Thoughts on a 1960 Model 29?

[853OKG]

I'm in a state where the only way I can get this particular revolver is C&R, so I'm looking at a 1960 Model 29, certainly looks clean but I'm a little hesitant about owning a gun from when Kennedy was president, are there any differences in functionality for a 1960 vs. a newer model year?
this is the info I have regarding changes thru the years:

29 1957

29-1 1960 ejector rod screw changed so it would not loosen under recoil

29-2 1961 in 1979 one screw that had secured the cylinder stop spring dropped

29-3 1982 dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels

29-4 1988 retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane strengthened, studs in frame were radiused; 8 3/8" version offered with integral scope mts.

29-5 1990 longer cylinder notches to prevent bolt jump, bolt and inner mechanism changed to reduce battering under recoil

29-6 1994 standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue

29-7 1998 changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process.

29-8 2001 new frame design with internal lock

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! If you are looking for a gun to punch holes in a target, you can't get much better than that one. I would take off the coke stocks so they don't get damaged and put on some Pachmayr's. That way you don't diminish their ~$600 value.

 

[blakesum]

Those were some of the finest 44 magnums ever made. Obviously it is still important to check out the revolver for lockup, timing, end shake, etc. They made changes over the years, as you noted, but none of it really effects the functionality. Post more pictures when you can, i never get tired of looking at M29s!

 

[series guy]

Many of us on this forum regularly shoot guns that are over 100 years old. Any Model 29 is well worth owning and shooting.

 

[Vtgw938]

Once you handle an older Smith you won't want a newer one, and by newer I mean 1970's.

 

[22hipower]

Welcome to the Forum. The gun is fine to shoot but you might want to be careful of it given its potential as a collectible. The 29 no dash isn't seen all that often and the -1 almost never. I'd love to have either to add to my pre-29s. If I wanted one to shoot that qualified for C&R I'd probably look for a -2 that could be verified by letter as C&R qualifying. Might be a $1k or so difference in price depending on condition. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Doc44]

I routinely shoot 44 Magnums from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s and all perform very well. I would have no concerns about a Model 29 from 1960.

Bill

 

[Muley Gil]

My oldest shooter is a 1842 Harpers Ferry .69 musket, from 1844.

Shoot that M29!

 

[853OKG]

Welcome to the Forum. The gun is fine to shoot but you might want to be careful of it given its potential as a collectible. The 29 no dash isn't seen all that often and the -1 almost never. I'd love to have either to add to my pre-29s. If I wanted one to shoot that qualified for C&R I'd probably look for a -2 that could be verified by letter as C&R qualifying. Might be a $1k or so difference in price depending on condition. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

thanks to all for the welcome,
I was thinking along the same lines, I came across a smattering of newer ones that were in the state and available for a private party purchase but most of them had heavy wear and were priced sky high, the only C&R Model 29's (actually mostly pre-29's) I could find outside of state were the 6.5", I found virtually none of the 8 3/8" that would qualify as C&R, I don't know if this is a production thing, there weren't that many made or people just hold onto them. This isn't the shooter I wanted but if I'm gonna pay the money I figure a clean original is better than a newer beater for a few dollars less, hell maybe I'll safe queen this one and hunt up another one to shoot.

 

[853OKG]

Sixty is my birth year and my 29 is my birth year gun. I'd say pick it up and never look back. And actually... Eisenhower was president when this one shipped.

that is gorgeous, looks brand new out of the box