i been shopping around for 29-2 with 6.5 inch when i found classic 29 also with 6.5. Am i correct to assume these are new production revolvers that are close to what original 29 was minus p&r?
Are there any other diff? How's the quality? Accuracy? Thanks in advance

The new models have the hammer lock mechanism, contain MIM parts, and the "blueing" is not the same, they use a different method nowadays.
Most people, who actually own them, say the accuracy of the new guns are as good as they ever were.

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Sure you did

my main reason for looking at the classic model is the problems that early models have with hot loads.

I've had one for about a week and I'm very pleased with it.
It's a new classic blue, 6 1/2 inch barrel.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

I checked for all the reported QC problems and can't find any.
With the hammer cocked, it locks up tight on all cylinders.

The first round I fired from 25 yards hit dead center of the bullseye.
I take that as a good sign.

After 150rds of 240gr SWC reloads it has been flawless.

It seems to be a solidly built revolver, just as good or maybe
even better than the original 29-2.

I do have a problem with the grips that came with it
I have big hands and those thin grips have got to go.

I'm looking now for some reproduction coke bottle type replacement grips.

Get some better grips and it will definitely be a keeper.

Glad to hear you like your new 29, l own some older 44 magnums and also some new ones I do appreciate the older ones for what they are, but for a shooter the modern models are head and shoulders above them - sorry but thats been my experience - I hope I didn't just start another war on this topic.

Can you elaborate please ...

Sure, this is just my opinion and I'm not an expert but I have been loading for and shooting 44 magnums for over 20 years. First they have the full endurance package this effectively doubles the life of the gun, second they have much closer tolerances now( 2, 29-3's and 1,629-1 that I own the cylinder throats are all over the place from .429-.432, I have 5 629-6's that are virtually the same ) and finally the alloys that they are made from are more durable.

Yep... I'm a decades long S&W collector and arrive at the same conclusions CWH44300 and ladder13 have, (with the exception of throat variations I haven't personally experienced.)

Another wise reason for selecting a newer gun is the outstanding S&W warranty. For a new or frequent shooter that is an important consideration.

It can be a tough decision when all the factors are considered. The earlier 44 will look better to most observers, (fit, finish, bluing, grips, etc.) hold their value both as a collectible or potential trade item. They can also be fine shooters but the loads must be kept moderate and reasonable...

The best option is to try to own them both to cover all issues. I enjoy posting the picture below for that reason. It shows one of my favorite collectibles (the 629 no-dash) and my current favorite 44 Mag shooter (the 629-6 Classic)..

Let us know what you decide...

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Terry

I have a 29-2 and 25-5,I have been thinking of a new 27,any thoughts?

Nlmadog,

To receive specific attention to your post you may want to post it as a new thread from the main page. More people will see your request that way....

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Terry

Heyas,
waiting for arrival of a special... older 586 so I don't know how the older ones shoot. But I do have 2 smith 629 Classic DX's at 6.5 inch. Targets were 0.7 and 0.9 inches at 25 yards, respectively, on factory targets. These were both born in 2002. They both shoot.
Tens

Just a simple question. How can a new 629 be better than an old 29/629 but the rest of the Smith line not as good as the old ones? Just a thought after reading some of the above posts.