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

[larondo]

13hundred bucks buys a lot of gun. Personally, Magnum handguns are not my first choice. I don't reload, a .44 would be of no particular value to me.
A M27 maybe. I could shoot .38s with. Still, 1,300 would be too much for me. I passed on 2 very nice M19s in the last few months. A chrome plated, short-barreled, magna-ported safe queen for 1k and a beautiful 4" barreled blue variation, also safe queen condition for 1,2k. The latter, I should have given more consideration. Maybe. I brought home a lightly used 686 -5 for $750.

It's been a few years back when I walked into a 625 'Model of 1988'. It only took me a nano second to seal that deal for 800 bucks. That's more my cup of tea. If I could pick up a M22 -4 or a 325 Thunder Ranch, I might go out of my way and float a few extra 'Biden Bucks' across the counter.

I decided a long time ago, a 6" barrel on a handgun is too long for me. Even on an N-frame.

 

[stansdds]

If Magnum caliber revolvers, especially 44 Magnums, are not your thing, then leave that Model 29 for someone else.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Without looking at the Standard Catalog for reference, a 29-5 with "BKR" prefix should be sometime in 1992. IMO the 29-5 and -6 and 629-3 and -4 N frames from that period are of excellent quality and accuracy. A 4" 29-5 in original condition with S&W medallion Hogue grips and factory packaging is a very nice find; IMO the retail asking price is a reasonable place to start given your location. Condition is everything of course. You may not enjoy the recoil of the .44 Magnum, many do not.

Pictured are my 29-6 Classic "BRD" (1994) and a pair of 629-4's "BRN" square butt (1994) and "BSM" round butt (1994), both came equipped with correct S&W medallion Hogue rubber grips. I just like the fancy wood stocks for show 'n' tell. The 629's were purchased in the $750 range in late 2019 and early 2020, prepandemic, gently used no box or docs. Much has changed since then.

 

[Rubone]

My shiny 29-5...$700 about 5 years ago...