S&W pre-model 29

[ChrisBraw]

I’ve got a S&W pre-model 29, serial # S155xxx. I’ve had it since the mid-1990s. It has an unusual side-plate installed, which was there when I bought it.

A few questions on it:-

1. Every 6 to 12 pulls of the trigger in double action, the trigger pull will feel excessively heavy, almost like it’s binding. It’s currently with TK Custom for their performance action job. Any idea what’s causing this?

2. Based on other threads I’ve read, I don’t plan on shooting anything except factory 240 grain ammunition through it. I carry it for grizzly protection in backcountry Alaska, just want to confirm I shouldn’t shoot Hornady’s factory 300 grain XTPs through it?

3. Any idea what this gun might be worth?

4. Can anyone confirm manufacture date?

Thanks.
Chris

 

[DARE]

Looks like a 5 screw, so 1956 to 1958. Might get closer estimate with a serial number. S&W did not ship in serial number order. I have seen guns with very close numbers that shipped a year apart. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition says:
$2200 for VG gun (85% or better). 25% premium for 4-inch barrel. That book is 8 years old now and I have been told that prices are up.
I paid $2000 for this one that shipped December 14, 1956. I thought it was a bargain.

 

[M29since14]

Lacking any “interesting” documentation on the decorated sideplate, I’d guess the value of the gun might be worth a bit less than book value, but things like that will depend on the buyer and his feelings about the gun.

If that gun belonged to me, I’d definitely stay well away from 300-grain ammo. Might be wise to refresh the springs in it, particularly the spring that powers the lower bolt (cylinder stop, some call it). If you think the heavier ammo is really necessary, I’d buy a more modern version for use with that stuff.

Edit - Never mind my comment about the springs if those are attended to by the folks doing your action job.

 

[Doc44]

November-December 1956 to mid-1957 is when most of the 44 Magnums with a 5-screw frame and 4-inch barrel shipped. Without a complete serial number, it is not possible to provide a better estimate of a shipping date.

I would stick with factory loads, 240 grain JSP or hard cast for bear protection. Stay away from the 300 grain bullets.

Bill

 

[Retired W4]

I like that side plate. If BK Customs can fix the trigger pull that thing will be a monster up in AK, but you definitely want 100% reliability.

 

[gkitch]

Keep in mind that 5-screw pre-29s are scarce and desirable. It is, after all, the ORIGINAL. Consider a much more common 29-2 for serious holster work perhaps? Perhaps a 629? It would be a shame for something to happen to that fine piece of history. Heck, those original coke-bottle special target grips are worth $600 or so by themselves.

 

[Engine49guy]

First off welcome to the forum,
Very interesting gun and especially for a first post.
I think sending it off to a professional to get it running right is a good idea,
You should know that the factory supposedly does not work on pre model marked guns anymore.
There were less than 1000 four inch versions like yours made with the upper sideplate "5th" screw and so they have become very collectable.
Taking those things into consideration it is good advice to consider putting that one away and picking up a newer version for field use , the new ones have the improved endurance package to handle more punishment, they also include a factory warranty should any issues occur, SW not only offers a modernized version of your gun in stainless steel as the Model 629 but they also make a lightweight version for hiking and backpacking called the Model 329PD.
The engraved sideplate is nicely done but unless a factory letter indicated it shipped that way it likely reduces its value to collectors.
It would be very interesting to know how and where you acquired your four inch pre 29 five screw and how much it cost back in 1990 especially if it was acquired in Alaska as when I hear Alaska and four inch 44 Magnum I think bear protection.
"Warm" regards from sunny South Florida where it was 79F this afternoon and a slightly coolish 66 F tonight.

 

[Retired W4]

Keep in mind that 5-screw pre-29s are scarce and desirable. It is, after all, the ORIGINAL. Consider a much more common 29-2 for serious holster work perhaps? Perhaps a 629? It would be a shame for something to happen to that fine piece of history. Heck, those original coke-bottle special target grips are worth $600 or so by themselves.

Engine49guy and gkitch have a good point. I showed this thread to a friend and he said he would not be taking that one out in the woods. I've got a really nice 629 I would gladly trade.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Engine49guy and gkitch have a good point. I showed this thread to a friend and he said he would not be taking that one out in the woods. I've got a really nice 629 I would gladly trade.

