Best Model 29 Years/Variants

[stansdds]

One more question. Where these changes also done to the Model 57 (41mag) and Model 27 and Model 28?

I do not think the Model 28 ever received any of the lock work durability upgrades as it was dropped from production in 1986 and I think the 29-3E began in 1987. The upgrades were applied to all N-frames, not just the Model 29/629, even though N-frames in calibers other than 44 Magnum seldom had durability issues.

 

[jcelect]

The endurance package was implemented because the silhouette shooters were "hot rodding" the 44 mags! They were shooting 300gr and 350gr loads very hot! The improvements were started on the -2 guns, I have a 629-2E 3".

This is my hunter and it has put down many deer before I quit deer hunting. I shoot 240gr XTP bullets loaded just a shade under the max book load of H110. My longest kill was 142 paces. This gun has had probably 10,000 rds down the barrel and is as tight as it was in 1983!

 

[tate razor]

For me the 29-5 Classic DX or 629 Classic Dx are both mighty fine shooting guns. I believe the first ones came with a target shot from 50 yds that had to be 1 1/2" or less to be a DX, the later ones were shot at 25 yds. I have a Magna Classic that came with a target shot at 50 yds that measures 3/4" with Federal factory loads.

 

[Freelancer99]

For me it's the one of 500 Hill Country Dist. 29-4 form 1984. All the updates, proper rollmarks, unfluted cylinder with a 5" barrel!
Thanks guys for letting me share.

 

[wcat94]

This thread has some photos but still needs more.
Here is a 29-6 round butt with bear hug stocks.

 

[45Smashemflat]

I vote for the 629-2 Mountain Revolver…

 

[grip frame]

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".
View attachment 792973

29 DX and 629 DX revolvers in 5" were only made one year (1992) and all are 629-3 and 29-5 variants FYI.