Inform me about the S & W Model 29

C

Chris37

Inactive
After getting more and more interested in acquiring certain firearms, the next one on my list in an older, Model 29 .44 magnum. I recently bought a S & W Model 19-3 for $430 which I feel was a fair price for a gun with some blueing loss on the barrel and cylinder.

If I'm looking for a Model 29 that is in very good condition, how much am I looking at spending? I want an original 29-2 with wood grips and a blued finish, I'm interested in having a gun that will have collector value in the future. The prices seem all over the place when I look online ranging from $700 to $1000+. I'm not interested in any of the newer model 29's, I don't feel they have the same character as the older guns.

Any advice, suggestions, etc would be appreciated! Pictures of any member's Model 29's would be nice as well!
 
These are my Model 29s:

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There is a boxed, like new Model 29 for sale at a local gun shop going for $900.00. This, I believe, is a pinned and recessed model. Certainly an older model will go for at least $700~$800 dollars.

As to the Model 29, it is a superb revolver. If you want to shoot it heavily, I'd try to find one made without the pin and recess cylinder. These latter models all have the "endurance package" and are far more rugged than the earliest ones. The 6" full lug gun in the upper left gave me a lot of problems, internal pins sheared off from recoil. Finally returned to the factory and they installed this package. End of problems. All the later guns have had no problems.

Bob Wright
 
I agree with Bob. The strength improvements started with the 29-5, and the external lock started with the 29-10, so I would look for one between those models.

The real collectors items are the pre-29 four and five screw models, simply called the 44 Magnum. They run from $1,500 on up, in good condition.
 
I'm not looking to shoot it heavily...I more or less want one to say I have one with the occasional round going through it.

I'm not at all interested in the older models, mainly only the 19-2's. Anything earlier is well out of my price range but I feel the 19-2's with the pinned and recessed barrel will slowly gain value over the years as well. Just looking for a general price range I should be expecting for one in very good condition.
 
Very good ...isn't a high grade gun .../ and not really in a collectable category ....in general, grades will run:

new in box
Excellent +
Excellent ( 98% - 99% )
Fine ( 90 - 95% )
Very Good ( 85% )
Good ( 75% )
Fair
Poor

S&W book published in 2006 ....for a 29-2 blued...lists prices from $850 NIB / $700 Exec / $ 450 for VG....

and prices vary a lot by region ...and by barrel length...with a 4" or 6" demanding the higher prices in general...and today that Exec 29-2 is probably around $ 800...but I see some as high as $1,000. If you find a Nickel version add another $ 100 - $ 150 ...

To retain or increase in value / and nothing is guaranteed...it will have to be in Excellent condition now and when you sell it / holster marks or scratches on the barrel - of any type, really downgrade the condition. I like the model 29-2's as well...its a good value right now ( you'll find them blued or nickel and in 4", 6" and 8 3/8" commonly ...with some rare models in 5" or 6 1/2" .) Good luck/ and have fun in your search. Every gunshow I go to in my area....there are still a lot of mod 29-2's around....
 
I paid about $750.00 for this one a few months ago. There was a trade (Glock 19) and a couple hundred bucks in cash in the deal. I'd go out and buy a Glock to make the deal again.

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About all I shoot in it is 44 specials. Not that I'm afraid of hurting the gun, but because I don't enjoy getting kicked anymore. I'm an old man now, I don't hunt with it, and the specials punch a hole in the paper just as well.
 
The real collectors items are the pre-29 four and five screw models, simply called the 44 Magnum. They run from $1,500 on up, in good condition.
Click to expand...

Like this one?:D These are seldom seen, unless online, and even then. Mine is a 4 screw, 1958 pre model 29 aka 44 magnum SN - S177XXX
I just found the black presentation case recently while going through a gun shops attic, it was like American GUN pickers.....

I am missing the tools, I know I know :rolleyes:

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I always liked the intro to Magnum Force, where the credits roll over the gun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi6XbwwbJ1g

Clint immortalized this gun, with the 6.5 in barrel...

Finding that black box the other day made my day...

clint1.jpg
 
Buying a magnum of any kind doesn't mean you have to shoot magnum loads. I have a beautiful 4", 29-2. I decided long ago that it would be a 44 special gun for everyday use. Even Dirty Harry admitted that he shot. . ." light .44 Specials" in the movie Magnum Force, IIRC. I shoot .44 spec loaded to about 900 fps (Win Silvertips) and are great for everyday use. If I'm out in the woods I always carry some magnum loads, but they rarely get used.

I have a Ruger Redhawk and a Super Blackhawk that get all the heavy work.
 
you can get one of these for under a grand...and even less if it's missing the the original Combat grips.

29-3
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I've found to have money available and keep eyes on auction, shows and pawn shops is best way to find what you want at a good price. Patience is frequently rewarded especially these days when people need to turn a product into ready cash.
 
I bought a 29-2 back in 1980 or so and it has served me well. I was in the LGS a couple of years ago and the salesman I always worked with waved me over. A guy was wanting to sell a 29-3 that his Dad had bought new. Both these guns are 6 inch.

This did not have the box or papers but it was really clean and looked to have less than a hundred or so rounds fired through it.

I got it for $600 or $650. I can't remember any more.

I have not shot a lot of full house loads through either one. It is a lot easier on the hand to shoot magnum loads on the lower end of the power spectrum.

44 special loads are really sweet.
 
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