Smith & Wesson S&W 29-4 .44 Magnum Non-Fluted 3″ DA/SA Revolver 1988
SOLD FOR: $1,380.00
LSB#: LSB260311CC015
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 29-4
Serial Number: BDY8494
Year of Manufacture: 1988 / Modern (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson)
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action Revolver with 6-Shot Non-Fluted Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The right side of the frame is marked with a 4-line Marcas Registradas. The right side of the barrel is marked “.44 MAGNUM”.
Barrel Length: 3″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade with red insert, pinned to a raised base. The rear sight is a white outlined rectangular notch sight with micro-adjustment, screwed to the top-strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one piece rubber overmolded cobblestone texture Hogue Monogrip with finger grooves. The grips are in Excellent condition, with virtually no scratches or handling marks. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color hammer and trigger.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational wear and minor handling marks.The visible turn line is thin and crisp on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder has strong lock up on all 6 chambers. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the most famous large-frame revolvers ever produced, built on S&W’s robust N-frame and chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Model 29 became a flagship magnum revolver and later achieved widespread popular recognition through film and law enforcement culture. The 29-4 engineering change dates to the late 1980s and represents a desirable pre-lock, pre-MIM era Smith & Wesson with traditional blued finish, case-colored hammer and trigger, adjustable sights, and classic double action / single action operation. This example is especially appealing due to its compact 3 inch barrel and non-fluted cylinder, giving it a distinctive short-barreled magnum profile with strong collector and shooter interest. Chambered in .44 Magnum, it also accepts .44 Special ammunition, making it a versatile revolver for those who appreciate traditional big-bore Smith & Wesson handguns.
This example remains in Excellent condition overall, retaining approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish with only light operational wear and minor handling marks. The visible cylinder turn line is thin and crisp, the markings are clear, and the screw heads remain sharp to only lightly tool marked with strong slots. The Hogue Monogrip is in Excellent condition with virtually no handling wear, providing a practical modern grip surface for managing recoil from the short-barreled .44 Magnum platform. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, showing only some stubborn fouling and rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the revolver functions properly with strong lockup on all six chambers, a smooth double action pull, and a crisp single action break. Overall, this is a clean and desirable Smith & Wesson Model 29-4 with a scarce 3 inch barrel, non-fluted cylinder, excellent remaining finish, and classic pre-lock magnum revolver appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.