29-2 questions and pics

[shamrock_guns]

i recently came to own a smith and wesson model 29-2, I'm sure some of you have seen it on the for sale forum, thats not why I'm here. i have been entertaining the possibility that i may keep this beautiful piece of art crafted from steel with the sole purpose to send .44 caliber chunks of lead and copper down range at ridiculous speeds. the problem is, i came into this by chance and know nothing about these weapons with the exception of the dirty harry movie. any info would be great. i reached out to you guys about a 19-7 k-comp i had about a year ago and received more than i ever imagined and was hoping you guys could help out again, if it helps the serial is N482###

thanks

shammy

 

[JCS&W]

Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson shows that serial numbers:
400000 -499999 were shipped in 1977-1978. I would guess 1978. That is a beautiful M29-2, as far as any technical information, I will defer to the true experts. Did I say that is a beautiful M29-2, about as technical as I get.

 

[fyimo]

That is a beauty and a true collector piece so when you throw lead down the target range remember that they are not the strongest that S&W offered as they put a performance kit in it some years later. So I wouldn't shoot a boat load of hot loads through it.

It's a great revolver and will handle normal loads but don't push it beyond normal loads. In fact that one is so clean I wouldn't shoot it but that's just me and the collector in me.

 

[Jeff45]

You have a fine revolver. The 29-2 is a classic and had the longest run of any model 29. They were built from 1962 to 1982 and have the counterbored cylinder and pinned barrel, and most have the target trigger and hammer. I shoot .44 specials in mine which are accurate and easy on the recoil.

 

[fyimo]

By the way I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't shoot a boat load of 44 Mag ammo through your revolver I just meant that they strengthened the Model 29 for a reason. The reason was because people were shooting very heavy bullets through them at high velocity and it was causing some problems. As long as you stick to normal 44 Magnum loads at normal velocities you will be fine.

 

[shamrock_guns]

thanks for the info fellas, its hard being from the plastic gun generation and finding myself in love with older wheel guns. i didn't come up in a house with firearms so my experience with pistols prior to the military was limited to an over shot colt police positive and my papa's old flat top black hawk in 45 colt that he had me shoot when i was 7, i nursed the lump on my forehead for at least a weak after the barrel smacked me in the head on the first shot now I'm in my late 20's and i have had my hands on some wonderful examples of smiths revolvers starting with my 19-7 k-comp PC gun that i loved but i just wish i could find a shooter.

i have no intention on shooting the 29, its just too pretty, and not to mention its been on this world longer than me with out being shot (i wish i could say the same for myself)

what is sad is that I'm not in a position where i can truly collect, all of my weapons are shooters, hence why its in the for sale board.

thanks for all the great info guys, i hope someone who will truly appreciate it for what it is ends up with it, she sure is beautiful...

shammy

 

[Jeff45]

Good luck with the sale, but you might regret it some day. They won't make them like that ever again. The old quality blueing and hand fitted forged parts are a thing of the past. Your cash is probably safer in the 29-2 than in the market.

 

[fyimo]

What Jeff45 said is true and there really is no reason to not shoot the 29-2 and I was probably remiss in me saying I wouldn't. I'm 67 and retired and I have a large collection of S&W revolvers including many Model 29-2's and I have a 6 inch barreled one that is my shooter and the rest are high end collector pieces so I could say what I said.

Your case is different and they don't make them like that anymore and they do tend to hold their value and even go up in value which is something you can't say about money in the bank and most people's 401 K these days.

Anyway if you sell it you can buy a 29-2 with 6 inch barrel which is the lowest cost 29-2 and get a shooter grade for less then you will recieve for that pristine one and then go blaze away.

 

[shamrock_guns]

the sad thing about this situation is that the guy i got this from had two of them, in the same condition! had i had the money id own two and be shooting one but since the situation only allowed me to own one i can honestly say that i just don't have the money to pop this beauty's cherry, pun intended. thanks for everything fellas!

 

[Bloodhound]

It would reside in my safe and be a "range gun" ...not a carry gun...but a shoooting collector....great buy and a treasure to have. Enjoy!

 

[shamrock_guns]

I sure will miss it, I wish I had the opportunity to keep and shoot her. I appreciate all the info and complements but she's on her way to her new owner who happens to a member here.

 

[ar15ed]

man, i am sure you will miss it. the mid 70s n-frames are works of art. i recently traded my 8 3/8 29-2, and i know i have missed it!