Model 29 best and worst model or years?

rockquarry · #51 05-23-2020, 09:37 AM

I began shooting 29-2s in 1973 and a single 29-3 in 1983. These were fired with magnum handloads almost exclusively for many years. I never used the needlessly heavy bullets, but did cast the standard 250 grain semiwadcutter designs that worked well.

My two remaining 29s, a 29-2 and a 29-3 were purchased new more than thirty-five years ago. I can see little difference in these guns. Accuracy, endurance,and reliability is about the same. I realize pinned barrels and recessed cylinders are a big deal to some, but in the field or on the range I've found these features have no real significance.

I stopped shooting magnum cartridges a few years ago. The 29s shoot quite well with cast .44 Special loads.

pharmer · #52 05-23-2020, 09:58 AM

Nice to see, after 11 years the same questions are relevant. I have a 4" 29-2 I bought used that's as tight as the day it was made. With standard loads (WWB 240 gr are less than 1200 fps) it's fun to shoot. 29-5 seems easier to shoot but it has more than 2X the barrel. I'll be long gone before either wears out. Joe

CH4 · #53 05-23-2020, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. McIntyre

So from what I gather here, would it be safe to say the 29-5 is probably the pinnacle of the Model 29s development?

I would tend to agree!

Narragansett · #54 05-23-2020, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH4

I would tend to agree!

M29-5 classic DX 1992 5"bbl. Sorry the pic is so dark. I need to take another picture some day. I tried to find out a production quantity on the 5" bbl but no info available. I have never seen another 5"

bananaman · #55 05-24-2020, 08:33 AM

Can anyone tell me how to determine if my 29-3 has the endurance package? Did not know they existed. Serial# AZE5338, 1988. No box to check info. Thanks, Bob

Narragansett · #56 05-24-2020, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananaman

Can anyone tell me how to determine if my 29-3 has the endurance package? Did not know they existed. Serial# AZE5338, 1988. No box to check info. Thanks, Bob

I could be all wet here, but I think it has to be a -3E

murphydog · #57 05-24-2020, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananaman

Can anyone tell me how to determine if my 29-3 has the endurance package? Did not know they existed. Serial# AZE5338, 1988. No box to check info. Thanks, Bob

The usual visual clue to the endurance package is deeper and wider cylinder notches, so I would guess yours does not have the upgraded features.

Frank Black · #58 05-25-2020, 04:24 PM

Interesting Necro thread, ...

Because about a month ago at my LGS, just as this pandemic stuff was peaking, two Old School S&W Magnums popped up on consignment sale, both brought in by the same owner.

One is a 'no-dash' blue Model 57 with 6" barrel. The other is a blue 29-2 also with a 6" barrel.

Both have their original grips, and each is sitting on the 'pre-owned' shelf in its own presentation box with factory paperwork, etc.

Condition-wise, the grips and blueing on the M57 are more worn than on the M29-2. IOW, the M29-2 looks to be in somewhat better shape, although the bores of both guns look really good.

So I'd rate the M57 at about 85%, and the M29-2 at 95%.

Owner wants $1600 for each gun, and he told the counter-guys to tell potential 'low ballers' 'to pound sand, 'cause I ain't budging.'

And that's basically what the counter guys have been telling folks who come in and look these revolvers over, and then ask if the owner 'is open to offers.' Price is fixed. Take it or leave it.

As of yesterday, they were both still on the shelf.

Whatcha think? $1600 way too high?

captaint · #59 05-26-2020, 10:00 PM

In my meaningless opinion, it's a little soon for those prices. May not be too far off, though..

murphydog · #60 05-26-2020, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Black

Interesting Necro thread, ...

Because about a month ago at my LGS, just as this pandemic stuff was peaking, two Old School S&W Magnums popped up on consignment sale, both brought in by the same owner.

One is a 'no-dash' blue Model 57 with 6" barrel. The other is a blue 29-2 also with a 6" barrel.

Both have their original grips, and each is sitting on the 'pre-owned' shelf in its own presentation box with factory paperwork, etc.

Condition-wise, the grips and blueing on the M57 are more worn than on the M29-2. IOW, the M29-2 looks to be in somewhat better shape, although the bores of both guns look really good.

So I'd rate the M57 at about 85%, and the M29-2 at 95%.

