I just bought this sweet 29-5. I've been looking for a 4" shooter grade for a long time now. The original owner had the barrel ported and a trigger/action job. I'm not sure what was done but it feels really good. Can't wait to get it out and throw some 44 plugs down range.

I am looking to replace the grips tho. I like the look of the wood grips. I know the rubber grips will be more forgiving but I still like the look of wood better.

Any suggestions on a nice set of grips factory or otherwise?

Thanks!

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

Nice grab. You should have fun with it. I prefer rubber Hogues for shooting. Their wood grips feel good too. If you want something for sure enough Sunday dress up, Culinas are perfect.

Hogues



Culinas

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

Wow, those are beautiful!

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

Just my opinion but the Pachmayrs are perfect for that 29 of yours. And they have the nice cutout on the left side that doesn't get in the way when ejecting spent cartridges. That is one beautiful revolver sir.

Second the vote for Pachmayrs. Bought a model 36 with a 2 inch barrel and Pachmayers. Wanted wood for the looks and originality. After shooting with the wood ones, couldn't get the Pachmayrs back on fast enough. Made shooting more comfortable again!

Something is going on with that rear sight, it should be rounded in the front. The sight specific to the 29-5 was an oddball one only used for a short period of time

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-Matt

Is the circled part what you're talking about? Because I looked at that and thought it looked funny. Like maybe it was replaced. The guy I got it from is the second owner and he said it was like that when he got it.

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

Good eye Matt. That was a transitional time for the 629-3 & 4, & 29-5 & 6. I believe the full underlug Classics were the first to get the rounded rear sight and drilled & tapped top strap. The 629-4 & 29-6 had it on all models. Whatever the case, that rear on the OPs gun is protruding too far. Trampis, just for giggles I'd pull that sight and see what's underneath it.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

You who know me, know that I'll always vote for Culinas when it comes to grips! Here's my 29-2 sporting a set.

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Ed

This 29-5 has the exact same sight, hard to tell from my pic though. Great guns. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Joe, does your rear sight rail look like mine does in the front? Kinda sticking up? Like Dieseltech56 said, it looks funny.

Beautiful Smith btw!

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

Ya, you can bet as soon as I pick it up I'll be taking it off lol.

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

trampis, is the front screw lose?

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Ed

I think it's an "illusion" caused by the frame contour. Also, if you crank the rear sight all the way up, it can cause the front to look "bowed." Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

It is not original and I like it. Bench and if it hits where you like you have a winner. Forget the flack.

It didn't seem loose but now it's in jail so I have to wait.

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

I had a 29-5, and more than one 29-2. I wonder how the porting was done? I read a magazine article years ago in which a S&W N-frame was ported with round holes drilled into the barrel. The article indicated that no matter how sharp the bit, the bore was slightly distorted when the bit broke through, such that accuracy was gone. Of course if was EDM'd and/or you bench the gun and accuracy is acceptable, concern about the porting affecting accuracy would be moot.

Anyway, looks like a nice gun, best of luck with it.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

I have a 29-5 4" it came with Houge mono grips when I bought it used in the 1990's. Were they stock the stock grips?

All my nickeled s&w n frames came with darker grips it makes the nickel pop. I did purchase combat finger groove grips for my m57/41mag. The smaller grips felt ok but I like the look and feel of the larger grips.

Ya, I'm not sure about aftermarket porting. Apparently the original owner was a gunsmith but had a professional do it.

I won't know until I take it to the range. But acceptable accuracy to me would be hitting center mass at anything less than 25 yards lol.

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

Just got it out of jail. The rear sight mount def looks hinky. But I'm no expert. What do you guys think?

I've never taken the rear sight off any of my revolvers so is the bar supposed to be bent like that?

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

It looks like the front screw was working its way loose. You can also see with the sight off that the squared off front of the sight is correct for your gun. Be careful tightening that front screw, it's an easy one to booger up. Good to see you got it out of jail.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

One word of caution: Rubber grips tend to trap moisture so be sure to remove the grips often and clean carefully until you get them replaced.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Thanks guys. I'm also thinking of contacting the S&W Permance Center for refinishing and mabe some D/A work.

Anyone have recent experience with them? I've heard a few pros AND cons about them.

The bluing has some defects in the finish and I'm not sure what the cause is.

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

I tried polishing it with a rag and some gun oil but nothing changed.

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

I'm not sure what's going on there. I am also lacking in skills/ equipment for photos but here again is the top of my 29-5, best I can get. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Thanks Joe! Mine looks like what 75Vette said about the front screw working loose. And I think the rear was cranked like you said. I'll find out when I take it to the range.

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THE REPUBLIK OF KALIFORNIA

FWIW, I think the rear sight has been changed. Although they most all looked the same, dimensions, even screw holes, were sometimes slightly different. Even if the screw is tightened, it still looks too long to me. The curve in the sight base is because the sight base acts as it's own spring for elevation. If the sight base were straight, you'd have no tension, and little proper elevation adjustment. I had a few N-Frame guns, including 29-2s. The standard 29-2s came with the red ramp front and white outline rear sight blade. Your rear sight has a black blade. Not a thing wrong with that, in fact I prefer a plain black blade. But I think a previous owner likely changed some things on your gun to his/her preference.....

Reference the S&W Performance Center, I don't think it actually exists in the same form as when it did it's best work. They do LASER engrave the PC logo on all manner of guns now days, and perhaps they could do a competent job of rebluing your revolver. I admit I'm a bit dubious....

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NRA Life, COTEP 640