My "New" Model 29

[Fishinfool]

Been an N Frame fan for years, especially in the .44 magnum. In my modest collection, I own two blued model 29-2's with 4 inch barrels, both in very nice shape. Because of rising values, lately I have been grabbing my 4 inch 629-6 when I want to carry / shoot a 4 inch gun. But, I do like blue, so I bought a new 4 inch 29-10 Classic yesterday to carry in the woods, without having to worry about scratching it, or finish wear like I do the 29-2's.

So, some initial thoughts. The new 29 has a high polish finish, though not as nice as my older 29's, and more of a black then blue. The DA is decent, and I am pretty sure it will get better with use, as did my 629-6. SA trigger is excellent. Grips are well figured walnut, and look nice to me, but are on the thin side for a gun that kicks, at least in my big hands. We will see. The target trigger is grooved, which I don't like for DA work, so I may end up taking a Dremel to it. Crown looks fine, as does the rifling. Throats measured a consistent .4295 with pin gauges. The forcing cone appears well finished, with cylinder gap even, measuring .006 with a feeler gauge. Timing is fine.

I fired 6 shots in the back yard yesterday at a 25 yard target, using a 240 cast swc over 6.5 grains of Red Dot. Nice group, couple of inches high.

So far, I like it, and think it will serve it's purpose well. Attached a quick cell phone picture. Any finish flaws are greasy finger prints.

Larry

 

[Dakotakid]

thanks ! good info

 

[stansdds]

The blueing on S&W firearms beginning around year 2000 is quite different from what they used in the 80's and 90's and a lot different from the Carbonia bluing on older S&W's. The current bluing is an EPA friendly process that produces a black oxide finish, but the finish is not as durable as the older finishes. Do not use solvents that contain ammonia or ammoniated products, this is per S&W's instructions. Ammonia will change the color of the black oxide finish, giving it a purple hue. Enjoy your 29-10, it should be an excellent shooter.

 

[bananaman]

Nice 29! Anything I buy with Altamont {factory} stocks get changed. I put older real target stocks on them or Herrett. My 25-15 is a prime example. Makes a big difference to me. Bob

 

[75Vette]

Nice review for what is sure to be a great revolver. It's good to hear positive points on the factory's latest. Enjoy!!

 

[ImDrRich]

I feel compelled to say a couple of things: First, congrats on the "new" 29; I'm sure it will fit your needs as you said. You comment about the Grips seems very logical as, to me, they look cheap and don't have the look of the old, now vintage stocks. Please don't take my comment as a criticism of you - thanks.

 

[damienph]

Nice new model 29. I have a “new” model 27-9 that, although no real comparison cosmetically to a 27-2, is a pretty nice revolver. A good shooter and quite accurate. Like others have said, the grips just didn’t look or feel right and I swapped them out for a pair of older Targets.

 

[skeezix]

That's a nice 29.


I'm not fond of the "new" factory target grips, either, so I replaced the factory grips on my 586 with Altamont "Roper" grips.

 

[DGNY]

That is a very handsome revolver and we thank you for sharing. I even like the "extra" screw near the rear sight. I would note that the cylinder ring seems to be a gentle one, albeit with few rounds to date, and that might indicate very good fitting of parts.

Also imagine that in a few years people will be looking back nostalgically to 2021 and thinking "Wow those 29-10s were really something, compared to what I see on the shelves now"!

 

[damienph]

That's a nice 29.


I'm not fond of the "new" factory target grips, either, so I replaced the factory grips on my 586 with Altamont "Roper" grips.

Very nice! How do you like your 586? I have three S&Ws with the lock (27-9, 342-1 and 360J) and have not had any issues whatsoever with either one.

I’ve been looking for a reasonably priced pre-lock 586 but may go for a new one. I just can’t decide.

Anyway, nice grips!!

 

[fishwishin]

Very nice write up! I have a brand new 25-15 that I have not even shot yet. The fit and finish are very good, the finish however does remind me of a high quality polished paint type finish, not the blue we all lust after. My DA trigger is very heavy, the SA is spot on.

The grips….ugh, not to my liking at all. I replaced them with a spectacular elk stag set made by our very own Bigmtnman.

All in all, it is actually a very nice user gun that can be carried and handled with no concerns of collector value- gee, a gun one would actually use, nice job S&W

 

[Invictus357]

Amazing gun, congrats.

If I ever find one I'll buy it.

I'd for sure change the grips - either Eagles or some old targets

 

[Fishinfool]

Thanks for the positive replies. Was not that many years ago I figured I would never own a S&W revolver with MIM / Lock. Now, this one makes four. One of the things that sold me was the consistent accuracy I have gotten out of the other three.

Tried a couple cylinder fulls of full power loads with the 240 XTP over Win-296 today. Yep, gunna need thicker grips. I really like the look of those Roper imitations. Question for anybody with large hands who have used them on an N frame - How do they handle recoil?

Larry