Owner wants $1600 for each gun, and he told the counter-guys to tell potential 'low ballers' 'to pound sand, 'cause I ain't budging.'

And that's basically what the counter guys have been telling folks who come in and look these revolvers over, and then ask if the owner 'is open to offers.' Price is fixed. Take it or leave it.

As of yesterday, they were both still on the shelf.

Whatcha think? $1600 way too high?

For lightly to moderately worn examples, even with the original boxes and contents, the quoted asking prices are "aspirational". Guess the seller is not in a hurry.

Neversink n Klapperthal · #61 05-28-2020, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shocker

Zombie thread lives. Hickoks 29 had action repairs done. Also, many of those rounds were 44 SPC or "moderate" magnums.

I`m sure. In a lifetime of shooting 29s,the ones that shot loose for me were always the 8 3/8 inchers.My hottest loads for them now are no more than 3/4 loadings.

Neversink n Klapperthal · #62 05-28-2020, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay72

For collecting you can’t go wrong with any of the S prefix 29’s (pre, no dash, 29-1 and 29-2).
For shooting you cant go wrong with a 29-5 Classic DX.

you are exactly right.I never owned one of the newer 'Classics",but from reports their built very strongly too

Sgt911 · #63 05-28-2020, 08:25 AM

I was curious about the 29-10. I bought one a couple years ago and have yet to fire it. The revolver is beautiful, I'm not to crazy about the Altamont grips though, they seem thin or narrow. I had looked for an older 6.5" but couldn't find one local. A new 4" classic came into the local shop so I went ahead and purchased it.

Doc44 · #64 05-28-2020, 09:11 AM

I bought a Model 29-10, 6 1/2-inch, nickel, in 2006 when the model was introduced. I replaced the stocks with a pair from the mid-70s and have put several hundred rounds of factory 44 Magnum (240 grain JSP) through it. I have never had a problem and it is very accurate at 25 and 50 yards. Click on the photo for a better look

Bill

oysterer · #65 05-28-2020, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Black

$1600 way too high?

exactly exactly double in this market...he'll learn.

rubiranch · #66 05-28-2020, 11:03 AM

Mine's the best M29.

My 6.5" M-29-2 shipped Jan 14, 1964.

bgrafsr · #67 05-28-2020, 11:11 AM

From Shooting Times 1989. Article by Dick Metcalf.

Frank Black · #68 05-30-2020, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oysterer

exactly exactly double in this market...he'll learn.

Yeah, given the condition of the M57, I was thinking $800-$850 max. And maybe the M29-2 fetches $900-$1K?

My sense is, before he brought them in, the owner had been eyeballing some of the crack-smokin' prices being asked for the more pristine examples of these guns, and then factored in the buying-panic of the pandemic, and decide to price his worn-but-still-decent guns on the high side.

Scott_HM1000X · #69 11-19-2020, 12:38 AM

I had a Model 29 in the mid 90’s (6” blued). It was in mint condition when I traded it in for something else (probably a Glock 19-YUCK). Anyway trading in my M29 is absolutely my #1 trade in mistake, and have always wanted one again. Got lucky on Gun Broken with a last minute bid for a 29-6 (1994?) with a 6” blued. Bluing is 98% and after tearing it completely down and re-assembly, happy to say all the internals look to be almost 100%. It’s had some rounds through it, but for-aft play on the cylinder is basically nothing and the barrel to cylinder cap is very tight. I suspect this gun fired mostly 44 special. Very happy to have the same vintage M29 as I had before.

DeplorabusUnum · #70 11-19-2020, 01:29 AM

I know this is a 29 thread. I don't own a 29, but have a 629 which began production much later. My question is would my 629-2 from 1988 be identical to the 29-4, also from 1988 except for the finish, one being blued and the other stainless steel. When the 29 models were changed, did the same changes occur with the model 629 year by year?

rubiranch · #71 11-19-2020, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott_HM1000X

Anyway trading in my M29 is absolutely my #1 trade in mistake, and have always wanted one again.

I sold about 2/3 of my guns this past year.

My 1964 6.5" M29-2 pictured above is one of my keepers.

Erocksmash · #72 11-19-2020, 01:34 PM

What is the strongest variant?

