Good morning all,

I have a bit of a conundrum. I am finally getting around to purchasing a Model 29. I want a Blue, 6.5 gun(yep just like Mr. Callahan). The debate i have is old vs new.

I have found a 29-2 in Virginia, looks to be fired but in good condition. I like it because it comes with good grips and its case and accessories.

I have also found a brand new 29 Classic.

Usually, I go with an older, no lock gun. But with a big guy like this, It would be nice to have the piece of mind of knowing its new and not ever mistreated. Plus the blue will be uniform and factory fresh.

From anyone who has a newer 29. If you could go back and buy again, would you go new or used.

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686-4 442-1

The new model 29s pale in comparison to the 29-2.

This is an easy one for me. You'll spend more money but it will be infinitely worth it.

I can't have a model 29 with a keylock and transfer bar and MIM parts. Yuck.

I say buy the original. That's the Dirty Harry gun. Not the current production gun. And the bluing will look better.

Here's my mid 70's 29-2.

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Watch & Pray

I have 2 of the newer 29's . A 4" and 6" in 29-10 . Truthfully I wouldn't trade them for one of the older ones . You don't know the history , how many hot loads has it had to digest ? The older ones don't handle full power loads well . The cylinder can / will spin backwards , the frame will stretch with powerful loads . The older ones don't have the " endurance package " . S&W developed that for a reason , the older ones just didn't stand up . The mim parts of today is just fine . My 4" has the smoothest action I have in a revolver , and I have quite a few . I have passed on the chance to buy several older ones because of the above reasons for actually very reasonable prices . If I was going to shoot just 44 special type loads , then the older ones are fine . My first 29 was a -3 . It spent more time at the gunsmith than it did with me . I will never / ever again buy an older one . I got rid of it , for a big loss . Cosmetically , the older ones look nice , internally they are a " weak sister " . I load mine on the warmish side , the newer ones was / is definitely the way for me to go . So , would I buy an older one -- NO ? I'm not looking for a 44 special type gun . Regards Paul

As you mention, it is a personal preference.

While I hate the look of the lock, I would not let a lock stop me from buying a Smith & Wesson configuration that am looking for

I currently own several revolvers' with the lock, I never use the ke and ignore it

One advantage to a NEW revolver over a Used one is that the NEW firearm will have a warranty. that is an important consideration to some folks

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"Acta non verba"

I disagree with a lot of this. The older guns absolutely will handle any normal 44 Mag load, full power or not. The "endurance package" is probably just marketing that doesn't mean much.

If you're passing up old classic model 29s because you think they aren't durable, you're making a big mistake.

There are millions of people who have put tens of millions of rounds through the older Model 29s from 1955 until these new "classics" came out without much issue.

Get the older 29-2 and live the moment!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Ad Unum Omnes

Get some close up pictures of the 29-2 or better yet handle it in person. Either way you'll be able to tell if it was mistreated. I have new and old and shoot the newer ones more but if I was limited to one or two they would be the P&R 6.5 inch guns. Here are two, the nickel (1977) I bought at a gun show a few months ago and the blue one is the first 44 Mag (1969) I purchased back in 1976. Buy a new one if you want to, nothing wrong with them, but you'll likely not be satisfied until you have a -2 or pre-model 29. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

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I would not have a Hillary hole gun , BUY THE OLD ONE !
I have two MOD 29-2.

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V/r,
Markham

I say stay with the older ones.

29-2 Nickle

29-3 Blued

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Not even a choice. Get a nice condition original 29-2, 6 1/2" blued, with factory target stocks. Inspector Callahan would be very proud of you.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

IMHO the -2 29's and 27's are some of the finest hand guns ever produced. When you feel the action on one of these.... As someone else mentioned the bluing is better on the -2.

My opinion only.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

I currently own 2 older model 29's , one I bought new many years ago, and never had any issues.....Personally, I prefer the old guns. Like they say...opinions are like butt holes, everybody's got one !

My first S&Ws were the modern version with the lock,a 629 and a 586.Solid,accurate guns,but the further I went down the rabbit hole,I ended up replacing them with much older guns. My newest Smith is a -3 from the early 70s. I like the look of the old ones better

I think you need both. The older model for a holding/polishing gun and the new one for a shooter.

If you are in the guns are just a tool camp , then get one of the new Classics. But if you want a real nice one that you will be passing down to someone with pride ,get an original version.

