New or used s&w m29? Bucket list

[pistolpete10]

I'm waiting for our stimulus check. Then I can purchase a s&w m29 / 44 mg but I'm not sure if new or used? A 6.5" barrel? In nickel?
What do you think?

Used if you can find a good pone, it may cost a little more but I'd bet money it'll be a better pistol. My new 629 has a hitch in the double action pull.

 

[RABIDWolf1]

Color is your choice, My preference is my 29-2 P&R. Will outlast my grandkids, and it came down from my Grandpa...

 

[BigBill]

I have the m27-2, the m57, the m24 in nickel I'm missing the m29 in nickel.

I just checked the online prices there much higher now. I need to checkout LGS next.

 

[The Gila Bender]

A P+R 29-2 is always a good choice. How do you feel about stainless steel? Keep an eye out for a decent 29-5, -6 or 629-3, -4 with standard 6" barrel. These have the desirable endurance enhancements and tighter cylinder throats. Here's my square butt and round butt 629-4's shipped in 1994. Just for grins I've added my beater-grade, but all original and still functioning, 1956 .44 Magnum 6.5" with coke stocks. Ya never know what you'll find out there once you start looking!

 

[BigBill]

They say the new m29-10 with all the upgrades is suppose to be the best m29 ever produced. But going looking may pay off. I do have a few n frames with the mim/loc for $699 nib I couldn't pass them up. My new m58 shoots awesome the n frame with the 4" barrel is well balanced.

 

[Onty]

Here is my .2 cents; if I am on the market for 44 Magnum S&W, my absolutely top choice would be M29/629-3 or -4, Classic DX, period!

With DX models you are getting the most accurate S&W-s ever, tested in factory for accuracy and making 1,5" on 50 yards. Only those receive DX marking.

With M29/629-3 and -4 you are getting endurance package, and also no MIM parts. Earlier dash number or no dash number, no endurance package. With -5 and up, mechanism parts are made using MIM process. Some say that MIM parts are OK, however, top notch custom smith Clements refuses to work on them:

"I am currently only accepting N-frame cal. conversions. I cannot do action work on newer guns with MIM parts. If the back of the trigger has cavities cast in it, then the gun is a MIM gun and not suitable."

Clements Custom Guns

I will take his word as the most relevant statement.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have 2 S&W 29-10's . One has a 4" barrel , the other 6.5" . I have had an earlier 29 , that is long gone . These 2 - 10's I will always keep . As far as action jobs , neither one needed it as they were quite smooth from the factory and have only gotten better . My 4" sees the most use , it's my " old workhorse " . I would trust my life on either one . That was NOT the case with the earlier one I had . As far as I'm concerned , pinned and recessed is irrelevant , simply a matter of personal choice . The 29-10 has the best of the upgrades , is stronger and just a better gun than the earlier ones . Yes , that guy says he has over 75000 rounds through his 29-2 with the 8 3/8" barrel and I'm sure that is true . But when he did a video using his " magnum loads " with a chronograph , they were only doing about 950-975 fps . That's hardly a " magnum load " . More like a 44 special +P load . Nothing wrong with it but it's much weaker than a real 44 magnum load , easier on the gun . If you want a 6.5" that is nickel plated , then " stick to your guns " (pun intended ) and don't settle for anything less or different . Regards Paul

 

[Doc44]

Nothing wrong with a Model 29-10, 6 1/2-inch, nickel.

Bill

 

[NavySCPO]

Here is my .2 cents; if I am on the market for 44 Magnum S&W, my absolutely top choice would be M29/629-3 or -4, Classic DX, period!

With DX models you are getting the most accurate S&W-s ever, tested in factory for accuracy and making 1,5" on 50 yards. Only those receive DX marking.

With M29/629-3 and -4 you are getting endurance package, and also no MIM parts. Earlier dash number or no dash number, no endurance package. With -5 and up, mechanism parts are made using MIM process. Some say that MIM parts are OK, however, top notch custom smith Clements refuses to work on them:

"I am currently only accepting N-frame cal. conversions. I cannot do action work on newer guns with MIM parts. If the back of the trigger has cavities cast in it, then the gun is a MIM gun and not suitable."

Clements Custom Guns

I will take his word as the most relevant statement.

You made me look , since I own a 29-3...

But if I read the 4th Edition correctly, all 29-3's didn't have the endurance package, looks like the 1982-86 didn't, it came out in 1987 with the -3E, so my 1984 would not have been upgraded.

In any case, doesn't matter to me that much, besides, it looks so good next to my 19-3.

 

[BigBill]

Used if you can find a good pone, it may cost a little more but I'd bet money it'll be a better pistol. My new 629 has a hitch in the double action pull.

Moly the action inside and cycle it 75 to 100 times with snap caps. It should smooth it out.

My two new s&w m57 & m58 had two different sear let offs in single action. Applying moly to the rougher one made them pretty much equal. I like all my triggers to have as close to the same feel as I can get them. When I switch guns I know it's easier to adapt to shooting it accuracy wise.

 

[scout63]

As far as the OP hunt goes, check the prices of getting your 29-10 nickel-ed vs trying find one for a decent price right now, unless you have patience to hold up to see if prices change for the better(if ever). I own a 29-10 that the wifey got me (knew it was a bucket list gun),6.5"barrel, blued, presentation case and all the goodies (of course the ugly lock), but ever since I was a young kid and seen the Dirty Harry movies, I wanted it. I love the .44 mag round (own 4 pistols & 1 lever action at the current moment), I have probably owned more than a dozen of them so far and can never have just 'one' at a time. My 29-10 has never given me any issues,the best double action trigger and one of the better single action triggers of all my .44's (sorry my Ruger Hunter is better in single action). As far a nickel goes, each to his own, freedom of choice, blue is better looking in my opinion, but your choice not mine, so i say go get what you want. just one man's opinion....

 

[Constrictor]

Personally i would go for an older 29-2 or 29-3. Pre lock.