tips for buying a Python or S&W 29?

B

Billmanweh

New member
There have always been two revolvers that I kind of promised myself that I would get some day, a Colt Python and a S&W 29. Don't know why, but those two have always floated my boat. Anyhow, there's no time like the present, I guess.

For the Python, I'd like a blued 6" barrel. The 29, blued with similar length barrel.

I have several questions. What should I expect to pay for a 97-99% version of either gun. Did the 29 come in a 5" barrel, and if so, how much of a price premium is there on that version? Are there other tips anyone would like to offer that I might keep in mind while shopping for these two revolvers?
 
The Colt Python, looks cool, nice trigger (although my Smith model 19 is better), very expensive and the lock work can get beaten to death by heavy Magnum loads. These guns were going for $400-500 a few years ago, but now you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $800 in the 97-99% category, even more for the earliest Pythons. Glad I got both of mine for well under $500 each!

The Smith 29 can bring anywhere from $350 to $600, depending on which version you are considering. The more rare the specimen, the more you will pay.
 
I think Jeff Cooper summed it up when he said "The Python is expensive. It should be..."

On the M29, I suggest hunting around for a pre-1981 model. The 29-2 is ten times the gun compared to the 29-3 and later versions. Frequently seen at gun shows and on the auction sites, a 6.5" M29-2 can be had for around $425 give or take. You can spend $450+ and have one right now, or you can shop for a bargain and eventually find one in the $350-$400 range.

A 6" blued Python will likely run $600-$700. I have seen them go for less, and I have seen them go for more. I picked up a 4" nickeled Python at show last year for $500. Find a dealer with both and offer him $1,000 for the pair. Helps if you spread the cash out on the counter as you speak.
 
5" Model 29's do exist, but are rare and command a several hundred dollar premium. 4" and 6.5" barrel lengths are the typical examples, 5-screw (4th side-plate screw just under the rear sight) versions again getting a several hundred dollar collectors premium.

Python's have come down in price the last year after shooting up in price from being discontinued, but are still expensive. Any with a letter in front of the serial number can be a crap shoot - most are great, some are bad as far as quality. No letter in the serial number and you are again paying a collectors premium.
 
A dealer was asking $350 for a blue M29 8" ported bbl.
Not a mark on it, bbl was pristine.
Claims it has only been fired a couple of times and it looks it.
Not sure of the year but I'll check it out Saturday.
Is there an easy way to determine when it was manufactured?
He hasn't been able to sell it for about 2 months now.
 
UHAVE2- I would check the model number beyond M29. Check for the -2, -3, etc. The -3 and later versions bring much less than do the -2 models. If you post the serial number I or someone else can give the date on it.

A M29 at $350 that is not selling is likely a later version. A -2 model at that price will not last long.

Oh, on the 5" barrel, S&W has made some M29s in this length but they are rare and command a huge premium. Maybe double or even triple the price of one with a standard barrel length.
 
I may have found a Python on the FS board here.

One question on the Smith. How will I know if it is a 29-2? Will it be marked somewhere on the gun? Is there a pre -2 Model 29?
 
The model designation will be stamped on the frame in the cut out for the cylinder crane. Just swing out the cylinder and there it is along with the serial number. The predecesor of the 29-2 is the 29 with no dash.
 
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