Questions about the 29 Classics Blue - 4”

[Emop]

I am taking a serious look at the buying a new 29 Blue but don't have an opportunity to personally handle one ahead of time. From things I've read and pictures, it looks like the walnut grips are quite thin. I don't know if it's my imagination but I wouldn't want to swap them out with a more comfortable set, especially right out of the box considering they're a big part of the overall "classic" look.
Are they thinner than the original older 29's?
I am also looking at the 4 inch 629, and even the 3 inch 629 Deluxe, that would sort of match my new 628 Deluxe which is regrettably the only one with a nice full lug barrel, but I am concerned about a .44 in an L frame though. The 29 N frame, with a 4 inch barrel, seems more suitable for that caliber?
I'd be extremely happy with an older model but don't have the patience to wait for one!
Please keep in mind that I am extremely new to revolvers… so be gentle I'm trying to catch up!
Thanks all for you thoughts.

 

[sturtyboy]

I have a nice selection of 29's and they are ...my favorites I believe.

They have been produced from the beginning with oversized target grips and recently with rubber molded grips too. There are many options for grips to fit your hands and style of shooting.

I haven't paid much close attention to the newest model 29's and their grip thickness. I suspect they are sufficient for a 29.

As far as which frame for your new .44...It depends on what your wanting to do with it. The "N" frames work well. And barrel length is something you should determine well ahead of time unless your like so many of us, that by more than one.

Target shooting always seems to lend itself to a 6" barrel. Shorter barrels for carrying on the trail etc. Longer barrels for hunting and so on. I have a custom 2.5". I don't really carry it. It's mostly the idea of carrying it if I wanted too.

.44's are enjoyable and can be expensive for ammo if you don't reload. And reloading can be expensive if you don't shoot enough to make it pay off.

Ahhh, but there's nothing like that "Big Frame" 29 in blue to look at. Stainless is easier to clean up over blue. Stainless is what I shoot most and the blue ones get the admiration.

Have fun looking for your 29

Stu

 

[Mr.Harry]

I may have misread or misunderstood part of your post, but if I didn't, the 629 is not an L frame. It's an N.

 

[Laketime]

The stocks on the current 29 are a little on the thin side.Buy a set of original stocks for the older version off of ebay.Most people can shoot all day with those stocks not hurting their hand.And it will also give you that real classic look.

 

[sturtyboy]

And... if you want a beautiful set of custom made grips, look at Culina Grips. They are beautifully made by hand. And of course there are several others out there. Culina are my favorites for that beautiful custom look.

I have many of John's great examples on my Smiths and waiting for another run to be finished for a newly acquired long barrel. As recommended above, there are many good looking factory stocks on EBay at good prices.

 

[Emop]

I may have misread or misunderstood part of your post, but if I didn't, the 629 is not an L frame. It's an N.

It was not a misread... it was just me still learning. I was referring to the 629 deluxe, round butt. While I was writing the post, and comparing the appearance of it to my 628 deluxe, I mistakenly thought that one was also an L frame, but now understand it is not and all the 629's are N frames.

I was also wondering about a .44 in that configuration, and particularly a 3 inch barrel... if anyone thought it might be short for the .44 platform, even on a N frame?

 

[GunarSailors]

Yes, they are thinner and different in just about every other way concerning the way they look and feel. I can't stand the shape of the new factory target stocks. The best look and feel as far as thickness and a good palm swell are my Culina English Walnut Cokes and my second favorite are a new old stock set I found on eBay from the early 1990s. The new style targets that came on my 27 actually hurt my middle finger when I would choke up on the stocks with my index finger on the trigger.
These Cokes might be what you are referring to when you say the original older model 29 stocks, and they are way thicker in the palm area.

These are from the early 90s and are thicker than the Cokes especially at the bottom, but don't have the palm swell of the Cokes.

I didn't mind changing the stocks out, anything is an improvement and besides it just gives me a reason to put them away and never look at them. Not to mention they won't get damaged having been put away nicely.
This shows the difference between a set from the early 70's on the left compared to the new style off my model 27-8 on the right.

 

[sturtyboy]

Yes, they are thinner and different in just about every other way concerning the way they look and feel. I can't stand the shape of the new factory target stocks. The best look and feel as far as thickness and a good palm swell are my Culina English Walnut Cokes and my second favorite are a new old stock set I found on eBay from the early 1990s. The new style targets that came on my 27 actually hurt my middle finger when I would choke up on the stocks with my index finger on the trigger.
These Cokes might be what you are referring to when you say the original older model 29 stocks, and they are way thicker in the palm area.

Yeah Gunar...that's the Culina's I'm talkin about.

