Born on date - and question

[Sgtdevildog]

I've recently acquired a model 29-8, serial number CFN25XX - it came in a walnut presentation case, El Paso border stamp shoulder holster and 50 rounds of ammo. Has been shot less than 40 rounds. The grips may be Ahrends? Not sure, haven't had them off yet. Trying to find age and how would I determine if it was a Lew Horton model or not? Got the above for just over $600 - did I do okay? I'm usually a 1911 kind of person, but reached the point where I thought I needed a 44 mag for the house. I also have a Model 15-4 I purchased back in the late 70's early 80's that probably has less than 200 rounds through. Hoping to get pics up later this week or so. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Sgtdevildog]

I've recently acquired a model 29-8, serial number CFN25XX - it came in a walnut presentation case, El Paso border stamp shoulder holster and 50 rounds of ammo. Has been shot less than 40 rounds. The grips may be Ahrends? Not sure, haven't had them off yet. Trying to find age and how would I determine if it was a Lew Horton model or not? Got the above for just over $600 - did I do okay? I'm usually a 1911 kind of person, but reached the point where I thought I needed a 44 mag for the house. I also have a Model 15-4 I purchased back in the late 70's early 80's that probably has less than 200 rounds through. Hoping to get pics up later this week or so. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[Sgtdevildog]

Any help? Anyone!

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the Forum. That sounds like a reasonable price to me for everything you mention, but I'm in California and expect to pay a premium for everything. There are M29 specialists here who can give you a better idea.

Looks like the 29-8 was a special edition that was released after regular production of the model 29 ended in 1999. According to the Standard Catalog, this model has a four-screw sideplate, so it's a little retro and harks back to the look of early Model 29 production. I don't know if this was a Lew Horton commission, or if the company did it on their own.

The CFN serial numbers seem to come from mid-late 2002. I'm not sure when the factory started putting date codes on their box labels, but if you have a label with an otherwise unexplained number like 2180 on it, that would mean the 180th day of 2002, or June -- what -- 27th? I'm obviously not counting this out. Late June, at any rate.

A .44 mag for a house gun? I'd hate to hear what you carry in the wilds!

David W.

 

[Sgtdevildog]

Thanks for the help - house gun meant just an additional gun in the house. I've got my 1911's for HD. I appreciate the help and hope to get some pics this weekend.

 

[Doc44]

The Model 29-8 first appeared in 2002/2003 as one of the guns made to commemorate S&W's 150th anniversary. Apparently, there were some overruns that were shipped as plain blue revolvers in a presentation case. Your gun is one of these. They were not exclusive to Lew Horton as far as I know. The 29-8 was the first Model 29 to feature the internal lock.

I believe the smooth stocks are made by Ahrends and are made of walnut.

Bill

 

[Sgtdevildog]

Thanks Doc44 I appreciate the info - it's already had a few rounds through it so I wouldn't think there's any reason it has to stay a safe queen. The information is greatly appreciated.