Claymore33 · #73 11-19-2020, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Black

Interesting Necro thread, ...

Because about a month ago at my LGS, just as this pandemic stuff was peaking, two Old School S&W Magnums popped up on consignment sale, both brought in by the same owner.

One is a 'no-dash' blue Model 57 with 6" barrel. The other is a blue 29-2 also with a 6" barrel.

Both have their original grips, and each is sitting on the 'pre-owned' shelf in its own presentation box with factory paperwork, etc.

Condition-wise, the grips and blueing on the M57 are more worn than on the M29-2. IOW, the M29-2 looks to be in somewhat better shape, although the bores of both guns look really good.

So I'd rate the M57 at about 85%, and the M29-2 at 95%.

Owner wants $1600 for each gun, and he told the counter-guys to tell potential 'low ballers' 'to pound sand, 'cause I ain't budging.'

And that's basically what the counter guys have been telling folks who come in and look these revolvers over, and then ask if the owner 'is open to offers.' Price is fixed. Take it or leave it.

As of yesterday, they were both still on the shelf.

Whatcha think? $1600 way too high?

MY viewing 10 different auctions for MOD 29 and 57s over last two months reveal prices from $1,100 to $1,400 at 95%

Steveyb · #74 11-19-2020, 04:50 PM

Best in the West

Neversink n Klapperthal · #75 11-21-2020, 10:45 AM

I probably have one of the larger 44 Smith collections,and anything up to change 3 is GTG. The 3rd change guns ,while lacking the polish and blueing of earlier guns,are exceptionally accurate. I do not care for the MIM parts on newer guns.Personally,I find the recessed chambers a real pita to clean

Neversink n Klapperthal · #76 11-21-2020, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Black

Interesting Necro thread, ...

Because about a month ago at my LGS, just as this pandemic stuff was peaking, two Old School S&W Magnums popped up on consignment sale, both brought in by the same owner.

One is a 'no-dash' blue Model 57 with 6" barrel. The other is a blue 29-2 also with a 6" barrel.

Both have their original grips, and each is sitting on the 'pre-owned' shelf in its own presentation box with factory paperwork, etc.
its a bit high,but older gun prices are all over the place.I see 29-2s anywhere from
Condition-wise, the grips and blueing on the M57 are more worn than on the M29-2. IOW, the M29-2 looks to be in somewhat better shape, although the bores of both guns look really good.

So I'd rate the M57 at about 85%, and the M29-2 at 95%.

Owner wants $1600 for each gun, and he told the counter-guys to tell potential 'low ballers' 'to pound sand, 'cause I ain't budging.'

And that's basically what the counter guys have been telling folks who come in and look these revolvers over, and then ask if the owner 'is open to offers.' Price is fixed. Take it or leave it.

As of yesterday, they were both still on the shelf.

Whatcha think? $1600 way too high?

Older Smith prices are all over the place. In my area, its rare to even find one, though one in nice condx would generally be around 1400 if its not an "S" serial number. A 1960s 29 would add some bucks

GM4spd · #77 11-21-2020, 11:01 AM

I can certainly appreciate the advances in endurance for the newer models but I’ve really lost interest after P/R stopped.
Pete

banger · #78 11-21-2020, 02:10 PM

Personally, I tend to view Smith and Wessson revolver more broadly then year or dash numbers

My rule of thumb revolves around who owned them at the time.

Smith and Wesson.... my personal favorites.

Bangor Punta.... Very good to excellent weapons. (though they get a little "sketchy" toward the end).

Lear Siegler...... Horrible... more like "you do it kits", here are the parts, it up to you to make it work.

Tompkins..... not nearly as bad as Lear Siegler... More like a cork floating on the ocean looking for guidance.

Safe-T-Hammer.... I don't care, I bet it's been years since I have even touched one.

Right or wrong.... those are my opinions.

saemetric · #79 11-21-2020, 02:26 PM

Only have one, a -2 bought new in 1979

The Gila Bender · #80 11-21-2020, 08:17 PM

I appreciate the 5-screw, 4-screw, and P&R 29's of course. But the S&W .44 Mags that I shoot the most are a 29-6 Classic full lug 6.5" (BRD prefix) and a pair of 629-4's with standard 6" barrel (BRN and BSM prefixes). Engineered and manufactured with enhanced endurance features and ~.429" cylinder throats, these production revolvers are tight and very accurate. All three were produced in 1994 and, IMHO, are among the finest of the old school pre-lock, pre-MIM, hammer-mounted firing pin N-frame production revolvers manufactured by Smith & Wesson.

