I have a 29 bought in the 70s. It sports an 8 3/8" barrel and is blued. I used it originally for IHMSA and hunting. I traded a 57 6" for it. I began hunting with it after I shot Silh for a while and became good enough to put a few deer in the freezer. I still like shooting it. The barrel is a little unhandy now. A couple years ago I returned to revolvers after shooting autos for 12-15 years. I had forgotten how nice it was not having to chase brass all over the place. I bought a 629 Mt Gn because it closely resembles my Mod 28 4". They handle alike. It shoots good too. I just cant stand that stupid lock. I have been thinking of trading it for a pinned N frame with a shorter barrel in blue. Maybe a 4 or 6 inch barrel