S&W Model 29 Choices

[S&Wfan]

I'm a dedicated handgun hunter and have been for years with my Model 29.

For shooter revolvers, I recommend a 29-5 . . . they had the endurance package (easily identified by the longer cylinder notches on the cylinder (longer to the front of the center of the notch vs. the earlier versions which were equal distance front-to-back from the center of the cylinder notch.

These are great looking Model 29s and are stouter than the earlier ones if you desire to shoot really hot hunting ammo through your M29 like I have done for so many years now. GREAT revolvers . . . and very accurate (sub-2" groups benched @ 50 yards).

Since I keep a Holosight permanently on my 29-5, I've removed the front sight for safekeeping . . . and to reduce the possibility of noise when drawing the revolver from the holster in the field. I've taken a LOT of deer with this rig in the past decade and more!

[Jeff25]

Originally Posted by BuckshotEsq

Thanks again everyone - this is very helpful. All of the 29s pictured here are stunning if you ask me. One question for Jeff25 (though obviously I welcome all comments) - is there a reason that you recommend the 29-2 specifically, rather than just pre-lock models in general?

The 29-2 was made from 1961 - 1982 and is fairly easy to find and most maintained their quality throughout the years. The first 29 no dash, and 29-1 had much shorter runs. The 29-3 did not have the counterbore.

[weshowe]

Gents,

I've got a number of S & W's. Model 19, 586, M-57, and M-29. All are 4" or 6" barrel lengths. So....last year I bought a Model 629 Stealth Hunter from the Custom Shop. Incredible is the only way to describe it. The darn thing shoots one ragged hole at 25 yards and does quite nicely out to 100 yards. Haven't tried beyond that. It would have been a real peach back in the days when I shot handgun silhouette.

It really loves Speer 240 Gr. Gold-Dots over a healthy amount of W-W 296.

I've mounted a small burris Fastfire II red dot sight on it. That added less than 2 oz. and is much better than a large scope, IMHO.

Here's a picture from Davidson's web-site. I'll get some pics and post them after my next range session.



Enjoy your 'Smiths...

Wes

[BuckshotEsq]

A quick update - I decided to go with a new Performance Center gun, the 629 "compensated hunter" with a 7.5" barrel in matte stainless, lock and all. In the end I just went with my gut feeling about which one I would enjoy the most for now, but my reasoning was also largely affected by the fact that the older models, particularly the 29-2, seemed to be more readily available than the particular model that I ordered. I figure that I can get one of those down the road and give it a charmed life of occasional use. For now, I anticipate that I will probably shoot this new one as much as my ammo budget permits. I imagine my next gun-related purchase may include some reloading equipment given the price of .44 mag and the fact that I won't have to chase brass all over the range with this, unlike my semiautos.

Thanks all for your advice. I will post pictures once I receive the gun.

[sheriff]

Looks like a neat end to a grand quest... I went with the 29-2 in the '70's... so it's the best model for the money... FOR ME!! I am in hope this choice is your ”best model" and gives you decades of enjoyment. If you put all of them in one bag, picked out just one, you would not go wrong, it just might not be the "perfect choice" for some of us... best wishes…

[DCColt]

Originally Posted by BuckshotEsq

but my reasoning was also largely affected by the fact that the older models, particularly the 29-2, seemed to be more readily available than the particular model that I ordered. I figure that I can get one of those down the road and give it a charmed life of occasional use. :

Glad you got what you wanted. Re: the 29-2 being more readily available NOW. It MIGHT have to do with recent past hype on the 29-2 and pre29-2 models causing them to sell for more so now they are coming out for sale quite a bit at shows I'm seeing. that kind of hype-pricing/selling happens all the time.
IMO

D.

[GKC]

Originally Posted by BuckshotEsq

The Model 29 is one of those on my "bucket list" of guns to own and I think it's about time for me to check it off the list. I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the pros/cons of the Model 29 Classic versus getting an older one. I am sure many of thoughts on the lock/no-lock issue, but I'm wondering what the other differences are between the new and old guns. In my opinion, the lock does not bother me aesthetically - my eye is just not drawn to it either way - but I would never use it, either. If the lock is a long-term killer with respect to value or collectibility then that would be an issue for me, but otherwise I don't care about the lock or the politics behind it.

The reason I ask is because I have an opportunity to pick up a Model 29 Classic with about 100 rounds through it. The former owner is trusted and very knowledgeable and the gun is beautiful and exactly what I want (blued, 6.5" barrel, walnut grips). He claims he finds that it shoots better (more accurately) then the earlier Model 29s he has owned. This would be something I'd plan on keeping indefinitely and probably shooting once per month given the price of ammo for it (I don't reload). I'd probably carry it when hunting as well, which I only do a couple of times per year these days.

