Posted: 1/6/2008 8:34:48 AM EDT
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I am really wanting a Model 29 for some reason. I am relatively unexperienced with revolvers, and as fo recently, I have two (Rossi snub .38 and a S&W Model 36). If I understnad correctly, I can fire a .44 special out of a gun built for .44 Magnum. Is this correct? Also, I know what S&W suugest MSRP is for a new Model 29, but what should I expect to pay in the real world for one? |
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Yes you can fire 44 specials out of a 44 magnum. 44 special ammo is harder to find. If you reload, you can load a 44 mag down to almost 44 special levels. That's what I do for the kids to shoot. They can brag about shooting a 44 mag.  BUD'S GUN SHOP (a site sponser) has new ones for $610 and up - delivered!. I have a nickle 29-3 from the 1980's that I adore. |
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Thanks for the reply Flatfender! Here is what I am looking for: Model 29 6.5" I will see if any of my local shops will come in around that. This may sound rediculous, but do you know of any good leather for toting one of these around? I see bianchi makes a belt slide holster and a shoulder rig, but what else is out there? |
Yes you can shhot 44 spc loads thru it. but you should run a brush thru the chambers afterwards. the best solution would be to reload your own and use 44mag cases. that way you wont have to worry run a brush thru the chambers to use mag loads. ive seen M29s as low as 400 for used/LNIB but if you want a particular setup, then it will depend on what the going rate is for them and how bad the other person wants it. edit. If you want that particular model from Buds, its not going cheap. most of S&W "collectables" are more then the run of the mill versions. at one time, they offered guns with the presentation box as an "option". If your open to the plain M29, then you should be able to find one cheaper. you should note that the M29 is one of the more light 44s with the exception of the exotic frame S&Ws and if possible, look at the 5" classics. they have the full underlug and IMO are more balanced. |
Bud's prices are pretty hard to beat on new guns most of the time. I don't like the S&Ws with the locks and prefer the pre-lock ones. Gunbroker has a few older 29s and 629s (SS) most of the time. People buy them, shoot a few times and decide they don't like the recoil. I like the recoil on the 44mag and even the S&W 500 if fine with me. If you're gonna carry a 44mag for bear protection or CCW, a 6-1/2" barrel is a little long IMHO. The upside is a 6-1/2" or 8-3/8" is more pleasant to shoot than a snubbie. GALCO makes some nice leather. |
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Ok, I may sound a little stupid here, but... I want the Model 29 (29-2?) because its the "Dirty Harry" gun that I saw in the movies my dad watched when I was growing up. Not to mention, its a damn beautiful gun. It would be a nice piece to add to my collection. If I qualify with it with .44 Special, I can "carry" it off duty. I am not clear though as to my agency's SOP on this calliber. It lists acceptable rounds to qualify with as .38 special, .44, and .357 Magnum, just like that. I don't care about the presentation box and I would prefer one just like new or VERY minor wear over the new manufactured ones with the lock. But if I can get a new one with a lock at a really good price, I would take that one no problem. As far as recoil goes, I love recoil. I have never really been fond of .22s as I like to know I just shot something. I love that kick. I probably wouldn't shoot it that mouch, butI think it would be fun for the occasional range trip. I am sure some of my friends would enjoy hanging onto that beast as much as I would! |
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The " dash number" after the 29 means it's a Model 29 with different factory engineering changes. Examples 29 Original design. Introduced 1957 29-1 Changed extractor rod, Barrel threading changed. (1962) 29-2 Cylinder stop changed. Trigger guard screw dropped (1962) 29-3 Pinned barrel and recessed cylinder dropped (1982) 29-4 Endurance package. (Guns were having problems with steady diet of hot 44 mag ammo) (1988) 29-6 Change rear sight and extractor (1993) 29-7 Change frame design. Eliminate cylinder stop stud, MIM hammer and floating firing pin change (1998) 29-8 New Frame design with internal lock (2001) They are all Model 29s, just built differently by the factory. If you're going to shoot alot of 44mag buy a 29-4 and newer. There are alot of variations on the Model 29. The Silhouette, The .44 Classic, 50th Anniversary, Performance Center models, The .44 Classic DX, The .44 Magna Classic, Mountain Gun, and tons of commemoratives. There was a "Dirty Harry Edition" put out in 2003. A Model 29-8 with 6-1/2" barrel. But they are all Model 29s (Blued and Nickled) The stainless steel ones are Model 629 |
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damn flatfender, thanks for the info! Its good to know about these things. This coming wed/thur i will be hitting my local shops to see what i can see. This is kinda my birthday present to myself this year. I was split between this and a JLD PTR 91. What i fond out later this week may decide for sure what i ended up with, but i am leabning heavy towards the Model 29 |
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Happy hunting. If you want to get into a 308 rifle, look at the DPMS LR-308 for a platform for about the same price. I have a 308-AP4 and like it alot. Bought it slightly used for $800. flat |
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One other thing; that retro model of Buds you will notice doesn't have the original style wide & flat target hammer nor does it have the wide grooved target trigger. IMHO the original hammer gives guys with average-size thumbs (like me) an easy reach to cock the piece. The wider trigger gives mechanical advantage in the double-action pull (maybe it only spreads the force out over a wider area, but it sure feels like a lot less!). |
Patience is a virtue.