You pose a difficult question.
I recently had to pass on a 29-2 just like that. While examining it I had that same internal dialogue with myself. It was beautiful and pristine, an early 29-2 in condition as mint as any I've ever seen. I'm more of a shooter than a collector, hence the debate. I can't say which side I would have come down on because someone bought it before I could so crisis averted I guess.
Ten years ago I bought an LNIB 3.5 inch 27-2, unfired with all the associated tools and documents. I've gained a lot of enjoyment shooting that gun over the last decade. However, with values continually climbing I now wonder if I would have been better off leaving it unfired. You say, "I'd never sell it." You think that now, but you never know.
I have little use for the new S&Ws, but I have debated on buying a new production 629. It might be nice to have a shooter I can utilize that has full factory support and no collectability, thereby saving wear and tear on my older guns. I recently suffered a parts breakage on my forty year old 29-2. The pivot pin on the hand sheared off. Fortunately, I was able to obtain a replacement without difficulty but how long will that last? Some parts are nearly unobtanium as it is and the situation won't improve. The experience further reinforced the idea of picking up a new shooter grade gun.
In the end that would probably be my route. I'd keep that one pristine and pick up and older one that's been used, or a new production sample to use for shooting. That way, you'll have one to shoot without worrying about every little ding and wear mark, but still have this one to appreciate.
BTW, the 29 isn't fragile. Just don't be stupid with the handloads. Remember, the gun was introduced in 1955. Just keep your loading specs to within the rounds original parameters and the gun will outlive you.
