Colt Cobra or 629 DX

[Hollerpoint]

I'm looking for some input here. I recently started a thread about a S&W model 27 I bought a few weeks ago. The man I bought the gun from has a couple of other guns he said he might sell to me. What I'm looking for is your opinion on the best value of these two options. While he has already told me he is not going to give me a steal, he said he isnt going to rip me a new one either.

#1 First Issue Colt Cobra .38 Special. 98%. Short barrel, maybe 2". He wants $525. Said to have been produced before '71.

#2 S&W 629 Classic DX. Stainless. Factory 5" barrel. 98%+ condition. 44 mag. comes with factory box. He wanted $750 at first but some guy told him its a rare package so now he wants $950. This gun holds and balances as good as any revolver I've ever held.

 

[rcmodel]

I'd buy the early Colt Cobra.

There are fewer of them still around in nice condition then some goofy 629DX model.

But it sounds like you already have made up your mind you want the 629DX and are looking for confermation, or justifacation to buy it.

In that case, you should buy the 629 DX, cause you already know that's the one you want to buy.

rc

 

[MikeJackmin]

I'd say it depends upon which gun you'd use more, and enjoy more. The little snub revolver is a good carry gun, if you want one. The .44 is ideal for just about everything else, especially if you handload.

Personally, I don't shoot my snubs nearly as often as my other revolvers. YMMV, of course.

 

[bikemutt]

Those two are at either end of the power spectrum. Unless you want a city snub with the .38 or a woods carry with the .44, I'd pass on both. All the gun shops I walk into have plenty in both calibers.

Now I do own both calibers; a S&W model 15-6 on the .38 side, mint, and an Anaconda on the .44 side, mint. $450 and $800 respectively if that helps.

I can't say if I think the Colt is worth the asking price, no way I'd let go of any part of $950 for a 29.

 

[CSA 357]

i think i would pass at those prices

 

[ColtPythonElite]

If the Colt is a true 98% gun, it is worth $525.

 

[Hollerpoint]

ColtPythonElite,
It is a true 98% specimen. I'm more inclined to buy it due to the rate that clean Colt revolvers have been rising. Also 525 is much easier to come up with than $950. Ok, after having heard some opinions I'll just hold off on the DX but may or may not pick up the Colt.

 

[joed]

I used to own a first issue Cobra but sold it when I found out what it was worrth. It's an alloy frame gun, one of the first. It wasn't meant to be shot a lot. If I'm correct the instructions on mine said it was supposed to be checked by a gunsmith every 1500 rounds.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd also be inclined to purchase the Colt Cobra if you want it. The 5" barrel makes the 629 uncommon.

 

[LTR shooter]

I'd say it depends upon which gun you'd use more, and enjoy more

That is what is most important. My friend has one of the early 629 Classics with the 5" barrel and it does indeed have excellent balance and one of the most accurate revolvers I've ever fired.

His is not a DX version. If the one your shop has is the DX it will be rare. The DX versions should also have a test target. The $950 sounds steep to me especially when he had it at $750.