If u had to chose...would you prefer a Model 29-2 or a Pre-29

What do you prefer...a pre model 29 or a later 29-1 or 29-2

  • smith pre 29

    Votes: 71 72.4%

  • smith model 29-1

    Votes: 15 15.3%

  • smith model 29-2

    Votes: 12 12.2%
  • Total voters
    98
jringo8769

jringo8769

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well as i have been searching for a nice model 29...i see there is so many different models and i even see that there is a Pre 29...i was always taught that the older ones were made a little better...more hand tuning...if you had to chose...what would u want and why....i thank you all in advance God Bless John...
 
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That depends on many factors. The early pre model 29's are very collectable and sought after. In my opinion the pre 29's were better made. 29-2's are somewhat common and I think make a great sidearm for deer season.
 
Pre-29,,I just like the older models.

A newer dash-model may be better engineered in some way, but nothing that I personally would find to be a plus or minus with the amt of shooting I do.

It's the same reason (or not) that I prefer and own Pre-27's, Pre-10's, ect.
 
All other factors being equal, I'd go for the 29-1 for the collector value. The pre-29s are, IMO, overpriced, but excellent in every way. To me, the pre-29s and 29s are as a rule better built, but individual ones differ. The 29-2s are a much better value as shooters, and scratching one won't make you cry...much. ;)
 
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None of the above:
If you intend to carry it for hunting shooting my vote is the 629-3 or 629-4 "Classic" or "Classic DX" full underlug barrel ( I like the 5" version best) .

If you prefer blued guns over SS the 29-5 or 29-6 is the same gun and equal in revisional changes.

Endurance package, interchangeable front site system, stainless steel
Best ones ever made IMO, the DX version rasied the accuracy slightly and included 2 sets of grips and 4 site ramps in the kit.

The old 4 and 5 screw versions are nice collectables but parts are no longer made for them and S&W wont touch them if they break.
 
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This is my take on the Model 29's.

Pre 29 : Collectable Only
29-1 : Collectable or Shooter, depending on the condition.
29-2 : Collectable if NIB, Shooter
29-3 : Shooter
29-4 thru 29-9 : Shooters
29-10 : Could go both ways depending on the buyer

IMHO, all of these Model 29's are "Quality Built".
 
I have a 29-2 with 4 inch barrel in ANIB condition. However, I think I would be slightly happier having a pre Md 29 in same condition. I like older.
 
If you're buying to shoot, I agree with Engine49guy. Collectors are usually interested mostly in the 4- and 5-screw guns.

Pride of ownership is in the mind of the owner. I've always liked the mid- to late-60s 29-2s. Some were really beautiful.
 
well just from my own experience and seeing my own family with quite a few old guns over the years...my thinking is like most of you...the older the better...the fit and finish seems to be much better..well what ever i get will be shot no matter what....well thank you all for the great input...God Bless John..
Hey here is a good question....what are the prices we should be able to buy these at ?
like a pre 29
29-1
29-2
all in good condition
i see prices seem to vary greatly...
i see some later -3 people asking the same money as the old ones...
my thinking is if the money is the same...older the better right?...
why does Smith no longer work on the Pre Models?...wont the parts interchange?...
well thank you all for the great input...God Bless John..
 
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Pre 29 suits my interest. I just sold my 4" 629-4. It was a great gun. But I no longer enjoy the heavy thump of the 44 mag round. It had been digesting a steady diet of 44 spcl for the last 4 years.
No need in the engineering upgrades. So liquidated and converting funds to the pre 29 fund. I will buy something that has more appeal to my tastes and interests.
 
29-1 for collect-ability then the pre 29 as a collector gun (not as rare as a 29-1)
then 29-2.
I have to agree with engine49guy if I am buying it just as a shooter.
I will just move right on by to the 629 Classic DX. Best shooter 29 S&W ever made.
 
mbliss57 said:
I have to agree with engine49guy if I am buying it just as a shooter.
I will just move right on by to the 629 Classic DX. Best shooter 29 S&W ever made.
Click to expand...

Forgot to mention those revisions have forged internals and are Pre MIM and Pre IL, not sure if they are covered under the Lifetime warranty but doesnt matter as they are by far the still the "Best 44 Magnum handguns S&W ever built" ...well at least IMO...

They are not the most collectable, not the most expensive, not the most sought after by collectors but IMO they are the most robust versions ever made and more importantly S&W will still fix them if they do break.
 
Frankly, I'd choose a M-629-3 with six-inch barrel. I prefer stainless guns and it'd have the improvements to enhance durability.

Of the choices listed, I chose a M-29-2 to take advantage of engineering changes. Collectors may have a different view.
 
For me, a very nice condition 29-1 would be a dream come true. I am not a collector but I will only buy an as nearly pristine example of any model number that I can both find and afford. I have a beautiful model 29-2 4" with a nickel finish that I have fired exactly one time. I don't get out much...
 
I have owned many 29-2's and one 29-1 and three pre 29's over the last 15 years, and to me the pre 29's have the smoothest action and the Coke grips are a perfect fit to my hand.Out of all 29's I have owned I have sold or traded all but one a pre 29 6.5 inch that I doubt I will ever let go of and yes I shoot it often.
 
I opted for a four screw.Never cared for the looks of that big ole fifth screw.
 
I'm no expert or true collector by any means but when it comes to owning and shooting S&W revolvers I like the pre-numbered models. I just don't see the fit and finish on the numbered models that can compare with the early pre-numbered ones. In many ways it almost looks as if the finish on a numbered model revolver was put on thick enough to cover the polishing marks, you rarely see any polish marks showing through the finish on a pre-numbered revolver. I own a few gently used pre numbered guns and their actions almost seem as if they were worked on, while on a few of the numbered models I have owned they actually needed to be worked on to get that feel. I'll pay a premium for a couple of things and one of them is the quality of the firearm that I shoot, I like the pre-numbered revolvers.
 
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