I'm in Texas, they are very common. But in California, you have to take what you can find and hurry before some other collector grabs it. I think for CA the price is fine.

 

[giants1]

Update:

$1,299
black, synthetic S&W grips
no notation about target grips
"original box"
two speed loaders
forgot to check whether the hammer has a firing pin
definitely no Hillary lock
no pinned barrel (confirmed with sales clerk that it was "screwed in")
no recessed cylinder/chamber
serial number: BKR***
under the yoke, it says "29-5"
6" barrel

I will update the original post to help any new readers.

What is the month and year of manufacture?

Is this still a good deal?

 

[gkitch]

Update:

$1,299
black, synthetic S&W grips
no notation about target grips
"original box"
two speed loaders
forgot to check whether the hammer has a firing pin
definitely no Hillary lock
no pinned barrel (confirmed with sales clerk that it was "screwed in")
no recessed cylinder/chamber
serial number: BKR***
under the yoke, it says "29-5"
6" barrel

I will update the original post to help any new readers.

What is the month and year of manufacture?

Is this still a good deal?

The 29-5 was possibly a Model 29 Classic and would have a full underlug barrel, much like a 686. The were sold in 5", 6.5", and 8 3/8" barrels as well as a special DX version marked "Classic DX" on the barrels.

These were some of the last of the great Smiths. They had forged hammers and triggers and were nicely finished with the black rubber grips standard...and no safety lock hole or MIM parts. The design was strengthened with this -5 variant as well. They are from the early 90s when technology and craftsmanship met a happy medium and some nice guns were coming out of Massachusetts.

 

[luvsmiths]

If you can truly afford it, buy it. First try to offer a couple hundred less- but take it if you can afford. If it were not in Cali I might not be saying this. In your state you may not have another chance, but in my opinion, if you decide you don't want it, you will be able to sell it. Probably right on here to another California resident.

Do others in Cali ( or elsewhere) agree with this? I am not a Cali resident so it is my opinion only.

 

[murphydog]

Update:

$1,299
black, synthetic S&W grips
no notation about target grips
"original box"
two speed loaders
forgot to check whether the hammer has a firing pin
definitely no Hillary lock
no pinned barrel (confirmed with sales clerk that it was "screwed in")
no recessed cylinder/chamber
serial number: BKR***
under the yoke, it says "29-5"
6" barrel

I will update the original post to help any new readers.

What is the month and year of manufacture?

Is this still a good deal?

If by "original box" you mean it still has its end label, give us the Special Order Code and we can tell you almost exactly how old it is. Chances are high it will be four digits beginning with a 2 and the last three no higher than 100.