Building an N Frame Collection

[Lunker]

I reload in 45ACP, 44mag, and 357mag. I have a Model 27 w/6" barrel, a 28-2 w/4" barrel, and a 25-2 w/6" barrel. I am a fan of the blued N frames (obviously). I have been thinking about getting another one, but with a 3" barrel. I'm considering 44mag since I only have a Ruger SuperBlackhawk in that caliber. Is there a "working gun" version of the Model 29 that has a finish like the Highway Patrolman? Does the 28-2 even exist in 3" version? I don't think I have ever seen one. Is the 44mag in 3" painful to shoot? I am not really recoil averse. Any suggestions for me? Thanks.

 

[snw19_357]

Is there a "working gun" version of the Model 29 that has a finish like the Highway Patrolman?

I'm pretty sure there isn't but they have made a lot of different 3" models over the years.

Does the 28-2 even exist in 3" version?

S&W only made the HP in 4" and 6"

Is the 44mag in 3" painful to shoot? I am not really recoil averse.

IMO, not any more than the 4 or 6 inch and maybe less.

 

[M29since14]

They can't be any better than a 4-inch gun, and they are miserable.

If you're going to buy a 29 to actually shoot 44 Magnums, you might look for one of the newer ones with the Python-type barrel, 5- or 6.5-inches. They are almost pleasant to shoot. The standard 6- and 6.5-inch barrelled guns are tolerable. I would not even consider a 3-incher.

I have never heard of a 29 that originally came with a HP-type finish, but you see guns from time to time that owners have had customized in that way.

 

[tbury]

The closest you get to a "working gun" finish in 44 mag is a 629. JMHO

 

[NavyFrank]

Building an N Frame collection

Lunker you might look into the recent run of Smith's by Lew Horton. They had a M-24, M-25 and a M-29 in 3 inch barrels. They also have a 3 1/2 inch M-27 that they call a " Registered Magnum" which is a little pricey. Frank Jr.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Smith made a 3" full lugged barreled 29 called the Bounty Hunter. My wife and I looked at one yesterday at a local shop. If you are interested in it, send me an e-mail, and I'll hook you up with them so that you can get more info, and maybe some pictures.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Though not quite what you are looking for, the old Lew Horton 24-3 shoots the 3" barrel with user-friendly .44 Special loads and holds its value well. Just a passing thought...

 

[viceunit]

Painful?

Is the 44mag in 3" painful to shoot? I am not really recoil averse. Any suggestions for me? Thanks.

Since you reload, you certainly can work up a load to meet your needs. What are you looking for in a 44 magnum load out of a 3" gun? Depending on some variables like grips, barrel length, bullet weight, how much sleep I got the night before; stiff factory loads or full power reloads can be flinch-inducing in a short while. I can shoot a handload of at 250 gr SWC over 10 gr. Unique practically all day.

 

[sw282]

I have a 3'' M24. Lew Horton 1 of 250. 44spcl. It feels good in my hand. I just cant get past the lock. When I dry fire, sounds kinda "Tinny". I also have a 629 4'' Mountian Gun with the Lock and rubber grips. Dont like rubber grips either. Guess I like the Old pinned ones BEST. My favorite is a 28 4''

 

[devildog66]

A change in grips or stocks can be all the difference in perceived recoil. I went to the Ahrends tactical http://ahrendsgripsusa.com/images/revolver/Revolver Pix 7.jpg
for my 29 and it made a noticeable difference compared to the original target style stocks.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

The 3 inch 29 does buck a bit. Its recoil is more than my 6 1/2 inch 29 but less than a 454 casull in 6 inch with full power loads. I fitted mine with factory targets which fit my big paw perfectly.

 

[Wickahoney]

There isn't less refined less well finished version of the Model 29. It was and is one of the revolvers thought of as being at the top of the S&W revolver lineup. "bright Blue" finish.

There are several disadvantages to a 3" Model 29. They were all short run or dealer specials and because of low production numbewrs they demand a price premium. A standrd 4" Model 29 is a handful and eventually painful with a day of full power 44 Mag loads. The 6 and 6 1/2 barreled guns are better carry/shooting options. The role I se for the various 3" 44 Magnums is a a carry gun. Carry it a lot, when and if you need it, shoot it enough to solve the problem. I can't imagine you actually practicing with enough full power loads in a 3" 44 Magnum to actually get proficient with it.

