New to me 29-5 and my first S&W

[Ejsg19]

Hi everyone. Lots of firsts here for me.

1st Smith and Wesson I've owned (barely beat my wife who has a Shield on order!)

1st revolver I've owned. Been on the hunt for a 44 magnum to match my Marlin lever action for quite some time. Had always been torn between a Ruger Redhawk for strength and my hot handloads, or a Smith and Wesson 629 for beauty and class.

Well one day a good while ago, I found that Smith made these 29's in blued finish, and still had the full barrel lug that I wanted, so out with the 629 and in with some real beauty.

Been on the hunt for a long time, gunbroker and everywhere brick and mortar. This was a Gunbroker gamble. Turned out very nice. I'm no gun grader but I'd say at least 96-97% or better. Looks almost unfired.

If anyone can tell me anything interesting, treat me like a rookie. I know they were made in the early 90's and thats about all.

Its only real apology is a "054" etched ahead of the cylinder, I assume is the previous owner's doing. Wasn't aware of it before the purchase, but I'm not going to fight the seller about it. Doesn't happen to bother me.

6 1/2'' barrel which was I thought the nicest combination for looks and balance.

Serial looks like: BKV 30XX Model 29-5

 

[DK1957]

I have the stainless version...a 629 classic w/ 6 1/2" power port barrel that I bought used a few months ago. Sweet shooting gun, great balance and very accurate. I bought a new blued 29-10 4" that I love also. You're gonna be very happy with that. Very nice!

 

[blackdeuce]

Congrats on the new gun. Good choice, IMO.

 

[grip frame]

The 054 is a factory part marking-no worries.

That is a beautiful revolver and being a -5 has the full endurance package and is pre lock/MIM. You made the best choice in a pre lock Smith .44 mag for a shooter. It will withstand more shooting than you will.

You made the right decision over the Redhawk. Your revolver is on the rare side-Smith is not making 29 classics anymore and you see fewer of them than their stainless brothers. It will also hold its value better than a Ruger, have a better trigger out of the box and is much better looking.

 

[yfdcap]

Very nice. I have his smaller brother in 5". Great guns. The home made looking number you are looking at is actually factory markings that only Smith emploees know what they mean. Mine has the same. Mine is 447.

 

[yfdcap]

Oh and welcome to the club. You will be buying more. It is a great disease.

 

[Dennis The B]

Very nice, indeed! Those are great shooters. I own a "brother in arms". It's a Classic DX, 5" barrel from 1992, and is a real tack driver.

Enjoy, and great snag!!

 

[Rahjerz]

My 29-5 5 inch classic, has 093 on the crane.

 

[Ejsg19]

You guys have made my day. I was intensely hoping that my "054" wasn't someone's after thought. That is wonderful news.

I got to shoot this beauty yesterday at an indoor range that our local gun club has. I used some of my mild hand loads, 240 gr LRN over a mild charge of powder.

I admit I am no revolver shooter, but this gun makes you look good. Printed 2'' groups at 12 yards, 1 inch right of center (I can see the rear sight is not centered) with a two handed grip. Printed directly on the bullseye with a one handed grip. (My shooting is suspect, been in and out of the hospital 3 times in June due to Tonsillectomy complications...)

It is no stretch to say that this is the nicest factory trigger I've owned. This thing is near mint, but it will get fired on occasion.

If anyone has any reputable reloading info on what is smart vs not so smart to run through these revolvers, I need to get educated on that topic. Don't want to shoot it loose, or obviously do any immediate damage to it or myself.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I recently gave mine to my son. You will enjoy that gun.

 

[brucev]

Beautiful example of top drawer quality.

 

[Ejsg19]

I recently gave mine to my son. You will enjoy that gun.

That is hopefully the destiny of this one. Son or Daughter, whoever shows more interest through child and adulthood.

 

[bananaman]

You did it right the 1st time! I hag a Ruger GP100, a little back. I kept it 2 weeks. Did not compare to any of my Smiths! ( I did trade it on a S&W 5906) A .44 is something I still don't have. Would like 1 someday. I do enjoy my 625 JM. The 45 fills my big bore urges for now. You shoot the heck out of that thing! Bob

 

[yfdcap]

You guys have made my day. I was intensely hoping that my "054" wasn't someone's after thought. That is wonderful news.

I got to shoot this beauty yesterday at an indoor range that our local gun club has. I used some of my mild hand loads, 240 gr LRN over a mild charge of powder.

I admit I am no revolver shooter, but this gun makes you look good. Printed 2'' groups at 12 yards, 1 inch right of center (I can see the rear sight is not centered) with a two handed grip. Printed directly on the bullseye with a one handed grip. (My shooting is suspect, been in and out of the hospital 3 times in June due to Tonsillectomy complications...)

It is no stretch to say that this is the nicest factory trigger I've owned. This thing is near mint, but it will get fired on occasion.

If anyone has any reputable reloading info on what is smart vs not so smart to run through these revolvers, I need to get educated on that topic. Don't want to shoot it loose, or obviously do any immediate damage to it or myself.

I am fond of 8.5-9.5 of unique. 8.5 would be my go to shoot all day load. 9.5 is a little hotter but still well below magnum. I use a 240 grain swc.

 

[Ejsg19]

I am fond of 8.5-9.5 of unique. 8.5 would be my go to shoot all day load. 9.5 is a little hotter but still well below magnum. I use a 240 grain swc.

My only personal .44 mag experience is with my Marlin '94. I've been a 110/296 guy so far for close to max stuff. U-clays or 231 if I'm going slow.

I have yet to try Unique but will watch for some.

 

[yfdcap]

My only personal .44 mag experience is with my Marlin '94. I've been a 110/296 guy so far for close to max stuff. U-clays or 231 if I'm going slow.

I have yet to try Unique but will watch for some.

The powders you have are very good 44 powders. Don't be afraid to stretch the legs of your new 29. She will do just fine.
Where Im at we have to use what ever powder we can get our hands on. Pistol powders are not available. Have not been for about a year now. Just had some Trailboss show up though so I will be giving that a try in my 44's. As a side note, I have a Marlin 94 as well. I had hoped to find a load that would work well in both. No luck yet.

 

[skypilot1941]

I use Trailboss with my .44 mag. for plinking and target loads. Started with 6 grains and 7.4 is listed as max. Very pleasant load to shot with 240 SWC.

 

[jaymoore]

231 works for me with lead bullets. Unique is OK. Trailboss seems to do well also. For hunting H110 is the usual choice, either lead or jacketed projectiles.

Have not yet found a 1990s 29 with the new style rear sight! All of my newer .44s are stainless.