Difference Between 29-2 and -3?

[brokenprism]

One obvious difference would be where I post questions. I can see that on the -3, the pin is gone and the chambers aren't counter-sunk, but did anything else happen between -2 and -3 that amounts to a substantial quality difference?

 

[sigp220.45]

I think that sums up the differences, but most folks consider those pretty substantial.

 

[Abbynormal]

Bingo!, you nailed it. Just as strong, but lacks the collector value, thus cheaper.

 

[brokenprism]

Just as strong, but lacks the collector value, thus cheaper.

Don't tell them that on the auction sites. Everything is over 850; -2, -3, everything.

 

[JP@AK]

Don't tell them that on the auction sites. Everything is over 850; -2, -3, everything.

Okay. You force my hand.
At a gun show recently, I was walking around looking for K target guns and here are three Model 29s for sale. I wasn't looking for a .44, but I could not resist this dash 3 for $550. It went home with me. Maybe it's time to turn a profit!

Unfortunately, the target stocks don't fit quite the way they should, but it shoots just fine!
Jack

 

[JP@AK]

I thought at first they might be K targets that someone had put on it, but they are stamped NT-430 on the inside.
JP

 

[nipster]

Okay. You force my hand.
At a gun show recently, I was walking around looking for K target guns and here are three Model 29s for sale. I wasn't looking for a .44, but I could not resist this dash 3 for $550. It went home with me. Maybe it's time to turn a profit!

Unfortunately, the target stocks don't fit quite the way they should, but it shoots just fine!
Jack

That's because they are K frame grips...

 

[diamonback68]

I thought at first they might be K targets that someone had put on it, but they are stamped NT-430 on the inside.
JP

Those are N-frame grips that someone has removed wood from the web area and made them into modified K-frames. Look at the thinness and off center of the medallion in the web area.
Take a picture of the back side of the grips and you can prove it.

 

[NFrameFred]

The 'endurance package' made it's way into production somewhere near the end of the dash 3's, I seem to recall, where the cylinder stop stud and locking recesses where modified to enhance lock up and reduce wear under recoil.

 

[JP@AK]

Those are N-frame grips that someone has removed wood from the web area and made them into modified K-frames.

Good catch, Dick. Thanks. I have wondered about these since I got them. I knew something wasn't right, but could not put my finger on it.

I still think I got a good deal on this .44. Now I'll just have to scrounge around for some genuine N frame targets. Don't really want to take any off my other guns.

Jack

 

[kennyb]

check the board here jack for the grips...they pop up all the time

 

[JP@AK]

Does anyone know what year the N target stocks with the full speed loader relief were issued? I'd have to check, but I think my Model 14-4 that letters to 1980 came with them. If this 29 was shipped in 1984 (which I think it was) it should have that style, right? Or did the footballs continue past that time, concurrently?
Thanks.
Jack

 

[TAROMAN]

My absolute favorite 44 Magnum shooter is a lowly -3.
Traded a 21-4 that I'd hated from day 1 straight across for it.
The -3 was wearing a set of "laser" stocks. Sold them here for a c-note and went back to nice Target stocks.