Model 29 Grips?

[Jailbirdwatcher]

I recently purchased a Model 29 revolver. It is in extremely good condition for 1976 production. (N3438XX) IT has no box or paperwork and the previous owner replaced the grips with a set of Pachmayer Presentations. I would like to replace them with something period correct for the gun. Hopefully, someone can steer me toward the proper type of grip. The finish on this revolver is close to100%. It is so nice I have to wonder if it has been redone. The front face of the cylinder looks as if it has never been fired and there is zero evidence of gas cutting on the top strap near the barrel cylinder gap. Also there's barely a hint of a line on the locking lug area of the cylinder. Are there any tell-tale signs that would indicate a refinish? I will post some pictures later this week when I get an opportunity.

 

[Doc44]

These stocks date to 1976, as does your Model 29. A factory refinish would be indicated by a R-Bi or R-S inside of a rectangle stamped on the grip frame.

Bill

 

[DWalt]

Actually, in the 1980s, the standard factory grip for the 29-3 was the Hogue rubber grip. I've never had any reason to replace it on my ca. 1983 29-3.

 

[Jailbirdwatcher]

I took some pictures this afternoon. I do not believe there are any refinish letters on it. The grips are stamped 1986 and while they are close they're not quite period correct for this revolver. Notice there is hardly a hint of a turn line on the cylinder (I haven't even cycled the action) and no holster wear at the muzzle. Gotta do more research on this one.

 

[civil1977]

Like a lot of Model 29s from that era, they were bought during the Dirty Harry craze by people who wanted to own the most powerful handgun in the world and not fired very much, if at all. In subsequent years it became common to find used 29s with a box of ammunition with six rounds missing. The original owners fired one cylinder full and put the gun away.

 

[K31]

I've been looking for a 29 like that for awhile. That finish looks Very nice

 

[saemetric]

Nice 29 but it looks refinished to me. Still a very nice 44 mag.

 

[model70hunter]

Like a lot of Model 29s from that era, they were bought during the Dirty Harry craze by people who wanted to own the most powerful handgun in the world and not fired very much, if at all. In subsequent years it became common to find used 29s with a box of ammunition with six rounds missing. The original owners fired one cylinder full and put the gun away.

Agree on this. I knew a spoiled rich kid whose Daddy bought him one, he was running around showing it to folks wanting someone to go shoot it while he watched. I had a 29-2 and told him it would not break your wrist and I'd go after work. He next bumped into a couple of neer do wells who went out and shot his box of ammo.

 

[DWalt]

My first .44 Mag was an original Ruger Blackhawk flat top, and I had a similar experience. I fired it a few times with factory loads and decided I didn't need that much fun. I quickly sold it. Some years later I bought a 29-3, but as I was reloading by then, I always used (and still use) .44 Special-level lead bullet handloads.

 

[sugerwater]

Nice 29 but it looks refinished to me. Still a very nice 44 mag.

Seems buffed out, rounded on sharp edges. Could be the pic's.

 

[Doc44]

sugerwater...some of the 29-2s from the mid-70s have this look and are not refinished. I have noticed what you pointed out in several of my 44s (bought new in 76).

Bill

 

[66Park]

Whether it's refinished or not (and I would pay heed to Bill's expertise on the matter), that is a really nice looking sixgun! Four inch 29s look like real brutes!

 

[DWalt]

I can't tell about the finish from the pictures. I'd say it looks original to me. That's the problem with looking at pictures vs. having the gun in hand.

 

[sugerwater]

Face of the ratchet looks blued, also ratchet looks to show signs of peening, although hard to tell from photo's. That's a good looking 29.

 

[Nframecollector]

Looks good to me....................if it was refinished its a good job! Look factory to me though. Nice find.

 

[sunnyd]

Lettering looks sharp....... I vote original finish fired very little.

 

[Jailbirdwatcher]

I want to thank everyone for their comments. They have given me much to ponder. A few things make me think it may have been refinished, but there is no evidence of pitting anywhere on the gun and to my eyes no evidence of much (if any at all) firing. By the way the ratchet is blued but there are no signs of peening on it. Nevertheless, It'll spend the rest of my life in my meager collection, as I have no intention of selling it (prolly never fire it either) and my heirs can argue its value after I'm gone.