Okay folks I've got to make a decision and who better to ask than the folks at combatcarry.com?
I've found for sale a Smith and Wesson 629-4. What's most important to me is that she's a prelock Smith. No stress cracks, cylinder release functions smoothly, it's been shot a bit, no front to back cylinder play, put it in full lockup and checked it out. Side to side cylinder wiggle is acceptable. Timing is fine, cylinder gap seems okay but I don't carry a caliper with me. Dirty but the finish is actually in really good shape. I was able to wipe most of the soot off with my fingertips and I have a feeling I could have it looking used and not abused in 10 minutes.
I know the guy who runs this pawn shop and he's a good guy to buy from. He wants $590 for it. Normally I could talk him down another $30 but I don't have the cash to wave under his nose. I'd have to make payments on it.
If it was much less I'd just go for it, but at that price I'm not sure it's really a good deal, maybe just a fair one.
Should I go for it, or let it go? Or is it kind of "eh... take it or leave it"?
Anyway I've got to decide in a hurry. I'm contacting a local gunsmith to see what he'd charge if I need some work done on it. That'll be part of my decision making process.