This folk thinks the gun is better than the set of stocks, if we are talking about the extremely thin, wood stocks that came on my anniversary model 29-10.

The only concern I have with the newer guns is the barrels. We've seen some reports here of some barrels that just don't look so good. Whether they shoot or not, I would not want one that looks like some of the pictures I have seen.

Check out the barrel and if the interior looks good, the gun should be fine. Since most of us put whatever stocks we like on a gun, what comes on it from the factory is not a deal-breaker.

As to whether the gun is as good as, say, a 29-2, you be the judge. My own opinion is that overall I like the older guns better, but the difference would not stop me from buying a 29-10. My own choice for a using Model 29 is the -5 with a standard barrel, but I have trouble finding them in really nice shape.