info needed on this 29-3

[6pack]

Just wondering what you could tell me about this 6.5" 29-3.

Serial # ACS 4**7

Has original box, documentation and etc.

18 rounds fired in it since new.



Can anyone tell me the approximate date of manufacture?


Also, would you hesitate to shoot full magnum loads through her?

Not my pics, but the only ones I have. Pics were provided by the seller.

Thanks for your help.

 

[bamabiker]

Sometime between Jan. and Oct. 1983. It was made for 44 mags so go a head and shoot'em. Very nice looking gun.

 

[6pack]

Sometime between Jan. and Oct. 1983. It was made for 44 mags so go a head and shoot'em. Very nice looking gun.

Thanks. 1983. Hmmmmm, a good year. 9th grade, Van Halen, football team, cheerleaders....oh yeah. This will be a true "glory days" gun.

I'm waiting on the seller to contact me so we can get this deal done.

 

[310Pilot]

FYI, the barrel is a 6", S&W switched from 6.5" to 6"barrels late in the 29-2 model run (last couple of years production of 29-2 offered 6", not 6.5" barrels), and never made a 29-3 with a 6.5" barrel. In any case, that is a beautiful gun, and, yes, it will handle .44 Magnum loads all day long without any problem at all. Enjoy!

 

[SWBigBang]

Sure is a nice item.
If you don't buy it post the link to the item and I am sure someone on the board will jump on the offer depending on price of course.

 

[6pack]

FYI, the barrel is a 6", S&W switched from 6.5" to 6"barrels late in the 29-2 model run (last couple of years production of 29-2 offered 6", not 6.5" barrels), and never made a 29-3 with a 6.5" barrel. In any case, that is a beautiful gun, and, yes, it will handle .44 Magnum loads all day long without any problem at all. Enjoy!

Now that you mention it, the seller did say it's a 6". I assumed he ment 6.5". I'm learning....slowly.

I'm encoraged about the shootablity of the gun as it will get some use as a hunter this season after I take a couple deer with my main hunter. I read some literature written by John Taffin that sort of had me scared off the 29-3 models.

I will not be shooting crazy loads out of it...just a good hunting load with a 240gr bullet at ~1,300fps.

 

[bamabiker]

When you get a good look at it open the cylinder and look at where the model number is stamped on the frame. If it says Mod29-3E it has the endurance package. I believe it started with some of the -3s. Exactly what that means I don't remember but I know it would be to your advantage for shooting the magnums.
Some of the more knowledgable can correct me if I'm wrong and tell you the endurance package details.

 

[ol timer]

When you get a good look at it open the cylinder and look at where the model number is stamped on the frame. If it says Mod29-3E it has the endurance package. I believe it started with some of the -3s. Exactly what that means I don't remember but I know it would be to your advantage for shooting the magnums.
Some of the more knowledgable can correct me if I'm wrong and tell you the endurance package details.

It doesn't appear to from the images posted.

 

[6pack]

can't see inside the cylinder yet

Here are the rest of the pics the seller sent early this morning.

I'm gonna enjoy the gun, even if I have to shoot reduced magnum loads.....say the Hornady 200-240grn factory XTP .44RemMag to hunt with.

The normal range diet can be a nice cast load....

Already thinking about some grips and leather for sometime in the future.

 

[BUFF]

People sometimes get overconcerned about just how strong the pre-Endurance Package .44 Magnums are. I think much of the situation has come from the use of ammunition that is probably handloaded hotter than .44 Magnum factory ammunition, and/or from the use of heavier-than-standard bullets. Lots of published data over the years is a bit over the top, especially data from magazine articles and the internet, and is higher pressure than just about all ammunition from loaders like Winchester and Federal. Sticking to main-stream factory ammo and handloads that don't excede it will give your .44 S&W a long life.

I have shot more than a couple of thousand rounds through two different .44 Magnums prior to the endurance package, one an 8-3/8 inch Model 29-2 that I shot metallic silhouette with in the later 1970's and a 6 inch Model 629-1, which is the same gun you are considering except for the stainless steel instead of carbon steel. Yes, they developed a bit of wear to the lockwork, but nothing that needed repair. I have bought brand new S&W's that were more loose than those two after several years of a lot of use.

Avoid the 300 grain bullets and the monster powder charges and your gun will be fine.

 

[NFrameFred]

What Buff said . . .

 

[6pack]

What Buff said . . .

People sometimes get overconcerned about just how strong the pre-Endurance Package .44 Magnums are. I think much of the situation has come from the use of ammunition that is probably handloaded hotter than .44 Magnum factory ammunition, and/or from the use of heavier-than-standard bullets. Lots of published data over the years is a bit over the top, especially data from magazine articles and the internet, and is higher pressure than just about all ammunition from loaders like Winchester and Federal. Sticking to main-stream factory ammo and handloads that don't excede it will give your .44 S&W a long life.

