Model 29-2 or new one?

[Varooom]

Hello All,

Would like to add a Dirty Harry 29 to my small collection.

Would like to get a nice, clean 29-2 (wouldn't everyone?) but there are none in my area so I will have to buy off the internet with only pictures for a reference. Don't know what you will really get that way. It is also really hard to determine if you are getting a good price or not.

Because of this I was thinking of just buying a new one.

Of course the -2 will have the recessed cylinders and pinned barrel. A new one will not.

Looking at pictures of the -2 the cylinder looks to be back further (less gap between cylinder and frame) since the rounds are recessed.

Is this just a cosmetic thing or will a -2 shoot better than a new one?

Also is the pinned barrel looks great, but is it necessary?

Just trying to decide which way to go.

BYW: This will not be a safe queen, I like to shoot and reload.

Thank you for your time,

Varooom

 

[Laketime]

For a little more money you can get a 29-2 which is the one to get in my opinion.Nothing wrong with a new classic just not the same as the old ones. The classics should be stronger than the older ones if you intend to use a lot new hotter factory ammo that is available today.

 

[lrb1200]

My 2 cents,

Been in this for decades, you plan on shooting the
bejeeezus out of a 29, intent to increase your proficiency,
or the sheer enjoyment of shooting a 44.

The 29-2 is made out of unobtainium at this point,
and there are fewer beautiful examples of this era of S&W
history every year. My examples are all retired, would I shoot
any of them on an occasion, yeah.
Would I make any of them a regular range gun, not.

Get a new one, who knows, if you still have it 40 years from
now, it may also be a significant part of S&W history.

My early 70's 6 1/2" 29.

 

[series guy]

If your main criteria is a faithful copy of Harry's gun you need to find an early 29-2 w/6 1/2" barrel. If you want a gun that is very accurate and looks like Harry's gun buy a new one. Some of the 29-2s that I've owned have had cylinder throats as large as .434 and didn't shoot well at all with lead bullets.

 

[Varooom]

Thanks guys,

Been watching GunBroker lately.

They seem to be available in the $1,200 to $3,000 range. A few good examples in the $2,000 area.

Just dont know what you are going to get.
series guy mentioned oversized throats. They are not going to mention that on an auction.

I will keep looking for a little while but I think a new one is the best way to go for my intended proposes.

Thanks again,

Varooom

 

[ken158]

A new 29 will shoot as well as a -2 and maybe better... you must have the skill to match the gun’s ability. Pinned and recessed is no advantage other then what us old guys prefer. The pin really serves no purpose and recessed is just that. Non recessed supports the case very well. You say it is hard to determine if you are getting a good value off a GB sale offering. If enough quality pics are included and you following sold and not just asking prices, I think it is very easy to determine quality and price of your intended purchase. You are going to shoot and reload. I would suggest you buy a new gun for the lifetime warranty and get the plug if the IL bothers you.

 

[Varooom]

Thanks Ken158,

Showing my ignorance here, what does "get the plug if the IL bothers you" mean?

Thank you,

Varooom

 

[bigggbbruce]

Get a 29 of any vintage and go shoot it until it dies...I came up with a 4" Nickel 29-2 in March and only paid $500(really)

I'm in my 60's and plan on shooting it until I can't anymore...at that time my stepson can have it and do what ever he wants with it...

 

[merl67]

Thanks Ken158,

Showing my ignorance here, what does "get the plug if the IL bothers you" mean?

Thank you,

Varooom

IL=internal lock
Plug= plugs hole where lock used to be in frame.

 

[merl67]

Varooom how much experience do you have with the 44 mag, or any magnum revolvers?

 

[pharmer]

4" 29-2= much rompum' stompum'. 8 3/8 29-5 is about like +P in a Model 15. Something to consider. Joe

 

[shocker]

8 3/8 29-5 is about like +P in a Model 15.

44 special, true. 44 mag? Uh,no.

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned a couple of -2's over the years, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of the new ones. It would just depend on the price.

 

[Varooom]

Varooom how much experience do you have with the 44 mag, or any magnum revolvers?

I have been shooting on and off for about 40 years.

Originally a 1911 guy but have gotten into revolvers lately.

Mostly Ruger Blackhawks. Have a 44 BH Bisley Hunter that I hunt with, and a couple BHs in 45 colt. Ruger GP 100 Match Champion and a Kimber K6 as my carry gun.

Always loved the Model 29, 6.5, blued (well, since about 1971). Did not realize S&W was still making them.

I really have enough guns. Told the wife the 29 will be the last one. We will see

 

[deyomatic]

There have been a few other "dashes," too...could probably find a -3 in the $750 range and, while it won't have the pinned barrel, it WON'T have that ugly Internal Lock.
I'd look for the -2, though. It will only go up in value (as long as you keep it nice) and, let's face it, that's what Harry Callahan had, right?

 

[zzclancy]

Frankly you don't want a new one. Just keep looking. I would go pre lock.

 

[muddocktor]

If you decide to get a revision newer than a -2, I would suggest buying a -4E and up as they have the endurance package. I've also been looking for a model 29 myself, but I would rather a nickel gun over a blue finish as I find they are easier to care for. And of the nickel finish guns, it seems they are -3 or older so far on GB.

 

[doctorfronk]

Last year I finally bought a brand new Model 29 ("Classic"), after waiting nearly 40 years to do so; however, am hugely disappointed with it for various reasons, reasons which will remain unsaid.

Anyway, a few months later I saw a used 8 3/8" long barrel 629 on consigment at the same gun dealer where I purchased the new Model 29; bought it as soon as I saw it on the display case!

is an older model--has the hammer-mounted firing pin, like on a 70s nickel plated Model 27.
I like its action much better than that on the new Model 29 (akin to what all other older S&W revolvers I own do, and the new 29 doesn't)...

 

[Nightowl]

I have a 29-2 I have had for 50 years. It was heavily used for a number of years and now I don't shoot too many .44 Magnum rounds. But, it is just as good today as it was when I bought it new. It does, however, have .432 throats.

I have newer ones too and if I were buying a .44 Magnum today, I would find a 29-5, or a 629-3 or -4, either Classic or standard. It would have the lifetime warranty, hammer mounted firing pin, forged internals, and NO LOCK. Mine shoot very well. Cylinder throats are right at .429, too.

 

[Carrier]

Last year I finally bought a brand new Model 29 ("Classic"), after waiting nearly 40 years to do so; however, am hugely disappointed with it for various reasons, reasons which will remain unsaid.

Anyway, a few months later I saw a used 8 3/8" long barrel 629 on consigment at the same gun dealer where I purchased the new Model 29; bought it as soon as I saw it on the display case!

is an older model--has the hammer-mounted firing pin, like on a 70s nickel plated Model 27.
I like its action much better than that on the new Model 29 (akin to what all other older S&W revolvers I own do, and the new 29 doesn't)...

If you don’t want to say here then please pm me as I’m looking at buying a new 29 Classic. Would really like to hear what issues you had as it might save me some grief.