Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

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


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-27-2017, 11:22 PM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default Found a unfired 29-2

I got lucky! I was looking for a pre-lock 29 for quite some time, but never found a good one that I went for. Now I got lucky and like to share my excitement. A friend of mine had decided to reduce his collection and decided to let me have it along with a hardly fired K-38 8 3/8 barrel and a early model 58 which are both also real nice. He purchased the 29-2 in 1978, keep it in the presentation case with all goodies and receipts. It shows 3 burn rings from factory test firing, perfect blue and a gorgeous grip. Cant wait for the transfer day (darn waiting period). I am already making ammo. Reading a lot and I decided to start with 12gr and up 2400 and HS-6 for light loads with 240gr JSP. Any further load ideas are greatly appreciated!!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2168.jpg (90.7 KB, 448 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:00 AM
Tom_R's Avatar
Tom_R Tom_R is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 616
Liked 2,433 Times in 873 Posts
Default

That is sweet. We need pics of the K38 and the Model 58 as well.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:12 AM
mod29's Avatar
mod29 mod29 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: WA
Posts: 612
Likes: 1,973
Liked 705 Times in 292 Posts
Thumbs up

Congrats on your new gun!
Looks like a good one. Hopefully you'll post a few more photos after you bring it home.

There's a lot of 29-2 handguns out there, but finding them in that condition is getting harder all the time.

Reloading for the .44 magnum with light magnum loads really make an already great handgun that much better.

I consider my 29-2 revolvers to be the crown jewels of my modest collection of S&W revolvers.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:30 AM
4D5 4D5 is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Carson Valley, NV
Posts: 316
Likes: 2
Liked 364 Times in 102 Posts
Default

That is one fine looking revolver.
You are certainly going to enjoy shooting it.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:48 AM
gman51 gman51 is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Just West of Houston
Posts: 3,468
Likes: 787
Liked 4,674 Times in 2,062 Posts
Default

I doubt you would find one more pristine than that one for sure. Sometimes it pays off to have patience. Awesome looking blued finish on it.
I would like to see how good the others look also.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 07-28-2017, 05:11 AM
bananaman's Avatar
bananaman bananaman is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Hillsdale, Mi.
Posts: 7,474
Likes: 6,987
Liked 7,017 Times in 2,928 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by oysterer View Post
I got lucky! I was looking for a pre-lock 29 for quite some time, but never found a good one that I went for. Now I got lucky and like to share my excitement. A friend of mine had decided to reduce his collection and decided to let me have it along with a hardly fired K-38 8 3/8 barrel and a early model 58 which are both also real nice. He purchased the 29-2 in 1978, keep it in the presentation case with all goodies and receipts. It shows 3 burn rings from factory test firing, perfect blue and a gorgeous grip. Cant wait for the transfer day (darn waiting period). I am already making ammo. Reading a lot and I decided to start with 12gr and up 2400 and HS-6 for light loads with 240gr JSP. Any further load ideas are greatly appreciated!!
Don't you love it when a plan comes together? What a "BEAUTY"! We need to see the others also. Congratulations! Bob
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-28-2017, 06:10 AM
292's Avatar
292 292 is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Northeastern NC
Posts: 460
Likes: 1,195
Liked 629 Times in 228 Posts
Default

That sure is purty.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 07-28-2017, 06:37 AM
S&WsRsweet S&WsRsweet is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: TTown Alabama ,Roll Tide
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 9,772
Liked 2,220 Times in 1,031 Posts
Default

Congrats on a great set of guns sounds like you make the right sort of friends .
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 07-28-2017, 06:54 AM
Engineer1911's Avatar
Engineer1911 Engineer1911 is online now
US Veteran
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 6,115
Likes: 6,648
Liked 6,156 Times in 2,666 Posts
Default

The addiction has begun.
__________________
S&WHF 366
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 07-28-2017, 07:26 AM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default Thanks

Thank you for the comments.
Indeed, I was content with my model 57, 41 magnum that I bought which is also a 6'' blue gun, and had given up on the 44 mag search. But this one I could not pass up.

I was not able to take pictures of the other two in the heat of the moment.
The K-38 (model 14-3 I think) could pass for unfired. It has large SW target grips. The previous owner said it was extremely accurate. I am curious what it can go.

The model 58 has no serial under the yoke and I did not take the grip off. I think it is a no dash. It was setup as a competition gun, was fired but good condition. It has a light action job and it has a bomar rib installed. The front sight is intact under the rib and I think the gun can be rebuild. But I like the the way it is. Something tells me that will be fun to shoot. Smooth SW target stocks.

Off course images will be coming but doing the transfer of all 3 will take me into mid end October.

Last edited by oysterer; 07-28-2017 at 07:28 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-28-2017, 07:32 AM
The Norseman's Avatar
The Norseman The Norseman is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Black Hills South Dakota
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 9,011
Liked 2,968 Times in 1,124 Posts
Default Crown Jewel the S&W Model 29 44Mag

Congratulations on your new Revolvers.

Thank you for sharing your story on how
you came about them.

