Good price for a Model 29-2 in 8 3/8"?

[R-Tex12]

Can anyone tell me what might be a fair price for an 8 3/8" Model 29-2? Do they command a premium over a 4" or 6"? How much more would it be if it were cased? (Yep, I'm a newbie to revolvers - recently picked up a 686 and may be hooked.)

Looking for a shooter, not a safe queen. I'm in Texas if that has any bearing.

Thanks in advance for any help.

R-Tex12

 

[Magnum PI]

Prices

A 29-2 goes for about $550.00 for a NIB model with papers/box. I have seen them go for 400-700 though depending on wear, etc.

For a shooter, I would look for something that has been shot a little which will bring the price down a bit.

MPI

 

[R-Tex12]

Thanks, Magnum!

 

[WT]

The early Model 29's had a cylinder lockup problem. When firing 240 gr or heavier loads, the cylinder unlocks and rotates backwards. The next time the trigger is pulled a loud click is heard.

It costs about $100-$200 to fix the problem.

Something to keep in mind.

 

[schapman43]

WOW! So Smith & Wesson wont fix their problem for free? Says something doesnt it?

 

[Standing Wolf]

WOW! So Smith & Wesson wont fix their problem for free? Says something doesnt it?

Smith & Wesson hasn't stood foursquare behind its products in a long, long time. If I had a model 29-2 with that problem, I'd probably send it to http://www.cylinder-slide.com

 

[4v50 Gary]

Rotating backwards? Sounds like the springs aren't strong enough. Rotating backwards requires: (a) cylinder stop to drop down; (b) hand to "pop back" allow the cylinder free play to rotate.

 

[VictorLouis]

Caution: THREAD DR I F T

First of all, that problem may not happen at all. The ones I'm aware of only happened in constant use. Later-built N-frames have a couple of internal upgrades to prevent it.

To blatantly assert that they won't assist you with such a problem is hard to believe. To this day, if you buy a used 586 without the firing-pin bushing modification, they warranty it at no cost! When did they produce those L-frames, something like 25yrs. ago?

In any case, don't let that stop you from buying such a gun if you find a good used one.

 

[WT]

4VGary - the fix includes a new cylinder with deeper notches, new cylinder stop, new cylinder stop spring and new hand.

The problem was written up quite extensively by John Taffin in an article titled "The Original 44 Magnum", American Handgunner, Nov/Dec 1997.

To quote the article .......

"For years, Smith & Wesson refused to acknowledge a problem that definitely existed. When a cartridge was fired, the cylinder would unlock, rotate backward and when the hammer was cocked, the fired round would be back under the firing pin."

Taffin noted that the problem was corrected in 1990 when the Model 29-5 was introduced. (p. 83).

 

[happy old sailor]

bought a 29-5 four inch a short while back for 300 out the door of a pawn shop. has slight holster wear, but, otherwise seems perfect. dont think barrel length would have much to do with price. condition, yes.

i have an old, early 60's, six inch that will sometimes back up with heavy loads. something like 19 gr. of 2400 is no problem. no more Ruger loads for this old girl.

speaking of Rugers, have you thought of those for use in wide open Texas.
i have a number of Ruger revolvers in various calibers and configurations and they have never backed up, or down, from anything.

 

[R-Tex12]

Thanks, Sailor - I appreciate the information. May just have to check out those Rugers!

R-Tex12