How are the new Model 29's from S&W

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Comrade Mike

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In the next year or so I'm looking to finally get a big bore revolver. I've always loved the look of the 6" model 29 and I'm going to carry it Harry Callahan style! Perfect carry gun!! Kidding.... :D

In all seriousness though, I like the looks an the feel of the 29. I intend to use it as a target gun mainly. Midrange reloads with plated bullets. Maybe some hotter stuff if I want to make a big boom but nothing outside the realm of published data. I've been reading (everything on the Internet is true of course) that the 29's don't hold up as well as say a Ruger Redhawk. I don't want to shake a 900+ dollar gun apart. I do like the Red Hawk but the Blued Version isn't made anymore. I don't like shiny guns.

I'd love it if the big bore shooters could point me in the right direction.
 
Buy away and just hope you don't get one of there turds. if you do they will make it right so buy away. The 29 is no better or worse than any other s&w firearm.
 
Mainly Ill be shooting the Rainer 240 gn plated flat points (when I can get them) loaded to the upper half or so of the 240 gn lead bullet range as far as powder charges go. So I don't think these would be considered real heavy loads.
 
Current 29s with the Endurance Package should hold up to extended use of moderate .44 Mag loads reasonably well.

The gun is not the equal of the Red or Super Red in strength & longevity, but if you keep pressures away from redline and don't put a couple hundred rounds a week through it year in & year out, the Smith should be fine.
Denis
 
What other .44 magnum options are there aside from the ruger? I don't mind the red hawk other than the fact that the Blued one is discontinued.
 
Smith and Wesson started putting the endurance package on their .44 magnum revolvers at the -4 revision.

I have fired hundreds, perhaps thousands of .44 mag level rounds through my 629-4 Classic DX and the gun is still as tight as when it was new.
 
A skid plate and a decal on each side. Seriously though, they beefed up the cylinder stop and the cuts in the cylinder for it. Owners were actually seeing the cylinder unlock and rotate backwards with HEAVY loads. You shouldn't have any problems with a new (post -4) Model 29 unless you shoot massive amounts of HEAVY loads. Who would want to do that to a nice Smith?
 
If you want the Dirty Harry gun, you need to get the 29-2. Inspector Callahan wouldn’t be caught dead with the integral lock.
 
I have a 6-inch Model 29-5, Harry can keep his 29-2. :)
Same configuration, no lock, no MIMs, has the Endurance Package.
To my mind, the apex of the Model 29 variations.

The one that actually gets carried, though, is a four-inch 629-3 Mountain Revolver. :)
Denis
 
Buy a 29-2 and shoot current factory loads or equivalent handloads and worry not about endurance, own a fine piece of gun making and sell it years later for more than you paid if you need to. Six months ago I gave $500 for this nickel 29-2 and son #3 has already claimed it.:uhoh:

M29_7x57Closeups003.jpg
 
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highpower said:
I have fired hundreds, perhaps thousands of .44 mag level rounds through my 629-4 Classic DX and the gun is still as tight as when it was new.
Click to expand...

I've shot thousands of rounds through both my 29-2's, hunting and in competition, and both are still tight and shoot like new...

DM
 
Have you considered a Super Blackhawk? If you get into any hunting or long range targets you may want some stout loads. This is a tremendously durable handgun. There are some good used ones out there in blue steel, which I prefer over stainless.
 
I would just find myself a used good condition Model 29. In the below image the top revolver is a 29-5 with non-fluted cylinder. Over the past 20 years or so it has sent thousands or rounds downrange and remains as tight as the day I got it.

Revolvers.png

Ron
 
I had one of the first of the model 29s of the current 29-10 generation. It was a really nice gun. I shot several nice half-inch groups with it. I eventually had to part with it when given the choice of paying rent or keeping it. I will buy another when (if) the economy turns back around and I can find a job that will allow for it. For me, buying one of the older guns just wasn't worth it. Not only are they very difficult to find but around where I live, they're going for $1500 in good condition, and I will never pay that much for a used gun.
 
The new Models 29s are fine and doing well.
They all meet 3rd Sunday of the month and play Bingo,,,, ;)
 
Mine is a 629-10 and is still just terrific (in fact, MUCH BETTER) after 15,000 rds through it. It's starting to be well broken-in. Most are .44 Spcs. for IDPA, but it eats 300 gr. boomers just the same.

Mine's a 4" and does concealed carry duty very well!

2007_09050014.jpg

2007_09050015.jpg
 
i would find a shooter 29-2 and forget the new stuff but thats me i like the older smiths when you didnt have to start them with a key
 
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