Lone_Gunman
July 6, 2009, 06:53 PM
How much would one of these be worth? It was made in 1985, and has been fired, but no cosmetic problems. It includes box and papers, but the original grips are gone.
Lew Horton S&W model 29-3, 3" barrel, 44 mag... how much?
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farscott
July 6, 2009, 07:05 PM
Which version? I have seen these with four Mag-Na-port slots (the QuadraPort), with lanyard rings, and from the Performance Center. I have also seen these with fixed sights as well as the more common adjustable rear. Based on the 1985 date, I am going to eliminate the PC choice.
The three-inch Lew Horton guns used to command a premium. I paid $800 for my three-inch 629PC in the early 1990s.
The three-inch Lew Horton guns used to command a premium. I paid $800 for my three-inch 629PC in the early 1990s.
Oro
July 6, 2009, 07:15 PM
The three-inch Lew Horton guns used to command a premium.
they still do. The 1985 era "Lew Hortons" are unique and neat guns - S&W never made that "exact" gun again - later models had lugged barrels, unfluted cylinders, different front sights, different grips, etc. A 29 3" Lew Horton with the proper grips, box and papers will run about $900 to $1k, $750 to $850 without the box/papers, and $150 or more less without the correct grips.
I saw a Lew Horton 629 w/o box/papers go for $800 two weeks ago (that is about what I paid for mine two years ago, so it's at least held value while the general gun market has slumped), a 3" LH 657 with box/papers do $1050 or $1100 last week, and a 29 w/o box for about $850 or $900 recently.
It will cost you about $150 to $200 to replace the grips, so I would not pay more than $600 to $650 even for a boxed example if the original ones are gone. Tracking down replacements and then it still not being "original" means it's going to take a hit in my book. Whoever discarded or sold off the grips should be pistol-whipped. ;)
If the gun is for sale from a dealer, be suspicious. I say this as it has long been a practice of some guys to strip off the original, high-dollar grips from S&W's and then sell them separately at guns shows or Ebay, pocketing $100, $200, even up to $500 just for the grips. Then they sell the gun on it's own and hope the buyer just looks at book value and doesn't' know enough to realize the value should take a big hit because of the grips/stocks. These kinds of dealers will cut corners in other places (including faking boxes and end labels!), so I get wary unless they have priced the gun to match the grips, the box passes close inspection, and have a credible story that the previous owner changed/lost them. If they pretend they "didn't know" the grips weren't legit, then they are usually always hiding something.
they still do. The 1985 era "Lew Hortons" are unique and neat guns - S&W never made that "exact" gun again - later models had lugged barrels, unfluted cylinders, different front sights, different grips, etc. A 29 3" Lew Horton with the proper grips, box and papers will run about $900 to $1k, $750 to $850 without the box/papers, and $150 or more less without the correct grips.
I saw a Lew Horton 629 w/o box/papers go for $800 two weeks ago (that is about what I paid for mine two years ago, so it's at least held value while the general gun market has slumped), a 3" LH 657 with box/papers do $1050 or $1100 last week, and a 29 w/o box for about $850 or $900 recently.
It will cost you about $150 to $200 to replace the grips, so I would not pay more than $600 to $650 even for a boxed example if the original ones are gone. Tracking down replacements and then it still not being "original" means it's going to take a hit in my book. Whoever discarded or sold off the grips should be pistol-whipped. ;)
If the gun is for sale from a dealer, be suspicious. I say this as it has long been a practice of some guys to strip off the original, high-dollar grips from S&W's and then sell them separately at guns shows or Ebay, pocketing $100, $200, even up to $500 just for the grips. Then they sell the gun on it's own and hope the buyer just looks at book value and doesn't' know enough to realize the value should take a big hit because of the grips/stocks. These kinds of dealers will cut corners in other places (including faking boxes and end labels!), so I get wary unless they have priced the gun to match the grips, the box passes close inspection, and have a credible story that the previous owner changed/lost them. If they pretend they "didn't know" the grips weren't legit, then they are usually always hiding something.
Lone_Gunman
July 6, 2009, 08:16 PM
It will cost you about $150 to $200 to replace the grips, so I would not pay more than $600 to $650 even for a boxed example if the original ones are gone. Tracking down replacements and then it still not being "original" means it's going to take a hit in my book. Whoever discarded or sold off the grips should be pistol-whipped.
Actually the original grips are there, but they were stored seperately from the gun. The finish on them is supposedly messed up but I have not seen them. However, they are included. Pachmayr grips are currently on the gun.
Actually the original grips are there, but they were stored seperately from the gun. The finish on them is supposedly messed up but I have not seen them. However, they are included. Pachmayr grips are currently on the gun.
Oro
July 6, 2009, 08:35 PM
If the original grips are just worn on the finish and not actually damaged, they can be restored to near-new condition with some careful stripping and refinishing. So that's not so bad.
Lone_Gunman
July 6, 2009, 08:40 PM
Oro, I sent you a PM that shows a photo of the gun and the grips. If you click on the photo it will enlarge some. It looks like the outer finish on the grips has kind of peeled away in a few places. Take a look and let me know what u think.
Oro
July 6, 2009, 09:15 PM
Go buy that gun. Looks like new, price is fair, we can help you refinish those grips. :D
DMZ
July 6, 2009, 10:24 PM
It looks like the outer finish on the grips has kind of peeled away in a few places. Take a look and let me know what u think.
The Ahrends S&W Goncalo Alves grips on my 3" 29-3 LH had the same problem. I stripped them and refinished with paste wax. Was that a no/no?
The Ahrends S&W Goncalo Alves grips on my 3" 29-3 LH had the same problem. I stripped them and refinished with paste wax. Was that a no/no?
Oro
July 6, 2009, 11:02 PM
I stripped them and refinished with paste wax. Was that a no/no?
I don't think so. I usually use tung oil after stripping so they get a hard sealant, but if the soft wax is working for you then I can't see a problem.
I don't think so. I usually use tung oil after stripping so they get a hard sealant, but if the soft wax is working for you then I can't see a problem.
DMZ
July 6, 2009, 11:06 PM
I don't think so. I usually use tung oil after stripping so they get a hard sealant, but if the soft wax is working for you then I can't see a problem.
I like the smooth, natural look and they seem more comfortable under recoil.
I like the smooth, natural look and they seem more comfortable under recoil.
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