In all likelihood for as much as you will shoot it go with the 29-2. You will never have to say "This is just like Dirty Harry's gun. Well, I mean his does not have this hole".

when it comes to choosing old firearms over the new models, the old ones seem to win out almost every time. Like a new condition 29-2!

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Some how we got through 17 replies without the two or three things that I think make the most difference to most shooters being mentioned, cylinder throat diameters, bluing, and barrel weight.

While the endurance improvements were needed for heavy loaded 300 grain bullets most owners shoot little or none of those loads. The tighter throats and smaller forcing cones that were part of the endurance package make it easier to find accurate loads. That matters more to me.

About 2000 or a few years later S&W stopped all bluing. Their substitute for real blueing is gradually rubbed off with a soft rag and any cleaning solvent that contains ammonia. It is so dark that the color difference can be spotted from across the room. Selling it as blueing is a fraud. Since the O.P. wants a blued revolver this might matter most to him.

Off hand all the 6 1/2" modern 29 Classics I can recall have thin barrels. They're going to recoil more. Whether that's good or bad depends on your use for the gun.

Most collectors of most stuff want older examples and can rationalize how the older stuff is better. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it's not. I bought my first S&W .44, an 8 3/8" 29-2 new in 1975. It never did group as tight as my first .44, a Ruger Super Blackhawk.

There are + and - things in both camps. The older guns look better, with nicer blued finish and no lock, and have nostalgia of the past. The newer guns have the endurance package (good if you're shooting heavy loads), better metallurgy and all the latest upgrades.

It's mostly which one you like better. They are both high quality guns, each in a little different way. The lock never bothered me, I have put thousands of rounds through both kinds with no problems. I prefer the advancements of the newer models, though I can certainly appreciate the older ones as well. I was shooting the older ones when they were the newer ones.

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protocalldesign.com

Both will shoot just fine. There’s nothing to choose one over the other from a functional standpoint: anything you’d want to do with a 44mag can be done with either.

The distinction is esthetic.

The newer gun has the lock, which requires a larger frame to accommodate the lock. The difference between the older and newer frames is apparent: I find the newer frame clunky in comparison.

The older gun will retain value, and appreciate much more reliably than the newer versions.

I vote for the 29-2. I faced the exact same decision two years ago when shopping for a 6" Model 57 .41.

I seriously considered a Classic. As a shooter it made perfect sense and they were available immediately, unfired for around $900. In the end I waited, saved, spent more and acquired a '79 or '80 P&R no dash in the presentation box. It just feels and looks right to me.

Like many of the used N frame magnums I see, It does not appear to have been shot a lot. I have no regrets. I have put 150 factory loads through it and more than 500 of the 1000 fps reloads that my Model 58 loves. No problems. I'm currently working up a hotter load with an HP bullet since I intend to hunt deer with it this fall.

If I intended to shoot it more or exclusively with factory or close to max reloads I might have made a different decision. I own Smith's that aren't P&R and love them, but none so far with the lock.

Just my opinion.

Go with the earlier ones, IMO. If you want a newer one, S&W made a "Dirty Harry Edition", M29-8. Has the internal lock, and comes with a replica of Callahan's Inspector badge. It's also a 4-screw gun, like his was (which was a "no dash"). The 150th Anniversary M29-8 is also a 6-1/2" gun. These have the shrouded extractor rod barrels

A regular M29-2 will do, but the 6-1/2" barrel was discontinued early in 1979 in favor of a 6" barrel, so you'd need to shop for one made pre-1979.

Any of the other newer M29's with a 6-1/2" barrel will have the full underlug.

I have a nickel M29-2, but don't shoot it because it's an unfired commemorative; for loud-noise making and hand tingling shooting, I have a M57 and M58. I don't think you can go wrong with either a new one or an older one, but the older one, being the original design, will hold its value better over time, IMO. They are fully capable of a steady diet of standard 240 grain, full powder load cartridges, more than you'll want to shoot in a day at the range.

The Endurance package was developed for silhouette shooting, where gunners are loading to the ragged edge and launching 300 grain bullets at the rate of 100+ in a day.

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Aren't the modern classics "4-screw" guns?

They have a bug screw but no cylinder stop plunger screw. None of the vintage S&W revolvers were ever made like this.

Safe queen that you're going to rarely shoot: 29-2 all the way.

