Dapperdon - the recall was broad to catch a very few bad eggs. If your guns shoots magnums well, don't worry about it. I have a 686 "no dash" and it works great without the mod. I think only 1% or so of the guns needed it, but they put the recall out for all just to be generous and safe. The other way to think of it is this - the recall is a free roundtrip to Springfield. If you don't need it now, save it until you do (you want some custom work, etc.) and then use it. OTOH, for the long-term collector or "view", the well-built, unmodified "no dash" guns will be worth more in the future. My recommendation, as an owner and collector, is don't get the mod done unless you need it and establish that through primer flow back like Radagast described.
Tailroller - what a great story. you know, the forum would love it if you got some good pics of it and posted the story in the main revolver forum. Some will tell you not to send it back and leave it original. I say do what makes you happy - if you want to see it "restored to glory" and that makes you happy to honor your dad, do it. S&W will do a good job - send them a letter telling them why, too. They may take some extra attention. I love 29's 629's. A combat 29 is a gem, and if it is really a first year, oh my!
And like Radagast said, if that's a 1st year pre-29, that is special. A 4" first year 29 is one of my dream guns to eventually find. Get some photos and put it in the revolver section so others can comment and enjoy.