Thinking about a S&WS 29-2...

[guitarguy314]

I'm thinking about saving for one of my dream guns, a Smith and Wesson model 29-2 (pinned, and recessed). I'm not sure if I want the 6.5 inch, or the 8 3/8 inch.

This isn't a carry gun, and I don't hunt. I just want it for a range cannon. XD

At the moment, I'm leaning toward the 8 3/8 inch, because of the better sight radius, and the possible recoil mitigation. I know there is going to be recoil, but 44mag out of an 8 3/8 inch barrel sure beats 44mag from a 4 inch barrel.

I have a 25-9 in 45 colt, and love it, the target trigger and hammer are exquisite...and I love having the firing pin on the hammer. ... I've caught the S&W bug...bad. haha

Sp, What barrel length should I get? Is one better than the other?
Also, is there anything I need to look for to make sure I get a good one? I heard that some of the late seventies manufacture dates aren't as good.

Thanks guys,

L

 

[HKGuns]

I've only read that the balance of the 8" barrels isn't the best. I own 4" 6" and 6.5" examples and the balance of the 6.5" works best for me.

Hopefully someone will chime in with more experience with the 8" model. I would opt for the 6" version if I were you. It seems the best compromise.

I really like the Model 29 however, EXCELLENT choice!

 

[SaxonPig]

The 8" was designed to be muzzle heavy as this is what target shooters wanted. The added weight may help a tad with recoil but with full loads it won't make much difference. I admit that the 44 magnum kills me with its recoil.

IMO the 6.5" (not the 6" after 1979) is the best balanced and most logical 29.

I've had this one since 1985. Put maybe 100 rounds through it.





Bagged this in December. Made it through 12 rounds before giving up in agony.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have never handled an 8-3/8" Smith N frame but find the nominal 6" barrel comfortable to shoot (45 Colt and 44 Special). I have a 4" 625 that I like but I could see the recoil of the 44 Magnum with a 4" barrel could be a bit uncomfortable to shoot.

Except for the fact that I like Smith and Wessons as well, I guess I am not much help.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // As stated the 6 1/2" IMO is the best configuration, in balance as well as versatility ,, target ,carry and hunting are all options.

I have the 29-2, 8 3/8", it is a bit muzzle heavy to most, especially with empty chambers. I bought the longer barrel for hunting Whitetail, if one every comes that close.
It is also a joy to shoot targets ,as is the 4" ,S&W 25-5 in.45LC, I bought last year.

If you like shooting your 4" ,.45LC 25-9 then a 6 1/2", 29-2 sounds perfect.
------------

Saxon Pig,,nice pair of 29s. if you are done with that 4"... I'd rather you have my $400 dollars then the LGS that is selling one. If you have the papers to go along with the box and cleaning kit maybe $500 ..shipped of course. JK

 

[guitarguy314]

Thanks for the info guys!...My 25-9 has a 6 inch barrel, and I do love it.

 

[StrawHat]

I have had a few S&W revolvers. At one point, I realized I was using my 25-5 or 25-2 a lot more than the 29-2. About a year later, I sold the 29-2. Like SaxonPig, the recoil was more than I enjoyed. The other part of the equation, I was more accurate with the milder recoiling revolvers.

 

[guitarguy314]

I'm the same way. I love my 25-9. I've only fired a few 44 magnums in my time, and it is definitely a two handed gun. I want it, but at the same time, I don't want to waste $800 on something I won't or can't shoot. But I do love older S&W's and big bores...quite the dilemma.

Thanks for the info.

 

[guitarguy314]

Also, in the pictures SaxonPig posted the top picture has thin grips. The bottom picture shows the fat grips like the ones on my 25. I really like the fatter grips, they feel right in my hand somehow...Did the 29-2 come with thin grips? Or fat grips? Is there a specific date range or serial number that got thin as opposed to fat grips, or is it just something I have to check for when buying the gun?

 

[Hammerdown77]

Both of those grips look the same to me. The abominations S&W called "target grips". They were designed by a sadist. They fit .0001% of the population.

The original "coke" style grips were the best. They had a coke bottle shape when viewed from the rear, similar to the way Hogues look.

SaxonPig, it is a disgrace that you are not shooting those wonderful 29-2s. I will give you $1k for both of them just to give them the love and affection they deserve

 

[rcmodel]

There are no thick & thin S&W target grips.

It's just the different camera angles you are looking at in the two photo's.

There have been some grip changes over the years, the most sadly missed being the old "coke bottle" grips on the early 1950 & 60 ones, and most sadly received, the new beaver chewed ones they are using now.