For Reload ideas, just research like you are
doing now. I Reload 44Mag with Old and New Unique,
Red Dot, American Select, Long Shot,
Winchester 296, and there is so much Data out there.

For Bullets, I use a Jacketed Bullet for breaking in
the barrel (box of 100). Then I just reload with
Lead Bullets. Lead Semi Wad Cutters are usually
better for penetration anyway, for Hunting.

Thank you for the Picture too!
__________________
SD social distanc'n since 1889
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-28-2017, 11:38 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,978
Liked 24,785 Times in 8,482 Posts
Default

I would recommend lead bullets for light loads. Light loads can cause jackets to remain in the bore. NOT GOOD!
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-28-2017, 12:06 PM
larryofcc larryofcc is offline
SWCA Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cedar City,Utah
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 5
Liked 2,977 Times in 824 Posts
Default

A while back, while perusing the Ruger for sale forum, I spotted a very nice M29-2 with the 6 1/2" bbl. Goodyear grips and no box. $675. I jumped on that like ugly on an ape. Have yet to shoot it. I reload all my 44's very light. Best of my shooter 44's is a 50th anniversary 6 1/2" Ruger Flat top. Big Larry
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:45 PM
S.B.'s Avatar
S.B. S.B. is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 49
Liked 721 Times in 369 Posts
Default

Be careful with HS-6, it's easy to double charge case with it. I'd opt for 10 grains of Unique under 240 SWCs, goes around 1000 fps in most of my .44s.
Steve
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:51 PM
amazingflapjack amazingflapjack is offline
US Veteran
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 24,644
Liked 6,195 Times in 2,575 Posts
Default

Have had a bunch of 29's and 629's and have always preferred a 230 grain LSWC hard cast bullet over 10-12 grains of Unique.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 07-28-2017, 01:55 PM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default loads

Starting recently loading for the 41 magnum, I am doing 12.5 gr 2400 as well as 7.0 gr W231 with my 41 magnum. 14.5 gr 2400 was too hot already for my taste for target shooting.

I think I'd start something similar with the 29 in 44 spl cases. All my books show rather little difference between 44 and 41 magnum.

I like how unique shoots but I can't get that stuff to meter whatsoever.

2400 however is great.

I read great things about HS6 and I like how it flows. I expect that to meter great as well. I was looking for something a bit slower than W231 to not get much peak pressure.

Thanks for your comments.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-28-2017, 02:19 PM
Jackcpat Jackcpat is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: North Texas
Posts: 293
Likes: 1,010
Liked 423 Times in 151 Posts
Default 29-2

Beautiful hand gun.
Concerning the choice of 2400, I run 22 grs for my .44 mag which if my memory serve me 19.8 grs is the starting load for this caliber with 22.4 grs. the max. I may be wrong but 2400 needs to be closed to a compressed load. There's not much difference between the stating load and the max.
Stay safe

Last edited by Jackcpat; 07-28-2017 at 06:28 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 07-28-2017, 02:28 PM
mod29's Avatar
mod29 mod29 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: WA
Posts: 612
Likes: 1,973
Liked 705 Times in 292 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by oysterer View Post
I think I'd start something similar with the 29 in 44 spl cases. All my books show rather little difference between 44 and 41 magnum.
I would rethink using 44 Special cases for reloading for your 29-2.
They are a bit shorter than 44 magnum cases and will put a powder-ring in the charge holes that the longer 44 mag cases will over-lap.

I use 44 magnum brass and just reduce the powder charge to where I want it.
Of course, make sure you are referencing a reloading manual while you are cooking up your personal recipe.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 07-28-2017, 04:21 PM
S&WIowegan S&WIowegan is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Iowa
Posts: 4,106
Likes: 14,444
Liked 3,763 Times in 1,784 Posts
Question Congratulations!

Great finds. Did I understand the seller/friend had stored the 29-2 in the wood presentation case? Many of us have found damage to guns stored long-term in those cases. Did the owner live in a dry climate?

I would encourage you to store the gun separate from the case.
__________________
Bob.
SWCA 1821
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 07-28-2017, 04:32 PM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default stored

You see the gun sitting on the case. The case is a bit beat up but the gun not at all. He lives in a very humid part of SC. He told me the gun sat in the wood box 40 years to the day. The case looks like having been moved around in the safe and stuff stored on it. The blue plastic inside had broken down some from the oils. The gun was heavily oiled. The safe had a desiccant dryer can in it. The blue is perfect, no rust spots anywhere, the stocks are not overly dried out, very good actually. The gun looked like factory fresh after a wipe down. You could still see the 3 rings on the cylinders fired from the factory. I think the presentation case must be ok as no condensation gets trapped in it as much as in a plastic case.

I store mine upside down in the safe with RIG grease or Rem Wax on it, action inside sprayed down with Ballistol, wrapped in either a kitchen towel or a gun sock. Safe is in air-conditioned part of the house, no dryer in it. They get fondled once per month on average including shotguns/long rifles which are in long gun socks. The 29 and 57 as well as my shooter 28 6'' and 4'' come out to play a lot more. I have a 1955 Colt which has not seen daylight in 2 years plus.