Welcome to the Forum! Unfortunately, I must agree with these guys. You have a very nice and desirable vintage .44 Magnum and I wouldn't consider it a "woods gun". There weren't that many of those revolvers manufactured, and they are quite valuable (probably $2500+). I like the engraved sideplate, and the tight fit looks like it was the original sideplate that a previous owner had engraved. Even with a TK Custom action job, I'm not sure that I would trust that revolver in bear country. If I were you and I wanted to stay with .44 Magnum cartridges, I'd consider buying a new or gently used Model 69, 629 or 629 Mountain Gun (stainless steel). From what I've read, Alaskan guides like the hard cast bullets for bears...and also it seems like some are switching from revolvers to 10mm semi-auto pistols. Just food for thought. Good luck!

 

[D Brown]

I’ve got a S&W pre-model 29, serial # S155xxx. I’ve had it since the mid-1990s. It has an unusual side-plate installed, which was there when I bought it.

A few questions on it:-

1. Every 6 to 12 pulls of the trigger in double action, the trigger pull will feel excessively heavy, almost like it’s binding. It’s currently with TK Custom for their performance action job. Any idea what’s causing this?

2. Based on other threads I’ve read, I don’t plan on shooting anything except factory 240 grain ammunition through it. I carry it for grizzly protection in backcountry Alaska, just want to confirm I shouldn’t shoot Hornady’s factory 300 grain XTPs through it?

3. Any idea what this gun might be worth?

4. Can anyone confirm manufacture date?

Thanks.
Chris

My first guess would be excessive "endplay" in the cylinder. Power Custom makes shims that can take out the excessive back and forth movement in the cylinder and restore proper function. Best of luck!

Welcome to the Smith & Wesson Forum!

 

[Model29-26.5]

Get it fixed and only shoot light loads occasionally.
It’s a collector piece.
Get something else to shoot if you’re going to shoot a lot.

 

[hkcavalier]

I second not carrying this rare and valuable piece in the wild. Get a nice 4" 629.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I’ve got a S&W pre-model 29, serial # S155xxx. I’ve had it since the mid-1990s. It has an unusual side-plate installed, which was there when I bought it.

Any idea what this gun might be worth?

Like others said, I would retire it to the King of the Gun Safe status. A four inch 629 will do better.

It would be a tough guess on value. I like the side plate but others do not.

 

[ChrisBraw]

Awesome comments and notes on pre-29.

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I actually didn’t realize that it was a pre-29 until a few months ago. It’s by far my favorite gun. I bought it in 1995/1996 at a gun show in Houston, TX with my father for $500. I was 15 or 16 and knew I had to have it.

I’m glad I know now that it’s more of a collector…I was literally crawling in a cave with it this summer in Missouri! I will only shoot 240grain bullets in it. It’s such an old friend that I’m not sure I can leave it to life in a safe. After moving to Fairbanks, AK this summer I was worried about the Arctic climate getting to it…if you take a gun inside a warm tent or a house up here it will start ‘sweating’ with condensation. As soon as you walk outside that water will instantly freeze leaving the firearm locked in ice. So I bought a S&W model 69 and a stainless super Blackhawk for when the weather is terrible. I have a second super Blackhawk currently with Bowen Classic Arms getting magnaported & customized (all 44mag), so I have plenty of choices. I actually contacted S&W first to see if they would work on the pre-29. As someone already mentioned, they told me it was too old and won’t work on it, so I sent it to TK Custom a few weeks ago. I’ll send pictures when I get it back. Really appreciate the comments and assistance! Photos to follow in a few weeks when I get it back.

P.s. there’s a new 4in S&W 629 at the local gun store that I’ve been eyeing

 

[Engine49guy]

Very cool story,
If you do decide to purchase a new S&W they are running a holiday rebate program.
Here is a link if interested.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/rebates

 

[BigMuddy]

I personally think it’s great to see this old classic still performing like it was meant to. I believe I would probably change out the grips though. I had a nice pair of Presentations break right behind the trigger guard on my 29-2 just from recoil with a standard magnum load. Would hate to see that happen to those Cokes. Maybe some rubbers would be better for “cave crawling” (some good ear plugs too. Bet that would be loud if needed in a cave).

Dan

 

[Muley Gil]

I would also advise you to put the target grips away and then use another set that fits your hand well. BUT, I would continue to use it.