S&W 44 Mag 29-2 how old is it?

[Desertghost]

I have recently picked up a S&W 44 Mag. Model 29-2 with 8" barrel. I am trying to find out how old or new it is. The serial #AZL8932 can someone please help me out.

 

[JP@AK]

Serial number points to 1988, which is odd because the dash 2 was replaced by the dash 3 in 1982. Is the barrel pinned and the cylinder counterbored?

The barrel is actually 8 3/8". That was standard for the long barrels from the late 1930s onward.

BTW welcome to the S&W Forum.

 

[Desertghost]

S&W

Thank you I am new to revolvers and S&W. so please forgive me. have attached a couple of pictures for you. Thank you for your help. This gun is special to me it was a gift from the family of a close friend who has had a stroke and can't tell me anything. If you need anything else to help you please let me know.

 

[Doc44]

Assuming the year 1988 is correct, your 44 Magnum is either a Model 29-3 or a Model 29-4. It does not have a barrel pin and the charge holes in the cylinder are not recessed, so it is not a Model 29-2. Is there a model variation stamped in the yoke cut? It would be MOD. 29-3 or MOD. 29-4 (you have to open the revolver to see the yoke cut).

Bill

 

[Desertghost]

Okay you are correct. I cleaned the yoke cut and in fact it does say 20-3. Thank you for all your help I have gone out shooting with my friend for 15 years. now with his stroke 2 years ago having this gun is very special to me. now I have to google how to disassemble completely as it is dirty and needs some blueing.

 

[gfors]

Whoa! Before going any further...
There are definitely some decent youtube videos out there, but before you proceed understand that there are proper procedures and special screwdrivers or bits required for the 4 different screw heads on a Smith and Wesson revolver. Using a regular tapered screw driver is an almost-certain way to bugger the heads. There is also a proper way to remove the side plate. (DO NOT PRY). Loosen main spring, to relieve tension on trigger and hammer studs. Remove side plate screws. Tap butt of gun with block of wood, or such, to cause viabration that loosens side plate. Screws are specific to certain locations, etc. Not complicated, but requires a certain protocol, or you might damage things

 

[Pizza Bob]

Also don't be so quick with the reblue - that will decimate the collector's value. Not that it matters to you, but it may to its next caretaker. Just clean it, shoot it as is, and remember the happy times with your friend.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Desertghost]

Thank you both for the advise. I will go to my local gun shop for the proper tools. I have watched several good videos. I plan to do this with much care. I go see my friend every week. going shooting and remembering all the good time we had will be great.

 

[John in AK]

From what is visible from your photographs, you have absolutely no need whatsoever to refinish this gun. A proper cleaning after disassembly (with the proper, well-fitting, hollow-ground screwdrivers for the side-plate, of course) with a mild gun-cleaner or solvent of some sort (I like M-Pro 7 in an ultrasonic tank, but that's because I HAVE one) will work wonders, and following that with a recoat of silicon or light oil, or even a 'wax' such as Renaissance, will bring back a lot of the original shine to the bluing. Any light surface corrosion can be taken off with 0000 stainless-steel wool, or better yet 0000 copper or brass wool, and copious amounts of oil or solvent.

Please let us see more pictures when you're done!

 

[Desertghost]

Thank you all of you for your help I found a great video, very detailed on disassembly and reassembly. I'm attaching 2 pictures of her cleaned. the picture of the barrel is what I am/was thinking of rebluing. what do you all think?

 

[JP@AK]

FWIW, if it were mine, I would not reblue it. Just enjoy it as is.

 

[RSinOR]

Do not even think about a re blue. Your friend spent many enjoyable hours
getting that revolver into its present condition and you were present for several of those wonderful outings. You knew the condition of the revolver when you acquired it.

Honor your friends love for that revolver. Keep it as is. If you want one in better condition, go buy one.

 

[Desertghost]

Thank you all. You are both right I am not going to do anything to it. I disassembled and cleaned. Now next weekend out to shoot. I'm looking for a new holster then she can go camping, fishing with me.

 

[MHarrel]

Thank you all. You are both right I am not going to do anything to it. I disassembled and cleaned. Now next weekend out to shoot. I'm looking for a new holster then she can go camping, fishing with me.

Desertghost - That's the way to go. dont re-blue, keep the "character" of the piece, just keep it clean and enjoy the memories and make some new memories. Start considering how you may involve someone in the new memories as you consider what/when/how you may pass it on to another some day. Have fun. Be safe.