Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! Last time around we dove into the history of one of the absolutely legendary and beloved pop culture revolvers, the Smith & Wesson Model 29. Much like many of Smith & Wesson’s number gun lineup, there are oodles of variants with very small changes throughout and quite a few one-off special editions. It would be a days-long article to try to capture them all in detail so I focused on the main ones and sprinkled some notable examples along the way.
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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!
Variations: S&W Model 29
The Smith & Wesson Model 29, famous for its powerful .44 Magnum chambering, has seen numerous variations since its introduction in 1955. Let’s explore these variants in chronological order:
- Model 29 (1957): The original Model 29 was introduced in 1957 with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. It featured a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder, hallmarks of quality craftsmanship. This model set the standard for the “most powerful handgun in the world” at the time of its release.
Lot 488: Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 29 44 Magnum Double Action Revolver – Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 29 44 Magnum Double Action Revolver with Case. (n.d.-x). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/70/488/smith-wesson-premodel-29-44-magnum-double-action-revolver.
- Model 29-1 (1960): Introduced in 1960, the Model 29-1 featured modifications to the ejector-rod screw. This minor change improved the gun’s durability and ease of maintenance. The 29-1 maintained the iconic 6 1/2 inch barrel of its predecessor.
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.
- Model 29-2 (1961): The Model 29-2 arrived in 1961 with a further simplification in design. One screw that had previously secured the cylinder-stop spring was removed. In 1979, the standard barrel length was shortened from 6 1/2 to 6 inches, marking a significant change in the revolver’s profile. This model has the notability as being the Dirty Harry revolver.
- Model 29-3 (1982): The Model 29-3 represented a major shift in production methods. Smith & Wesson dropped the recessed cylinders and pinned barrels in favor of crush-fit barrels. This change was primarily driven by cost-cutting measures but also simplified the manufacturing process.
Lot 51: Smith & Wesson Model 29-3 Double Action Revolver with Box. (n.d.-c). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2049/51/smith-wesson-model-293-double-action-revolver-with-box.
- Model 29-4 (1988): Introduced in 1988, the Model 29-4 featured improvements aimed at enhancing durability for heavy use. The retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane was strengthened, and the studs in the frame were radiused. An 8 3/8″ version was offered with integral scope mounts, catering to hunters and long-range shooters.
Lot 849: Smith & Wesson Model 29-4 Double-Action Revolver. (n.d.-aj). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2067/849/smith-wesson-model-294-doubleaction-revolver.
- Model 29-5 (1990): The Model 29-5 brought further enhancements to withstand the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge. It featured longer cylinder notches to prevent bolt jump, and changes were made to the bolt and inner mechanism to reduce battering under recoil. These modifications significantly improved the revolver’s longevity.
- Model 29-6 (1994): In 1994, the Model 29-6 introduced a notable ergonomic change. It came standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue, replacing the previous wooden grips. This version also featured standard tapped holes for attaching scope mounts, increasing its versatility for hunters and target shooters.
Lot 495: Engraved Smith & Wesson Model 29-6 With Factory Letter – Lew Horton Limited Edition 1 of 100 Engraved Smith & Wesson Model 29-6 with Factory Letter. (n.d.-ac). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/87/495/engraved-smith-wesson-model-296-with-factory-letter.
- Model 29-7 (1998): The Model 29-7 incorporated several manufacturing updates. Changes were made to the locking mechanism and the firing pin’s attachment. Additionally, the hammer and trigger were now produced using a metal injection molding process, streamlining production while maintaining quality.
Lot 816: Smith & Wesson Model 29-7 Double Action Revolver with Case. (n.d.-ak). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2078/816/smith-wesson-model-297-double-action-revolver-with-case.
- Model 29-8 (2001): There is limited information available on the specific engineering changes for this model. However, it is known that the Model 29-8 was definitely produced in the Mountain Gun variant. The Mountain Gun version featured a lightweight design for easier carrying, a classic barrel profile, and an internal lock mechanism. It was typically available in 4″ or 6″ barrel lengths, catering to those who wanted a more portable .44 Magnum revolver without sacrificing power.
Lot 836: Smith & Wesson Model 29-8 Mountain Gun Revolver with Case. (n.d.-al). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2062/836/smith-wesson-model-298-mountain-gun-revolver-with-case.
- Model 29-9 Heritage Series (2002): Introduced as a commemorative edition, featuring a .44 Magnum caliber, 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, adjustable rear sight, 6-shot fluted cylinder, 4-screw frame stamped “Model 29-9”, extractor shroud, PC (Performance Center) logo under the thumbpiece, target grips, and shipped in a special Heritage Series gold box.
Lot 2991: Smith & Wesson Heritage Series Model 29-9 Double Action Revolver – Smith & Wesson Performance Center Heritage Series Model 29-9 Double Action Revolver with Box. (n.d.-be). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1044/2991/smith-wesson-heritage-series-model-299-double-action-revolver.
- Model 29-10 (Current): This is the latest iteration of the Model 29 series as of 2024. It is part of Smith & Wesson’s Classic line, offering a blend of traditional design elements with modern manufacturing techniques. The Model 29-10 is available in two barrel lengths: 6.5″ barrel: This version harkens back to the original Model 29’s iconic length and 4″ barrel: A more compact option, likely aimed at those who prefer a more concealable or easier-to-carry revolver.
- Model 629 (1979 onwards): The Model 629, introduced in 1979, is the stainless steel version of the Model 29. It has undergone similar evolutionary changes as its blued counterpart, with variants from 629-1 through 629-8 mirroring many of the improvements seen in the Model 29 line.
Lot 3452: Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Model 629 Revolver – Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Model 629 Double Action Revolver with Case. (n.d.-bi). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/86/3452/factory-engraved-smith-wesson-model-629-revolver.
Other Notable Variants:
- 50th Anniversary Model (2006): Featured gold inlay on the side cover, the new internal lock mechanism, and a non-fluted cylinder.
- Classics Line Reissue (2007): An engraved model reintroduced in Smith & Wesson’s Classics line.
- 629 Stealth Hunter: Features a 7 1/2 inch ported barrel with a full-length underlug for increased stability and recoil reduction.
- 329NG: Part of the NightGuard line, featuring a scandium frame, PVD-coated cylinder, and tritium sights.
Lot 64: Smith & Wesson Model 329 Night Guard Double Action Revolver – Smith & Wesson Model 329 Night Guard Double Action Revolver with Case. (n.d.-d). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2057/64/smith-wesson-model-329-night-guard-double-action-revolver.
End of Part II: S&W Model 29
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 and its variants have left an indelible mark on firearms history, continually evolving to meet the needs of law enforcement, hunters, and firearms enthusiasts alike. From its inception as the “most powerful handgun in the world” to its various specialized forms, the Model 29 family represents a significant chapter in the development of large-caliber revolvers.
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.
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