Gun you're going to ride hard with frequent shoots and carry from time to time: 29-10, no doubt.

Your eyes and thoughts are what make the original special. Your trigger finger, the cartridges themselves, and the target care not.

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Psalm 27:2

I've bought both new and used handguns. Have never had a problem with used as I look them over carefully prior to purchase.

Sadly, I think I was being scammed on the 29-2. They are out of state, so I can’t handle the gun. After writing them via email, something didn’t seem right.

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686-4 442-1

I have 2 - 29-10's in a 4 and 6 1/2", and 2 - 29-3's in a 8 3/8 and 10 5/8". All are excellent and are very accurate. Just get a 29-10 so you can start shooting, you can always get another because it is contagious.

Have you ever seen Hickok45's 29-2? He claims he has 85,000 rounds through it and he shot lots of silhouette in the 70s and 80s with it.

Be careful. Vintage 29's are getting like Pythons.

EVERYONE wants one now and they are getting very expensive, so they are a big target for scammers.

The new s&w m29-10 has all the upgrades in one gun. It’s the finest m29 ever produced. The metallurgy is also out standing I’ve been told. I own a new 29-10. I’m happy. I don’t abuse my s&w that’s what my Rugers are fore. As far as it being heavier I’ve shoulder holstered a 7.5” barreled in 44 magnum Redhawk for many decades weight means nothing.

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Plant garlic in the fall

I don't know about a conundrum OP.

Seems obvious........
You Want... "a Blue, 6.5 gun(yep just like Mr. Callahan)".

Smith doesn't make them anymore.

It's not about mechanical abuse, it's about preserving the value of the gun. 29s aren't wilting flowers by any stretch. But if you just want a great bullet launcher, why get a high condition 29-2?

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Psalm 27:2

Leave the new revolvers for me I’ll buy them.

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Plant garlic in the fall

I have a 29-2 in nickel and a 29-5 in blue. Paid about $125 more for the 4". If I had to pick I'd go with the shorter "old school" gun. Fer shooting though, 629-3 without hesitation. Joe

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Behavior Creates Destiny

One LGS had all the new s&w n frames for $699, m57, m58, in nickel. . After the sale he had a m24/6.5” in nickel for $750. Another LGS had a used unshot m29-10/6.5” blue for $699. I didn’t need one but for $699 couldn’t pass it up. I’m not cheap I’m frugal......lmao.

For $699 I can put up with the Klingon hole.

Remember if they discontinue the Klingon hole most collectors will be scrambling to buy them. Lol

GI has a m29 no dash for $1,600. I believe only 800 made in 1980.

Buy nickel finish because it’s like land there not making anymore.

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Plant garlic in the fall

K22fan hit a lot of nails on the head. Years back I bought a really sweet 29-2 for a reasonable price. It never would shoot a group. The cylinder throats measured .433. I sold it a picked up a used Birdsong green Stealth Hunter. Unbelievably accurate. I would buy a 29 no dash or a pre 29 before I would buy a 29-2. The -2 ran for many years and I really think the earlier 6 1/2” guns are pretty good but the later part of the run maybe not. I also have some newer guns with the lock and they are excellent shooters and extremely accurate.

I'll take the opposite position. My 4 screw pre 29 is in my carry rotation. Regularly shot, it's not like it's going to wear out before me. My son carries a nickel 29-3, so there you go.

IMHO, the pre 29's have be best triggers of any short action Smith I've owned. So given the choice, the older gun.

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

This debate will certainly not be resolved by this old man's post, but they each have different advantages. In some practical ways, the new guns are better than the old in machining and metallurgy, you take a small, but perceivable, incremental quality risk of having to send a newer one back because the assembly and finishing is not always what it was. A new gun will give you assurance that it was always cared for properly, in more powerful guns abuse and wear takes more of a toll than on a 22 LR, If I knew the old one was properly used and maintained it would be a toss up for me. If you just plain need the exact type of gun that Dirty Harry had well then you need the old one. Many of the Old Guard, as is their right, will never consider anything made after a certain date or with the IL; for others it matters not and both groups do well. Good luck with your choice.

I just recently acquired a 29-2 after several months of debating the same thing. My first real classic and something I don’t think I’ll ever part with.

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You can launch a lot of bullets with a 29-2 and take care of it and it will look great for years and years.

