Need Quick Opinions...

Y

YankeeIronSights

New member
Hi Everyone:

I would appreciate a quick advice on a revolver purchase. I have a chance of investing on one of two great Smith and Wesson top rated revolvers:

Model 29-3 6" pre-lock .44 magnum blued ( unpinned, not recessed cylinder )- $699.00

Or

Model 686 Plus 2.5", .357 with lock - stainless steel - $599.00

Both are in very good condition. I plan to make the selected one a range gun.

Trying to buy both would be harsh for my pocket. Which one do you think is a better investment? Better bargain?
 
I would get the 44 but not for that much. My top $ if it was in good shape would be $600 maybe $650 if it had a box and all the stuff that goes with it.

If you don't reload you may want to go with the 357 as it would be cheaper in the long run to shoot. That said I would not want one with a hole in it.

Just my Opinion and its worth what you paid for it.
 
I would get the 44, and that would be a great buy here in California. Prices vary by region.

Why not the 686? Because the model you mentioned is still in production - it can wait.
 
Model 29-3 ...might be a better investment / ....but not a great investment. Its not pinned or recessed.../ so blued vs nickel, 6" barrel, in very good shape...its a $ 600 - $700 gun in my area now. Will it go up in value...not as much as the dash 2's that are pinned and recessed ....and not as much as a Nickel finish.../ and .44 Mag's are tougher to sell ( less guys like to shoot them )...but the 6" is a good versatile length.

686 plus ...is a 7 shot, 2 1/2" ...with the internal frame lock...L frame / and they're all a Round Butt frame ( they were also made in 4" and 6" barrels ) ....but that model is just not that desireable....vs the older versions of the standard 6 shot, model 686's, pre lock L frames especially in the 2 1/2" or 4" barrels.... / or even the model 19's or 66's in a K frame in 2 1/2" or 4" barrels...

.357 mag is cheaper to shoot ...
.44 mag has quite a bit more recoil...

Honestly, I'd pass on them both....but if I had to say buy just one it would be the 29-3....
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I really like the model 29's and 629's ...and I have them in 3", 4", 6" and 8 3/8" but I like the older eng revisions with pinned barrels and recessed cylinders..just the look if nothing else..../ I'd rather see you find an older version of the model 29's as an investment...or as a shooter...

and my all time favorite caliber in S&W revolvers is the .357 Mag.../ and I shoot and collect model 19's, 27's, 28's, 66's and 686's....but I just don't like the 686 Plus model..( 7 shots or with the internal frame lock )...and it would be a really tough resell in my view. The older standard 6 shot 686's are a better investment.../ the round butt frames don't fit my hands very well -- and I think a lot of guys prefer the Square Butt frames....
 
Thanks for all your input. Your comments were very valuable. I bought the 29-3 and I am extremely happy that I followed your advice. Here are some photos I just took with my cell phone. The range report will follow...
 

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Recessed cylinders don't mean anything unless you use obsolete balloon head cases !! Have never even seen them.
 
Good choice, I could never understand the concept of a 2.5" barrel on a full size revolver frame. It's not like anyone is going to be pocket carrying a 686.
 
Model 29. I prefer shooting .357, but a 2 1/2" barrel is not useful for me. If I wanted a CCW, I wouldn't want a L frame gun.

Now, if I wanted a revolver to rebuild into a PPC gun, I'd take the L frame because it would get a new barrel anyway.
 
get a box of .44 specials, and you'll find that Magnum is a pussycat.

I didn't get to chime in earlier, but for a range gun, I think you made the right choice. No 2.5" revolver makes a good range gun. And a 2.5" .357 is quite the flamethrower with some loads, even though it doesn't have the recoil of the full house .44.
 
Hi:

I finally brought the 29-3 to the range. I used Remington .44 magnum 180 grain ammo and it was a blast to shoot. I had a great time. The recoil is manageable. I used to own a 629 Talo Edition with 3" barrel but I traded it because the recoil was very unpleasant. However, this 29-3 with 6" barrel is much better to shoot. I was able to get decent groupings when shooting in single action. However, in double action, I could not hit the side of a barn. Go figure. Nevertheless, I am very happy with this purchase. Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions.
 

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Yes.....you made the right choice and looks as if you bought a fine revolver. It should serve you well for many years to come.

Congrats! :)
 
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