I have been looking for a 6.5" M29 for several years. Any I found locally were -2's and all seemed to have issues. On GB I can't bring myself to pay what they're asking. Would love to have a pre-29, but once again the price stops me.
I have 2 -2's, a 6" I bought new in 1981 and an 8-3/8".Also more then a few -3's and up in various barrel lengths, but I've had it in my head I wanted a 6.5".
I was at the Kittery Trading Post yesterday and lo and behold they had a new 29-10 classic for $1299. I looked it over closely and couldn't find any issues at all. Bank vault tight, mechanically as nice as any I have. Nice finish, although not as nice as the old guns. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones because I have bought a few new Smiths in recent years and have only had to send two back for issues.
All in all I'm pretty happy with it. Don't know when I will get around to a range trip as I'm packing for a move and have all my range gear and cleaning supplies packed.
The dust and cat hair is something I added when I got home!