Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 .44 Magnum 8 3/8″ DA / SA Revolver MFD 1979-80

SOLD FOR: $1,177.99

LSB#:  LSB260611JS065

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  29-2

Serial Number:  N646634

Year of Manufacture:  1979-80 / Modern

Caliber:  .44 Magnum

Action Type:  6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Markings:  The right side of the barrel is marked “44 MAGNUM”, the left is marked “SMITH & WESSON”.  The right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas. The side plate has the S&W logo.  The square butt is marked with the serial number.  The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. 

Barrel Length:  8 3/8″

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert pinned to a 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. 

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grips are two-piece S&W Goncalo alves checkered wooden target stocks with a speedloader cut and S&W medallions.  There are just a few scratches on the bottom of the stocks.  There are no chips or cracks.  The checkering is sharp.  Overall, the stocks are in an 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, though there is lead fouling.  The bore rates 9/10. 

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish.  The cylinder has a sharp turn line.  There are tiny scratches the length of the barrel.  The cylinder exhibits a few tiny corrosion freckles.  The screwheads vary from sharp to lightly tooled.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this handgun rates a Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly.  The cylinder timing has almost no play on each chamber.  There is minimal movement of the cylinder stop at lockup. There is no movement at the crane.  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:  Wooden pistol display box, cleaning kit, original paperwork.

Our Assessment:  The original .44 Magnum, the Model 29 was first shipped in 1955 simply as “The .44 Magnum.”  It was continued in 1957 as “The Model 29.”  This particular gun was made in 1979 or 1980, with three screws and the ten groove serrated backstrap.   

This is a “-2” gun, with the 1962 modification that improved the cylinder stop and eliminated the trigger guard screw. 

This particular Model 29 is a blued model in Very Good Plus shape.  It has been well taken care of.  It should be of interest to collectors in need of a display, and in fact, comes with its own wooden display case.

Dirty Harry’s iconic duty gun, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a timeless revolver that will likely never go out of style.  It makes for a great investment not just for shooters but collectors alike.  Feel lucky, Punk?…check out our photos.  -C.B.