Model 29-3

[pacecars]

I did something I have been avoiding lately and stopped by a couple of pawn shops while my phone was being repaired. The first one didn’t have a whole lot of stock so I left and at the next one came across a beautiful S&W 29-3. The asking price was a little over $900. I must confess that I do not own a .44 Magnum at the moment and I have never owned a Model 29 (I have owned a Model 69 .44 Mag though). This one has a 5” barrel and nice looking blue and was either cleaned really well on shot very little or both. I was told this model didn’t come in a 5” so I will behave to check it more closely because the barrel looks factory and not cut down. I am weak and they offer layaway. Is there anything I should know or look out for on this model before I head back over and see if the have any negotiating room?

 

[CH4]

Did you happen to snap a quick pic? I am not familiar with a 5” 29-3.

 

[tajada]

Did you happen to snap a quick pic? I am not familiar with a 5” 29-3.

We love photos over here

 

[pacecars]

Unfortunately my phone was being repaired so I couldn’t get any pics. I am planning to go back tomorrow to look at it again and maybe make an offer. I will try to get some pictures

 

[ChargerBill]

If the barrel is original to the gun and the finish is 90% or better I would say that price is great and you should seriously consider getting that gun. I would like to see pics as well.

 

[Jeromejr]

I did something I have been avoiding lately and stopped by a couple of pawn shops while my phone was being repaired. The first one didn’t have a whole lot of stock so I left and at the next one came across a beautiful S&W 29-3. The asking price was a little over $900. I must confess that I do not own a .44 Magnum at the moment and I have never owned a Model 29 (I have owned a Model 69 .44 Mag though). This one has a 5” barrel and nice looking blue and was either cleaned really well on shot very little or both. I was told this model didn’t come in a 5” so I will behave to check it more closely because the barrel looks factory and not cut down. I am weak and they offer layaway. Is there anything I should know or look out for on this model before I head back over and see if the have any negotiating room?

Condition blueing cylinder movement barrel length. Stocks. If execellent condition buy it.

 

[Hair Trigger]

SCSW mentions a 5" full underlug barrel available on the M29 Classic series, which I believe are dash-3 or higher.

 

[Jeep 1]

I just got this one out of a pawn shop. Model 29–5 classic, 5” barrel full under lug.
Tom

 

[29aholic]

As far as I know, there was never a 5" 29-3. Only 4, 6, & 8 /38.
I own a 5" 29-3, but I had it made.

 

[pharman]

I have both 29-5 and 29-6 5" revolvers

The 5" barrel came on the Model 29-5 "Classic" AND the 29-6 "Classic"...both full under lug...both pre-lock...VERY neat revolvers and "balance" is perfect...like the other commenters I am NOT aware of a 29-3 5"...hope this helps...Roger

 

[pacecars]

I am taking a tape measure with me when I go to check it out in more detail. I don’t mind modified barrels as long as they are done well like my 5” 610

 

[stansdds]

A 5 inch Model 29-3 would be quite unusual. It might be possible that it was a custom order, but if it is 5 inches as measured from muzzle to the front of the cylinder, then it is more likely a barrel swap or a cut down barrel. That brings up the question of if the work was done correctly. A very close examination is required to ensure that the frame was not damaged, no excessive end shake in the cylinder, proper barrel-cylinder gap, look for signs of it having also been re-blued.

 

[Jeep 1]

From my recent experience on two different guns, leftover parts, get pulled off the shelf periodically to cleaned up inventory and assembled with whatever parts are available.
Mr. Roy Jinks once said with Smith and Wesson, all things are possible.
My golden bear 686-5 left the factory nine years after it was supposed to have an internal lock in the frame, it shipped in March 2009. The other was a model 29–2 with a 6 inch barrel that the serial number dates late 77 and should’ve been a 6 1/2 inch barrel. And it was shipped January the 8th of 1979.
Tom

 

[jcelect]

As far as I know, there was never a 5" 29-3. Only 4, 6, & 8 /38.
I own a 5" 29-3, but I had it made.

The first model 29 Silhouettes were made on the 29-2 but most of them were made on the 29-3 frame and they had a 10 5/8" barrel length!
jcelect

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Wow! So add the 3" that they made also. That makes it a 3",4",6",8 3/8" and 10 5/8"! All in a dash 3 model 29.

Still waiting to see this 5". Tagged.

 

[pacecars]

Went back today to look at it and realized it was a 6” barrel. It looks like whoever put 5” on the tag measured from the front of the receiver and rounded down to get 5”. I offered $800 and they took it so I put it on layaway

 

[demkofour]

Outstanding grab and congratulations!
I walked into a 6” 29-3 right around the Holidays and I paid $745 plus tax for it.
It’s not a 29, 29-1 or a 29-2, but still a very nice version/representation of a very classic and historic Smith and Wesson pistol!

 

[75Vette]

Either the grips need re-adjusting or they're off a k/l frame gun. Here's my 8 3/8" 29-3.

 

[twodog max]

Yep the grips are a little off. If that is the worst then it is still good IMO.
I have a 29-3 4 inch and it my prize regardless of its collector status.

 

[Laketime]

Great gun for $800

 

[pacecars]

I pointed out the grips to help get it to $800. I was a little leery of what else could be wrong if the previous owner put the wrong grips on it but it looks very well cared for and locks up tight and gas no play in utfc rd

 

[Engine49guy]

It appears to be an earlyish 29-3 solely based on the pic showing the ejector rod shroud is "melted" on the right side, late versions deleted that feature apparently as a cost cutting measure.
Nothing wrong with the 29-3 and its ss equivalent the 629-1 but purists would argue it is the low water mark in the designs pre IL evolution because it's non P&R so the earlier versions are more collectable and because its pre endurance package later versions are more robust,
The 6" Model 29-3 I own has the later non melted lug but also has bluing issues with a purple barrel and cylinder that do not match the frame apparently caused by the factory letting the blueing salts diminish.

 

[stansdds]

Good catch on using the incorrect stocks as a bargaining tool. I agree, they are K/L frame stocks. It was pretty common to ditch the factory stocks and put on rubber stocks when these revolvers were new. The rubber stocks made them more comfortable to shoot, but when you decide to sell the revolver, these days, we want the original stocks. Someone who is not paying attention might have paid $900 and not used the incorrect stocks as a bargaining tool. You did well.

 

[Rodan]

Great price for a 29-3!

Grips definitely look like K frame...

 

[pacecars]

Picked it up today and put some Badger grips on it. Much better fit

 

[stansdds]

I think you did well for $800. Enjoy that Model 29-3. Treat it well, don't abuse it and you will be rewarded with many years of enjoyment.

 

[lppd4]

I have 2 29-3's and paid more for both of them and felt like a made a decent deal. Good looking gun you have and great price to boot

 

[bananaman]

Bought a 29-3 some years back. Was a G.B. purchase. My 1st .44 Magnum. Replaced incorrect stocks with right ones. Last pic Ahrends. Bob

 

[Nemo288]

Now you need a real Dirty Harry holster!

I have a 6" 629-1 and have never felt it was "weak" in any way.
However I limit "full house" loads to a minimum mostly for comfort and preservation.
The smooth factory target grips also help with comfort (and look nice too).
It does shoot the 8 gr. Unique mid-level type loads well so that's what goes thru it most as well as lower "special" level loads.
If you ever get a chance to try smooth grips without finger grooves give it a go.
Totally different feel as far as recoil control goes.

 

[twodog max]

Very good. i think you did well.