[RobertFBurnett]

Hi everybody!

Just got back from picking up my Ruger 50th Anniversary .44Mag and the older owner happened to be in the shop and I mentioned it was my first .44Mag and he mentioned that He had owned the original flat top, and proceeded to show me a scar on the web of his hand from where the hammer came back and hit him. I mentioned I was wondering about that when I cocked that XR3 and the hammer touched my hand. I have since ordered a pair of PAST gloves for that .44. :)

He then went on to "Have you seen in this case?" as He mentioned he didn't shoot the Magnums anymore. Inside was his original Flattop, and some other revolvers for sale.

I told you all that to ask this: He pulled out his Blue 29-2 8 3/4" w/ wood grips...and when I held it out and looked down that barrel the sights were Dead On, and I was shocked I have never held a gun that lined up that fast and natural. He was asking $725 cash or $765 credit for it (remember I live in CA, new 29s are over $1000 otd +-)

1) 29-2, where does this fall into the line? Any notes or pros or cons to it?

2) $725 might be able to come down to $700 as he gave me a deal on some ammo too, so I know he's willing to budge a little. Is this worth jumping on or wait it out?

Thank you all,

RFB

[Majic]

Model 29s are a dime a dozen and that one is a bit expensive. Now get his original Flattop and you will really have something.

[Starter52]

The 29-2s were made from 1962-1982. They are well thought of and desirable guns.

The earlier guns with an "S" prefix to the serial number are better liked by collectors, but quality is the same for all the 29-2s

The price would be a bit high back East here, but not excessive. If the gun was an "S" gun and the stocks were original, the price is good. For a later "N" gun, still not too bad. The 8 3/8" barrel is less common than the 6"/6.5" barrels.

[GUNKWAZY]

Recent auction prices for excellent to as new 8.375 barrel blued 29-2

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=91531055

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=95308781

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=90039860

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=91440094

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[Gator]

That is not a bad price at all. 29-2s have been going up steadily. And if it has a "S" prefix serial number and coke grips $725 would be a steal!

[vanilla_gorilla]

Grips matter. Diamond targets or cokes would seal the deal for me.

Remember that the -2 is a pre-enhancement gun from S&W, and won't take the same beating that later guns will.

[harmonic]

It's in Kal? That's a great price. You can only get a 29-2 from a private party unless you're a LEO or a FFL. If you're a private party that's a great deal.

[RobertFBurnett]

Remember that the -2 is a pre-enhancement gun from S&W, and won't take the same beating that later guns will.

That has gotta me my biggest concern as I am new to .44 land, and don't really know what the cartridge is fully capable of doing first hand. Is there a fast and loose rule for protecting them? i.e. Remington/Winchester 250 gr and under, no Buffalo Bore? etc.

It's in Kal? That's a great price. You can only get a 29-2 from a private party unless you're a LEO or a FFL.
Yes it is, I learned all about that on this shopping expierience, this was my first auction/out of state import/etc. And as a S&W 629-5 auction ended unsold for $500 as I am not allowed to buy it I learned more about CA-DOJ. Pretty much how I ended up with a Single Action 44, it has some CA exemptions. So I am very tempted to have a chance at a private party gun not on the doj list. :)

Also the more I think about it did I really love that was a 44Magnum or that the "N" frame with wood grips and a long (8.75") partial lug barrel really fit and lined up right for me? What are some of my other options? I think I saw .45LC and .357s in the "classics" section of S&W.

RFB

[vanilla_gorilla]

Regarding ammunition, handloading for a .44 is a good idea. Shooting factory ammo will break you.

Most factory loads will probably do no damage to your revolver. Buffalo Bore and other "micro-manufacturers" produce ammo that can make your lockwork scream.

If you handload, here's a tip: A 250 gr LSWC at 1000-1100 fps will do everything you want, but your wrists and your gun will last longer. There's no real need to shoot thousands of 300 grain bullets at top speed. It may be fun for a while, but for most people, that also gets old quick. It's a rare few who can take that kind of beating constantly without it affecting their guns or their shooting.

[harmonic]

What are some of my other options?

Here's what you do. Call the BATFE and ask for their catalog of "curios and relics." Get the catalog and highlight everything you're interested in. Then start scouring these web sites:


http://www.ajcsportshop.com/
http://www.armchairgunshow.com/
http://auctionarms.com/
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php
http://www.bullocksguns.com/
http://www.calssportingarmory.com/
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/dowournewcat.html
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/
http://www.dallasguns.com
http://www.discountgunsales.com/
http://www.eastcountyguns.com/
www.fugatefirearms.com
http://www.galleryofguns.com/
https://www.gilbertsguns.com/
http://gunbroker.com/
http://www.gunlist.net/
http://gunsamerica.com/
http://www.impactguns.com/store/
http://www.kyimports.com/
http://www.lisc.net/p90.htm
http://oldguns.net/
http://www.ozarkguns.com/index.htm
http://www.sportingarms.com/
http://www.simpsonltd.com/
http://www.summitgunbroker.com/index.html
http://www.the-armory.com/
http://www.thegunsource.com/default.aspx
http://www.ordnanceoutsellers.com/index.htm

..........for the guns you want. BTW, any handgun 50 years old or older is C&R. It's exempt from kalifornistan DOJ regs. You can buy it, process it through your local FFL, and claim it as your own. That's how I bought my 357 N frame S&W with 3 1/2 inch barrel. And a lot of 29s are hitting the 50 year mark.

[Seafarer12]

Thats too much barrel in my book, I like 6 inchers better but thats not a bad price for a pinned and recessed 29.