S&W 29-4

[northeastboy]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here and first I would like to say thank you for creating such a place that is friendly and is full of good information. Owning only single action revolvers I'm looking for some information on a S&W 29-4 I saw at a gun store recently. It has a 8 3/8 " barrel and looks to be in excellent condition. I have done some research but really can't find much on this model such as the year of manufacturing? does it have the endurance package? and it's reputation for accuracy? (I understand that each revolver is a rule onto itself so maybe the last question is void:) Thank you in advance for any info . I'll be turning 44 years old soon, maybe it's time for a new 44 magnum😊

[contender]

Welcome to a place full of enablers!

We'd need the serial number to give you a date of manufacture. As for the -4 model,, I'll openly admit I can't answer much,,, as my only M-29 is a -2. Others will be along to help more.

[bulasteve]

According to article here in my lap right now, the Endurance Package was implemented '88 to '90. Which "-" designation this would be on a M29/629, I don't know. On into the main library(bathroom) to check another source, gimme a minute !

[bulasteve]

In John Taffin's Book of the 44, on pg149..He mentions that upgrades started in '88 with the -4. This a 2 year model and in '90 upgrades complete and a -5 given. So..seems the -4 has some of the upgrades, but maybe not all. This may also be of no concern to you, depends on your useage of the gun.

[paulg]

Here's a thread on the Smith and Wesson forum that might help you. And welcome to the forum!

Link: smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/97543-model-29-best-worst-model-years.html

[awp101]

Per the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, the 29-4 started production in 1988 and has the Endurance package. Early models were marked 29-3E.

[northeastboy]

Thank you for your help gentleman. I called the gun store and now have the serial number, I did a search on the internet but really can't find anything at the Smith & Wesson website except the letter of authenticity, I'm just looking for the year of manufacturing. Another search and I found out that there are books called The Standard Catalog of S&W. If anyone here has these books can you please help? The serial number is BDB2xxx. Gerry

[awp101]

If no one else gets to it today I'll look it up this evening.

[bradshaw]

northeastboy.... even before the alphabet soup of S&W serial number prefixes, shipping records might be necessary to help pin down a manufacturing date for the Model 29 you have your eye on. According to 125 Years with Smith & Wesson, (1977) by S&W factory historian Roy Jinks, the 3,000-plus M-29’s made in 1956, the year of release, .44 Mags “were dispersed between serial numbers S130,000 and S160,350.” In 1961 the serial # prefix was changed to “N” for N-frames, “... beginning at N1.”

The “2” in Model 29-2 marks elimination of the screw in front of the trigger guard, with spring-loaded plunger to activate the CYLINDER STOP. This cost-saving measure was a mistake on the .44 Magnum, as this is the proper place to strengthen engagement of the STOP.

The M-29-3 eliminates counterbored chambers, which seat cartridge rims flush with the rear of the cylinder. Also eliminated, the pin to prevent barrel loosening, found to be redundant.

The M-29-4 includes one new screw for the SIDE PLATE. The forward sideplate screw has a post on the end of the threads which holds a flange on the YOKE pin. The screw prevents the yoke from forward movement as the cylinder is swung out. The traditional screw supposedly required fitting. A spring loaded pin in the forward side plate screw of the M-29-4 eliminates play without hand fitting. Actually, the old guns are so well made, the -4 may have just been a caper to loosen a tolerance.

My understanding is that Model 29-5 marks elongated stop notches in the cylinder. I have described “cylinder float” on M-29’s since 1978 or ’79, so won’t go into it here.

Your observation, “I understand that each revolver is a rule unto itself...” is correct. A proper Model 29 exhibits excellent chamber-to-bore alignment, a smooth concentric forcing cone, uniform bore, barrel straight on the frame, with tight hammer, trigger, and yoke pins, and other details of sober manufacturing.

Find a grip that doesn’t punish the base of your thumb. Fetch a pair of supple deerskin gloves. A sandbag covered with industrial nylon belting or leather. Rest the barrel/frame juncture on sandbag. Target with name brand ammunition or handholds with Sierra or Hornady bullets (to name two), or a cast bullet known for accuracy. Clean & lubricate the revolver before you shoot it. Oil rear sight elevation & windage screws.

Get your sight dope @ 10 yards. Repeat @ 25 & 50 yards. And so forth...
David Bradshaw

[northeastboy]

Thank you Mr Bradshaw for your insight and wisdom, I have watched this site long enough to know that when you speak..... I should listen.

[BigBore44]

Northeastboy

Where abouts in the NE are you located?

BigBore44

[northeastboy]

BigBore44, I live in Newfoundland, Canada. About as far as you can get without being in the Atlantic Ocean:)

[awp101]

Mar 6, 2017 8:55:10 GMT -5 northeastboy said:

The serial number is BDB2xxx. Gerry

Per the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson the serials from OCT 1988 start with BBT, then there's a gap with the next listed block being BDC for FEB 1989 so without getting it lettered from S&W you're looking at a date of birth between 10/88 and 02/89. My semi-educated guess is late DEC 89 to mid JAN 1989.

[northeastboy]

Thank you awp101, this is exactly what I was looking for. Gerry

[northeastboy]

Just a quick update, I decided not to buy this revolver after taking a good look at the forcing cone. It seemed to be very deep and rough compared to my Ruger's, so I'll keep my money for another when it comes available.