What should I know about an early model S&W 29?

[Rockrivr1]

So I'm on the hunt for a blued S&W M29 w/ a 6" or 6.5" bbl and I'm wondering if there is anything I should be aware of in the earlier models. Any version to stay away from or that are lacking options that came in later models? As with any hunt, looking is a big part of the fun. Especially in today's climate. Just want to make sure I'm aware of anything that could bite me in the butt with any particular version.

Thanks

 

[Fishinfool]

I believe it was with the 29-5 that factory D&T started, if you are interested in mounting an optic. If you are planning a lot of heavy loads, a gun with the endurance package should be considered.

Larry

 

[series guy]

The .44 Magnum doesn't have any inherent issues to watch for. One important thing to look for is the original pair of special target stocks. These are know as "coke bottle" or "cokes". They have reached a point where they can be worth as much as the gun. It's not uncommon to see these stocks sell for $500 - $600. So a gun without the original stocks is worth considerably less. These are wonderful guns and a joy to shoot.

 

[dsf]

So I'm on the hunt for a blued S&W M29 w/ a 6" or 6.5" bbl and I'm wondering if there is anything I should be aware of in the earlier models. Any version to stay away from or that are lacking options that came in later models? As with any hunt, looking is a big part of the fun. Especially in today's climate. Just want to make sure I'm aware of anything that could bite me in the butt with any particular version.

Thanks

Are there any peculiarities to MA law regarding what you can buy, whether in state or out of state?

 

[Dieseltech56]

The 29-3 while still a 29 is the least desirable in my opinion, every other version (not counting the internal lock guns) either has better improvements or is more collectible

I will dare anyone to post a picture of a 29-3E. Everyone talks about them but the truth is the 29-4 was already out when the 629-2E was produced. I've never seen an actual picture of a 29-3E, just read about it on the internet

 

[series guy]

I'm sure this will ruffle a few feathers but I don't find the Model 29-2 to be all that special. It had such a long run that things changed on these guns. I was thrilled when I bought my first one but it didn't shoot all that well. This was early in my S&W ownership experience so I didn't think much of it. A friend picked up a beautiful example with a 2X scope mounted and I was very jealous. He sold it to me and it didn't shoot well either. By this time I had learned a bit and measured the throats. They were .433 and didn't like my loads at all. It left at the next gun show. I later picked up a couple Performance Center .44s and they were deadly accurate. I'm sure there are variances from the early 29-2s to the later ones but the difference in working the action and opening and closing the cylinder on a .44 Magnum vs a late 70s 29-2 is very perceptible.

 

[Mehutch]

My Model: Smith & Wesson Model 29-3 44 Magnum, 44 Special
Bought: Cost - $342 (4/1985)
Cylinder Capacity & Caliber: 6 rounds, 44 Magnum, .44 Special.
Materials: Blue Carbon Steel – Beautiful old S&W Combat wood grips
Frame: Square Butt N frame, - Made in 1967
Barrel Length: 6 inches,
Front Sights: Front Pinned Red Ramp;
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Action: Double Action / Single Action

This Smith & Wesson Model 29-3 .44 Magnum six shooter is a beautiful
N frame in Blue Carbon Steel with a 6 inch barrel is a fine shooter. The
old S&W wood grips are worth about $100 bucks on the open market by
its self. This is the Classic S&W 44 Magnum, it has the old school S&W deep bluing finish N frame.
It will only go up in value.



Than again here is my 629-4...

 

[Rockrivr1]

Are there any peculiarities to MA law regarding what you can buy, whether in state or out of state?

For this revolver there is actually no peculiarities to worry about in MA. They don't particularly care about revolvers as much as semi autos with standard capacity mags. They get into a twist about those.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Besides overall condition, I'm also big fan of the Grips.
Love the original Coke Grips and the follow on Diamonds.
Pre 29 on left, 27 on Right.