Gorgeous!

 

[Electric Head]

Hickok45 did a video on the 29 classic and he mentioned how thin the grips are. Yes they do look quite thin. It is a sleek look, but not very usable. The ones on my 586 classic are almost as thin at the top and it is harsh enough with factory magnums. I'd imagine a 44 would be worse.

 

[Mr.Harry]

It was not a misread... it was just me still learning. I was referring to the 629 deluxe, round butt. While I was writing the post, and comparing the appearance of it to my 628 deluxe, I mistakenly thought that one was also an L frame, but now understand it is not and all the 629's are N frames.

I was also wondering about a .44 in that configuration, and particularly a 3 inch barrel... if anyone thought it might be short for the .44 platform, even on a N frame?

Myself, I wouldn't go under 4" in a .44 mag. 4 1/2 would be better (the guy who 'invented' the gun/caliber liked the barrel around that length from what I understand), and for me (again personally) I actually think 5" is prob the happy medium between longer sight radius hunting and target guns, and the shorter barreled carry and trail defense ones. I actually don't have much interest in any magnum under 4" because I think you begin to lose too much of the rounds potential. And, it starts to 'hurt'. But that's just one man's opinion.

 

[Emop]

I have a nice selection of 29's and they are ...my favorites I believe.

They have been produced from the beginning with oversized target grips and recently with rubber molded grips too. There are many options for grips to fit your hands and style of shooting.

I haven't paid much close attention to the newest model 29's and their grip thickness. I suspect they are sufficient for a 29.

As far as which frame for your new .44...It depends on what your wanting to do with it. The "N" frames work well. And barrel length is something you should determine well ahead of time unless your like so many of us, that by more than one.

Target shooting always seems to lend itself to a 6" barrel. Shorter barrels for carrying on the trail etc. Longer barrels for hunting and so on. I have a custom 2.5". I don't really carry it. It's mostly the idea of carrying it if I wanted too.

.44's are enjoyable and can be expensive for ammo if you don't reload. And reloading can be expensive if you don't shoot enough to make it pay off.

Ahhh, but there's nothing like that "Big Frame" 29 in blue to look at. Stainless is easier to clean up over blue. Stainless is what I shoot most and the blue ones get the admiration.

Have fun looking for your 29

Stu

Stu, listening to your thoughts, and a little reading between the lines, I get the sense that you might be a bit of a 29 fan!
Blue is cool... that's why Jonny Walker chose it as their signature!

i must say that listening to your passion on the topic is a real confidence builder.

Thanks

 

[Emop]

Yes, they are thinner and different in just about every other way concerning the way they look and feel. I can't stand the shape of the new factory target stocks. The best look and feel as far as thickness and a good palm swell are my Culina English Walnut Cokes and my second favorite are a new old stock set I found on eBay from the early 1990s. The new style targets that came on my 27 actually hurt my middle finger when I would choke up on the stocks with my index finger on the trigger.
These Cokes might be what you are referring to when you say the original older model 29 stocks, and they are way thicker in the palm area.

These are from the early 90s and are thicker than the Cokes especially at the bottom, but don't have the palm swell of the Cokes.

I didn't mind changing the stocks out, anything is an improvement and besides it just gives me a reason to put them away and never look at them. Not to mention they won't get damaged having been put away nicely.
This shows the difference between a set from the early 70's on the left compared to the new style off my model 27-8 on the right.

Exactly what I was talking about.
And BTW... gorgeous photos! I'd like one of each please!

 

[Emop]

The feeling I'm getting is buy the 29, because of what it is, but plan on leaving the new factory grips in the box. Too bad, but as far as grips are concerned, and as GunarSailors kindly showed... you can do much better than the factory.
I'd love to have one but I'm not talking the 629 off the table just yet. At least most of those are starting out with shooting style grips that I wouldn't feel at all bad switching out for custom wood.

 

[Dreslan]

Hello! Unless I'm mistaken, S&W is using Altamont as the supplier for all of their wood grips these days. They definitely made the grips on my 686 Deluxe, and I'm almost certain they make the grips for the new 29 Classic. Every set of Altamont grips I've run across are much thinner than older grips, especially at the top where the gun meets the web of your hand. I have handled the new 29 Classic and it's a beauty, but wound up going with the tried and true 629 in a 4" barrel. As much as you can't beat a beautiful blued gun, my purchasing always tends toward stainless. My 629 will more than likely end up wearing a set of Ahrends or Culina grips and the current rubber ones will be stored in the box.

If you haven't yet, go check out Hickok45's videos on that video website. He reviews both the 29 Classic, and a 3 inch 629.