I don't know why the hesitancy to shoot a fine firearm. Life is too short to worry about things like that.

You’ll love either one of them, so just buy one now and get started. You can buy the other one later - and I’m pretty sure you will.

All of my .44s are older models. I like them just fine, and I do admire their beauty, but that can be a “liability,” too. If I used a .44 Magnum revolver much anymore, I’d be looking for a 29-10, or a 629 of similar vintage. I don’t know anything about S&W’s new blue finish, so I can’t comment on that. I have seen S&W let some pretty ratty looking barrels go out the door. If I were buying a new 29 I’d have a close look at the barrel (interior), particularly if you shoot mostly lead.

After shooting and collecting 29s for nearly 50 years ,I never had a bad one,never had an old one loosen up. Eventually you can tell if the 29-2 is an S number or an N number simply by its sheen in the blueing or its case hardening. Although I have never had a current production gun,most reports by actual owners is they think very highly of them.Many comment on the smoothness of their actions. I dont think you will go wrong with whatever vintage you choose

I believe OP said he has the impression he may be getting scammed, so that right there should answer HIS question; buy the new one, then maybe wait for an older one, at this time. The answer if one could actually hold & check out both guns, perhaps the older one may come out on top. Personally, I've never held the older ones but according to the answers above I believe the older one would win mainly because of the "real" blueing.

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Waiting For The Sun.

Nope. The vast majority of the rounds he's shot are either 44 specials or a "moderate magnum" load. The moderate load as best as I can glean from his various 44 videos is a 240 gr cast bullet with probably 10 gr of Unique. Very moderate.
I owned a 29-2 with the 8" barrel. Nothing special about it, so I sold it and bought a 629-5 4". Which I sold for a 4.25" Model 69. Best 44 of the bunch. Technology advances.

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To cannon, all men are equal

I'd say it depends upon what you really want. If you are willing to limit your shooting to factory standard 44 Magnum ammo, bullet weight not exceeding 250 grains, then the older Model 29's are just fine. The big issue with Model 29's loosening and cylinders failing to lock came in the world of metallic silhouette competition, where full power loads using 300 grain bullets were being used. Honestly, given the weight of the Model 29, you probably won't be shooting a whole lot of 240 grain full power ammo. Even Dirty Harry admitted to using a 44 special load.



The quality of bluing between pre-1978, 1978-2000 and 2000-today cannot be compared. Pre-1978 blueing was the Carbonia oil blue. It is a deep blue, not black. Only one man at S&W knew the exact formula, he retired and took the formula with him, so S&W switched to a hot blueing process (black oxide). As the story goes, he died and his widow offered to sell the notebook containing the formula to S&W. But S&W was now producing firearms finished in black oxide and was unwilling to buy the formula and go back to Carbonia oil blueing. His widow reportedly burned the notebook. The hot blue S&W used from 1978 to 2000 produced a nice, very dark blue, almost black finish and it was durable. S&W replaced the black oxide process with an EPA approved bluing in 2000. This new "blue" is very black and not particularly durable. S&W warns to not use any cleaning agent that contains ammonia or ammoniated compounds as these will damage this new blueing.


One last thing to consider. How many Model 29, 29-1's or 29-2's is S&W producing today? The obvious answer is, none. These old Model 29's are like classic cars. Yes, you can buy a brand new Dodge Challenger, Chevy Camero, or Ford Mustang. The new ones produce more power and handle a whole lot better than the ones from the 1960's and early 70's, but to buy an old one can cost you just as much and often more than a new one because the old ones are classics that are no longer being made.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

That 3rd change gun is a great photo! Back in the day the "elite" crowd usually took off the factory grips in favor of the Packs. I like the white lettering too- very old school

the 29s were rare as hens teeth back in the mid seventies!

He's mentioned several times that he's shot all sorts of heavy loads through it over the past 45 years. He shot silhouette with it in the 70s.

Revolver technology is pretty static. The ones made in the 1940s and 50s are pretty much just as "good" technology-wise as the ones today. I'm not sure what other wiz bang technology one would need for a good wheelgun.

And sure, if you don't appreciate fine craftsmanship and can't really tell a difference between a vintage S&W and the modern ones, then why not get the modern one? If it's just a blaster and a tool, go for a new one?

Most gun guys would pick the old though, I suspect.

I like to hear this. Most people would be terrified of actually using that gun.

You have good taste.