1994_Model 29-6_Classic_.44 Mag_Krein05Walkabout.JPG Gila's Model 629-4's_SB and RB.jpg

CH4 · #81 07-11-2023, 12:03 PM

I agree that the 29-5 is king of the 29 family tree, for practical purposes. However, it's Achilles heel is the rear sight is a pain to replace if it's misplaced.

Rem722 · #82 07-11-2023, 08:32 PM

I’ve owned two 29s,a nickel-2 with a 8 3/8 barrel,beautiful revolver but never shot a round thru it.Purchased a used shooter grade -3 ,6” back in early 2000s,it been my constant deer hunting companion and I’ve taken a few deer with it over the years.No complaints.

Hawg Rider · #83 07-12-2023, 08:23 AM

It's interesting how various Threads are resurrected from time to time. This Thread originated in 2009, was brought back to life in 2020, and now again in 2023 by CH4. I was an original Poster (#16) back in 2009 when I was just beginning to search for some S&W .44 Magnums. Since then, I've been able to add a few to my modest collection. My favorites, and the ones that I think are the finest, are the early 5-screw and 4-screw .44 Magnums. How can you not love the fit and finish, the Coke Bottle stocks, the presentation cases, and the smoothness of the actions? Outstanding revolvers!

shuter1 · #84 02-10-2024, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH4

I agree that the 29-5 is king of the 29 family tree, for practical purposes. However, it's Achilles heel is the rear sight is a pain to replace if it's misplaced.

What's different about the rear sight on a -5 vs a -4 or -6?

Edit: Nevermind...answered my own question as I have both and actually bothered to open my safe and look

. the 29-6 is drilled and tapped with a rounded front edge or rear sight. So...the -5 is a pain to replace because it's harder to find that "old style" sight? Thanks in advance...

AC Man · #85 02-11-2024, 01:14 AM

Love these old threads. I am 67 years old have always had guns since I was a child.

On the other hand two years ago I decided to start collecting, I started with a 1956 N frame 44 mag 5 screw, then a 1957 4 screw pre model with my birth year and the wifes birth year. Factory box and tools in unfired condition. From there I went with a 29 - 2 in 4" 6.5" 8 3/8" in nickel and blued. Did the same in 41 mag and 357 mag.

I would say that is your best bang for the buck. Just a fact, my best deal on a 27-2 mint was S prefix first year box and papers. Go figure, no increase in price. All of my guns are mint in presentation case. The model 57 no dash collection is my favorite especially my first year 57 1964 4" in one year only presentation case. Have a few others that are odd ball but you get it, they are all N frames.

DWalt · #86 02-11-2024, 01:34 AM

I own a 29-3, and the lack of P&R means absolutely zero to me as neither performs any worthwhile purpose. The main shortcoming is the loss of cylinder lockup when firing full Magnum loads. But I came up with a home-made internal modification to the cylinder stop that helps to overcome that issue. The later "Endurance Package" was S&W's effort to cure that design problem. Nearly all of my shooting is with less than full power handloads, and I have never had any cylinder unlocking problems in firing them, before or after my modification. I am not in any way a fan of the muzzle blast and recoil of full loads and never plan to take my 29-3 revolver to shoot bears in Alaska.

Engine49guy · #87 02-11-2024, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawg Rider

It's interesting how various Threads are resurrected from time to time. This Thread originated in 2009, was brought back to life in 2020, and now again in 2023 by CH4. I was an original Poster (#16) back in 2009 when I was just beginning to search for some S&W .44 Magnums. Since then, I've been able to add a few to my modest collection. My favorites, and the ones that I think are the finest, are the early 5-screw and 4-screw .44 Magnums. How can you not love the fit and finish, the Coke Bottle stocks, the presentation cases, and the smoothness of the actions? Outstanding revolvers!

Nice 44 collection, Btw, you might wanna double check the 4th one down from the top,
The lack of frame top strap grooves ahead of the rear sight leaf, lack of barrel set pin and what appears to be a wider gap between cylinder and recoil shield are all clues it's more likely a 29-3.

