Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 .44 Magnum 8 3/8″ DA/SA Revolver 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,353.00
LSB#: LSB260621JF051
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 29-2
Serial Number: N145834
Year of Manufacture: 1973 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “44 MAGNUM”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas, and side plate with the S&W monogram. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 29-2”. The bottom of the butt and the extractor star are marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8″ Pinned, Ribbed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert fixed to a serrated rise in the serrated rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation. The topstrap and rib are serrated and have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with silver S&W medallions and an extractor relief. There are light handling scratches and compression marks. The checkering remains sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in a Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is scattered handling and storage wear. The action shows operational wear. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. There are minor tool marks near the barrel pin on the right side. The case-color on the trigger and the hammer remain vibrant. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action is smooth and the single action is crisp. The lockup is tight with minor play at each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Display box
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the most iconic American revolvers of the postwar era, originating with the introduction of the .44 Remington Magnum and Smith & Wesson’s first .44 Magnum revolvers in 1956. Developed in large part from the experimentation and advocacy of Elmer Keith, the cartridge and revolver established a new benchmark for production handgun power. Smith & Wesson redesignated the “.44 Magnum” as the Model 29 in 1957, and the long 8 3/8″ barrel joined the line in 1958, providing increased sight radius and muzzle weight for long-range target shooting and handgun hunting. The Model 29 achieved unprecedented popular recognition after its appearance in the 1971 film “Dirty Harry,” producing tremendous demand throughout the 1970s. The 29-2 variation, introduced in the early 1960s, incorporated an improved cylinder stop and eliminated the trigger-guard screw while retaining the traditional pinned barrel and recessed Magnum chambers. This 1973 revolver therefore represents the classic pinned-and-recessed Model 29 configuration during the period when demand for Smith & Wesson’s .44 Magnum was reaching extraordinary levels.
This Model 29-2 is an exceptionally well-preserved example, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish with only scattered handling and storage wear, minor tooling near the barrel pin, operational wear, and a thin cylinder turn line. The checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks remain in Fine-Excellent condition with sharp checkering, only light handling marks, and no chips or cracks, while their extractor-relief configuration is appropriate for an N-frame of this period. The bright 9.5/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion, and the revolver remains mechanically strong with tight lockup, a smooth double-action pull, and a crisp single-action release. Matching serial numbers on the butt and extractor are desirable originality indicators, while the red-ramp front sight, white-outline adjustable rear sight, 8 3/8″ pinned barrel, and included display box complete an especially attractive classic Model 29 package. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY