So I stop by my local shop a month or so ago and the owner shows me a 29-2 he just got in...Pretty dirty and wearing pachmayr grips. He allows me to look it over even though its not for sale, since he wants it for himself.

I notice everything is tight as a drum, but its slow timed on one cylinder, which I bring to his attention.

Fast forward a few weeks...I stop in and ask if he's changed his mind. Next thing you know he brings it out and says he'll sell it, and 'oh by the way' he had a nice set of target grips laying around so he threw them on. A little haggling back and forth and she's out the door a tick under $800

Once home I first replaced the hand and cleaned/oiled the internals. Timing is spot on now. Then put her back together and gave it a coat of renwax.

Here it is - 1978 vintage

Looks like you found a winner for sure. I wish I had some grips just like those just "laying around"! They make the package look awesome.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Great gun, and a great deal!

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John

Very nice!

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Joshua 1:9
82nd Airborne

I have a mint 28-2,and a unfired 27-2 both in 4". I have been looking for the 4" 29-2 that I can afford for a while.Maybe someday. Nice find.

That thing is breathtaking.

You got a great deal on it.

Great story! Miracles do happen.
I had a similar one. I picked up a "Model of 1950 pre-27" with a 3+7/16" barrel. EXCELLENT condition, price well over what I could pay for it.

I looked in the barrel with my light and saw what appeared to be a chunk missing from a land. I showed it to him and he agreed. I said that meant I'd need to change the barrel. He asked what I'd pay for it and I said $300. He sold it to me for that.

Got it home and ran a patch through it and a chunk of crud came out, leaving a perfect bore.

I got a letter from S&W, and it is as it was when it left the factory.

Nice find! Enjoy it. I sure like my "find".

He shoots - he scores!

Or actually, He Scores - He Shoots!

Great buy.