As for the rear sight question, the 629-3 and 29-5 (which btw are equals in revision change because the 629 came out during 29-2 production so you add 2 to a SS 44 Magnum revision to figure out its blue/nickel equivelant),

The 629-3 and 29-5 were introduced with the new rounded rear sight leaf ( they were also drilled and tapped for scope mounting) the rounded leaf eliminated the need to mill all the way through the top strap), The rear sight units are unique to those two revisions as they are longer than the rear sight leafs on the 629-4 , 29-6 and later models so are not interchangeable IIRC.

Hawg Rider · #88 02-11-2024, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

Nice 44 collection, Btw, you might wanna double check the 4th one down from the top,
The lack of frame top strap grooves ahead of the rear sight leaf, lack of barrel set pin and what appears to be a wider gap between cylinder and recoil shield are all clues it's more likely a 29-3.

As for the rear sight question, the 629-3 and 29-5 (which btw are equals in revision change because the 629 came out during 29-2 production so you add 2 to a SS 44 Magnum revision to figure out its blue/nickel equivelant),

The 629-3 and 29-5 were introduced with the new rounded rear sight leaf ( they were also drilled and tapped for scope mounting) the rounded leaf eliminated the need to mill all the way through the top strap), The rear sight units are unique to those two revisions as they are longer than the rear sight leafs on the 629-4 , 29-6 and later models so are not interchangeable IIRC.

Engine49guy: After I read your comment, I went and checked all of my .44 Magnums. All five (including the four Model 29-2s) have barrel pins, top strap grooves in front of the rear sight, nominal cylinder gaps, and are stamped correctly. It was probably my poor photography that led you to believe that one might be a 29-3. Thanks for convincing me to take them out of the safe and handle them again...it's been a while!

shuter1 · #89 02-11-2024, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

The 629-3 and 29-5 were introduced with the new rounded rear sight leaf (they were also drilled and tapped for scope mounting)

My 29-5 does not have the rounded rear sight. It's square at the front and is milled all the way through the top strap. Also, it is not drilled and tapped.

BKLooney · #90 02-11-2024, 01:56 PM

I've got 2 29-2's, a blue 6" and a nickel 4", but I've never shook hands with a model 29 I didn't like!

Torf · #91 02-26-2024, 04:36 AM

My dream 29 has never been made.
It is a 29-4 with a 5 shot cylinder to get the locking nothes between the chambers.

Otherwise, the best 29-2 is a 57 nodash because the tiny difference is just what the N-frame needs to be long lasting. I replaced my 29-2 with a 57 nodash for IHMSA silhouette back in he days. The 57 held together much better. Both revolvers were shot with reduced magnum loads, just enough to topple the rams.

Mike0251 · #92 02-26-2024, 06:43 AM

I shoot my 29-2 and 24-3 maybe twice a year (sparingly) to keep the cob webs out. For repeated shooting and hammering I use the Anaconda. Bought that to shoot the **** out of it.

SRT · #93 03-01-2024, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29-1

1956
Chuck

Ditto to what 29-1 and Doc 44 posted. Chuck and Bill are genuine experts who are always very willing to share their considerable knowledge of the .44 Magnum with any collector.

Dogmann · #94 03-22-2024, 07:19 AM

What 29 did Harry Callahan carry? 29-1? Or 29-2?

44wheelman · #95 03-22-2024, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sniper47

Very informative thread. I guess I have the lemon of the bunch, at least according to most here, the -3.

I have/had many -3's. Being a -3 doesn't make it a lemon, there were just more lemons made in this time frame. And feature wise, appealed to fewer people.

To me the best shooting guns I've had were in the 1998-2002 mfg time frame, I can't remember which dash those are, dimensionally and timing wise, just never had any issues with them.

dsk · #96 03-27-2024, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogmann

What 29 did Harry Callahan carry? 29-1? Or 29-2?

6.5" 29-2. At least in the first film. Who knows what props they used in the sequels.

paknheat · #97 03-27-2024, 10:45 PM

Harry Callahan says there are no worse 29s.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

J-FRAME · #98 03-28-2024, 06:33 PM

M 629-4 4 inch for a shooter would be my pick