Curious Relics #096: The Legacy Soldiers On – Smith & Wesson Model 29
Sam.S 08.21.24
Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! The last time around I covered the history and variations of the Smith & Wesson Model 29, a revolver that came onto the scene, had a lukewarm response and was propelled into the limelight by pop culture. Crusading on we are covering its dating, the specifications, and whether there are parts and accessories out there. Let’s dive right into the rabbit hole!
Recent Coverage in Curious Relics
- Curious Relics #090: From Zero to Hero – The Steyr M1912
- Curious Relics #091: There is a Full Auto Steyr 1912?
- Curious Relics #092: Holsters & Stripper Clips – Steyr 1912
- Curious Relics #093: A Comfy Shooter – Steyr 1912
Welcome to our recurring series of “Curious Relics.” Here, we want to share all of our experiences, knowledge, misadventures, and passion for older firearms that one might categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that is at least 50 years old according to the ATF. Hopefully along the way you can garner a greater appreciation for older firearms like we do, and simultaneously you can teach us things as well through sharing your own expertise and thoughts in the Comments. Understanding the firearms of old, their importance, and their development which lead to many of the arms we now cherish today is incredibly fascinating and we hope you enjoy what we have to share, too!
Dating: Smith & Wesson Model 29
Dating a Smith and Wesson Model 29 is actually pretty easy. Not only were a majority of the Model 29s made in the “#-#” era and the ones that weren’t are easy to narrow down to one or two years as well, but also Smith and Wesson actually offers a similar firearm history service like Colt does. They have a whole page dedicated to ordering a factory letter that will at the very least tell you when the firearm was manufactured (Model 29 or not).
So back to the whole “#-#” thing. Aside from the very first “pre Model 29” or original Model 29s all that followed have a number dash number designation. The first number “29” is the model and the second number “10” in my case is the iteration/change/variation. Each dash number marks some sort of design tweak that marked a notable internal or external change. Each of those changes has date ranges. If you have a Model 29-3 for example those were made from 1982 until 1988. All of the specifics can be found in our previous variation focused article but for now I simplified it.
- Model 29: 1956/57 to 1960
- Model 29-1: 1960 to 1961
- Model 29-2: 1961 to 1982
- Model 29-3: 1982 to 1988
- Model 29-4: 1988 to 1990
- Model 29-5: 1990 to 1994
- Model 29-6: 1994 to 1998
- Model 29-7: 1998 to 2001
- Model 29-8: 2001 to 2002
- Model 29-9: 2002 to ???? – I have read that they stopped making them for a few years but I have also seen special anniversary sort of additions in this time gap. Hard to say.
- Model 29-10: 2008 to Present Day (as of this publication date)
Specifications: Smith & Wesson Model 29
For the specifications we are focusing on the Model 29-10 since that is the one I own and each variation has their own unique sets of specifications. The Model 29 Classic is a part of the Classic Series that S&W makes. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is an N-Frame revolver. It shares this quality with other S&W models such as the 25, 27, and 57 (and all of their derivatives).
- Caliber: .44 Magnum
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Barrel Length: 6.5″
- Twist Rate: 1:20″ Twist, 5 Grooves
- Sight Radius: 220 mm
- Rear Sight: 3.15 mm Notch, Adjustable
- Front Sight: 3.1 mm Red Ramp
- Cylinder Gap: 0.25 mm
- Trigger Pull Weight: ~ 4 lbs (SA), ~ 10 lbs (DA)
- Dimensions (LxWxH):12” x 1.693” x 6.102”
- Weight: 48.3 oz
- Action: Single/Double Action
- Barrel Material: Carbon Steel
- Frame: Carbon Steel
- Grip: Wood
- Finish: Blued
- State Compliance: CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories: Smith & Wesson Model 29
When it comes to parts and accessories there are loads but not a huge variety. I mean that in the sense that there are many options since the Model 29 is still in production but it is also a large frame revolver, not a lot of accessories out there for a hand cannon. It sort of is what it is. Parts are plenty and can be found through the normal part avenues such as Numrich or Midwest Gunworks (they act as replacement parts distributors for many companies). Numrich has a good variety for dash specific guns which can come in handy if you have a busted old Model 29. Smith & Wesson themselves have a good warranty so before repairing anything yourself it would not hurt to reach out and see if they can be of service.
Accessories basically begin and end with holsters and presentation boxes. Holsters are plenty since the N-frame S&W revolver is so well accepted as the go-to big bore (just under the X frame nowadays). I could write a whole list of every holster company that makes a Model 29 holster but really it would be an article sized page in itself, just a Google search away. Smith & Wesson sells their wooden presentation boxes with their Classics line but not everyone values the sleek look of a wood case so they tend to end up for sale elsewhere. eBay is a good source for this sort of thing or even Etsy if you want something more custom. Lastly, there are also a whole host of grips out there whether they be exotic woods, bone/antler, plastic, or rubber. Again much like the holsters I am about to mention there are too many retailers to note.
End of Part III: Smith & Wesson Model 29
As we wrap up part three of our deep dive on the iconic Smith & Wesson Model 29, we’ve covered all the key details – from dating to their comprehensive specifications, and the wealth of aftermarket parts and accessories available. The Model 29 is truly a collector’s dream, with endless customization potential for owners.See you guys in the fourth and final round with some rage time!
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics segment informed as well as entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We did not just realize how guns were supposed to look and function. It was a long and tedious process that has shaped the world we live in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm out there that you feel does not get much notoriety? What should our next Curious Relics topic cover? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
