Model 29 pre-purchase questions

[Riptide]

Couple maybe newb questions here. Looking at the 29-10 6.5"

I've noticed a lot of variation in the color of the "altamont walnut service" grips that come on it. Some seem to be a real nice darker almost cherry wood look while others are a much lighter shade. What is the deal there? I would prefer to get one that comes with the darker color grips on it.

Another thing. I've never had a weapon with a wood grip. How does it hold up to exposure to oil, solvents like hoppes, etc..?

 

[M29since14]

Everyone I know despises the stocks that come on the new guns. I guess your preference for dark grips just means you need to find a gun to buy that is so equipped. The variation you mention seems normal to me since a manufacturer never knows exactly what any given customer will want. I have no idea how the finish of the new grips holds up but naturally you always want to avoid prolonged contact of oil, cleaners, solvents, etc with finished wood.

Good luck with your 29-10!

 

[Pizza Bob]

How does it hold up to exposure to oil, solvents like hoppes, etc..?

You want to keep Hoppes 9 far away from your new blued gun - it can damage the finish. As can any ammoniated cleaner (this is in the owner's manual, but we all know that nobody reads those - LOL). Hoppes Elite is OK to use.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Riptide]

Why do people dislike the grips on the new ones?

 

[arjay]

Old geezers (me) prefer the look of solid wood over plywood

 

[cowboy4evr]

The newer grips are much thinner . The old style target grips fit my hands much better .

 

[Riptide]

I own a new model 629 with the hogues already. Are these grips significantly thinner than those?

Advise taken regarding the solvents. If I go ahead with this I will have to be careful then. I kinda figured the blued models would require more care and upkeep.

Since I'm not going to play the lottery on an $1100 revolver. I may have to call around and find a shop that has one in stock and is willing to send me a photo of the exact item before I go through with the purchase.

 

[22hipower]

You want to keep Hoppes 9 far away from your new blued gun - it can damage the finish. As can any ammoniated cleaner (this is in the owner's manual, but we all know that nobody reads those - LOL). Hoppes Elite is OK to use.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

I've been using Hoppe's #9 on blued guns for over 50 years. . .and still have some of the guns from those days. No damage I can see. Anybody got evidence of Hoppes damaging blued steel?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Riptide]

Just got approved for a $150 cash back VISA from Wells after I drop a grand on it. Looks like Wells is going to subsidize my firearms purchase.

As soon as it gets here I'm going to start doing my shopping. It may take some time these 29-10 seem to be hard to find in stock and I'm going to be picky about the grips.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I've been using Hoppe's #9 on blued guns for over 50 years. . .and still have some of the guns from those days. No damage I can see. Anybody got evidence of Hoppes damaging blued steel?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Here is the quote from the owners manual...

From Page #32 - "CAUTION: Some cleaners can cause damage to your firearms. You should avoid prolonged solvent immersion and prolonged ultrasonic cleaning of your firearm. Choice of solvent should be restricted to those products specifically developed for firearms maintenance.
Damage to a firearm's finish may occur if these cautions are ignored. Ammoniated solvents or other strong alkaline solvents, should not be used on any Smith & Wesson firearm. Cleaning is essential to ensure the proper functioning of your firearm."

I don't know how recent the change was, but S&W changed their bluing process to be more environmentally friendly. This is the thread that sticks out in my mind....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...new-57-a.html?highlight=finish+damage,+Hoppes

In search of the above thread I came across others that said not to use ammoniated cleaners on the clear-coated airweight frames and also on the Melonite finish, as is used on the Governor. Better to be safe than sorry.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[75Vette]

Grips are easily changed. I'd suggest Ahrend's target grips. You can go on Ebay and look under the seller "Gripseller" and buy the exact type/finish you want. They tend to fit the hand well too. I'd also look into a set of rubber Hogue monogrips for extended range trips.
As far as cleaners I use Ballistol. It won't harm the gun's finish and is actually good for the wood grips.

 

[Riptide]

Guys this is almost exactly what I'm looking for. I think it looks freakin awesome!

 

[SLT223]

I have two 29-10's. They are extremely good shooters. Per Smith &Wesson's advice and that of others here, refrain from using ammonia based cleaners on the new blue finished guns.

The bad news: the factory grips are largely worthless for launching magnum rounds. They are too narrow. The good news is that the 29-10 is a true square butt that will accept the old S&W target stocks as well as aftermarket.

 

[arjay]

Guys this is almost exactly what I'm looking for. I think it looks freakin awesome!

Looks like a late 50s 4 screw gun wearing smooth targets
You have good taste [emoji38]

 

[Riptide]

Last thing I wanna do is spend $1000 and then have to turn right around and replace the grips. Sorta like buying a new car and immediately having to go out and buy a set of wheels.

Are they really that atrocious? I don't have big hands so maybe that would help?

 

[75Vette]

From your pic, you certainly do have good taste. The ones pictured are Kurac grips. John is an artist when it comes to making fine grips.
Go ahead and buy the gun, pop off a few rounds of factory loads and you'll realize that the stock wood grips are for dressing up and the rubbers are for shooting.

 

[SLT223]

Last thing I wanna do is spend $1000 and then have to turn right around and replace the grips. Sorta like buying a new car and immediately having to go out and buy a set of wheels.

Are they really that atrocious? I don't have big hands so maybe that would help?

See how like them. I'm going to bet the over you won't be a big fan of shooting magnum ammunition with them. Especially if you have heavy recoil experience with wider grips.

 

[75Vette]

Jeez...I don't know about dressing up Barbies!

 

[Laketime]

Guys this is almost exactly what I'm looking for. I think it looks freakin awesome!

American Rifleman | Dirty Harry's Model 29: America's Shooting Star


That is actually the 4 screw that was used in Magnum Force.It is in the NRA musuem,on loan from John Milius

 

[Riptide]

Boy sure is hard to find these in stock. I've found a few but it's obvious I won't be getting it for much under retail. Can't even pick one up for a week or two so I hope they are still around.

I'll give the stock grips a try since I don't shoot a lot of magnums. Sounds like I'll end up having to buy another set sooner or later. If only to get the style and color just to my liking.