Help Identify a 29-2 revolver

[handshifter13]

Hello i joined to get expert assistance on trying to find out what year a gun i inherited was made and the value.
Also how many of these did S&W make.

This gun is NIB and appears never fired.

Hand ejector.
44 magnum.
Barrel length: 8 1/4 inch.
Screws: 2 side screws on right side.
Sights: Front fixed. Rear is adjustable.
Yoke markings: The serial number and model number is inside on the frame where the yoke shuts against.
Serial: N4862XX
Model: 29-2

it came in the original wood box, the owners manual looks old like 1970's.

Thanks for the help and information

 

[Twiki357]

Looks like it shipped in 1977/1978. The barrel should be pinned to the frame and the chambers in the cylinder should be countersunk. The 8-3/8 barrel is actually the least desirable of the various different barrel lengths produced. I'm not going to even make a guess at the value.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! It is an N or large frame .44 Magnum. If you remove the stocks you will see the third sideplate screw under the right panel.

I would estimate it at about $1200 or so to the right collector, if it is truly unfired since shipping from the factory. All revolvers are test-fired before leaving so none are truly "unfired". I doubt even the factory has compiled how many model 29s were produced, but likely in the hundreds of thousands so they are not rare; in your case its condition is what makes it uncommon. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Doc44]

The Model 29-2 was made from 1962-1982. I don't know how many were made, but certainly more than 100,000.

Bill

 

[handshifter13]

Hello forum members.
Thank you for the information.

What about changing the barrel? can i send this gun to a professional and have a new barrel with shorter length installed??
Who would do this work, would it go back to smith and wesson.

 

[murphydog]

If you can find an original period barrel, a well-equipped and skilled gunsmith can replace it; not sure if the factory will perform this work. A current, newer style barrel may fit but will look incorrect. Posting a Wanted to Buy ad here on the Forum would probably find you a 4, 6 or 6.5" pinned barrel appropriate to your gun.

Edit to add: Doc44 is correct on the number of 29-2s; I was guessing at the total number of model 29s of all types.

 

[MJFlores]

I would rethink changing the barrel if it were me. If it's truly an un-fired, NIB 29-2 it is collectable based on condition. My opinion only.

 

[22hipower]

"Least desirable" is a relative term in that there are many who prefer the long barrel revolvers. Yes, there may be a bit of a premium for a four inch but the difference would not pay the cost of acquiring one and changing out the 8 3/8. I can see doing it if one has a specific application but if this gun hasn't been shot since 1978, are you going to shoot it now? In my opinion you won't improve the value by changing the barrel. Enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457