Model 29-58, A "Gripping" Story

[A10]

I'm impressed! What kind of load is it regulated for?

 

[Bob L]

Bill, Absolutely Beautiful!

 

[j38]

That one rates pretty darn high on the COOL factor, Bill. Gorgeous gun, grips & leather! Thanks,

Jerry

 

[viceunit]

Not a fan of the stock S&W combat finger groove stocks - because the grooves are not where my fingers are. But those stocks, and I am assuming they were custom made to match your hand, should handle as well as they look for you. I had Keith make these to replace the S&W combats that came on my 24-3.

 

[Doc44]

Photo of the revolver with its original stocks.

Bill

 

[bamabiker]

Now that is one cool gun. Thanks for the show and tell.

 

[Art Doc]

One of three and you are carrying it and shooting it?

Love it.

Add this variation to the 5" tapered barrel model that I wish S&W had put in the catalog.

 

[Jack Flash]

the 58 was for police. ...

... and the Highway Patrolman was for _____ ?

 

[viceunit]

... and the Highway Patrolman was for _____ ?

The Highway Patrol

 

[Doug M.]

The HP/M28 was brought out for users, including LE, who desired a .357 magnum but could not afford the pre-27/27 of the time. Not a lot of LE agencies were supportive of the .357, so most who carried it were carrying their own, and the price made a difference. (I read a lot of the strings about the HD/M20, and there were a lot of agencies that issued it, or so it seems.) (And remember that training at the time was PRIMITIVE, so shooting a full house magnum in social encounters was much more difficult.) The M58 was a purpose built model trying to address the lame performance of the .38 without the blast of a full house hunting load, and the goal was to sell it to the LE agencies for use with the SWC. If the better training that started in the 80s had been around in the post WW2 era, and cops had carried the SWC in a decent .38 load, it is possible that revolvers would be more common in cop holsters today.

Being a smarty pants, I qualified with the hunting load in my M58, under a covered firing point. I was referred to by many profane terms during that process. Fixed sights made a lot of sense, but I find those on a revolver hard to see well enough in a hurry. My M58 has a fiber optic rod now and has had the rear trough opened up - it's almost like an XS sight in that if I get the front in my view and put on the center mass area, the target is toast.

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

Doug M, can you tell me who did your sight work?

Something I have wanted to do on my M-58 for along time.

Would you hapen to have any photos to share?

Thank You

 

[chud333]

the 58 was for police. Police departments went with fixed sights. Just look at the all the pre-model guns, the 10, the 13, all military and police. The Air Force did go with some 15's I think as they had adjustable sights and later on P.D.'s went with the 19,also adjustable. Just one think less for the operator to deal with.

But that is one nice looking 29-58. Like the red ramp and the deep blueing.

But so was the model 28 ......And they are adjustable...
Beautiful Revolver Doc.

chuck

 

[NE450No2]

I do not know why back in the day, that S&W did not offer that fixed sighted 44 Mag as a stndard catalog item...

 

[Doug M.]

Probably because the knowledge and training of the time was such that the .44 magnum was not carried very often, at least not be anyone who was not an outdoorsman. YogiBear, the work was done by a guy whose contact info I have elsewhere. I'll see if I can find it. It was also hard chromed. I'll try to post a pic or two later today.

 

[glenncal1]

I think that 29-58 loaded with some .44 mag -P (or .44 special +P if you prefer) with good JHP bullets would be perfect for just about any social encounter with either a 2 legged or 4 legged foe.

 

[ChattCat]

Doc44 ever since I viewed that pistol on several older post I've thought about what it would take to trade you out of it. What a beauty, the new grips are killer and should make it a bit more manageable. I have a model 58 that has been nickeled from a blued version and is perty ugly now, flaking and such. I am about to send it off to Smith to have it revamped. Carry port with a dove tailed front sight and round butted and refinished. Would love to have it as a 44 to go along with my vintage Ruger carbine but will settle for the 41 mag as it is. Of course you will probably keep the origional grips but if they would be up for sale sure could use them on my 625-2 3inch. Great looking gun the 29-58 Thanks for your post.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Great lookin' gun.

I gotta say thanks for nuthin' though. I always wanted to customize my Model 58 into something similar to what you have. I din't and don't want a .44, just a mini .41. I have managed to keep my senses about me until you posted that gun.

I have a lot of sentimental value for my old beast the way it is, and I just can't chop on it. We made it through some serious social encounters and I have to respect that. Kinda like gittin' use to a wife I guess.

Seein' that good lookin' gun you've got has got the juices flowin' agin. I guess I better start lookin' for a doggy old 58 and see what I can do.

Glad you came to your right mind and am keeping your 58 intact Iggy. Remember reading your original post on the man stopper. Had to go out and get a second one after reading your story. It's loaded with 6 rounds and ready to go if someone ever makes it past my alarm system and 110 lb. American Bulldog. Thought them howling Wyoming winds may have entered and exited your ears, creating permanent bain damage!

Doc, That is one SUPER cool revolver! Never seen one before and probably never will except on here. Congrats!

 

[blackdeuce]

That revolver is awesome!

1 of 3. I can only imagine what that would cost. Wanna trade for a pre-27 that has the wrong barrel? BTW, thanks for your help with it.

 

[29aholic]

Having seen this gun in person (prior to the KB stocks) I can verify it is my idea of an ideal carry 44...I can only imagine what the KB's add to it

 

[crsides]

I have a 58 nickel with some flaking and a little erosion in the bore. Found a 44 mag nickel bbl, and have a very talented friend who is going to take it the 44 route. I considered doing the round butt thing, but have not talked to him yet. He has some health issues he is dealing with, so maybe a while before it is done.

Patience, patience.

Bill, that is a hummer of a S&W. those factory grips look brutal.


Charlie