Pre-Owned Revolvers

["DoubleAction"]

Some of the best revolvers I've acquired has been based on Price, Quality, Caliber, and Condition. Because the production numbers were higher for certain models of the S&W revolvers, good deals can still be found. A few of my favorites, among these, has been with the Models 29, 629, 586, 686, 27, and 627. These are only but a few of the S&W Revolvers that might be found for less than $400 - $500. in excellent condition. Other than the condition of the gun, another factor in determining price is the Model number prefix. In the case of the Model 29, the prefix of - 2, 29-2, denotes a change from the previous production run. The 29-2 had the longest production run of any other model 29, from 1961 until 1982, making it the most available in the pre-owned market place. Withstanding the test of time, these revolvers are still considered to be prized possessions to some.

[TMan]

When I bought my 686-1, they had three to choose from and all with different suffixes. I liked the trigger the best on the "-1", and it showed no immediate signs of wear.

In general is it better to go with the lower numbers because they haven't introduced the "lawyer features", or perhaps with the latter numbers because they have worked on any problems in the design?

Hmmm, I guess the bigger question is: why do they keep going to new suffixes?

I'm currently a little unhappy with S&W. I have a 629-6, and I was at CheaperthanDirt the other day, and they had another 629-6 in their display case. The front sight was different, and the cylinder wasn't fluted.

Cabela's had a nickle plated 29 that I was looking at. They had a $500 price tag on it, and I think it was a 4" barrel. It looked like it had been ridden hard and put up wet on a couple occasions. They probably would have taken $450 for it, but I was a little leery. I was wishing DoubleAction was there with me for advice.

I may not be buying much the rest of this year unless it is pre-owned. My wife is in one of her jewelry moods.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; They add the suffix numbers when changes are made to that particular model. Begining with the -2 prefix on the older ones means that the ejector rod has a left hand thread. With the -2 prefix ,on the 29 and 27, you will still have the counter bored cylinders and pinned barrel.
I think the front sight is the quick change interchangable on the 629-6, by the method of a spring in the sight slot. My 629- 4 Classic DX and 29-6 Classic, both have the quick change front sights.