Picked up a shooter grade 29-2

[Dieseltech56]

These are the types of guns I love. Used but not abused. Not so nice I can't take it out and shoot it once in a while. Yesterday I picked up this 8 3/8" 29-2 that probably dates to 79 or 80 (N60xxxx). No boxes, cases or documents just a fine example of a model 29 that probably lived a good life.

It's got a few spots, scratches and muzzle wear that would keep it out of collectors hands but nothing that seriously detracts from the finish. When I first put my hands on the gun it was on courtesy hold at my LGS for another gentlemen who beat me to the punch. I did not think there was any way anyone would pass this gun up. The thought of losing this one by being a few hours late would probably dwell on me for a long time. Later in the evening when I got the call that he passed on the gun I couldn't get there soon enough. I was even ready to trade in my 29-3 6" just to ease the pain a little bit, we all know what these things cost in any reasonable condition. I was talked out of that trade but I did let go of a Ruger.


Unless you have a lot of other 29-2s I can't imagine passing on this one. The bluing is really something. My 29-3 is close but not quite as nice. My 29-4 and 29-6s are not even anywhere near.

Lets just say Christmas came early this year. This was an itch I knew I'd have to scratch eventually.

 

[Bakebfr480]

Very nice!

 

[gmborkovic]

Matt, go shoot the darn thing. Let us know.

 

[JohnRippert]

Not collector grade but better than shooter grade in my book. Nice snag. With .44 Specials it probably feels like shooting a Model 10 with wadcutters.

 

[Narragansett]

Very Very nice!! I love 29's, but I must admit, I have thought many times about buying a long tube. i never find such pieces at the LGS around here. the guy I deal with says he might see 3 older S&W's a year

This is my baby, the 29 classic DX 5". The S&W book says 50% premium for 5", but I have tried and was not able to find out how many were made through Roy Jinks at S&W. I was curious

 

[EricR]

Congrats, it looks fantastic. I agree with John Rippert inasmuch as I too wouldn't describe it as a shooter grade. But it's all semantics. I've got great condition Smith's like your new 29-2 that I'll still shoot. But I still baby them because to me they're "my collectors".

 

[Dieseltech56]

It's my fourth long tube 44. I also have a 629-4, 29-4 CH and 29-6 so it's not super critical that I shoot it for the experience. I love the long ones, they're the first ones I buy.

 

[muddocktor]

That's a really nice long tube 29 man!! I bet it will be nice to shoot too.

Great score!

 

[gman51]

To each their own but I think that is better looking than a shooter grade.
Have to appreciate the quality of bluing on old guns. Seems today it is all about get the guns out as fast as they can so finishes like those old guns just isn't aren't feasible I guess.
You have an awesome piece there.

 

[Riverboys]

That looks really nice. Life is short, Shoot it, enjoy it.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Great find congratulations.I too concur it is a little better than what I would call a shooter grade .S&W sure had some pretty wood to use on their grips back in the day to go along with that beautiful blue .

 

[Narragansett]

It's my fourth long tube 44. I also have a 629-4, 29-4 CH and 29-6 so it's not super critical that I shoot it for the experience. I love the long ones, they're the first ones I buy.

I just came real close to a M57 long tube. Just for collection purposes. I have a 4" and 6" NIB so I thought I might add an 8", but I really like yours. Nice find

 

[Dieseltech56]

Here is a pic with my 29-6 in the back. Look at the bluing difference. Actually the 29-6 shows less signs of use.

 

[biku324]

The 29-2s are great. I picked up a more-accurately described 'shooter' 29-3 4" that has no collector value. Otherwise perfect, someone Magn-na-ported it. Yours seems more of a collector revolver.

 

[kennethg]

Your 29-2 is very nice. Even shooting it a little will not hurt the value much. It will appreciate as the well runs dry. You did well.

 

[Dieseltech56]

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

 

[75Vette]

That's a mighty nice find. It is good to find one with just enough wear that you don't mind shooting it. The bluing process certainly changed along the line between the dash 2s and 6s. My dash 6s still look good but they're more black than blue. Congrats, Santy can check you off his list.