DP and I once went out and fired our 4" Model 29s with the old Kieth standrad load, Lyman 429421 cast bullet and 22 grains of 2400. Some how it dengenerited into a pissing match between skumks and we both fired 500 rounds in the course of the day.
By the next day my right hand was so swollen and sore I had to take a week off from work. I couldn't have drawn and fired, ANYTHING at the time. The Sheriff was NOT pleased.

There was no factory version of the Model 28 as a 3" gun.

If you are actaully thinking of shooting it a lot I'd get at least a 6 or 6 1/2 barreled Model 29. The shorter stuff is so you can carry ity a lot and shoot it when you actually need to.

my 2 cents worth.

RWT

 

[Lunker]

Thanks for all the replies. I will probably go for the 3" 25 or 27.

 

[GF1]

I would focus on finding a couple M57s, IMO the best of the N frames (ideal cartridge size for the N frame Smith). The .41 Magnum is a real sleeper, an honest dandy of a cartridge (it really is .410").

 

[H Richard]

Don't overlook the 24-3 in 3". 5.5 Gr. Titegroup behind a 200 Gr. RNFP gets 775 fps from the 3" barrel and is very comfortable to shoot. (I didn't personally didn't care for the N Frame combat grips, so I installed and modified some rosewood round to square grips from Kelly's). Fit my hand much better and carry better.

 

[Sportsterguy]

I would focus on finding a couple M57s, IMO the best of the N frames (ideal cartridge size for the N frame Smith). The .41 Magnum is a real sleeper, an honest dandy of a cartridge (it really is .410").

Me too. Great round and likes reloads for light recoil. Even full house loads are comfortable compared to a .44 and the ballistics are very close. I've taken 37 deer over 30 years with my old 6" 57 and they never knew the difference between the two calibers.

Here's my mini collection.

 

[2hawk]

Taint Skeered ;Q

A couple of my favorites:

Both are versions of the Classic Hunter, if I'm not mistaken. The full underlug and unfluted cylinder to give them a bit more mass to counter recoil.

But, as other poster's have pointed out.... these guys aren't really user friendly with full house loads. I like 10 gr. of Uninque or Universal under a 250 gr Keith, but that's close to my limit for a load with potential for a quick follow up shot. On the other hand, that's probably more than I'd need for anything around here, and since I mostly kill paper, I'm not too worried about it. I've found that those same charges with a 200gr Speer Gold Dot pretty much match the factory SB loading, which is what I carry when I feel the need. That load is pretty manageable, at least for me.


eta sorry, just noticed I was in the wrong forum with these 'uns.

 

[NT430]

I would focus on finding a couple M57s, IMO the best of the N frames (ideal cartridge size for the N frame Smith). The .41 Magnum is a real sleeper, an honest dandy of a cartridge (it really is .410").

Absolutely! The .41 Remington Magnum is a "dandy" cartridge.... plenty of power...less felt recoil....deep blue, "Coke Bottle" stocks, TT, TH, WOR, and in the case of these two, the short lived "blue velour" case" and a collectable!

 

[Jimmymac46]

I have a large number of 29/629 smith revolvers in every barrel length from 3" to 10 5/8 ". My 3" is the out of print 'back packer'. It is not fun to shoot other than with modest 429421's with nine grains of Unique. Unless you plan to carry the gun it will not serve well as a shooter. As mentioned by others, I have a M-24 Horton 44 special that handles very well and is a soft shooter. My favorite handling, performing, and just great shooting 44 special is an early 696. I absolutely love this gun. I realize everyone is different, but this gun looks and feels as good as any 44 caliber I own. Hunt for one and just pick it up. I believe you wlll have to have one. I also enjoy my 629 mountain gun, which may work for you also. But, if you want a magnum shooter, I would suggest you go to a Classic with the heavy underlug to negate the recoil with the magnum rounds. Another good choice for you might be a 3" model 25/625 in 45 acp as a mate to your other longer barreled model. Good luck.