I am looking for a model 29 to buy and cant find one anywhere. Any help? Also, what is the difference between the earlier ones (pinned and recessed) and the later ones? I heard that the earlier ones weren't all that up to shooting a lot of full powered loads. Anyway, thanks for the help.
Smith Model 29
- Thread starter Washco
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Ruger Redhawk
Member
Washco welcome to the forum,I would suggest watching online auctions. I personally like www.gunsamerica.com I have no intention of selling mine.I have a NIB M-29 w/ 6 1/2"bbl from around the mid 70's era.The Smith's will hold up. The Ruger Redhawk's will withstand the repeated firing of full house loads better then the Smith.Don't get me wrong I like the M-29's,I just like the Ruger Redhawk and SRH's better.
Ruger Redhawk
Ruger Redhawk
hi. Just wanted to let you know that I counted roughly 15 of the Model 29s for sale on gunbroker.com . It should be too hard to find them in any barrel length you want.I nearly bought a 3" but ended up with a 2 1/2" 686.That way I could shoot 38s and some hotter 357s as I choose .You would be able to shoot 44 mags and 44 specials from your 29.Good luck with your search
Tony Mig
Member
Washco......an older model 6" M-29 in polished blue finish is my Holy Grail.
I'd love to find one in excellent condition, though I'll probably end up with a new model 629 in stainless as the old blued 29's just don't show up in the used gun cases around here.
Buying on the internet isn't an easy task when dealing with New Jersey gun laws, so it's just not an option for me.....
I'd love to find one in excellent condition, though I'll probably end up with a new model 629 in stainless as the old blued 29's just don't show up in the used gun cases around here.
Buying on the internet isn't an easy task when dealing with New Jersey gun laws, so it's just not an option for me.....
Thanks for the replys. Let me clarify what Im looking for. Yup, its the blued 6" or 6 1/2". You are right when you say they dont show up very much!! I see a lot of chrome or stainless or the 3" and 4" ones but the 6 or 6 1/2 ones you just don't see. Anyway, I'll be looking, thanks again.
steveno
Member
just because a S & W is listed as "pinned and recessed" doesn't mean that the revolver is better because of it. it really defines an era when S & W really cared about fit and finish. if care is taken "pinned and recessed" were and now not needed to make a quality revolver. I have a M-57 that is not "pinned and recessed" and it is every bit as good a revolver as my K-38 that was made in 1960
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
They're not remarkably difficult to find. That's not to say they're cheap, but they're available. If you check all the auction sites twice a week for a couple months, you're sure to find one or two.
My model 27-2, bought new, was pinned and recessed, and was neither very well finished nor the least bit accurate. Smith & Wesson has been a hit or miss proposition since the early 1960s, at least.
SnWnMe
Member
The later ones had the *ahem* endurance package. Slight mods to the revolver to hold it together under recoil better. Does it work? I don't know. Never did push my S&W 44 mag.
I forget which dash the "strengthened" 29s started.
I forget which dash the "strengthened" 29s started.
RCL
Member
29-5
Oldtimers like me prefer the pre-1982 S&W revolvers. They just have a better fit and finish and the elimination of the pinned barrels just seemed systematic of a degradation in overall quality. Too many cost cutting measures to keep the guns top flight.
The 29-2 was made 1962-1981 in 4", 6.5" (6" 1978-1981) and 8 & 3/8" with blue and nickel available. These guns will usually last longer than most people care to shoot them.
Both Auctionarms and Gunbroker have been mentioned and you can also check GunsAmerica.com. The S&W Forum also has a classifieds forum where these are offered from time to time. Commonly found in the presentation cases, a 29-2 in very nice condition will run $450-$600 with some sellers asking much more. Shop around. I got a nice "shooter" 29-2 that had been reblued for $275 from a pawn shop 3 years ago. Last year I passed on a 4" 29-2 at $350 because I was looking for a nickel one at the time.
I have had a bunch of 29-2s over the years, in blue and nickel and in all 3 barrel lengths. Never had any trouble with any of them. I currently own just this one 6.5" blued example but for the life of me I can't figure out why I sold off a 6.5" nickel one a few years back. Wish I still had it.
The 29-2 was made 1962-1981 in 4", 6.5" (6" 1978-1981) and 8 & 3/8" with blue and nickel available. These guns will usually last longer than most people care to shoot them.
Both Auctionarms and Gunbroker have been mentioned and you can also check GunsAmerica.com. The S&W Forum also has a classifieds forum where these are offered from time to time. Commonly found in the presentation cases, a 29-2 in very nice condition will run $450-$600 with some sellers asking much more. Shop around. I got a nice "shooter" 29-2 that had been reblued for $275 from a pawn shop 3 years ago. Last year I passed on a 4" 29-2 at $350 because I was looking for a nickel one at the time.
I have had a bunch of 29-2s over the years, in blue and nickel and in all 3 barrel lengths. Never had any trouble with any of them. I currently own just this one 6.5" blued example but for the life of me I can't figure out why I sold off a 6.5" nickel one a few years back. Wish I still had it.
I feel your pain. 29s are hard to find here, also.
I finally found one just after Christmas last year. Mint 29-2 6.5" barrel (a real "Dirty Harry") for $400, I jumped right on it. Put me a bit in arrears, but the last time I'd seen one of my "grails" (a model 27, 5.5" barrel) I waited til I had the money and found it sold about two days before. NEVER AGAIN!!!
I finally found one just after Christmas last year. Mint 29-2 6.5" barrel (a real "Dirty Harry") for $400, I jumped right on it. Put me a bit in arrears, but the last time I'd seen one of my "grails" (a model 27, 5.5" barrel) I waited til I had the money and found it sold about two days before. NEVER AGAIN!!!
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I've done it myself. Now you know why I never leave home without at least a couple Visa cards.
Swamprabbit
Member
I have a 4" 29 that I've had since the 70s. No, you can't have it! 
The pistol has always had max loaded 240g rounds in it. Have had problems with the end of the extractor rod "mushrooming" and have to watch out for loose screws. The double action is as smooth as glass and still shoots as sweet as ever.
The pistol has always had max loaded 240g rounds in it. Have had problems with the end of the extractor rod "mushrooming" and have to watch out for loose screws. The double action is as smooth as glass and still shoots as sweet as ever.
tomkatz
Member
29-3
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
I too hope to find an early 29, blued - one day. As much the pleasure of ownership as just shooting only.
My 629-6 tho does a great job - and while it lacks perhaps the charisma of the early models is a sturdy piece and will take punishment well. I find it easier to make this one one of my ''concessions'' to newer models.
My 629-6 tho does a great job - and while it lacks perhaps the charisma of the early models is a sturdy piece and will take punishment well. I find it easier to make this one one of my ''concessions'' to newer models.
I finally found one
I too spent lots of time looking for a S&W Model 29. I bought one back in the early 90's, sold it and regreted it ever since. Having checked all the shops for years I resorted to the Internet. I found a nice one, called in the credit card and soon it was here. Man was I anxious. I ended up with a -2 model in great condition. It now holds a coveted place in the safe. Here is a picture.
I too spent lots of time looking for a S&W Model 29. I bought one back in the early 90's, sold it and regreted it ever since. Having checked all the shops for years I resorted to the Internet. I found a nice one, called in the credit card and soon it was here. Man was I anxious. I ended up with a -2 model in great condition. It now holds a coveted place in the safe. Here is a picture.
Attachments
BusMaster007
Member
SOMEBODY must have a pic of a S&W Model 29 CLASSIC or CLASSIC 'DX' 6" bbl. circa 1993...
That's what I wanted back then.
That's what I wanted back then.
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