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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #1  
Old 09-15-2010, 04:22 PM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629?  
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Default Do I get the 29 or the 629?

Hey guys,

I'm a newbie here and thought I'd ask the seasoned veterans a question that I've been debating. "Do I get a model 29 44 or a 629?" I was originally going to get the 29 but I've talked to a few people and they have been trying to discourage me saying that it slips in your hand when you fire because of the handle being wood, or the up keep is very bad, that kind of thing. Being a fan of the 29 I'm still leaning towards getting the original however if the 629 is really that much better maybe I should consider that one?

Any feedback is appreciated,

Mike
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Old 09-15-2010, 04:31 PM
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Just get one or the other. Because when you do get one you'll want the other also.
Don't know what they are talking about with the wood grips but if you don't like wood grips get some rubbers to shoot with. They're easily changed. Some members here shoot with rubber grips but take pictures with pretty wood grips. It's all good.
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Old 09-15-2010, 04:38 PM
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If you wish to be true to your namesake then get a 29 by all means.

If however, you want a more durable finish, then the stainless 629 is the way to go.

/c
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Old 09-15-2010, 04:46 PM
Lt JL Lt JL is offline
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Only get a 629 if you are going to wear it alot, live in a salty or really humid environment, or you cannot afford a nickel 29. The model 29,blue, preferably a 29-2 6", is the defining .44 mag IMHO. John
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Old 09-15-2010, 04:57 PM
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I own them in blue, SS, and nickel, but prefer the blued guns by far for looks. The SS is easier to clean because you don't have to worry about removing any finish if it needs a really good cleaning after shooting a lot of lead bullets through it. The nickel cleans up the fastest, but also gets marred the fastest.

Don't listen to anyone tell you what they like. Get the one that you like best. There are a ton of blued ones around, and not very many are rusty, or have a lot of finish wear to them. Blued guns last just fine when properly taken care of. We've had blued guns for a few hundred years at this point, and if they were all that bad, the finish would have been dropped as soon as stainless became viable for guns.

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Old 09-15-2010, 05:43 PM
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Assuming this is your first S&W 44 Magnum, I would definitely buy the bright blue one (assuming it is a 29-2 or earlier version) as you will not be disappointed. I have all the different finishes, and bright blue is the best.

Bill
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Old 09-15-2010, 08:06 PM
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Get the one you want. The people you have talked to sound like they know just a hair more about guns than a lugnut would. The grips can be changed out for ones that are more comfortable for you. For the life of me I can't see where the up keep would be any worse than any other blue steel revolver. If you change the grips hang on to the wooden grips, most collectors don't like a 29 that doesn't have them with the package.
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Old 09-15-2010, 08:28 PM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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Thanks for the input guys! After looking at both I definitely prefer the Blue one with the wooden grip or I guess the "movie" one. As far as a revolver goes the thing is just breathtaking and assuming it handles similar to the Ruger 6" .44 I shot then then I'm sure i'll love it. I probably will go with the 29. I found a gun shop near me, the Silver Bullet. He said he could order either for me. Since this would be my first gun do you guys have any suggestions on cleaning and maintaining or where to find out more information on firearm ownership etc? I don't know too much about firearms yet overall, but want to learn as much as I can before I have the license in hand.

thanks again,

Mike
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Old 09-15-2010, 08:47 PM
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IMHO, generally speaking carbon steel has a little better tensile strength that stainless. For a .44, that might be worth the extra care a blue gun requires.
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Old 09-15-2010, 09:04 PM
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This is your first gun? Wow, most folks start out with something with a little less umph like a 357 Magnum. I'm not going to try to change your decision, you made a fine choice. I'm just saying I'm impressed. Cleaning practices are generally routine and slightly personal. Each person does it slightly different from the next. My advice would be to get a good high quality cleaning kit. You don't have to pay a whole lot starting out, the average kit costs about 15 - 20 dollars. You will quickly add new items to it so look for a decent size tool or tackle box to carry all the cleaning gear you will accumulate over the next few years.I have 2 kits, one for work and one for home. The work kit is my main kit and I do take it home to help out with my other guns. One source for gun related stuff is Brownell's. Check them out. Don't go hog wild and buy up the whole catalog, leave something for the rest of us. Just kidding, get the items you need as you need them. The folks at Brownell's will do right by you. There are others but this will start you in a good direction.
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Old 09-15-2010, 09:12 PM
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Smile My first 44 magnum

Welcome to the forum. I have had this gun for over 25 years. It started life as a 6" 29-3, but has been since modified by me. It has had literally 1000's of rounds shot through it and been carried 100's of mile, but is still going strong. At the time I could have bought a used 29-2 for less, but this was also my very first new gun. I now own a safe full of 44 magnums, but this one would be the last to go. Post pics when you find the one you want whatever it is.