 

[gwpercle]

Look for the correct factory grips ... numbered to the gun is nice !
Gary

 

[The Gila Bender]

Rockrvr1, The 29-2 will have the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers, features desirable to many. The 29-3 does not have these features but is still a good revolver. If you're buying a shooter then a 29-2 or -3 in good mechanical condition will serve you well. I lean toward the early to mid-1990's versions, the 29-5 and -6 as well as the stainless 629-3 and -4 with endurance features, longer cylinder stop notches, and slightly tighter (.429" vs .433" nominal) chamber throats. Standard barrel or full-lug Classic barrel - I like both versions.

Pics are my 29-6 Classic and a pair of 629-4 standard barrel square and round butt examples.

 

[series guy]

A good friend at the gun club has a Model 29-3 and it is an excellent shooter. I sure wouldn't hesitate to buy one. I have many vintage Smiths and really appreciate them for the craftsmanship that went into their manufacture but I also think the pinned and recessed thing is a bit overhyped.

 

[Narragansett]

I believe it was with the 29-5 that factory D&T started, if you are interested in mounting an optic. If you are planning a lot of heavy loads, a gun with the endurance package should be considered.

Larry

I know I have heard it said many times the the 29-5 is about the best 29 made. I am sure there are differing opinions. Just repeating what I have read.

Here is a 5 " M29-5 classic DX. From what I understand, about 200 units were made with the 5". It is drilled and tapped, with 5 interchangeable front sights

 

[minconrevo]

If you run across an earlier one that has been shot a bunch be sure to check for headspace slop back and forth on the crane. It can be easily repaired but will cause "spitting" until it is. Later dashes with the endurance package less likely to develop the issue.

 

[rockquarry]

I've had a 29-2 and a 29-3 for a good while. Both guns were purchased new and have been fired extensively with magnum and .44 Special cast loads. As for as workmanship, finish, and accuracy, I can't see any difference. With regard to all models, these factors are more important than dashes if you intend on using the gun.

 

[Joed49]

I'll give the advice given to me by my gunsmith when I bought a 29-2 and a 629-1 about 20 years ago.

Do not shoot the 300 gr bullet in the early models, they were designed to shoot the 240 gr when they were made. Shooting the 300 gr bullet will produce wear much sooner than expected.

I've lived by this rule and the guns referred to above are holding up just fine.

 

[DGNY]

Smith & Wesson has made superb revolvers in 44 magnum for over 60 years, and you've gotten some good advice above. In addition, unless you already have such a checklist, you might cruise the Internet for a revolver-buying checklist that includes what a cooperative dealer will let you look at while inspecting a revolver. Especially if it is an older .44, and may have been used hard, but cleaned up very carefully.

Push off, carry up, clocking of barrel, appearance of forcing cone and recoil shield, barrel to cylinder gap, end shake, fit of side plate and appearance of screws. As for throats, always carried jacketed bullets and slightly larger cast bullets of known individual diameters for 38, 41, 44 and 45 in a plastic baggie.

Of course, you probably have many years of experience and are good to go.

 

[rubiranch]

The .44 Magnum doesn't have any inherent issues to watch for. One important thing to look for is the original pair of special target stocks. These are know as "coke bottle" or "cokes". They have reached a point where they can be worth as much as the gun. It's not uncommon to see these stocks sell for $500 - $600. So a gun without the original stocks is worth considerably less. These are wonderful guns and a joy to shoot.

My 6.5" 29-2 shipped January 14, 1964 still wears its original "Cokes".

Sorry, its not for sale.






These are not my pictures but this is how you tell the difference
between Target and Coke Bottle Stocks.

The far right grip you can see the outline of a coke bottle.

 

[series guy]

Another quick way to tell the difference is to look at the butt end. Target stocks have a noticeably rectangular shape while the "cokes" are very oval in shape. Obviously one of the main reasons that they are more comfortable in the hand.

 

[gkitch]

My favorites for the money are the 6'5" Model 29-2 and the Model 29 Classic 29-5.

As mentioned before, the 29-2 had a long run so they are plenty out there and they are not ridiculously expensive.