There were two primary sporting goods/gun shops during the time I grew up in Jackson, TN. One was Travis Johnson's Sporting Goods and the other was Hamm House. Both were downtown and approximately one block apart. While my mother was shopping, I would head to one and then the other.
When the first mall was built, West of downtown, a Gateway Sporting Goods store opened. I remember pressing my nose against the glass to look at the Mod. 29 in the presentation case. The other two stores didn't have one in stock for months and there was a waiting list for those who wanted to buy a Mod. 29.
I didn't acquire my first S&W .44 magnum until I was in my 50's. It isn't a 29 but, a 626 Classic DX and is one of my constant companions during deer season. That being said, a Mod. 29 with a 6" barrel and blue finish is, IMO, one of the finest looking handguns a person could own!
Yours is a beautiful example. I do have a 29-4 with a barrel half that length though.
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