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Old 09-15-2010, 10:01 PM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Black Knight View Post
This is your first gun? Wow, most folks start out with something with a little less umph like a 357 Magnum. I'm not going to try to change your decision, you made a fine choice. I'm just saying I'm impressed.
Thanks for the advice on the kits. Yea I originally was thinking the same thing "Why start with something so huge?" but since I've shot it and actually didn't do too bad with it(I actually impressed the female instructor we had...I think she liked me)My shots were just shy of the bullseye and were consistent, not all over the place. I only fired 12 rounds total so I couldn't really improve beyond that at the time. Anyway the friend I went with who is a big gun guy told me to just go with what you want if you don't intend to be a collector or "gun nut." So thats what I figure i'll do. Now granted I'm sure once I get into the sport/hobby i'm sure i'll be hooked and end up with a bunch of them but for now we can pretend that won't happen.

P.S. 29aholic thats a sweet lookin magnum!
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Old 09-16-2010, 01:52 PM
MajorDude MajorDude is offline
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If you are near salt water or going to be standing on an ice flow in the snow waiting for a polar bear, buy the stainless. If you love the look of blued steel and wood and have some oil, get the 29. Either way, get a reloading press and make some light 44s or buy 44 specials if you've got the cash. You won't be shooting many factory 44 mag loads. The woods are full of 44 mags that have only 6 shots through them!
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Old 09-16-2010, 03:38 PM
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Also look into Renaissance Wax for preservation of both exterior finish and stocks. Good luck and enjoy whichever .44 Magnum revolver you decide to go with.
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Old 09-16-2010, 03:47 PM
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Now listen up, if you bought the 629, we will no longer be referring to you as DirtyHarry44...we will rename you to....DirtyHarry NEW44....just kidding.


anyhoo, sounds like you will be shooting a lot and if you do go balls out 340 grains of Meet-Thy-Maker power, my suggestion is 629.
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Old 09-16-2010, 07:20 PM
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Default Maybe an original Model 29???

You might want to consider an original Model 29 instead of ordering a new one (Classic) from your local gun shop. As mentioned earlier, it's tough to beat a Model 29-2 (or earlier) with the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder...smooth as silk, deep dark bluing- a beautiful and handcrafted piece of Americana. I have a 4" and a 6", and plan to add a 6-1/2". I've picked up both of mine at local gun shows in VG to Excellent condition for $500 or under (with wood target stocks). I've seen several with 6-1/2" bbls. for ~$625 - $700. Remember, in honor of your chosen namesake, you need a blued 6-1/2" Model 29. Good hunting and good shooting! Welcome to the Forum.
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Old 09-16-2010, 08:07 PM
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Buy the blued 29,you can get a 629 at anytime,Go ahead make your day.
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Old 09-16-2010, 09:07 PM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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An actual original 29? Where would I come across one of those? The only ones I've seen are the "new" versions for sale online
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Old 09-16-2010, 09:27 PM
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Well that puts a different light on the subject. I know when I was bit by the 44 bug,I looked around for awhile and could not find a blued 29. I am not into buying things on line so I just stick with local shops.Then I found an almost new Nickle 29-3 with 8 3/8'' bbl.And just knew it was for me. So I guess if you have to ''fix'' the 44 sickness,you will have to get the one that comes along first. They are all great and you will be happy with it untill you get bit again,and then it starts all over. So have fun,happy hunting,good luck,and welcome to our merry group.
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Old 09-16-2010, 09:31 PM
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Where? Well . . . RIGHT HERE, in the Classified Section is where many of us find those special Smiths . . . and generally at fair (to all) prices. The screaming deals last mere minutes, the great deals maybe 12 hours and the really good deals a day or so. Of course, there are a few "dreamers" out there with crazy prices but as you lurk a while you'll start learning what to get and . . . umm . . . when to "pull the trigger" in the classified section.