Last edited by oysterer; 07-28-2017 at 04:36 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #21  
Old 07-28-2017, 04:42 PM
parsonbw parsonbw is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Piedmont NC
Posts: 288
Likes: 810
Liked 156 Times in 55 Posts
Default

Are those real Cuban cigars in the pic?
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 07-28-2017, 05:07 PM
daddio202's Avatar
daddio202 daddio202 is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Bradenton, florida
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 5,318
Liked 3,465 Times in 917 Posts
Default

Great find!! Very nice looking, and you will find the k-38 is the most accurate gun you will have the pleasure of shootingt! In my 29- i like trail boss powder 5 to 6 grains will about fill up case and is only 700 to 800 fps. Great cowboy loads that are very gentle on the gun. Have fun!!
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 07-28-2017, 05:40 PM
ggibson511960 ggibson511960 is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 975
Likes: 1,116
Liked 1,237 Times in 532 Posts
Default Do You Really Want to Shoot It?

I well remember the old days when those beautiful S&W revolvers had three proof fire burn rings, especially on the stainless and nickel guns. I've had two 29-2's. Still have one, but if it was truly N.I.B. with no cylinder line or burn, I would have a tough time touching off that first very expensive round. I would not disparage anyone for doing so, but my choice would be to get an equally nice L.N.I.B. 29-2 and enjoy shooting it and hold on to that N.I.B. for caressing only. They will last forever in pristine condition if cared for, but N.I.B.'s are special and hyper rare. At that first pop, there's one less.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-28-2017, 06:18 PM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default

I've been debating that same question, possibly leaving this one alone.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 07-28-2017, 06:51 PM
greenmachine greenmachine is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 1,090
Liked 1,626 Times in 486 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by oysterer View Post
Starting recently loading for the 41 magnum, I am doing 12.5 gr 2400 as well as 7.0 gr W231 with my 41 magnum. 14.5 gr 2400 was too hot already for my taste for target shooting.
May I ask the bullet weight you are using? Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 07-28-2017, 06:55 PM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default

210 sierra JSP for the 41 mag

Last edited by oysterer; 07-28-2017 at 07:01 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 08-02-2017, 01:46 PM
bigmoneylewis bigmoneylewis is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Liked 230 Times in 118 Posts
Default

You are going to walk in to the shooting range with a $1,300 gun and walk out with a $ 900 gun.

Lewis
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 08-04-2017, 11:37 PM
Kingspoke's Avatar
Kingspoke Kingspoke is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Kommiefornia
Posts: 848
Likes: 2,216
Liked 2,541 Times in 518 Posts
Default 29-2

I found a beautiful unfired 29-2 4" on GB, and I have no plans on shooting it, so I just ordered a very nice later model 29 6" for shooting.

Anyhow OP, we're both very fortunate to have a 29-2, and especially if it's unfired! I know you will love it either way!
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 08-05-2017, 04:06 AM
Qmark Qmark is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Phx Az USA
Posts: 220
Likes: 18
Liked 166 Times in 65 Posts
Default

Congrats on the nice find!! If we ever should meet, be sure to shake hands in hopes your good luck passes to me.

Can't recall the numbers from memory but I've been loading my 29-2 using 1970's 44 Special data having good results using HERCO. The older data way to hot for my Charter Bulldog but comfortable in my 29 and 24-6. If you're like me you won't be satisfied until you've hopped it up with 2400 a few times. I worked it up to max for Javalina hunting but as luck would have it never got a shot. I shot up the hot loads in a Rossi rifle and have gone back to the older 44 Special data using gas checked home cast.

EDIT: As a precaution if you should follow my lead using the older data. Double check from another source. Since I started hand loading in 71 I've come across a few mistakes or misprints in older manuals.
__________________
Dave

Last edited by Qmark; 08-05-2017 at 04:14 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 08-10-2017, 07:15 AM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2 Found a unfired 29-2  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmoneylewis View Post
You are going to walk in to the shooting range with a $1,300 gun and walk out with a $ 900 gun.

Lewis
Very true Lewis, but I am not in the gun business and do not need to make money on this gun nor do I want to sell it, not even in the long run. Joy of ownership to me means loading for it and shooting it as well as caring for it.

I bought a unfired 1962 Python fully complete set with test target. Unfortunately it had someones full name engraved on the side plate (too bad). Shot it and enjoyed it for 2 years and sold for quite a bit more than what I had in it. Don't miss that gun. This Smith is another story...it's going to stay with me.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
657-4 PC Unfired found new home. bigggbbruce S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 2 03-16-2015 06:56 AM
Found Found Found The Plug for J Frame black and a Mod 19 snub Found Found Found jjbrewst1 WANTED to Buy 1 06-24-2014 01:23 AM
FOUND FOUND FOUND FOUND Nickel or Silver Tyler T For N Frame Square Butt jjbrewst1 WANTED to Buy 2 10-16-2013 05:22 PM
Found an old unfired .22 weeha1966 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 20 12-17-2011 12:53 PM
Found a unfired mod 15-3 pinned bbl 1-7/8" whats a fair price? Beach Hunter S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 9 05-18-2009 03:36 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:06 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)