What's my gun worth?? S&W 44 Mag

I know that's a stupid question to ask buyers

But seriously, I came into possession of a Smith & Wesson 44 Magnum revolver today, I'm not even 100% certain on these details but I'm "pretty confident" it's a 6" barrel. Wood handle with nickel plating (chrome). The model shows to be a "29-2". It appears to be in really good shape, no scratches or blemishes, but it's just dusty/smudged and needs a good cleaning....it's been in a drawer in a leather holster for umpteen years I'm guessing.

My dad has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive dementia, doctors told my stepmom to get any guns out of the house, so I stopped by today to visit and she told me about this and gave me the gun. Dad was present, he agreed.

So I'm torn between having absolutely no need for this gun (I'm not a collector, not a pistol buff either), vs the sentimentality of it (based on what I know is coming pretty soon with dad). So don't hate me if you were interested and I squirrel out on you, but is this gun worth $1,000? I'm not that big of a softy, I'm just not pressed to sell it. My only real motivation is I'd like to get a new Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor on my boat, and those things cost about $2,500...so this might be a way to cover some of that cost.

On that note, I will probably soon also have a Minn Kota Fortrex 80 for sale too

Pics. 🤓

And James is banned from this thread

Apples to oranges, but for reference, I paid $600 for a nickel on wood S&W .38 in good condition at a show a few years ago

I don't think it will be worth that much. I would think $600-800.

I would keep it as they are great guns. It doesn't cost anything to keep.

I always suggest searching completed listings on GunBroker to get an idea of value.

Yeah, that's sorta my stance, it ain't eatin' no groceries.

I did a Google search and looked at a handful of listings.... I saw prices anywhere from upper $800's to $1,500 "ish". That's kinda where I came up with the $1,000 figure from.

Throw it on Gun Broker just be sure to put in the description that it's "almost un-fired" and say something about "handling marks" and you should be good to list it over $1k. Give it swag on the grading... call it 91% unless you've recently drug it behind your truck down a dirt road.

Basically, that's what Gun Broker is best at. Separating people who don't know what they are buying from their money.

Lot of good deals on new guns on there though.

I would keep it. If it is an old one they don't make them like that anymore and like was said it ain't eating no groceries. Shoot a deer with it.

Keep it. $1000 ain't worth the heartache you will have after you sell it and your dad is no longer there. I am severely sentimental but I cannot fathom a situation where I would let go of a family valuable. Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Such a terrible thing. Have watched a friends mom go from a vibrant lively individual to a shell of a person. Wish you and your family all the best.

Depending on the actual condition of the nickel, it an get "cloudy" with age if not maintained; probably $750-800 +/- a bit if it is a pinned barrel version. Barrel is probably 6.5"

I tend to lean your way

If it meant a lot to your dad and you two are close there's no way I'd consider selling it. Nickle isn't a great finish as stainless. As others have said without seeing it probably in the 500-600 range

Do you have the presentation box, literature, cleaning rod, bore brush, and bore swab? If so, I've seen them go from anywhere from $1150 - $1250 FULL retail, depending on condition.

x2. If you don’t need the money to help your dad out then I’d just put it up somewhere safe and forget about it. And if it meant a lot to your dad then for sure hold on to it.

Don’t sell it. You’ll regret it.

Keep it.

Ain't know way in hell I'd sell it to purchase a dang trolling motor, but that's me.

Well u have a bias opinion obviously

I'd keep it

It's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

None of us know your business. Do what you think your dad would say.

Also, look at what they sold for....not for what people are asking. Because 90% of the stuff i see is way over priced.

You can probably do a search based on serial number to find out more about the exact model and year of manufacture. With that information knowledgeable folks can help direct you as to its market value and general desirability. I’d start there before just putting it on the market.

Sorry to hear about your dad. I don't have anything helpful to add about the gun but i hope you and your family can stay strong.

Let me know if ya find any for $600, and I'll purchase every dang one of em 😆

Keep it. It will continue to increase in value. Take a little Flitz polish to the nickel. It should make it shine.

Bought a 629 for $650

Good deal, but that ain't a 29-2 😀

Thanks for all the kind words and well wishes y'all!

look on GunBroker every single one of them is selling between $1000-$1500

Are you looking at for sale listings with ASKING prices or completed auctions with sold prices listed? If a bunch have sold for $1k-$1500 thats a whole different ball game than what asking prices are.

This pretty nice one went for $825 recently:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/805894189

Keep it. Trust everyone on this.