But in between, they are pretty much all the same.

rc

 

[guitarguy314]

Okay, thanks guys. I love the wooden S&W grips that are on my 25...Still undecided on the 29 though...I love the looks and the provenance etc...but I worry about buying it and not being able to shoot it. I just gotta ind somebody with a 44 mag near me. XD

 

[rcmodel]

You do realize you can shoot .44 Special in a .44 Magnum?

That makes the recoil about like getting kicked by a .22 RF.

rc

 

[Hammerdown77]

There are TONS of grips for an N-frame square butt Smith. You should be able to find something that works. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying one.

 

[guitarguy314]

rcmodel - True, but if I buy a gun that can shoot 44 mag...I just gotta shoot 44 mag. XD

 

[HKGuns]

Don't let the recoil convince you not to purchase. You'll find a lot of the factory loads aren't very intimidating. It isn't until you start loading your own, in general, that the recoil becomes a factor. Even then I find it very tolerable, especially in a 6 or 6.5" barreled frame. This assumes you're not buying Buffalo bore or other hotter rounds of course.

 

[Liberty1776]

I love my 8 3/8" and it's a blast to shoot with cowboy-level cast bullet loads. I'm casually shopping for a 6" to accompany it...

 

[guitarguy314]

Thanks liberty! How do you find the longer barrel as opposed to a less long barrel. Balance issues, shooting difficulties?

 

[BCRider]

I've shot both the 8 3/4 and 6 inch models. All in all I prefer the balance of the 6 inch. But if you want to shoot longer distance precision the longer sight baseline and more muzzle heavy feel will aid in your accuracy.... or it may also frustrate you if you can't hold the sights steady enough. I've found that longer barrels on handguns is a double edged sword in this way.

Since the .44Mag is a reloader's cartridge both due to the price of factory ammo as well as it's just plain fun to try different loadings you should be able to tone the recoil down to something you enjoy. I like a few "wrist wreckers" here and there but for the most part I shoot loads that are more along the lines of strong .44Spl to mid power .44Spl +P. They are still stout enough to enjoy and let you know that you're shooting a big bore. But not so strong that I can only shoot two cylinders worth and my hands are baked.

And money wise I can reload around 200 rounds for the same cost as one box of 50 factory loads.

Other than perhaps .40S&W any handgun ammo that starts with a ".4" or higher just simply needs to be reloaded by the shooter or the cost is just way out there. Hell, even .357Mag is crazy. I can reload the .357Mag for literally a PENNY more than what it costs me to reload a .38Spl. It's simply a bigger powder charge.

 

[Ky Larry]

I reload and shoot a lot of 240gr lead bullets at .44 Spl velocities. I like having the option of shooting powderpuffs or wrist breakers. Gun is a 6" model-29 with BSquare rings and mounts and a Gilmore red dot. Also has Pachmayer Decelorator grips. Don't shoot many serious magnum rounds any more but it still has a serious factor.

 

[Liberty1776]

Well, to be honest I really think it points very well for me and it helps me hold a little steadier. The 6" I get will have a full underlug to do the same...

 

[Black Butte]

Go ahead, make my day. Get the 6.5-inch barrel.

 

[tallpaul]

For the guys that get hurt shooting smith 29's.... DITCH the factory grips ang get a set that work for you... While pretty factory grips are almost worthless for most folk anyhow. Get a grip and shoot those guns and I agree load em down to even hot 44 spl/ light 44 to equal the 45 colt loads and they shoot just as " nice"

I have a 29-2 4 inch and would love a five or a six and even a three incher


The 8 inch shoots nice but for me it would ave to be a really good deal since it is more of a range gun to me but the ones I shot did make me look good!

 

[tnelson31]

I have an 8 inch 29-2 and shoot both specials and magnum loads out of it. I use stock grips and like them (for the look, mostly.) I only shoot 18-24 rounds a session when I am shooting magnums.

I do not know if I would get a 6" in addition to the 8, but I would not sell the 8 to get a 6. The 8 is a good 50 yard gun for me, and as a 100 yard gun at the range, if I want to 'waste' ammo, as that is really pushing my skills.

 

[StrawHat]

One of the great things about S&W wood grips is the amount of wood they give you. There is enough there to be able to make a set of grips that will fit your hands. Here is a shot of how mine look after a visit from a saw and a rasp.



They may not be pretty or even fancy but they fit into my hand well and are convenient to carry. The 6" revolver is a 25-2, the 4" is a 28-2 I converted to handle the 45 ACP.