Model 29-2 44 mag 4 inch with unfluted cylinder

6239 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Catherine, Jul 28, 2011

horseshoe

Discussion Starter · Mar 9, 2011

I have a chance of picking up this handgun. Owner tells me it is rare with the unfluted cylinder. It is a blue 4 inch Model 29-2 . He is saying that few were made. I don't know that much about the Smiths so I thought I would see if anyone here had any knowledge about the unfluted cylinder.

Regards
Horseshoe

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Charlie98

· #2 · Mar 9, 2011

My S&W book doesn't mention it but that doesn't mean it isn't genuine. Someone will probably be along (Roe... ;D ) that knows more about the cylinders than I...

A 29-2 in good condition is a good find (reasonably priced, of course!) but I would want to make sure that cylinder is correct.

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horseshoe

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 9, 2011

Thanks Charlie.

Horseshoe

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Barenjager

· #4 · Mar 9, 2011

I'm striking out on finding any mention of 29-2's with unfluted cylinders in any barrel length. That doesn't mean Smith didn't make any, but I can't find any documentation.

In 1989 S&W released a number of variations of the 29-4 with unfluted cylinders, including both a 3" and a 5" with full underlugged barrels and a Classic Hunter with a full lug 8 3/8ths inch tube. In 1990 and '91 the 29-5 was again offered in unfluted variations...the 7 1/2" full lug Classic Magnum II, 6" full lug Classic Hunter, then in 1994 a version with a tapered 6" barrel.

All these variations are well documented in the 3rd Edition of SCSW and elsewhere and I find it curious that if 29-2's were produced with unfluted cylinders, why there is no mention of them anywhere I've searched. I'm suspect, but I have nothing definitive. I suppose the only way to know for sure is to get a factory letter from historian Roy Jinks.

Roe

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horseshoe

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 9, 2011

This paticular 29-2 is in mint condition. My friend said he called someone with Smith and they told him only 5 were made with a unfluted cylinder that he knew about. I think this pistol was made in 1968.

Regards
Horseshoe.

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Maudite

· #6 · Mar 9, 2011

I'm tempted and I don't even know where it is. I would at least like to see a picture of it after you buy it...

M

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Chop

· #7 · Mar 9, 2011

Never have seen a 29-2 with the un-fluted cylinder. I do have a 29-4 3" with the unfluted cyl. Without a factory letter, I am guessing that this was redone some time after production. If its in good shape it would still be a nice solid piece.
Chop69

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jmarriott

· #8 · Mar 9, 2011

If the unfluted cylinder is recessed to hold the rim then it should be a correct for the 29-2 where as the 29-4 the rounds would rest on the rim without a recess. Not to say a good machinish/gunsmith could not have made it from a 29-4. I would want to see that letter.

If it is a 29-2 remember not to hot rod reloads in it. They are strong but not 29-3 or ruger blackhawk strong. One of the reasons for the 29-2 to 29-3 change was boosting up the strength a bit and take out the recessed cartridge cylinder which saved one machining process.

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Barenjager

· #9 · Mar 9, 2011

The 29-3 engineering change did eliminate the recessed chambers and the pinned barrels, but it wasn't until the 29-4 that the endurance package was completely phased in, circa 1987 to 1990.

But jmarriott does make an excellent point. If that unfluted cylinder is recessed one would have to surmise it was original. If it is not, it would lead one to believe it is a 29-4 or later cylinder fitted to a 29-2 frame.

Roe

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horseshoe

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 9, 2011

It is recessed and the barrel is pinned. I talked to my friend today and asked him who he called and he said he called Smith and Wesson and had to give them his FFL before they would talk to him. He said the man he talked too kept referring to the gun as a model 28 and he had to keep reminding him it was a 29. The man at Smith told him he had a very expensive pistol since he had seen only 5 Smith 29-2's with unfluted cylinders.

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jpickar

· #11 · Mar 11, 2011

OK, I have my doubts BUT.....

If it is a recessed cylinder, good chance it is original. BUT.....

Your friend is full of BS saying he had to give his FFL to talk to someone. Roy Jinks is the historian. A letter that cost $50 will tell you if it is original. It makes me think he is trying to keep you from checking up on him. HHmmmmmmmmm :

I have my doubts from just what your friend said.

John

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clem

· #12 · Jul 27, 2011

It might be a "Lew Horton" special.

I have one from a lot of 5,000 made in 1985. Mine has a fluted cylinder though.

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Catherine

· #13 · Jul 28, 2011

Montana Man and I had 2 S&W Model 29s. (Gifts.)

One was a 29-2 and other one was a 29-3.

One had the box and everything with it and the other one did not.

We were the second owners of each gun. I knew the original owner of mine. He bought the second one from an original owner as a gift to me but since I had one - I told him to keep it for himself although I shot it some too.

Both of them had fluted cylinders. One was in very, very good condition and the other one was MINT - hardly shot at all - maybe a few rounds through it.

I used to have one of the famous Roy Jinks S&W books with many other gun books so I can't look it up for you. Sorry about that!

Roe, PJ, and a bunch of other gentlemen on here know their stuff when it comes to their guns plus they most likely have the books to look it up for you too.

They are nice shooting guns! SWEET, smooth and straight shooters. If we were into 44Magnum/44Special as much as we were/are into 45Colt, 357Magnum, 38Special, etc. with our other past and present firearm collection - we most likely would have kept them. Plus added a 44Magnum in a Ruger Blackhawk too. Maybe added another pistol caliber rifle in 44Magnum since we had them in a few other pistol calibers. We had a few of them in Wins too.

The two guys who bought our 29s absolutely LOVE them and how they shoot too!

Best wishes to you,

Catherine

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