I think I just bought a model 29-1

[Hawg Rider]

Well, what else can you say? Although the "SCSW 4th Ed." states that 5" bbl. versions are rare and bring a 5x premium, your barrel has definitely been cut about 1-1/2" and the front sight relocated (you can see the original barrel rib ridges under the front sight base). The grip frame has obviously been rounded. As said above, there are two different porting mods...the eight holes on top and the Mag-Na-Port style cuts on the sides. A previous owner obviously didn't know what he had (a very rare Model 29-1, ca. 1962) back in the day and he chose to modify the revolver to his personal specifications (?). I can't tell from your photos, but this is probably a 3-screw (4-screw versions are extremely rare). Regardless, you've got yourself a rare Model 29-1 that can be added to the Forum database. It's been modified top to bottom so there's really not much you can do to remedy its condition. I say just have some nice stocks made for it, shoot it, and enjoy it!

 

[BE Mike]

As has been suggested, slide on some rubber Hogue grips. I'd also have the barrel's muzzle re-crowned. That will improve the accuracy. I don't collect guns, I shoot them, so this would be a great find for me for the right price. Of course it depends upon the mechanical condition. If you don't have much in it, it might be worth taking to a revolver specialist pistolsmith for a check out and tune-up.

 

[Echo40]

Me too...I still moon over a missed opportunity on a 29-2 earlier this year...It was well executed, but I passed on it simply because it didn't fit the direction in which my accumulation has been moving...It would have made a neat conversation piece/carry gun anyway...Maybe I'll see it again......Ben

Don't even get me started... I still agonize over the fact that I missed out on buying a 629-2 which was sold on consignment at my LGS for $260 back in 2016.

I hesitated because the price seemed too good to be true, but in hindsight I wish I had rolled the dice, because frankly, at that price it could have been a deactivated paperweight and it still would have been a steal.

If, and that's a big if, as Doc44 mentions, the grip is to standard round butt dimensions Hogue for one company makes very nice round to square conversion grips, I put one on my 625-3, as he stated it'll be necessary to find a custom maker. Good luck in your journey with this revolver and hopefully it's a fine shooter you can enjoy for many years.

Altamont also makes round-square butt grips, and they're the official contractor for all of Smith & Wesson's presentation grips.

 

[Nightwing_Actual]

A friend of mine works at midway USA and he is going to see if he can snag me a set of the smith and Wesson branded round to square grips. I believe they are made by altamont.

With his employee discount they will probably be like 50 bucks, if I have to modify them a bit to fit my frame so be it. I like the presentation grips style.

For now I am planning on leaving the barrel alone but if I come across a 6.5" pinned barrel I will most likely swap it out.

I will do my best to rehabilitate this smith, it's lived a long and eventful life. It deserves some love and attention.

 

[4-Screw]

Congratulations! It may have been buggered with, but it is still a 29-1. I am glad you saved it and that you are now the caretaker.

 

[lawman445]

Keep us posted on this project and let us know if the frame was modified to the standard round butt N frame configuration because we`re all curious now. It`s a shame it was messed with but it still has potential for a cool custom project and I would`ve "rescued" it too especially if it was cheap. I`m personally not a huge fan of the round butt on an N frame but it is what it is and I`d make the most of it and probably shorten the barrel to 3- 3 1/2" inches to go with it and get rid of those hideous ports. I`d probably go with 3 1/2" because I`ve always thought the 3" barrels like SW put on some factory round butt .44 mags were just a little too short.

The barrel markings would be way off center then and wouldn`t look right but a good engraver could re-mark it in an attractive style and at that point I might be tempted to just have the whole thing engraved while he`s at it. And probably refinished in nickel but that`s just me and what can I tell you, I`m a sick man... Then I`d have to find or have a set of stag or ivory round butt service grips made for it and a good set of wood round to square conversion to keep on hand too.

After all that you`d probably find me down at the courthouse sporting it in a carved leather rig and impressing all the chics...

 

[John Adams]

5" Model 29-1 Original Configuration

Here's my previously posted 5" 29-1. It letters as such.