Best Model 29 Years/Variants
- Thread starter Wfevans4
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I may be a bit prejudiced but I like the 5-screw models without a number and then the " 29 - no dash" 4 screws - but I no longer shoot heavy loads in mine - there was some improvment to stop the cylinders from turning backwards in the early 80s I think.
The only S&W .44 mag I have that are newer than 29-3m are a couple of 629s - they are OK guns, one is a no dash and one is a 629 "classic" I forget the dash # on that one.
I think Bryan Pearce covers it in one of his videos recently.
Riposte
The only S&W .44 mag I have that are newer than 29-3m are a couple of 629s - they are OK guns, one is a no dash and one is a 629 "classic" I forget the dash # on that one.
I think Bryan Pearce covers it in one of his videos recently.
Riposte
In my opinion, The pre-lock Model 29-2 from 1962-1977 are some of the sweetest shooting Model 29's best quality
The last pre-lock Model 29-7 from the year 2000 is probably the strongest but good luck finding one.
I have no experience with the internal lock variances.
Tom
Model 29-7
The last pre-lock Model 29-7 from the year 2000 is probably the strongest but good luck finding one.
I have no experience with the internal lock variances.
Tom
Model 29-7
Best pre-lock variant for durability shooting 240 grain only.
Limiting the bullet weight to 240 grains certainly maximizes the number of variants that could be considered "best". I would guess that the variants that are most likely to produce excellent accuracy with cast lead bullets would be the 29-5 and 29-6. These are pre-lock (29-7) and have cylinder throats standardized at 0.429", although some 29-5's may have been made with cylinders that had the 0.432" throats. Model 29-4 and earlier versions of the 29 had a cylinder throat standard of 0.432", which is fine with jacketed bullets, but accuracy with lead bullets sized to 0.430" may not be great.
For the pre-endurance package Model 29's, a limited amount of full power magnum loads and shooting mostly 44 Special or loading your own reduced power loads will provide you with a life time of use. I think most Model 29/629 owners find that full power magnum ammo is not very pleasant to shoot.
For the pre-endurance package Model 29's, a limited amount of full power magnum loads and shooting mostly 44 Special or loading your own reduced power loads will provide you with a life time of use. I think most Model 29/629 owners find that full power magnum ammo is not very pleasant to shoot.
I have read many accounts that speak to the 29-5 being the height of the model 29. Then the 29-5 Classic Deluxe is supposed to be on the top of the heap with its'1.5" group guarantee at 50 yards
I don't own any S&W .44 Magnums that were manufactured after the Model 29-2s, although a nice early Model 629 might be something for me to consider. I really like the fit and finish and Coke Bottle stocks of the early .44 Magnums, and the quality of workmanship that continued through the P&R revolvers. I believe that any of the pre-lock variants would equally handle 240 gr. loads.
SLT223
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Anything S Prefix and late 80's-mid 90's would be my vote.
What heresy is being preached here???? There is ONLY one that is the best....29-2 with 6-1/2 bbl. You know the most famous question of all time....well.....dontcha???
Slightly paraphrased: I know what you're thinking....did he vote for the 29-2 six times, or only 5? Tell you the truth, I forgot myself but seeing as this is a 44 Magnum and.....(you know the rest)
Slightly paraphrased: I know what you're thinking....did he vote for the 29-2 six times, or only 5? Tell you the truth, I forgot myself but seeing as this is a 44 Magnum and.....(you know the rest)
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Pointblank2U
US Veteran
I'm fortunate to own a Pre-29 five screw, 4" blue.
https://photobucket.com/share/0a6f46af-39e3-41cc-94c2-08641c60f3da
https://photobucket.com/share/0a6f46af-39e3-41cc-94c2-08641c60f3da
I'm going to assume you are talking full loads. So, you want a 29 or a 629 with the endurance package. 29s with the EP are hard to find and expensive.
Those start with the 29-3E. 29-5 arguably the best design wise. The 629s start with the 629-2E, with the 629-4 arguably the best of the bunch.
These are pre-internal safety lock and pre-MIM parts. Personally, from a design standpoint I don't have a problem with MIM parts but from a collectors view point, some do.
JMHO the best design wise (a shooter) S&W 44 Magnum would be the 629-4 DX. The 5" being a grail gun for me.
My 629-4 5".
There is no proper answer to the OP's question! As seen from the posts above, every 44 Mag owner has his own opinion of "his best" gun because of his reasons for owning a 44 Mag! I own a few 44 mags and I would say "the best" is the one I am shooting today! We all enjoy the eye candy so thank you to all that have posted pics!
Which Model 29 did Smith Start beefing up the internals to stand the pounding of full power .44 magnum loads. I read about this but cannot remember when Smith made this change.
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