My return to revolvers...

[mce993]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking on the S&W Forum for quite a while and decided that it was finally time to break the ice and make my first post.

A few years back I decided to get rid of my revolvers and move toward semi autos. At the time I had a Colt Detective Special and a Dan Wesson .357 with a six inch full lug barrel. In retrospect it was one of those decisions that would haunt me for a long time. The Colt was a sweet little carry piece and the DW was made like a fine swiss watch. I wish I still had both of them. Oh well... lesson learned.

Fast forward to December 2009. During a routine stop at my local gun shop I saw a used S&W 686-6+ lying in the case and asked to see it. The moment I got it in my hand I knew I had to have it. It just felt right, and it came with its original case and accessories. I let my wife know about it, being right before Christmas and all, and guess what was under the tree Christmas morning but my 686! My first S&W. You've just got to love a woman like that. It's not the first gun she bought me and I hope it won't be the last.

Then, in late March I stopped at my favorite store again and there was a model 29-2 sitting in the same case. Remembering what I'd read on the forum about the 29 I asked to see it. I had never held a 44 magnum before, but darned if it didn't feel good in the hand, too. Well, the next thing I knew I had put money down to hold it because it couldn't be sold until early April. $670.00 later it's home with me now and I'm looking at it as I write this. I haven't made it out to the range with it yet and it's driving me crazy. Maybe this weekend...

The guys at the gun shop told me that it was made in the early 70's. Serial number is N1399XX. If anyone could verify the age I'd be grateful. There is a faint line on the cylinder, the cylinder locks up pretty tight, the rifling is sharp, and the bluing is real nice with no rub marks. To be honest, it doesn't look like it's been shot hardly at all. Unfortunately, it didn't come with its original box, but since I didn't buy it as a collector piece that doesn't bother me too much.

Also, I'm wondering if the grips are original to the gun. It seems like the checkered versions are more common, but I have seen a few on the forum with the smooth ones. Any opinion on this would be welcome.

So there's my story. In four short months I went from no revolvers in the safe to having two great Smiths. I'm trilled to have them and I'm glad I found the S&W Forum.

Best regards to all.

 

[indiuckian]

Congrats on two beauties. I would guess 1973-1974 on the 29-2. I just bought a 4 inch 629. Same thing, I held it and couldn't let it go. The folks here are kind and knowledgable and I am sure someone with more knowledge can do better on the date of the 29-2. Now go rent "Payback" with Mel Gibson while you clean your 29!

 

[pawncop]

I have been carrying self loading pistols on duty since early 1988, when we had a chief that was much more an administrator than a cop. He decided that we would no longer carry 357 magnum loads and instead carry 38 special +P 158 grain all lead hollow points. I have heard these referred to as Chicago loads. Not sure where that comes from but that is what I've heard them called.

I was carrying a S&W 586 and loved it. But I was not going to bet my life on a round I did not trust.

I changed to a S&W 645 and shortly there after changed to the 4506. Now I love my 4506 and still have it even though I changed to the S&W M&P in 45 ACP.

But my heart still belongs to the revolver. I shot a Model 19 last week, what I started out with and it was like coming home.

 

[bronco45]

Well appointed 29 like the wood stocks. They are great guns. I've shot one for years (decades) with a 245grain Keith and enough Unique or later Universal for a 1000fps from a 4". Very accurate and powerful.

 

[P&R Fan]

Welcome to the forum. Very nice revolvers. You'll enjoy shooting them. Those smooth stocks on the 29 will be much more comfortable than the sharply checkered factory ones on my 4" nickeled 29-2. They look nice, but aren't too comfortable.

 

[29aholic]

Welcome to the forum

A 1956 catalog for Gopher Shooter's Supply stated the new 44 magnum was a gun you did not have to sell, you just had to put it in your customer's hands. I remember vividly the first Smith 44 I held and new at the time I was a goner. I still have the very first one I bought over 25 years ago...and many more I have added since

I would hazard a guess your gun did not ship with the smooth presentation grips. Typically, only engraved guns shipped with smooth grips unless it was special ordered that way. In the time frame your gun was shipped Smith wasnt doing any special orders on Model 29's as they couldnt make standard guns fast enough to keep up with the demand created by "Dirty Harry". They did offer them as an accessory and I must say those you have are some of the better looking ones Ive seen.

 

[j38]

Nice 6-guns! The 29 is especially handsome with those presentation stocks.

Thanks for the post & pictures,

Jerry

 

[kennyb]

very nice guns indeed...glad to have you here...i still have my first 44 mag.that i purchased new in 1976....you will love it

 

[gunlovingirl]

I love that 29-2! Congrats on both guns, and on having such a thoughtful Mrs. Claus!

 

[sgt.207]

I went on the job in 1988 and we were issued the S&W 681 with full power 125 grain 357 magnum loads. Several months later, the job changed over to the S&W 6906 with regular pressure Remington 115 grain JHP loads. While the 6906 is a great gun, i missed the power of the 357. Oh well. I'd would have carried a revolver any day.

I have been carrying self loading pistols on duty since early 1988, when we had a chief that was much more an administrator than a cop. He decided that we would no longer carry 357 magnum loads and instead carry 38 special +P 158 grain all lead hollow points. I have heard these referred to as Chicago loads. Not sure where that comes from but that is what I've heard them called.

I was carrying a S&W 586 and loved it. But I was not going to bet my life on a round I did not trust.

I changed to a S&W 645 and shortly there after changed to the 4506. Now I love my 4506 and still have it even though I changed to the S&W M&P in 45 ACP.

But my heart still belongs to the revolver. I shot a Model 19 last week, what I started out with and it was like coming home.

 

[fyimo]

Nice looking revolvers and very nice grips on the Model 29

 

[sw44spl]

very nice guns next look at a model 19 you will love it.

 

[JollyJerry]

Congratulations on the two fine pistols. I have enjoyed both of my 686s (4" and 6") and my 5.5" 29 Classic. Although I will be soon selling my 29, I know it to be an outstanding firearm. Have fun shooting those excellent firearms.

 

[model70hunter]

Welcome to the forum. What a beautiful pair to start with.

 

[boykinlp]

I am sure that they will be 2 of many. Sounds like you are hooked again. You have made 2 great choices and they will suit you for years to come.

 

[SaberOne]

Blast from the past...

Your post reads very similar to mine not long ago, complete with "fast forward". I kick myself almost every time I see a revolver that I use to own. The one I miss the most is the one that nobody believes I actually purchased new. It was an honest to goodness Model-28 with a 'factory installed' 4-inch bull barrel. I purchased it in 1974 at a gun shop in Fallbrook California. I guess it was a special order that someone backed out of. Apparently, there is no account of this particular configuration. I carried the thing for more than two years as a LEO before selling it for something else. Man, I would give almost anything to have that gun back in my hands.

These days, I'm back with revolvers because I miss the feel and beauty of a finely tuned wheel gun. Anyway, welcome to the forum.

Regards,

 

[viceunit]

I bought a 29-2 4" blue about 7 years ago that looks NIB with presentation case/tools/papers/etc. It also has smooth target stocks and I assume they came with the gun, but with S&W you just don't know - anything is possible it seems. Here's a photo.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[guitar1580]

Congrats on a couple of great Smiths. The 29-2 with 4" is one of my fav all time guns. I too recently acquired my first one, and the feel & balance of it in your hand, and the smoothness of the action are absolutely wonderful.

Josh P