Question on a S&W Model 29 44mag

[Twiki357]

I would like some opinions on the S&W Model 29-6. I'm considering a local face to face purchase of a 29-6 stainless steel. Although I have never seen one, I have "heard" that S&W has some models with a transfer bar. Does the 29-6 have one; I hope not?

As an alternative, another seller has a blued 29-3 listed for only $25 more.

Right now I'm torn between the two. I prefer the SS in the 29-6 with the high visibility sights, but not the lawyer lock. A transfer bar would be a deal breaker. But, I also like the 29-3 without the LL and with the wider target hammer & trigger. Both have the 4"bbl and the ugly rubber grips. Any opinions and pros/cons would be appreciated.

 

[huntershooter]

If the "29-6" you refer to is stainless, it would be the 629-6.
It has a frame mounted firing pin, not a transfer bar per se. The 629-6 has a LOT of MIM parts, lock and the new engineering of internals.
They can be great guns, if you get a good one and can live with the MIM, etc.

The 29-3 is the blued, "old school" 29 without a pinned barrel, countersunk cylinder.

 

[StrawHat]

...The 29-3 is the blued, "old school" 29 without a pinned barrel, countersunk cylinder...

On my 29-3, the cylinder is not countersunk.

 

[bigtubby]

I would buy the 29-3 although not as refined as a 29-2. If forged internals are not important and the zit on the side of the gun don't bother you the 629-6 may be the way to go.

I own a 629-6 because I got it for $175.00 sent it to S&W had them warranty the barrel and it is a fine gun it is the only lock gun I own. I do prefer my older prelock smiths with forged parts.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would get the M29-3 but I am not a huge fan of stainless guns. If you prefer stainless, go with that. People make too much out of the frame lock. There are no transfer bar safetys on either gun or even one produced today.

 

[BYJO4]

I prefer stainless and every gun I have is now stainless. I have a 629 pre lock and it has been excellent (I don't like the looks of the lock). I have shot numerous new 629s at the range that have locks and mim parts and find they shoot very well. All my guns have black rubber grips as they help cushion recoil and wont slip in my hand. For photos, I will sometimes put on wood grips to dress the gun up.