Model 29 best and worst model or years?

[S&WIowegan]

my best .44 Magnum

I bought one of the 629-3 Magna Classics when they came out new in 1990. This model (along with the Model 29 Magna Classic) were a limited edition (3000 each) which introduced the the new S&W performance upgrades for the .44 Magnum revolvers. They came with a special wood case, interchangable front sights, round butt combat grips and 7 1/2" barrel.

The gun has a high polish finish on the stainless steel and is very well fit and finished. I didn't know we're not supposed to shoot these fancy special editions back then so I DO! The gun is extremely accurate and comfortable to shoot once you ditch the combats. I use Pachmayr Decelerators on mine which moderate the recoil impact. The full underlug is also a big help.

 

[cotton]

just bought a 29-3 unfired 8inch etc really nice and i intend to shoot it if its one of the endurance package revolvers serial # acy8xxx hopeing to find expert here .. no response so far maybe need to part my hair diff. if intrested gave $690.00

 

[T. McIntyre]

Personally I look for -2 guns and endurance packaged guns that are pre MIM and lock.

In regards to putting lots of rounds through the older ones, I am of the opinion that if and when I shoot one out of time, I will send it in for repair (I have a couple that need to go in at the moment). If I have shot a Model 29 beyond repair with moderate loads, then I am a happy camper and I have used it to its fullest and I deserve another.

Life is too short and bad things happen to good people. Then someone else gets to shoot those guns you were too worried about babying to shoot and enjoy.

Enjoy them with friends and family or by yourself, but enjoy the Model 29s while you can and with no regrets.

 

[29aholic]

Look again

just bought a 29-3 unfired 8inch etc really nice and i intend to shoot it if its one of the endurance package revolvers serial # acy8xxx hopeing to find expert here .. no response so far maybe need to part my hair diff. if intrested gave $690.00

I responded to your earlier post in this thread.

 

[Yancyd]

29-2

Have owned the S&W 29-2 in the 6.5" and 4". Both were excellent. Looking to buy a 2.5 inch 29-2.
Out of all the S&W's, the 19-3, I found for my son sitting in a box unfired at a gun shop, is the most accurrate. He hit a padlock at 102 yards, further then me eyes allow me to see clearly lately. lol!.
Sure enjoy the quality of the 29-2's, the 19-2's, and the 19-3's.
Any feedback on the 29-10's?

simple quote....
"respect and acceptance"

that's all,

yancyd

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Not to step on Curtis's toes, or anyone else's for that matter but,

The 29-3E had the hardened yoke, and extended bearing surfaces on the yoke only. 29-4 had the self-adjusting yoke screw and the radiused stud package added. The 29-5's have all of the endurance upgrades such as the elongated bolt notch, larger cylinder stop bolt, and internal bolt block.

 

[cotton]

Thank-You very much Mr. 29aholic ... didnt realize i had my answer stumbling around these diff pages smile

 

[cotton]

Thanks everyone ,A guy could get an education hanging out here ,my kinda school too

 

[user]

Mine's a 29-8 Mountain Gun, four inch barrel. I had to send it back to the factory for warranty work (defective cylinder release bolt), and had them do their "master revolver action package" at the same time. But now it's a really wonderful revolver. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Accurate, well balanced, & easily managed.

 

[29aholic]

Thank-You very much Mr. 29aholic ... didnt realize i had my answer stumbling around these diff pages smile

No problem...I get lost too at times

 

[cotton]

Found this ,, thought it was intresting Actually the full endurance package was not introduced all at once. From 1987 to 1990, in models 29-3, 29-3E, 29-4, and 29-5, the Endurance Package was introduced as a series of improvements. Interior parts were fitted tightly, studs were radiused, a new yoke retention system was designed, a bolt block was installed, and the cylinder locking bolts were cut

 

[2Adefender]

Great thread, very informative. I've been looking for a 29 as well.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

For me, the 'best' 29's are those with a square butt and target grips. When the 29 went to round butt --- they became a lessor product to me as the round butt is very uncomfortable for me to shoot. Pinned and recessed is a plus as is a nickeled gun in my book. A stainless round butt is a low as it gets in my book.

 

[29-1]

Best Year for 44 Magnum

1956
Chuck

 

[borntoraisehogs]

This one gets me by .

 

[sniper47]

Very informative thread. I guess I have the lemon of the bunch, at least according to most here, the -3.

 

[T. McIntyre]

So from what I gather here, would it be safe to say the 29-5 is probably the pinnacle of the Model 29s development?

 

[bk43]

The best 44 Magnums from a fit and finish perspective are the ones made and shipped in 1956. Since this was the first year for this model, S&W did an extra special job of polishing and fitting each gun. The early guns also hold up well when used with Elmer Keith's recommended 44 Magnum load.

Strictly from a shooting point of view, the Model 29 with the endurance package (1989) and later model variations (yes, even the Model 29-10 with the internal lock) are superior to the earlier ones.

Bill

Since he's probably handled and owned more 29s than the rest of us combined I think it's pretty safe to go with this.

Bob

 

[Noah Zark]

. . . The 29-3E had the hardened yoke, and extended bearing surfaces on the yoke only. 29-4 had the self-adjusting yoke screw and the radiused stud package added. The 29-5's have all of the endurance upgrades such as the elongated bolt notch, larger cylinder stop bolt, and internal bolt block.

FINALLY, a published concise explanation of the contents of the fabled, mysterious Model 29 Endurance Package! Thank you!

Maybe I've been looking in all the wrong places prior to this, but I was beginning to think that one needed to know the "secret handshake" or to possess a decoder ring to be able to know the details of the Endurance Package.

Thanks again,

Noah

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I have one of the larger Model 29 collections. One is a nickeled 3rd change.Its finish is exquisite and the action smooth as butter.The blued 3rd change guns generally have a more thinner looking finish,but I like the non recessed cylinder when it comes to cleaning them