Newshooter.44
Member
Been looking at this style of gun. like the wood grip classic style and been wanting a .44 for awhile now. i was curious if anyone has it or has handled/fired it. pros/cons and personal review of it. thanks!
Model 29 Classics Review
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gkitch
Member
In the 90s, S&W introduced the Magna Classic, followed by the 29 Classic and 29 Classic DX. These all sported the heavy full lug under the bbl.
Recently, they came out with another Model 29 "Classic" that is a (kinda) reproduction of their original 44 Magnum, which is a true classic! All this has served to trigger a level of intantaneous confusion, reminicient of an Abott & Costello skit, among us enthusiasts.
So, just for clarification, are you referring to the recent 29 Classics that remind us of the originals?
Recently, they came out with another Model 29 "Classic" that is a (kinda) reproduction of their original 44 Magnum, which is a true classic! All this has served to trigger a level of intantaneous confusion, reminicient of an Abott & Costello skit, among us enthusiasts.
So, just for clarification, are you referring to the recent 29 Classics that remind us of the originals?
cardshooter
Member
new model 29 classic
I had my FFL order me in a model 29 classic about a month ago, it arrived with a large groove (sort of a large chip in the wood )in the right grip panel where it meets the grip frame, can't believe that got by quality control, the bluing was dull and splotchy and the trigger pull was ungodly heavy, I did not like this revolver at all and soon sold it. I've also noticed very loose cylinders on the new smiths, so loose that if you move the cylinder while in full lock up the crane will actually slightly move away from the frame, the new guns are cheaply made compared to the older smiths I own in my opinion.
I had my FFL order me in a model 29 classic about a month ago, it arrived with a large groove (sort of a large chip in the wood )in the right grip panel where it meets the grip frame, can't believe that got by quality control, the bluing was dull and splotchy and the trigger pull was ungodly heavy, I did not like this revolver at all and soon sold it. I've also noticed very loose cylinders on the new smiths, so loose that if you move the cylinder while in full lock up the crane will actually slightly move away from the frame, the new guns are cheaply made compared to the older smiths I own in my opinion.
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Newshooter.44
Member
@ gkitch this is the model i was originally looking at but havnt had a chance to test it out yet Product: Model 29 - S&W Classics - 6 1/2" - Nickel however i want a good quality M-29 with a classic look. so im open to suggestions and recommendations for a specific model of the M-29. what would u recommend and know of any quality places to secure one?
Just picked a new Classic Model 18.Aside from the grips which I immediately replaced with a set of older,unused Combats,I am happy with it,can't find any fault with it.I have an older 18 from the seventies,but fancied one with target features.The current sale on them at Davidson's puts them in the reasonable zone.
OP
Newshooter.44
Member
how does the new one compare to the old model? what are the differences between the two as far as quality, features, etc
I'm sure that the 1970s blue would be considered brighter,but this one is fine with an even finish.
I like the target hammer and target trigger.The new one also has a countersunk muzzle,and a patridge front sight.Action feels fine,no quality issues,as good as the old one(actually the old one has a tiny issue-the hammer wasn't shimmed,so there is cocking wear showing the right side) and I'm very fussy with my toys.I'm not one that's bothered by the IL.I'm also someone who always figures on replacing factory grips with something better,often Nills,Spegels, or Browns.In this case,the Combats did the trick.I'm also someone who only buys new guns,100%,so chances of stumbling into an older,perfect NIB 18 with target features were slim.
I like the target hammer and target trigger.The new one also has a countersunk muzzle,and a patridge front sight.Action feels fine,no quality issues,as good as the old one(actually the old one has a tiny issue-the hammer wasn't shimmed,so there is cocking wear showing the right side) and I'm very fussy with my toys.I'm not one that's bothered by the IL.I'm also someone who always figures on replacing factory grips with something better,often Nills,Spegels, or Browns.In this case,the Combats did the trick.I'm also someone who only buys new guns,100%,so chances of stumbling into an older,perfect NIB 18 with target features were slim.
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Newshooter.44
Member
based on ur new M-18 would u think the quality and look is the same/equal/better to the originals? are the differences to the new model better?
cmj8591
Member
I think the reason that the new classics have a recessed muzzle is that they have a two piece barrel.
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Newshooter.44
Member
is a two piece better or worse or equal to a single piece?
All the classics have "original" one piece barrels. The new 17/18/48 barrels have recessed target crowns.
BobR1
Member
My local dealer just got one in. He ordered it for someone who did not take it. It did not look bad at all to me. It has the old style ejector shroud, not a full underlug. I believe it came in a wood presentation case also. If anyone wants more info on it, I can take a better look.
Bob
Bob
OP
Newshooter.44
Member
details please! and u talking about one of the new "classics" model 29 right?
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Newshooter.44
Member
beautiful gun mate.
gkitch
Member
gun for the money
The new classic you are looking at is a fine gun in many ways. There are many changes in how it was made over the years....some to improve it but most to save in manufacturing costs. It will run you around 1K or so.
For that money or less you can likely come up with a lightly used older Model 29-2 or 29-3. The full lug guns we talked about are some of the best, in my opinion, and can also be found quite reasonably. You should find one and examine it as you may or may not prefer the design.
Best advice is to visit some gunshows and try to track down some examples of these and ask to handle them. Then buy what you like best and do not worry too much about the opinions of others. I really believe that half the fun of guns is in finding the one you want and learning about it on the way.
The new classic you are looking at is a fine gun in many ways. There are many changes in how it was made over the years....some to improve it but most to save in manufacturing costs. It will run you around 1K or so.
For that money or less you can likely come up with a lightly used older Model 29-2 or 29-3. The full lug guns we talked about are some of the best, in my opinion, and can also be found quite reasonably. You should find one and examine it as you may or may not prefer the design.
Best advice is to visit some gunshows and try to track down some examples of these and ask to handle them. Then buy what you like best and do not worry too much about the opinions of others. I really believe that half the fun of guns is in finding the one you want and learning about it on the way.
OP
Newshooter.44
Member
very true. i actualy like the full lug look and was curious bout ur opinion on which model u prefer of the 29-2 29-3 29-4 etc
Classic29
Member
Gee, I feel I should be in this thread 
. My name is derived
from my Model 29 Classic Hunter from the late 80's. I liked
the looks of the unfluted cylinder and the underlug so I bought it. One of the "Ones I'll nerver part with".
. My name is derivedfrom my Model 29 Classic Hunter from the late 80's. I liked
the looks of the unfluted cylinder and the underlug so I bought it. One of the "Ones I'll nerver part with".
gkitch
Member
My favorite is the 29 Classic model 29-5. Stronger than the originals and stuningly accurate. I hunt with a 6.5" DX with a 2X Leupold scope and 300 gr handloads.
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