Model 29 Classics Review

[John Eilertson]

I have yet to handle one of these new "Classic" 29s, but the reason the blueing was so fine on those through the '70s was a process called "S&W Bright Blue." This gave a gleam to the firearm that was genuinely appealing. Wish they still did it. (Along with NO LOCKS.)

 

[TDC]

I've shot, hunted with, and collected S&Ws for 40 years. The one you're looking at with the half underlug will probably be the closest appearing gun to the originals we will ever see again from the factory.

Considering the price of the new ones I believe I'd look into an earlier Mod 29-2, 3, or 4 to seriously compare to as an option.

Not to denigrate the later guns, ( I'm currently shooting a 5" 629-6, IL, MIMs and all) and find no fault with it.)

I'm thinking many 95-98% early P&R guns are currently selling for less than new ones. The collector value and upwardly increasing prices of the early guns would certainly protect your investment over the long haul...

Unless you're sure you need the "endurance" package of the later guns you'd be buying the "classic" style you want...

Just sayin'.........

 

[Doc Rock]

Happy Birthday to Me!

My (upcoming) birthday present. I ordered rosewood Altamont Bateleur grips for it. Now, if my wife will only let me take it to the range before my birthday...

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I can't speak on the currently offered Classic series m29, but I do own a 629-6 Classic (6.5" full underlug barrel) and it is as reliable as it is accurate. My first session attempting 50 yard shots from typical handgun hunting positions I was able to make paper plate sized groups. No, it's not impressive to the more experienced and practiced handgunners out there, but I feel that it was pretty good for my first attempt, and without optics. Just upgraded to a fiber optic front sight. I think alot of credit for that successful first outing at 50 yards goes to the quality of my revolver.

To help with all of the "Classic" confusion out there I think of it this way.... The "Classic" designation of my 629 Classic and the now discontinued 29 Classic (both sporting full underlugs which the model designation "Classic" really signifies) are called "Classic" as a model designation. The only difference between a standard model 629 and a 629 Classic is the full underlug and the Classics have a quick change front sight. Whereas the current offerings they call "Classic" are part of a model series. Most (maybe all) of those models were discontinued until they recently reintroduced them as part of their Classic series. They have several Classic models, the 29, 57, and several others.

 

[SLT223]

My only complaint are the factory stocks. Way too skinny for .44 Magnum. It's a true square butt so it will take the old S&W wood grips which are much wider.

Here's a thread I started when I got my 4" Classic. You dont need to make the mods I did, but they help if you shoot alot.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/489100-my-29-10-modifications-heavy-use.html

 

[SLT223]

I think the reason that the new classics have a recessed muzzle is that they have a two piece barrel.

They do not.

 

[Mr.Harry]

Here's a -6 Classic. Ditto what RIDE RED 350r said about his. First revolver for me, and it really opened my eyes to a whole new world of what is possible with a pistol/hand-gun. I mean, I 'knew', like you know there's giant squid swimming in the ocean even though you've never seen one. It was and continues to be eye-opening. I'll leave it at that.

 

[ofnsaz]

I've got a 4" version. I have small hands, so I put a wood boot grip on it and filed it down enough to fit my hand. It's pretty narrow. The gun makes a GREAT 44 special shooter, but whacks the hand pretty hard with full power magnum loads. I had a Ruger Alaskan that was gentler on the hand, but I gotta admit...I really like the 29. I just don't shoot a lot of rounds on any given day. A friend handloaded some ammo for a 240 grain bullet going at around 950 fps. I think that is my gun's sweet spot.

 

[38splfan]

I bought one (29-10) in January... Where to begin...

The Good: The Blue is flawless! The fit of the cylinder/action is tight and crisp.

The Bad: The factory grips are awful, thin, and do nothing to absorb recoil. I replaced mine with aftermarket target grips which tame the recoil from full house loads. Plan on replacing them upon purchase.

The Ugly: Mine came with a under-clocked barrel so it shot 18" to the left. There was a huge burr on the crown. The trigger engagement surfaces were about as smooth as the surface of the moon.

I sent it back to Smith a week after I picked it up at my dealer. They properly clocked the barrel, eliminated the burrs on the crown, fixed the trigger, and replaced the rear sight. This was all on their dime. Now the gun needs a good trigger job and it will be up to my expectation of Smith. Your mileage might vary...