Smith and Wesson model 29

[cleveland48]

Hey guys this is my first time posting on the handgun forum.  I just recently was given a model 29 Smith and Wesson 44 mag.  The gun has been in the family for quite some time.  The gun has the long barrell and it's blued the barrel is 8 1/2 or 8 3/4.  Not real sure.  But could someone tell me when they stoped making this gun in this barrell length.  It is not one of the new ones they started making again because I know we've had it for at least 15 years. The gun is in about 98% condition so could ya'll tell me about it's worth.  also I plan on handloading for it down to like 44 special loads.  If you shoot high power loads through it will it wear out quick thanks alot guys...Andrew.

[Hammerdown]

Hello Andrew
S&W had Offered the 8-3/8" Barrels for a very Long time on many different models including the model 29. I Can't be certain if they dropped it in the more modern ones, but Know it was available many years on the model 29. if you give us a serial number of your gun or if it is a dash series which will be stamped in the crane if it is, This will help us zero in on a date of it. An Older model 29 will take many magnum Powered loads without ever getting loose. That is an Old wive's Tail and most that shoot and own them for awhile do NOT Enjoy shooting full house loads unless you are hunting with it. Regards, Hammerdown

[Mikey]

Andrew - you could shoot factory 44 mags through that M29 from now until the time your oldest son hands it off to his children and the darn thing wouldn't even hiccough.  That isn't even a old wive's tale, it's pure hooey. 

The only time they had any problems was when they were owned by the Brits and the problems were from guys who shot metallic silhouette and continuously shot monster loads through the 29s - loads using 300 gn slugs or heavier with maximum powder charges.  I have an older 29 that I used for silhouette and still use for hunting and haven't ever had a problem with it.  If you think they gun is weak or something, sned it on over here to me and I'll shoot it up for about 10 years and give it back to you in better shape than when ya sent it over.  Mikey.

[StrawHat]

I have to agree with the previous comments regarding the M29.

It is no weak sister and will hold it's own with reasonable loads.

Until I discovered the 45 Long Colt, I shot a M29-2 w/ a 6"barrel.  Countless loads of 245 cast SWC bullets over a heavy load of 2400.  (Before we learned that load was a bit above pressure, thanks Elmer!)

The revolver was in great shape when I sold it after at least a 10 year stewardship.

While the M29 was not weak, it was the lightest 44 Magnum of it's day and that may be why many thought it weak.

Load it down to 44 Special levels and it is a great revolver.  Load it to it's potential and it is a great revolver.

Sounds like a win/win situation.

Enjoy it.

[S.B.]

Andrew - you could shoot factory 44 mags through that M29 from now until the time your oldest son hands it off to his children and the darn thing wouldn't even hiccough.  That isn't even a old wive's tale, it's pure hooey. 

The only time they had any problems was when they were owned by the Brits and the problems were from guys who shot metallic silhouette and continuously shot monster loads through the 29s - loads using 300 gn slugs or heavier with maximum powder charges.  I have an older 29 that I used for silhouette and still use for hunting and haven't ever had a problem with it.  If you think they gun is weak or something, sned it on over here to me and I'll shoot it up for about 10 years and give it back to you in better shape than when ya sent it over.  Mikey.

I think this story was started by Ruger Lovers, that like their over weight iron weapons? I'm not taking anything away from Rugers but, not all problems are solved by adding weight to a handgun.

[Hammerdown]

. 
I think this story was started by Ruger Lovers, that like their over weight iron weapons? I'm not taking anything away from Rugers but, not all problems are solved by adding weight to a handgun.

AMEN... Hammerdown