.44 dilemma..

[jdavis123]

I really don't "need" a .44 magnum but, I "want" one. My dilemma is that I have found a pretty good shooter grade S&W model 29-2 which I can purchase for about the same price as an almost new 629. It's a fine looking gun with the counter bored chambers and pinned 6.5" barrel. It does not have the box or papers but, since it will be a shooter, it doesn't matter to me. On the other hand the stainless 629 is going to be able to be kept clean easier and there is little worry about rust. Being current production means good parts availability and service from S&W. Friends tell me to go with the older 29-2 because of the old wold craftsmanship and hand fitting of forged parts. Some say the lock is going to be a problem and that MIM parts aren't as good as the older ones. Even though i like the stainless gun, I see the quality of the older one. Anyone with experience with these guns who could offer advice would be appreciated.

 

[CraigC]

I'd grab the 29-2 in a friggin' heartbeat. You can always find a nice used 629 but the 29-2 is a fine sixgun that the world will never see in production again.

I was born and raised in central Florida, lived there 32yrs. I never "worried" about my blued guns. I just periodically wiped them down.

 

[TfflHndn]

Not sure what you mean my "pretty good shooter grade" but if that means mechanically sound and perhaps with some cosmetic flaws, I'd go with the 29-2. I have one, and while the newer guns are great (I have a Performance Center 627 that I also shoot a lot) there's just something about the classic 29-2 that I can't define but I can feel when I shoot it. Pinned and recessed is a feature you don't find much anymore, and contributes to the "feel" of the gun. To me, it's kinda like driving a '67 GTO or a modern Mustang. Both get the job done, and the new Mustang will have modern features, but the GTO just makes you smile when you hit the gas.

Neither of your options is a bad one. The old classic would be hard for me to pass up. Happy shooting, either way.

 

[Old Fuff]

As a shooter, how much full-house .44 Magnum loads do you plan to put through it. If you are a "biggest bang!" fan I would pick the 629. On the other hand if you are willing to use lower powered handloads or .44 Special cartridges (the former being a better choice) I'd quickly pick the classic model 29-2.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'd probably go for the 29 in this case. Pinned and recessed Smiths are fine guns, and 629's are common and can be picked up any time.

 

[bannockburn]

Definitely the used Model 29-2 over a new Model 629 any day of the week!

 

[Davwingman]

I would get the 29-2 for sure. You aren't gonna wear it out or break it shooting factory loads or standard handloads in your lifetime. Here is one of mine with a 4'' barrel.

 

[jdavis123]

I have little to no desire to spend a day at the range getting hammered by heavy .44 magnum loads shooting at paper. Past experience has taught me how brutal full house .44 loads can be. (that's one reason that I sold mine years ago) Lighter target loads would more than likely be the order of the day. Since I hand load, I'll get a set of dies and load them to suit myself. The 29-2 does have a few cosmetic flaws but it has good mechanicals and the cosmetic issues can be corrected. I'll see the owner tomorrow and probably strike a deal. Thank all of you who responded, your opinions are appreciated.

 

[CaptHank]

I love my 29-2. I had a conversation with one of the techs at S&W about what loads to shoot. Was told to use standard 240 GR. loads and I wouldn't have to contact them.

 

[Drail]

In my experience the only real problem with the older S&W Model 29s has always been handloaders who think the gun will take anything they can throw at it. Feed it standard loads and it will be here long after you are gone.

 

[jdavis123]

CaptHank, that is a beautiful 29 that you have. I'll bet that the 8-3/8" barrel shoots like a rifle.

 

[CaptHank]

You know it.....!!!! I took a friend shooting, first time with the 44 mag, he is looking for one now. He shot 200 rounds of my hand loads.

 

[Drail]

You are an awfully generous friend to have.

 

[Hookeye]

I broke a 629-1 years ago.
Cost me $5 to ship it to Smith and have it fixed.
Trigger pivot pin broke (still worked SA, but hammer barely wiggled in DA since only the sideplate held pin location).
No more 300's (didn't take many to smoke it).

Had 3 others, all -3 or older. 240's and under= no probs.

On the hunt for another 6" for general use. Neat guns

Had Ruger SA's and shot a deer with a SRH. They work.
But they are not like a Smith.

Rugers just feel crude to me now (and I started out as a kid shooting/owning Ruger 3 screws).
Got a very clean 3 screw SBH..............and shot a few and sold it. Love the look, hate the feel......and the recoil doesn't bother me on the dragoon grip either. Just like a Smith better.

 

[Drail]

Compared to the older S&W revolvers Rugers are pretty crude. Ruger doesn't seem to spend much money on de burring their guns. (not Ruger bashing - just stating the facts)

 

[CajunBass]

I'm just going to echo what the others have said. Get the 29.

If you're worried about rust, there is an old Indian trick called an "oily rag." Wipe the gun off with one once in a while and it will be fine. Worked for years for my grandfather with his Parker and A.H. Fox shotguns he used for goose and duck hunting "out on the big water" (Chesapeake Bay).

 

[CaptHank]

You are an awfully generous friend to have.

Drail.... He has two, Bridgeport Milling Machines. He is moving from Ct. to Florida and wants to give me one. I'm still giving it some serious thought. My garage would have to be modified, along with new electrical service. Then going to a vocational school to learn how to operate it. I've always wanted to have a small milling machine, but the Bridgeport is a much higher level.

Letting him shoot, 200 rounds of ammo won't hurt me.

 

[Drail]

Holey moley!!! If there's any way you could get it moved and installed and learn to use it you will be able to make just about any part for anything. You will no longer be a consumer - you will be a manufacturer. Go for it. You'll need a bigger garage.

 

[CaptHank]

He tells me, the Bridgeport is the only machine, that can duplicate itself.

 

[BCRider]

Jdavis, I don't know where you got the idea that the blued guns are harder to clean than the modern stainless ones but it just ain't true at all. And in fact I find that the texture of the brushed surface on the stainless guns is HARDER to clean back to like new than the neatly polished blued guns of yesteryear.

And how you can resist the lure of owning the "Dirty Harry" gun I just can't fathom at all.

I've got or had both stainless and blued handguns. And other than a few special models I far and away prefer blued finishes both for their appearance and for being EASIER to clean. Smooth and shiny just simply cleans off easier than a brushed satin finish with all those small scratches that make up the "brushed" part.

 

[Barry the Bear]

I would definitely get model 29-2 ! I might even sell off a couple of my guns just to finance one new in the box.

 

[Schwing]

Drail.... He has two, Bridgeport Milling Machines. He is moving from Ct. to Florida and wants to give me one. I'm still giving it some serious thought. My garage would have to be modified, along with new electrical service. Then going to a vocational school to learn how to operate it. I've always wanted to have a small milling machine, but the Bridgeport is a much higher level.

Letting him shoot, 200 rounds of ammo won't hurt me.

I would recommend you verify that any bridgeport machine you put in is functioning and still has parts available. Many don't and it would stink to go through the expense of moving it and then have to spend more.

We just had to retrofit an older model that my Dad used for years and it ended up costing us over 20k before we were done. I have to say though, he has 3 of them and they just don't build anything quite like them anymore.

 

[CaptHank]

Whoa.... That, put the brakes on things, big time. Thanks for the information!