 

[Dreslan]

Also, please don't think I'm dogging Altamont. They do make some beautiful grips, and I love the ones that come on the 686 3-5-7 models. However, what feels fine on a .357 would probably be painful on a .44.

 

[Emop]

Also, please don't think I'm dogging Altamont. They do make some beautiful grips, and I love the ones that come on the 686 3-5-7 models. However, what feels fine on a .357 would probably be painful on a .44.

That's one thing I was thinking about when comparing the 686 deluxe and the 629 deluxe 3 inch models. Same round butt grips and both very good looking revolvers. I have already switched to the more comfortable Hogue black rubber grips that the factory installs on the 686 plus because even in 357, the wood ones were biting the web of my hand and can only imagine the same or more in the 629 .44 counterpart.

BTW... Hickok45 is a hoot but I think the guy may have hands of steel. I've seen him deal with large caliber recoil revolvers like he was shooting air guns. And, he too was complaining about the thinner stocks on the newer version 29 being painful. He even said "whoever designed those grips probably never shot a .44 revolver." He has some funny videos on YouTube.

 

[Dan Christopher]

Yes, the grips on the 29 Classics are noticeably slimmer. Personally, I like them but realize they aren't everyone's cup of tea. I noticed this when I bought my 29-10 6-1/2". If you are used to the older 29s, you'll definitely notice the difference first time you handle a 29-10. Again, I like the new grips, but that's an individual thing.

 

[sturtyboy]

Hey Emop... It's apparent you're enjoying the process of selecting your first .44/29. Yes, that is a problem. That's why I have more than one.

My first 29 was a 6" 29-2, nickel I bought in 1980. I love that one so much I grabbed another 29-2 8/38 nickel, also in a box. Then another 29-2 blue "S" in a box. Then 29-3...then a customized 29-2; 2.5" Then a 29 no dash in a box... more boxes. Then... Then... on and on... You see the problem? I like the process of choosing a 29 too. I can't shake it. What's wrong (if anything) with me? I guess it depends on who you ask. My wife will probably offer an analysis that could be very accurate. But then, there are the other joys of "choosing" that I have...Smith & Wesson is on those too. And it doesn't seem to stop.

And, I'm small pickens when it comes to others on this forum. You ought to see the pictures that show a long table of 29's. Then I ask myself...what's wrong with those guys? My answer is... They have the same enjoyment I have and more than likely.. more time, more money, no wife (which I would not give up my wife for anything. Not just a "keeper") nothing else to do or just like to "choose" like you and I do

 

[Emop]

Hey Emop... It's apparent you're enjoying the process of selecting your first .44/29. Yes, that is a problem. That's why I have more than one.

My first 29 was a 6" 29-2, nickel I bought in 1980. I love that one so much I grabbed another 29-2 8/38 nickel, also in a box. Then another 29-2 blue "S" in a box. Then 29-3...then a customized 29-2; 2.5" Then a 29 no dash in a box... more boxes. Then... Then... on and on... You see the problem? I like the process of choosing a 29 too. I can't shake it. What's wrong (if anything) with me? I guess it depends on who you ask. My wife will probably offer an analysis that could be very accurate. But then, there are the other joys of "choosing" that I have...Smith & Wesson is on those too. And it doesn't seem to stop.

And, I'm small pickens when it comes to others on this forum. You ought to see the pictures that show a long table of 29's. Then I ask myself...what's wrong with those guys? My answer is... They have the same enjoyment I have and more than likely.. more time, more money, no wife (which I would not give up my wife for anything. Not just a "keeper") nothing else to do or just like to "choose" like you and I do

Hey right back at ya sturtyboy!
Thanks for the info, and a good couple of laughs! I can see the same happening to me. There was a very similar pattern with my 1911's.
Biggest question today (because I want to move on this tomorrow before my head explodes) is a good choice for #1. As much as I want a 29, I am having issues with the new version, and not just the grips. I would much prefer an older dash model for all the good reasons but that's going to take some time to find and buy with confidence.
As of this moment, I want to at the very least, get onto the Smith .44 platform and on a path to the 29's. I am looking at a few new and available 629's. My eye goes to the 629 deluxe probably because I really like my 686 3 inch deluxe a very much... feels good, looks good - to me and a sense of familiarity. I seem to be attracted to the shorter barrels, well 3 inch that is.
I am also seriously looking at the 629 4 inch that I think may be better length wise. And finally, although not in the S&W catalog presently online, that I can see, is the 629 5 inch. That one has a full length barrel lug that to my eye is really good looking, but function-wise... don't have a clue if that's reason enough to go to 5 inches?
Way too many choices in the Smith family for my brain to process without some help here.
Thanks!

