Revolver guys - I need your input on a 629-1

[Meety Peety]

Ladies and gentlemen, I have been wanting a .44mag for a long time now. However, when it comes to revolvers, I am pretty picky on what I want, and naturally, my tastes lead me more toward the older models which are not as commonly found on gun store shelves.

So I was at a LGS this morning doing a PPT and they guy was putting out a fresh pair of S&W, one in .357 and one in .44mag. The one I am interested in is a 629-1 4" .44mag. It's in good shape, not excellent and certainly not unfired or anything. It's a shooter and I would be buying it as such. They wanted $800 for it.. which seems like a bit much to me. I am not a huge revolver guy, so I don't know if this is a fair price or what. I really like the gun, but I've waited a long time already, I'm sure I can wait a bit longer to find the right deal on one.

So what do you guys think, is $800 fair for a used 629-1 4" from an LGS? I have not yet done any kind of inspection on it, but will certainly use the guide and do a thorough inspection prior to buying anything.

[TMB 1]

I think they go for about $750 & up, up, up.

[bwhited]

Same price for the 629 in 357 mag?

I think they go for about $750 & up, up, up.

[Meety Peety]

Same price for the 629 in 357 mag?

The .357 they had was also a 4" (N frame?) and was marked at $750. He said it was unfired, though I wasn't interested in the .357 so I didn't even look at it really. I was pretty fixated on the .44

['ol shooter]

Same price for the 629 in 357 mag?

The 29 designator means .44 magnum, 27 means .357. 6 means stainless, in the N framed revolver.

[TMB 1]

Same price for the 629 in 357 mag?

IDK, never seen a 629 in 357mag.

[edgerly779]

A .357 is a 44 mag set on stun. Look on gunbroker.com for current asking prices and what the bids are.

[bwhited]

Ya, that is why I thought it might be worth more. LOL

Would love a 627 (8 shot, 357).

IDK, never seen a 629 in 357mag.

[usmcspud]

If the 629-1 is in excellent mechanical shape w minimal cosmetic problems and no buggered screw slots then 800 is ok. I've been snapping up older big bore smiths lately and for Cal. it's right in the ballpark. In fact I paid 1K for a pristine 629 no-dash 2 days ago. So buy it and enjoy it.

[scotchblade]

Look on gunbroker.com for current asking prices and what the bids are.

Since CA residents can't buy these off roster revolvers through Gunbroker figure to pay a little more than the rest of the country. Local gun stores know this and will price accordingly.

$800 sounds reasonable. Make an offer. You could shop around for a better deal, but it could be awhile. Supply is low, demand is high, buying options are few. If you want it, get it. Or you may regret it later.

[C&Rcollector]

I would pay $800 if it had the original grips.

[billybob_jcv]

There are several 29 & 629 models still on the roster. They were always expensive - I think they just seem more expensive now because the modern handgunner sees them as less desirable and much less value than a polymer wundergun.

[357magnum]

The price on older pre-lock S&W revolvers is sometimes more than a new one.
That being said, if you really want one you have to pay what people are asking or do without.
The older S&W revolvers are nicer in my opinion, but I think in general they are overpriced.
On the 629 that you are looking at for $800.00, for me it would have to be in 95% condition with original box and papers.
You have to look at whats available currently and decide how bad you want one.
I recently got a Ruger Super Redhawk .44 mag. and love it.
For me it was the most bang for my money.
Good luck and happy shooting.

[Meety Peety]

Thanks guys. I think I will go back to the LGS Monday and check it out a bit closer. If everything is sound, I may have a new Smith.. we'll see how it goes.

[billybob_jcv]

Shooting wadcutter 44 in paper is great fun! Giant, perfectly round holes. The only downside is that it can make it hard to reuse targets!