I am looking at picking up a .44 Magnum, and use to own a 5-screw Pre-29. Back when I had that revolver it seems that it would skip rounds when firing it with factory .44 Magnum ammunition. I like shooting the real thing, not .44 Specials. Anyways, I usually buy older classic revolvers, and would like to buy another 5-screw, but not if it will do the same thing as my previous example did. So, the question is, should I give another 5-screw a try, or buy a newer M29 with the endurance package for shooting .44 Magnum's? The new 29-10 in nickel looks nice, would Keith Brown Cokes or Ropers fit the new 29-10?

Jared

I think it depends on if you are buying it primarily for shooting or collecting. If for shooting, any -3 or later with the Endurance upgrades will do, even a stainless 629. As you know, the older ones were much more nicely finished, so that may complicate your decision if you are a collector.

I'm guessing Mr. Brown can make N frame RB stocks of any kind upon request. He is here on the Forum so he'll probably answer you himself.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I'm not sure you can buy a gun for both collecting and shooting. Collecting is all about condition, condition, condition. That isn't to say that you can't buy a very nice vintage gun and enjoy shooting it. Unless very rare, once it has a little wear there is nothing wrong with using it for it's intended purpose. If you primarily want a shooter, choose a -3E or later. If you're willing to use milder loads, a 29-2 or earlier would serve you well. Just keep the hot 300 gr. loads out of the earlier guns.

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Dick

Strangely, the load I was shooting in my 5-screw that day was the white box Winchester 240gr factory stuff you get at Wal-Mart. It is not that hot compared to the original Remington ammo from the 50's. That stuff supposedly ran 1,500 fps with a 240gr bullet. I usually handload, but was shooting factory ammo that day. I have an all original Registered Magnum, and I shoot that occasionally, it functions fine with factory or handloaded .357 Magnum ammo. I would prefer a nice 5-screw to go with my RM, but not if shooting .44 Magnum ammo will damage it.

Jared

I would buy the gun you like. Not all of the older .44 Magnum S&W's would do that. Some did, probably most didn't. And while the cylinders unlocked and rotated backwards, nothing was actually being broken or excessively worn when it happened, other than the shooters' nerves.

It's also not likely you will probably be shooting thousands of rounds through it, either. I think holster wear would be more visibly apparent than pure shooting wear.

That said, the current Model 29's are generally very good shooters.

I normally shoot handloads, and my plan is a 250gr Keith bullet at 1,100 - 1,200fps or so. I would prefer a Pre-29, as I get more pleasure owning classic firearms, I don't own many guns newer than 1967. I guess I was just wondering if all Pre-29's unlocked when being fired with modern factory .44 Magnum ammunition?

Jared

No, I don't think this is a universal occurrence.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220