 

[75Vette]

Solution:
Start working tons of overtime & buy one of each barrel length 29, then start on the 629s. When you're done there, start on the full lug Classics & the PC guns. Ask me how I know.
Better hurry, the prices ain't gettin' no cheaper!!

 

[sturtyboy]

Way too many choices in the Smith family for my brain to process without some help here.
Thanks!

Yep you're right! Then you throw in the earlier models. That's the problem I was describing. And that's why one won't do.

Stu

 

[Emop]

Solution:
Start working tons of overtime & buy one of each barrel length 29, then start on the 629s. When you're done there, start on the full lug Classics & the PC guns. Ask me how I know.
Better hurry, the prices ain't gettin' no cheaper!!

And there's the problem... I don't have to ask. I know the road well.
Thanks!

 

[Emop]

Yep you're right! Then you throw in the earlier models. That's the problem I was describing. And that's why one won't do.

Stu

Yep, you are right. But any thoughts on jumping off with a 629? I'm wondering your or any other thoughts on the ones I mentioned I was looking at back in my post #19. Unless I'm missing something, I think it's still pointing in the right direction... just not blue yet!
I'm thinking something really nice I can put black rubber grips on and go out and get familiar with 44 Magnum rounds! And I don't want to be accused of disgracing a 29 that way! I am new to all this, but I am trying to maintain some sense of decorum ;D
Thanks

 

[sturtyboy]

Right on thinking. If I were starting out with my first 29, I would get a 629 to start with rubber grips. And more than likely, at least 5 or 6 inch full lug barrel. Then you have the strongest and the easiest to keep clean, and you have the rubber grips for the most comfort. After that, you can dress it up if you want with some great looking stocks. Best of all you will have a great shooting platform and it will allow you to hit your target.

 

[Rocket3]

Right on thinking. If I were starting out with my first 29, I would get a 629 to start with rubber grips. And more than likely, at least 5 or 6 inch full lug barrel. Then you have the strongest and the easiest to keep clean, and you have the rubber grips for the most comfort. After that, you can dress it up if you want with some great looking stocks. Best of all you will have a great shooting platform and it will allow you to hit your target.

sturtyboy is right on target
If you are like a lot of the rest of us this will only be the start of your 29/629 collection.

I would also plan on hand loading. Entry level quality single stage kits are a good value and payback is quick.

 

[Emop]

sturtyboy is right on target
If you are like a lot of the rest of us this will only be the start of your 29/629 collection.

I would also plan on hand loading. Entry level quality single stage kits are a good value and payback is quick.

I had never planned to hand load but I'm thinking seriously about it now after seeing the price and availability of 44 Mag ammo... and 44 Special is even worse!

Any particular equipment you think I should look at?

Problem is, I tend to go overboard in these types of endeavors and move right to the top-end from the get-go.
Are the Entry level single stage kits considered "quality" or would more serious equipment be better? That's not to say I would actually understand the answer given I have zero experience!

Maybe a good topic for a new thread?

Thanks.

 

[75Vette]

I had never planned to hand load but I'm thinking seriously about it now after seeing the price and availability of 44 Mag ammo... and 44 Special is even worse!

Any particular equipment you think I should look at?

Problem is, I tend to go overboard in these types of endeavors and move right to the top-end from the get-go.
Are the Entry level single stage kits considered "quality" or would more serious equipment be better? That's not to say I would actually understand the answer given I have zero experience!

Maybe a good topic for a new thread?

Thanks.

The "Reloading" section of the Forum would be a great place to get TONS of good info on anything you'll need to know to get you started.

 

[Bill Lear]

You may be confusing the grips with older style grips, not the actual firearm. YES, "Classic" stocks are thinner up top than the original Goncalo Alves stocks that made the N-frame feel like such a beast.

The "Classic" series comes with narrower, long grip panels, which will not be conducive to shooting large quantities of magnum power ammo, however, in shooting factory performance ammo from my M25 Classic, the recoil with factory grips is nothing.

The "Classics" are S&W's way of saying, "We've improved the design, come take a look." They use frame-mounted firing pins which is superior to hammer mounted. They also use longer cylinder base pins to hold the cylinder in place during the recoil phase of shooting.

Granted I'm not EVER likely to stoke my M25 with loads much above factory anemic, but it's a SWEET shooter, with an outstanding DA/SA trigger!

 

[zogger]

A year ago I got the bug for a Model 29. I was able to find one at a LGS for $800. It was in good condition with a few spots but overall a nice gun. It has a nice set of target grips on it.

Finding 44 Magnum ammo is easy but expensive. 44 Spl is harder to find and also expensive.

However the gun is alot of fun to shoot.