Here are TWO fine Smiths I've purchased via the Classifieds here in the past two years or so, a 1971 Model 37 .38 snubbie (which is my ALWAYS carry gun) . . . with this photo made in January of this year, and a pristine Model 27-2 .357 in nickel from 1970. BTW, the Model 37 is an aluminum-framed gun so the "blue" is a different shade on the aluminum part vs. the steel parts. Still looks GREAT. Heck . . . these are forty year old guns that are nicer than the new stuff out there!





Frankly, I don't buy ANY new Smiths anymore. The vintage ones are revolvers that get my heart racing . . . and they are more collectible/valuable in the long run too!!! And . . . the "hunt" is half the fun of getting them!

Start lurking in the classifieds and you'll see some good stuff on an almost daily basis.

Yes indeed, I'd wait for a vintage prelock and hang around. The real heavyweight S&W historians and collectors lurk here and everyone is so helpful!!!

BTW, since I don't get my handguns wet generally and take good care of them, I prefer the GENUINE classic ones in blue and nickel. Here's my hunting .44 Mag which I've used extensively in the woods for over a decade of deer hunting plus shooting in numerous handgun competitions. IMHO, it still looks great for a working, shooting gun!

This one was made in late 1989, and I much prefer the Model 29-5 for guns you are going to SHOOT a lot. Starting with the 29-4 Smith began the "Endurance Package" that beefed up the Model 29s, including the longer lock up notches on the cylinder for the bolt.

Yep . . . it still looks GREAT to me . . . and I'm looking forward to gun season starting in a few weeks here in Georgia. This is my MAIN deer gun, for I prefer to handgun hunt and have taken a LOT of deer with this one through the years. Still looks great too, IMHO!!!



Hope this helps, and welcome to the forum!

Tom

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Old 09-16-2010, 09:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DirtyHarry44 View Post
An actual original 29? Where would I come across one of those? The only ones I've seen are the "new" versions for sale online
There is a huge aftermarket for older S&Ws. Members of this forum routinely offer older guns for sale in the classified subforum. Look on the consignment shelves of gun stores. You can also find guns on Gunbroker, GunsAmerica, or any of the auction sites. It may be that you will receive some private messages from forum members who own some older .44s and wouldn't mind tuning their collection. Don't feel that you need to go with modern production to get the model you want. It's a constant argument, but some believe that the fit and finish of guns made in the 1950s will always be better than anything manufactured afterward. Balance that with engineering improvements in later decades, and you get the consensus opinion that the 29-2 is the best combination of quality and features you can get.

Now having said all that, I will confess that when I decided it was time to pick up a .44 Magnum a few years ago, I bought a brand new 629-6 with the internal lock and a six inch barrel. I have not been disappointed in it. The only change I made was to put some smooth ebony target stocks on it to beef up its rather bland image. If I ever want another one, I will probably go for a mid-'50s gun from early in the model's production run.

I'll show the 629 just to let you see that a stainless gun can display its own kind of cool.



This is actually a round butt gun, but it is wearing square butt conversion stocks to give it a more traditional profile.
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Old 09-17-2010, 02:23 PM
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I wanted a 44 and while looking around in my local gunstores, I came across a 629-1. It wasn't exactly what I wanted but it satisfied my hunger for a while.

Then one day I saw a perfect 29-2 6 1/2 inch beauty in a wooden case. I didn't have any money.....



Oh, what could I do? I just had to have it. Here's what I did..I sold the 629 for nearly what the guy wanted for the 29 !

The 29 is a masterpiece of a work of art.

A year or so later I stumbled on another 29-2 that a local friend had:



Again no money.

The story of my life.

No I didn't sell the other 29, but I did sell off 2 Rugers and the nickel beauty was mine.

These were both within 5 miles of me. So don't give up. They are out there and you'll find one probably when you don't have the money.

I've had all three different finished (Stainless Steel, blue and nickel) and if you take care of them, they'll all look good for a long time.

Look for an older one. Find the $ if you can.

