Question...model 29 5 inch...UPDATE W/PICS..

Xfuzz · Jun 10, 2015

Short of getting a S&W letter is there any
clues to look for concerning a 29 5 inch...?

It is a 1963 vintage..Serial # S231xxx
Nickel with a 5 inch barrel.
I will not be able to put my hands
on it til this weekend.

Thanks in advance..

NEWS DOES NOT LOOK SO GOOD.
Here are some pics from today.

Few details:
No N on the cylinder.
*star stamped on the barrel.
Finish looks original...to me anyway.
N stamped on the grip.
Does it look to have been cut and re-crowned ?????

Take a look any opinions appreciated.

JP@AK · Jun 10, 2015

"Clues" regarding what? I'm not sure what information you are asking for. Please clarify.

A nickel plated, 5" Model 29-2 with an S prefix serial number sounds intriguing to me (assuming it is in decent shape and the barrel is its original length)!

Xfuzz · Jun 10, 2015

I did not know if they were random
in receiving the serial number or if
they were in a specific serial number
range.
The gun is very clean...but wrong stocks.

Jim Watson · Jun 10, 2015

Will a 1963 gun still have a star and date if returned for work?

A factory nickel 5" would be a great catch.
One sent back to be sawn off and plated is just pretty.

Art Doc · Jun 10, 2015

Are you trying to verify it's an original 5" M29?

On a rare and pricey gun like this I wouldn't touch it without a letter. Unless it's priced as a modified shooter. If it's $600 I grab it. If it's $3,000 I want the letter.

Xfuzz · Jun 10, 2015

Seller and I have agreed to wait
on the letter before money changes
hands.

Thanks for the info.....I finally found my
reference books 30 minutes ago.

05CarbonDRZ · Jun 10, 2015

Do You have a magical Horse Shoe?

Doc44 · Jun 10, 2015

I have a list of over 200 44 Magnums with an original 5-inch barrel. I don't have access to the list right now, but don't remember one finished in nickel in that serial number range. A letter is a must!!

Bill

05CarbonDRZ · Jun 10, 2015

Doc44 said:
I have a list of over 200 44 Magnums with an original 5-inch barrel. I don't have access to the list right now, but don't remember one finished in nickel in that serial number range. A letter is a must!!

Bill

I just looked at your List in the SWCA Journal and there are not any Nickle 5" Guns listed in the range.Am I safe to assume that this list is not every 5" Gun the Factory made?

Nightowl · Jun 10, 2015

There were some 5 inch model 29-2s made in the S231xxx serial number range, so the 5 inch barrel length is possible.

flundertaker · Jun 11, 2015

just curious what the seller is saying or thinking. either he was the original owner and knows 100% what the deal is or he is a subsequent owner who either paid crazy money for a super rare piece or he paid reasonable money for a nicely done rework. I don't see much middle ground on this one.

Xfuzz · Jun 11, 2015

Current owner has had the revolver since around 1974-75.
He owned and operated a gun shop for 35 years.
Purchased the Smith from an individual who had
bought it from a family member that had been
a S&W employee.

I saw the 29 nearly 15+ years ago and it was crisp.
Has not been used or carried since.
However, at that time I did not know what to look
for concerning refinish issues and such.

So.....that is the "story" concerning the gun.
I feel it is a VERY LONG shot on being righteous.
But I have been given the first shot at the purchase.
Gonna be a long 20 week wait on the letter.

weatherby · Jun 11, 2015

I feel it is a VERY LONG shot on being righteous.

Your aiming high.....that helps.

Best of luck on the shot

Tom_R · Jun 11, 2015

If it does not letter as a Factory Original 5" gun, I still would be interested in it, at the right price. Especially if it "Looks Right" and was a good conversion.

A 5" N Frame is a beautiful gun, and is very, very well balanced. I had a chance at two different 5" model 27-2s, passed on both, and I kind of regret it.

If that 5" 29-2 looks right, and the Nickel is nice, you may be able to get a nice deal on it.

05CarbonDRZ · Jun 11, 2015

Did You have Him take the Stocks off to check for rework stamps?

Xfuzz · Jun 11, 2015

05CarbonDRZ said:
Did You have Him take the Stocks off to check for rework stamps?

Have not got that far yet.
We are going to hook up this
weekend. His vision is nearly shot.
I will check for the proper markings for
a nickel Smith.
Hopefully get a few pics.

Frank237 · Jun 11, 2015

Good Luck! The fun and excitement of the hunt! lol.

boykinlp · Jun 11, 2015

Fingers crossed!!

Nightowl · Jun 11, 2015

You might try phoning or emailing Roy. He verified my 5" by email within minutes on a Saturday, but that was several years ago. He might be able to verify the barrel length for you.

Xfuzz · Jun 13, 2015

Added some pics...

Question...model 29 5 inch...UPDATE W/PICS..

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