Around 1989 I bought a NIB S&W 29 83/8 it was dove/tail on top (factor) for scope mounts and come with scope rings no drilling needed I got it at a OGC show paid 390, put a scope on it 2x (cheap) put about 150 rds thru it. Didn't shoot it for years a friend's 29 got stolden so I sold it to him (big mistake) for what I had in it about 450. He traded it to a relative for a ruger 357. I was sick! Now that you have heard my sad story and I have admitted how dumb I am. I have never seen another one like it I think S&W only made them one year.
Whats it worth and how many did they make.

It is mentioned in the SCSW exactly as you describe it, a 29-4. No mention of a production number. Haven't seen one for sale recently but perhaps someone here has.

Can you contact your friend's relative?

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Probably this: “Model 29 with Scope Mount” as a 29-4, 8-3/8“, TT/TH, RR/WO, factory broaching for S&W scope mounting system, rings included, Product Code 101233, 54.5 oz, made in 1989, ANIB $750.

Don't know how many or how long made.

Googled that product code and only got 2 hits. One for sale a year ago in Sokane for $825. Seems like an uncommon one. Others that know more around here may have more info.

I will try and contact.

The rings are the tough parts to find. They're Millet design, but narrower than the usual Weaver style.

S&W also did a run of 8 3/8" 629s and 586s with the integral mount on an otherwise standard barrel.

1989. That's it. So far. Seems to be around 2500-5000, IIRC. At least one edition of the SCSW gaves estimated numbers, but I haven't got it memorized.

And most all of 'em except irmnut's (maybe) have long since lost the rings! Saw one for sale last fall that had been drilled and tapped for a frame mounted scope. Very sad.

(BTW, there's still new cut and broached 8 3/8" 629 barrels out there for sale as spares. But no rings, so not very useful.)