Model 29-2 in a parkerized or powder coated finish

[blackpowder]

Hi Everyone,

I am offered a N-frame model 29-2 .44mag with a 4" barrel in what appears to be a parkerized or black powder coated finish. Never saw that before on a M-29. The owner says he bought it new in the mid 1970s. Does anyone know when and why S&W produced the model 29 in this type of finish? how many were made? Are they collectible and did they come with any special accessories, boxes or cases?

many thanks for any info

Blackpowder

 

[Baxter6551]

I’m no expert but I don’t think either finish was stock. Photos would help.
My 29-3 was Hard Chromed when I bought it.

 

[blackpowder]

A dull type of powder coating

 

[dusty3030]

Not a factory finish

 

[Doc44]

The finish was not done by S&W in my opinion, but you can always letter the 29-2 and find out for certain.

Bill

 

[Yendor357]

I like it.
It’s a little different, but not too weird.
It probably looks a lot better than what it did before the refinish.

 

[Baxter6551]

I like it too !!

 

[ariandshan]

A dull type of powder coatingView attachment 762364

It looks like a plastic toy!!! A beautiful firearm ruined for sure.

 

[Venom6]

Yet again we are well advised to buy the gun, not the story.

 

[Onomea]

Have you seen the gun? Do you know the owner? It looks to me like the photo posted above is a screen grab from the internet.

i do not know the situation, of course, and apologize if I am out of line, but if you have not seen the gun, and do not know the seller, how about ask for another photo with something in the photo with the gun, like a toothbrush?

Just a way of ascertaining the person you are dealing with indeed has the gun.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

A dull type of powder coatingView attachment 762364

That 29-2 was abused or neglected in the past. It was cleaned up to sell just my thought.

 

[blackpowder]

I have not seen the gun yet, nor do I know the owner. He is about a two hour drive from me. I have only seen this type of finish on military S&W Victory Models, old army models, and some special commemorative editions like the .357 Border Patrol, etc., and on one pre-model 10 with lanyard ring, made for the Hong Kong police department contract. But never on a model 29. So, if it is not a factory finish, I will not drive two hours to have a look at it.

 

[stansdds]

Factory finishes available on the Model 29-2 were polished blue or polished nickel. Finding a 29-2 with any other finish indicates a 99.99% chance it was refinished.

 

[lynnbarrow]

Attached is a picture of one of my Model 29-1s that was parkerized by the factory. I took the photo this morning so I know it is a real gun.

 

[Xfuzz]

Did the seller give you his asking price ?

 

[Hawg Rider]

I think I would have to pass on that 4" Model 29-2. There are too many around with a nice blued or nickel finish at reasonable prices to take a chance on that one. I could be very wrong, and it could be a rare S&W factory parkerized version, but I have my doubts.

 

[Ted Stevens]

Hi Everyone,

I am offered a N-frame model 29-2 .44mag with a 4" barrel in what appears to be a parkerized or black powder coated finish. Never saw that before on a M-29. The owner says he bought it new in the mid 1970s. Does anyone know when and why S&W produced the model 29 in this type of finish? how many were made? Are they collectible and did they come with any special accessories, boxes or cases?

many thanks for any info

Blackpowder

Interesting. I have a 66-2 in a similar finish. I purchased it from a local dealer who acquired it in an estate auction. They listed the gun as "Used, Not Fired". I got very curious about it, so I did a little research. Hasn't answered my question but I was able to get a little history on my firearm. I originally contacted S&W Customer Service with my question, and they referred me to the S&W Historical Society. SWHS was able to locate the original invoice for the sale of my gun. It was originally sold to the San Jose Police Department in 1985. This was just before the SJPD began making the switch from revolvers to pistols. I contacted SJPD and was referred to the Ca. DoJ's Firearms Bureau. I emailed them but thus far have had no response (big surprise). At this point, my best guess (and it is only a guess) is that when SJPD made the switch to pistols, the obsoleted revolvers were made available to current officers to purchase. At some point, the officer that bought it had it disassembled and meticulously finished in black. It then became his little safe queen. I'm thinking it may be a Cera coat finish.

 

[javbike]

I would do a quick pass on the gun

 

[nevadacal]

Depending on the price, I would consider buying it. S&W 29-2 is a good gun. One more tool in the shed , doesn't hurt. I would also try a letter on it. It does not appear to be original, but opinions are just that. If priced as a refinish, I would buy.

 

[Nedroe]

It looks like black Parkerizing.