5 inch model 29 I inherited need answers please

[Ghost29]

I recently inherited my grandfathers 29-2? I don’t know the year of production. It also has a 5 inch barrel. I wanna know if it is a true 5 inch from factory? My grandfather wasn’t the type to switch stuff up. What he bought it always stayed he was like that. Any help would be appreciated also if I could get an estimated value. I wanna insure it just incase. Serial number is S231120. Thank you

 

[hkcavalier]

Looks pretty straight to me. High condition 5" 29s are very valuable...it's tough to price but a few thousand isn't out of bounds.

 

[22hipower]

Doc44, the authority here on all things 44 Magnum has posted this several times previously about the likely serial number range for 5 inch 29-2s:

"Shipments to H. H. Harris and other distributors resumed in early 1963 (29-2 model variation) and continued until end of the year. These revolvers are generally serial numbered in the S227000 to S239000 range."

Congrats on a great inheritance. Did your Grandfather recognize it's scarcity as a 5 inch?

 

[SigKev]

My records (from a Smith and Wesson Historical Foundation document) says S231120 is a Model 29-2 that shipped in June 19, 1963 with a five inch barrel. Congratulations on inheriting a rare 44 Magnum!

 

[SigKev]

If this were my 29-2 I would insure it for $5-7k depending on condition. If it looks almost new, go to the top of that range.

 

[RevV67]

Wow! That's nice. Others here know a lot more than me about the subject, but I will say this. 5-inch 29s are not very common.
That probably increases the value. The -2 certainly increases the value!
My 19 in the avatar picture is a 19-2, and I wouldn't trade it even for 2 new 19s.

 

[PauldL]

Dude, you are so damn lucky

 

[toddimusnimski]

My records (from a Smith and Wesson Historical Foundation document) says S231120 is a Model 29-2 that shipped in June 19, 1963 with a five inch barrel. Congratulations on inheriting a rare 44 Magnum!

And THAT is exactly why this Forum is the best. Knowledgeable people sharing that knowledge and keeping the history of these artworks alive. Thanks Kevin. OP, you have a real treasure. Care for it as well as your grandfather did - he had great taste.

Welcome to the Forum!

Todd

 

[Ghost29]

Doc44, the authority here on all things 44 Magnum has posted this several times previously about the likely serial number range for 5 inch 29-2s:

"Shipments to H. H. Harris and other distributors resumed in early 1963 (29-2 model variation) and continued until end of the year. These revolvers are generally serial numbered in the S227000 to S239000 range."

Congrats on a great inheritance. Did your Grandfather recognize its scarcity as a 5 inch?

I really don’t know if he did he lived in Alaska all of my childhood and I only got to be with him a couple times growing up. I wish I knew more