My budget is about $1,000, which seems to give me enough choices to get a decent 29.

For comparison, I bought a 29 - 2 yesterday in pristine condition, nickle, with a 6 inch barrel, for $625. It looks like it has never been fired. It also has the pinned barrel, hammer mounted firing pin, recessed chambers, target hammer and trigger, and the action is pure silk.

Given the choice, I would never buy a current production S&W revolver with the lock. I say that with some sadness, as I have owned many S&W products over the years, and I have always thought that S&W revolvers were the epitome of handguns...at least, in days gone by. That, however, is just my opinion.

[weshowe]

Gents,

Finally! Here's a picture of my M-29 (no dash) 4" with El Paso Saddlery leather. Great outdoors set up.



The S & W "Stealth Hunter" with Burris Fastfire II mounted. Custom leather is being made for it, at this time. Cut's ragged holes at 25 yards when I do my part. Haven't had the chance to try it at 50, 75, or 100 yards yet.





Really like this set-up.

Wes

[Thompson28]

I like the 29 over the 29 Classic due to the style, but the 29 Classic is still a nice looking item with the full lug.

[BillZat]

I like the full lug on the longer barrel' say 6 inches or more. Bill

[Auto Mag]

I bought this from a friend for $300.00!!

[mac266]

^^^ $300 dude? Some friend you are! That buddy of yours is still bleeding out the arse!

[fatmax]

Buy the Smith, if you can still get it - got two
Swapped a (non Pre - 64) model 70 for a 6"
& later a 4" 629 . Other than some recoil - can't tell a whole lot of difference

[USMM guy]

Definately tends to grow on you. or any N-frame for that matter.

[1911crazy]

I have the redhawks in 44mag but there's something about a S&W when we hold it, we go back in time with the history about the S&W company. Were holding a timeless piece of history with any smith.

With a few S&W revolvers on my "gotta have list" I just picked up a brand new S&W model 57 in 41mag with a 6'' barrel in nickel finish for $699. I went back a month later and the gun shop also had the S&W model 58 in 41mag with a 4'' barrel in nickel for $699 also brand new. I purchased that one too. I want the S&W M29 in 44mag w/ 6 1/2'' barrel in blue, the S&W M57 in 41mag w/4'' barrel in nickel and the S&W m27 in 357mag w/6'' barrel in nickel next. I'm aslo thinking about the S&W m657 41mag & m629 44mag snubbies too. I figure one a month. Bill

BTW; Its my love of the Classic S&W "N" Frames that drives me to buy them. S&W is the only company that still offers the Classics of years ago. If S&W continues to offer them i will buy them. I put the pachmayer rubber presentation grips on my model 57 and put the larger orginal wood grips from my model 57 on my model 58. The model 58 looks and feels better with the larger wood grips.

[nicktoney]

here is my 29, not sure but i believe its a 29-3? silhouette model 10 5/8" barrel haha, got it as a hand me down and needed a bit of TLC and cleaning but i love this thing! SHOOTS GREAT! now the 10 5/8 barrel isnt for everyone, but it sure does nail everything i point it at!

[1911crazy]

I'm going browsing for a new S&W model 29 soon it has to have the 6 1/2'' barrel in blue. I'm not sure what the gun shops are asking for these now. I want the loc too if it has it. Then i'm just missing the model 27 or model 28 in 357mag. Bill

[brain]

Originally Posted by nicktoney

ah the gun the joker used to shoot down the bat jet.

[nicktoney]

First time I shot it I was waiting for a stick to come out the barrel with a flag that read BANG

[BillD]

Originally Posted by nicktoney

First time I shot it I was waiting for a stick to come out the barrel with a flag that read BANG

"It's an 88 magnum. It'll shoot through schools"

[JordanR]

Originally Posted by BillD

"It's an 88 magnum. It'll shoot through schools"

Oh My, I have not heard that quote in years. I will have to watch that movie again.

Jordan

[buck-boost]

[Sullybr549]

I like the Talo 629 with 3" barrel and it can be had for about $800 .

[buck-boost]

Originally Posted by Sullybr549

I like the Talo 629 with 3" barrel and it can be had for about $800 .

Very nice. It must be a "handful" though.

[Sullybr549]

It really isn't too bad. It helps being steel. Shooting two handed is ok even with full power loads (and a shooting glove). Shooting with one hand gets old in a Hurry for me. But it does conceal easily.