Anyone have a "new" Classic Model 29 6.5"?

Ga.BuckBuster · #1 07-16-2015, 11:55 PM

Hi guys,
I was looking at the S&W website a few nights ago and noticed that S&W is making the Mod. 29 in the Classic series of revolvers with the 6.5" barrel. I called S&W to verify production and they said yes, they are making them.
This was like the one I bought back in the late 70s, of course it was pinned and recessed back then. I remember foolishly selling it a few years later to buy some other gun.
I really wish I had kept it, I remember winning some trophies in PPC, Practice Police Competition matches shooting lower power target loads.

Anyway, I was getting the old 29 itch again and wanted to see if anyone owns one of these "new" classic 29s and how they like it and how it compares to the older 29s if they own one of those as well. I may just have to scratch that itch sometime soon.

Bob1943 · #2 07-17-2015, 12:35 AM

They are hard to find. I found one back East last November and had it shipped to Arizona. Beautiful gun, but I have not shot it yet, so I can't give you any operational feedback. It came in a plastic case, but the mahogany presentation case was also included.

MJFlores · #3 07-17-2015, 12:59 AM

You'll probably be let down if in you're mind you're comparing it to an old model 29. The new ones just aren't like they used to be. Quality issues aside, the blueing they use now is flat...not the deep finish you'll find on an older one. The worst part is, common bore cleaner will ruin the finish. Yes, they put on a blued finish that will rub off if you get bore cleaner on it. With the new guns, I'd recommend going stainless so, a model 629 in this case.

Ga.BuckBuster · #4 07-17-2015, 07:16 AM

Oh my gosh, I had no idea that a high quality gun maker like S&W would put out a gun that costly where common bore cleaner would take off the finish. I better rethink my interest in buying one. I had one reblued years ago( a later model 6" gun) Wasn't cheap.
I wonder if using a CLP like Breakfree, instead of Hoppe #9 would do the same thing.

Just curious, have you personally seen this happen on the newer models, or just heard it from someone?

M29since14 · #5 07-17-2015, 07:35 AM

Check this out a little more. I think S&W is fine with using Breakfree, and the problem is not "reported consistently." At least it appears that way to me.

You can also find these guns in nickel, if that would interest you. They don't look the same as 60s and 70s production, for sure, but nothing else does either. The ones I have seen looked good to me.

Ga.BuckBuster · #6 07-17-2015, 08:11 AM

I have had and currently have stainless guns, some people like nickel guns, I'm not a fan of them, just my personal preference.
I'm really disappointed that a iconic gun maker like S&W would make a model of one of the most if not the most famous guns it has ever manufactured with a bluing that would come off if you cleaned the gun with common bore cleaner.
Thanks guys, you may have just saved me alot of money and regret.
I will check into this more. There is one at a local gun dealer that I might check out, but I doubt if I will buy it knowing what I know now. Who wants to but a gun and then have a new real deep blue job done on it right after you clean it? Not me.

g-dad · #7 07-17-2015, 08:38 AM

OP, please dig deeper into this matter of cleaners. I have and will continue to use Breakfree and G96 on every gun I have including the newer Smiths with the finish like you're considering. JMO

Peak53 · #8 07-17-2015, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ga.BuckBuster

I have had and currently have stainless guns, some people like nickel guns, I'm not a fan of them, just my personal preference.
I'm really disappointed that a iconic gun maker like S&W would make a model of one of the most if not the most famous guns it has ever manufactured with a bluing that would come off if you cleaned the gun with common bore cleaner.
Thanks guys, you may have just saved me alot of money and regret.
I will check into this more. There is one at a local gun dealer that I might check out, but I doubt if I will buy it knowing what I know now. Who wants to but a gun and then have a new real deep blue job done on it right after you clean it? Not me.

Keep in mind that you are basing your apparent decision on a very, very limited set of opinions - one - and it is not verified by personal experience. You might be passing up a good deal on a hard to find revolver. A more general consensus seems to be that using the newer cleaning agents like Hoppes Elite or the like is perfectly fine. Some people have reported issues with older, ammonia-based agents.

Ga.BuckBuster · #9 07-17-2015, 08:54 AM

I will call the S&W performance center today that does the action work and refinishing on S&W guns and get their advice on what to use on the newer blued guns to not have the bluing come off.
I have been wanting to get some Hoppes Elite anyway for getting lead out of my auto pistol barrels. If it's ammonia based cleaners that are the problem, then there's other cleaners out there to use. I assume Hoppes Elite isn't ammonia based.

Ga.BuckBuster · #10 07-17-2015, 09:56 AM

I talked with someone at S&W a few minutes ago and he said the newer Classic guns are Carbonia blued like they used to do many years ago. He told me that Hoppe's #9 or any of the Hoppe's products should be fine.
He said it was a darker color, almost a black high gloss finish on the new Classic 29s. The only part of the gun that is matte is on the top strap.

mule69 · #11 07-17-2015, 09:21 PM

I bought one about two years ago and have shot the heck out of it. It is accurate with a beautiful finish on it. It is really accurate and likes 44 magnum loads. I have cleaned it after each time I have shot it with both G96 and Hoppes #9 and it still looks beautiful. It is truly a classic. If you get one you will enjoy shooting it as well as looking at it.

Ga.BuckBuster · #12 07-17-2015, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the review mule69. So you're obviously not having issues with the finish being ruined by using Hoppes #9 or you would have mentioned it. I'll probably just use Hoppes Elite to be on the safe side if I get this one.
I remember when I got my first one back in the late 70s. I loved shooting it as well as looking at too. A truly beautiful revolver that speaks with authority and accuracy!

Ga.BuckBuster · #13 07-18-2015, 03:02 PM

Well, today I saw a new NIB Classic 29, 6.5" barrel, and put it on layaway for 90 days. Put some down to hold it. Will get it by early Oct., probably before then.
Probably one of the most beautiful revolvers I have ever laid my eyes on. Finish was deep blue, almost black, not flat. The wood stocks have been redesigned to be thinner than the older models. Darker brown, almost a chocolate brown wood, looked like expensive furniture wood.
Much nicer than my old 29, that I sold years ago..This one will stay, will never sell it.
It feels a like K-22 in my hands after handling my 8 3/8" S&W 500. Lol.

Nothing like your first love returning to you.

Laketime · #14 07-18-2015, 03:15 PM

All that matters is if you like it.Enjoy your new 29 when you get it.

TAROMAN · #15 07-18-2015, 03:26 PM

Looks to be a 4 screw.
Interesting that they would bring that back.

gen3guy · #16 07-18-2015, 03:31 PM

LGS has one of the 5 inch 629 Classics. Great looking revolver. $930!

Ga.BuckBuster · #17 07-21-2015, 08:52 AM

Curious, do you shoot handloads in your 29 or just factory .44. Magnum rounds?
I handload for all of my handguns, will probably keep my loads for a 240gr. JHP around 1250-1350fps in this gun. Cast loads will be around 900-1000fps. Had used Unique back then for my target or light loads, used H-110 for my Magnum or top end loads.
When I had my original 29 back in the late 70s, early 80s, didn't have a chronograph at the time to see what my handloads were doing fps wise. Too nice a gun to hot rod it all the time and shoot it loose later on.

wogentry · #18 07-21-2015, 09:09 AM

I have the 4" Model 29 with the nickel finish. I have shot mostly .44 special rounds out of it. Other than the lock and the change to the frame (where the cylinder stop is part of the frame) it functions very well. Trigger is very nice. I use Hoppes #9 and have had no problems. I just don't soak it in it.