I have a 29-2 that S&W said " was made in 1977" it has a matt finish
Did S&W offer a Matt finish in 1977?

John, chances are pretty good that it has an aftermarket finish. The 29 was a top of the line revolver, and was produces with a high polish deep blue. 1977 was right smack in the middle of the Dirty Harry craze, and Smith couldn't produce the gun fast enough to keep up with demand.

Photos would help, and as many members here have said in the past, with S&W you "never say never"! The only way to know for certain on the finish is to get the gun lettered.

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Even older, even crankier....

I'd be curious to see what it looks like too.

I'll Have to figure out how to load a picture?