I have shot more than a couple of thousand rounds through two different .44 Magnums prior to the endurance package, one an 8-3/8 inch Model 29-2 that I shot metallic silhouette with in the later 1970's and a 6 inch Model 629-1, which is the same gun you are considering except for the stainless steel instead of carbon steel. Yes, they developed a bit of wear to the lockwork, but nothing that needed repair. I have bought brand new S&W's that were more loose than those two after several years of a lot of use.

Avoid the 300 grain bullets and the monster powder charges and your gun will be fine.

Sounds great. I'm completely at ease with this now.

Can't wait to get this gun. It's gonna really brighten up my meager arsenal of mainly tool-looking weapons.


I've never been one to shoot hot loads. I've always realoaded medium loads and then worked my way upward to the max listed load. I've simply not every felt lacking in any way, either. The 240 XTP over a full dose of H110 has done what I needed for years.

Now....I've got a buddy who loves that Buffalo Bore stuff. I've just never brought myself to use anything that stout. If I ever needed more, then I'd buy an X-frame and go from there.

 

[okie john]

The 29-3 is the first of the non-P&R guns, which scares off collectors. It's also (as noted) the last of the non-Endurance Package guns, which scares off the guys who shoot hot loads. They're a great sixgun for the rest of us.


Okie John

 

[WHO CARES]

Unless you intend to really shoot the snot out of it - like playing silly-wet a whole lot. (100's of rounds per week for many weeks.) Standard SAAMI factory or reloads will not hurt this gun. If you're like many who own 44 mags and shoot a few hundred rounds per year, it will be a long time before it shows any signs of wear. 29's are great guns!

Ward

 

[Chop]

I have a 29-3 nickel 4". I bought it used in the early 90's. I have shot 500 + factory 44 mag rounds and the revolver is a solid as the day I bought it. It was made to shoot magnums.
Chop

 

[lagavulin62]

The 29-3 is the first of the non-P&R guns, which scares off collectors. It's also (as noted) the last of the non-Endurance Package guns, which scares off the guys who shoot hot loads. They're a great sixgun for the rest of us.


Okie John

I read an article not too long ago about how the 29-3 corrected some concerns with wear that were experienced with heavy shooting of the p&r models. not being an expert on gun mechanics I don't recall the exact details. but it lead me to believe that with sensible loads you should never have a problem with this gun and may even get more use than the earlier p&r's, although the p&r's have more collector value. the experts can give more clarification.

 

[Nframe357]

I love all the shoot it all you want posts, I've personally lost 2 model 29's to winchester white box 240's. One a dash 2 the other a dash 3. No hot reloads or heavy bullets both were lightly fired when I got them and within 500 rds per(back before ammo was so expensive) both were unlocking and rotating upon firing. Called Smith and was told all they could do was apply a band aid and my best bet was to buy a new one! My advice to you is to buy it, load it light and shoot true mag loads sparingly. I have 2 629's and I love them but I also understand them and in doing so they get treated like heavy 44 specials 99% of the time and mag 1% of the time. They will have a long life if treated right, if not you might be upset down the road.

 

[6pack]

I love all the shoot it all you want posts, I've personally lost 2 model 29's to winchester white box 240's. One a dash 2 the other a dash 3. No hot reloads or heavy bullets both were lightly fired when I got them and within 500 rds per(back before ammo was so expensive) both were unlocking and rotating upon firing. Called Smith and was told all they could do was apply a band aid and my best bet was to buy a new one! My advice to you is to buy it, load it light and shoot true mag loads sparingly. I have 2 629's and I love them but I also understand them and in doing so they get treated like heavy 44 specials 99% of the time and mag 1% of the time. They will have a long life if treated right, if not you might be upset down the road.

I'm not understanding S&W not being able to help you out.



I'll know soon enough. The gun shipped today...hopefully I'll have it in hand Thursday/Friday for a range session on Monday.


Ah....I do so love the buck of recoil and the smell of gunpowder on a Monday morning. (my cheezy quote for the day)

 

[Nframe357]

I'm not understanding S&W not being able to help you out.



I'll know soon enough. The gun shipped today...hopefully I'll have it in hand Thursday/Friday for a range session on Monday.


Ah....I do so love the buck of recoil and the smell of gunpowder on a Monday morning. (my cheezy quote for the day)

Once a revolver reaches that level of "looseness" all that can be done is a little tightening but the problem can NEVER be fixed it will only get worse as time goes on. Smith told me I could sned it in and they would do what they could but it will continue and suggested that I just buy a new one. My advice to you is to not let it get to that point, shoot mid range stuff and save the big boomers for special occasions and you should be fine.

 

[Texas Roots]

I bought 29-3 brand new and it started that backwards cylinder rotation on me right off the bat. Turns out the cylinder stop was not coming up out of the frame far enough. Got that corrected and it quit that nonsense. I also added an extra power cylinder spring to it just for insurance. I've shot many, many factory loadings plus factory equal handloads with no more problems. I do not shoot heavier bullets in it than 240 SWC.