Fair price for Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 .44 Mag

[trbon8r]

There is a shop I know of that has a Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 .44 Magnum that I'm interested in. This is the classic "Dirty Harry" model, blue finish, and 6.5" barrel. It is in mint condition with maybe only a box or two of shells fired at most. Unfortunately no box or factory paperwork is included with the gun.

I'm looking for something that will be an occasional shooter, maybe a couple hundred rounds a year at most. I figured this one might be a good shooter since it has less collector value without the paperwork.

What would be a fair price for this gun?

 

[cmidkiff]

I paid $575 for my 6" 29-2 about a year ago... it was in nearly pristine condition, but did not have the original wood grips on it, no box or papers. I considered it a very good deal, and I absolutely _love_ the gun! Picked up a set of factory wood grips for it at a gun show for $20.

I put far more than a few hundred rounds a year through it... but I do try to keep the full house magnums to a minimum.

 

[Ala Dan]

The 27th annual Blue Book Of Gun Values says that a S&W 29-2
.44 magnum in 98% condition is worth $550. Add 10-15% for a
pinned and recessed firearm; but subtract $40 if without case~!

$500 for 95%, $450 for 90%, $400 for 80%

 

[trbon8r]

Thank you guys. The price on this gun is $695. Maybe a little high, but not awful.

I'm a little surprised the book price isn't a tad higher.

 

[Ala Dan]

This May Be Of Interest

from the 3rd edition: Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson by Jim
Supica and Richard Nahas-

In reference to 3-screw S&W model 29-2's:

a) slight premium for nickel
b) 5" barrel three to four times standard value

c) 6-1/2" barrel MAY bring 10% premium, even though the 6" barrel is
more scarce

d) special order non cataloged barrel length worth substantial premium

With that said, ANIB = $850, EXC = $700, VG = $450 for the 3-screw
model 29-2's.

Hope this additional information helps~?

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

The price on this gun is $695. Maybe a little high, but not awful.

For a 29-2 in the condition you describe that is a very good price. You can't go by "book" values on these guns anymore. Everybody is scooping them up and not selling.

 

[Feanaro]

Whatever you are willing to pay for it.

I bought a Blue Book PDF of prices for S&W revolvers. I don't see many of the P&R types locally but the prices are higher on the internet, every single time. I got what I consider to be a good deal on a 28-2 recently and I paid about 5-10% over what the books say. Regional prices vary too.

 

[jeff-10]

I know the 29-3 is worth less than the 29-2 but I paid $400 for a blue 29-3 with 6" barrel around 18 months ago. That included the box and the manual. It was at a gun show in Ft. Lauderdale and if a full cylinder of rounds were fired through it id be suprised.

 

[Gator]

The price on this gun is $695. Maybe a little high, but not awful.

I'm a little surprised the book price isn't a tad higher.

As has already been mentioned, the Blue Book is useless as far as collectible S&Ws go. $695 is not a bad price for a 6 1/2" in mint condition, you can always try and talk them down a little too. And don't worry about "the paperwork", it adds little if anything to the value. The box would add some but those are still around and you will have fun looking for one.

Here's a 6" I recently got for about the same money:



It came with the presentation case, but it is not mint like the one you are looking at. Also consider that a new Model 29 will cost more than $700 and won't be nearly as nice as a 29-2!

 

[P95Carry]

I wanted to find a dash two at Tulsa a year ago but no luck. I did tho find (only!) a 29-3 and because it was so tight and tidy went for it - even tho of course not a P&R as I'd have liked. IIRC I paid around $650 and tho it was a high price they do all seem to be making top dollar.

Doubtful we will see any depreciation so, high price is not money wasted IMO.

 

[huntershooter]

An "S" prefix will command more than an "N" prefix gun. Which is it? As has been said, that is a decent (current) price for a 6.5" 29-2.

 

[trbon8r]

The gun I'm looking at is an N prefix. The serial number is N138XXX. I believe this puts it somewhere around 1974 manufacture.