Good luck
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Old 09-18-2010, 12:32 AM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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One like that 73 you have would be perfect. I may indeed take a look into a 70s 29-2. As you guys said I gotta stay true to the namesake. Just out of curiosity may I ask what the difference is between the vintage ones like yours and a new "classic" 29?
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Old 09-18-2010, 02:12 AM
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It's nice to have one of each like others here.
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Old 09-18-2010, 09:32 AM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by srgvaz View Post
It's nice to have one of each like others here.
I'll be honest when I get into a hobby I usually get caught up in it for awhile so yea I admit at some point I may indeed get both a 29 and a 629, but for starters I'll go with the original.
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Old 09-18-2010, 10:19 AM
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This is "Big Blue" a 29 Classic, circa 1994. My first .44HE, and my all time favorite. I have a 629-2 Mountain Revolver, too. I like the contoured barrel of the Mountain, but prefer the rich blue of the 29.

Go Blue!
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Old 09-21-2010, 09:34 PM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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Am I to assume that this would be the one to go for?

Smith & Wesson Hand Guns (Pistols) smith & wesson 29 revolver double a-SMITHWESSONHANDGUNS.COM

Since I really do want to get as close to the original as I can.

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Old 09-21-2010, 11:15 PM
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That one looks nice to me.
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Old 09-22-2010, 12:25 AM
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If you are looking for a modern production gun that is "as close to the original as you can get," that's probably it. I didn't compare production codes, but I imagine that is the new S&W "Classic" Model 29, which means it comes with the internal lock.

My own view is that fully original is as close to original as you can come, and I'd still be on the lookout for a Model 29 through 29-2. Those guns won't have the internal lock, and will have recessed cylinders that surround the cartridge case rims. You may not pay much less for what would some would consider a "used" gun, but collectors will be far more likely to buy it from you in the future if you ever wanted to sell.
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Old 09-22-2010, 07:34 AM
DirtyHarry44 DirtyHarry44 is offline
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Whats the internal lock?
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Old 09-22-2010, 08:26 AM
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S&W added a locking feature to their handguns in 2002. For the 44 Magnum it first appeared as the Model 29-8. These guns have a hole on the left side of the frame above the cylinder release latch that a key fits into and can lock the action and make the revolver non-functional. The internal lock has been a source of controversy and has been the subject of many discussions (not to be rehashed here).

The revolvers used by Clint Eastwood in the movie "Dirty Harry" were Model 29-2s that were built in 1970 or early 1971. The revolvers used in the movie "Magnum Force" were Model 29s (4-screw) that probably date to around 1960 or 1961. I actually held and examined one of these in the spring at the gun show in Tulsa. It is owned by the NRA Firearms Museum.

I don't know for sure, but I assume the 44 Magnums used in subequent movies were Model 29-2s.

If you want a 44 Magnum that is like the ones used "Dirty Harry", you should look for a Model 29-2 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel and bright blue finish in the serial number range N18000 (1971-72) to N400000 (1976-77). The 44 Magnum pictured in the link you provided is a 29-10 that first appeared in 2006 as the 50th Anniversary Model 29 and later that year as the plain version in blue or nickel.

Bill

Last edited by Doc44; 09-22-2010 at 03:22 PM.
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Old 09-22-2010, 01:01 PM
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Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629?  
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Am I to assume that this would be the one to go for?

Smith & Wesson Hand Guns (Pistols) smith & wesson 29 revolver double a-SMITHWESSONHANDGUNS.COM

Since I really do want to get as close to the original as I can.
that's the one: 6.5 inch blued 29-2

That's what your namesake had.

That one seems like more money than I've seen most places.
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Old 09-22-2010, 02:39 PM
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Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629?  
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I just did a search on GunBroker.com under (Wesson 29-2)and there are about 30 being offered for sale. All different barrel lengths and finishes.
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Old 09-22-2010, 08:10 PM
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Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629?  
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I just did a search on GunBroker.com under (Wesson 29-2)and there are about 30 being offered for sale. All different barrel lengths and finishes.
I'm surprised that the vast majority are nickeled.

There's a 'reblued' one that is only $1550 !!!
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Old 09-23-2010, 09:52 AM
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Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629? Do I get the 29 or the 629?  
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My take on it is if I plan on doing any hunting with it, I prefer stainless,if not I like the looks of the blued 29's.
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