POTD: Smith & Wesson Model 29-1 – The First Refinement of a Legend
Sam.S 08.08.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Smith & Wesson Model 29-1 was the first revision of the original Model 29 introduced in 1960. This edition retained the powerful .44 Magnum chambering and the famous N-frame that were its hallmarks. The most significant change made to the 29-1 was to the ejector rod screw. This minor change, however, increased the gun’s durability as well as simplified maintenance; these two things are known to have been weaknesses of the initial model. A tradition carried on from its predecessor, it maintained a six-and-one-half-inch barrel as standard. The pinned barrel and recessed cylinder were brand hallmark features of this successor also. The blued finish and wooden grips remained unaffected as they sought to safeguard their classic look often associated with the Model 29 range. Though not an extreme renovation, it expressed Smith & Wesson’s commitment towards incremental advancement and paved way for a myriad of other versions within the Model 29 series that followed later on.
“With wood display case, cleaning rod, brushes, tool, and factory letter. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration and states that this revolver was fitted with a special 5″ barrel at the factory and that there was an extra $10.00 charge for the barrel. According to the letter this revolver was shipped from the factory on August 7, 1962 to Smith Bothers Gun Shop Inc. in Rochester PA.”
Lot 476: Smith & Wesson Model 29-1 Revolver with Case and Factory Letter. (n.d.-x). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2039/476/smith-wesson-model-291-revolver-with-case-and-factory-letter.
