29-2 assistance please…

[Texican65]

Hi guys,

My name is Dow, and I’m new to the forum. I bought a model 29 almost 20 years ago now, used for $500, 4”. I carried it for many years in the woods and it has never let me down….until it just got too heavy to carry. I’m only 43 now…but still…all the exploring I do in the Washington Cascades…it was just weighing me down. So…I bought a model 69 last year l…and couldn’t be more pleased. They are very similar, but also very different, but I really enjoy them both.

I’m not a firearm aficionado…I only use them as tools…but I have great respect and admiration for them. I really don’t know much about my 29, and was hoping somebody could tell me when it was made.

The serial number is: N739715.

Can somebody tell me what year, and any other details that may be pertinent?

Thanks a lot!

Dow

 

[RKmesa]

Hi guys,

My name is Dow, and I’m new to the forum. I bought a model 29 almost 20 years ago now, used for $500, 4”... I really don’t know much about my 29, and was hoping somebody could tell me when it was made.

The serial number is: N739715.

Can somebody tell me what year, and any other details that may be pertinent?

Thanks a lot!

Dow

Dow:

Welcome to the forum. Based on dated guns in my collection in the same range of serial numbers as your gun, it most likely shipped in 1980. One of the problems of dating when S&Ws shipped is that the Factory did not ship in serial number order. So the only way to know for sure when your gun shipped is to order an Historical letter from the S&W Historical Foundation (follow this link to learn more about Historical Letters - Letters – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation )

All the best,

 

[stansdds]

The serial number is in the range of numbers from 1980. The four inch barrel is highly desirable these days. The rubber Pachmayr grips are not original, the Model 29-2 would have shipped with S&W's Goncalo Alves target stocks.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Lots of .44 Magnum fans to be found here, as well as a ton of information. As others have stated, your Model 29-2 was manufactured in 1980. I have a 6" nickel Model 29-2 (s/n N771902) from the same year. Although many of us can be considered collectors, we are also shooters and like you, use our revolvers as tools. But a word of caution, S&W .44 Magnum revolvers can become addicting and you may be on your way to acquiring even more! Enjoy!

 

[Texican65]

Thanks gents! Glad to finally know after all these years when the gun was built. I remember 20 years ago…all my Navy buddies who were with me when I bought it were slandering the 4” barrel…taking lots of slack about it, and I always thought that it was a lesser of a .44 mag because of that. I’m pleased to know however, that that is no longer the case. What is making the 4” barrel so desirable these days?

I’m so pleased that I have it…because they have started to re-introduce the Grizzly bear up here in the Cascade Mountains in WA state. I spend a lot of time there…and have never had to worry about a predator like that, I’m not happy about it. .44 mag is all I will have…so it will have to work.

Thanks again guys,

Dow

 

[JRB416]

Hello Texican65 and welcome the the Forum. You have a nice four inch blued 29-2. To answer your question regarding four inch barrel popularity, I believe a lot of folks like the shorter length for the same reason you likely chose yours. The four inch length is handier to carry and well balanced.

Also, I believe there are some who feel aesthetically the four inch length is the best looking of all barrel lengths S&W commonly produced in the 44 magnum.

Regarding the very early guns, first full year (1956) four inch 44 Magnums (five screw) were not made in large numbers so they are very collectible today.

Not the best photo, but here are examples of early 44 Magnums. The two on the left are five screw revolvers and the two on the right are four screw. I like both 4 & 6.5 inch lengths.