The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - S&W 29-3 Whats It Worth and When Was the 29 Beefed Up?

Preacherman · December 16, 2002, 05:29 PM

I think that the Model 29 was, indeed, "beefed up" in terms of its internal lockwork, after it was found that the 29-2's would suffer so much damage from heavy loads that after fifty to a hundred rounds of the stuff, some of them had their cylinders rotating backwards!

I don't know the model variation that brought in the stronger lockwork, but I'm sure it was either before, or at, the 29-5. I think the Model 629's all have the updated lockwork, IIRC - can anyone out there confirm this?

However, the older 29's are still fine to shoot with normal .44 Magnum loads - just don't put Garrett Hammerheads or Buffalo Bore stompers in them and expect them to last! I have a 4" 29-2 that I've set up with the Cor-Bon defensive load (180gr. @ 1200 fps), and it's a real pleasure to shoot.

December 16, 2002, 05:29 PM	#4
Preacherman Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2002 Posts: 791	I think that the Model 29 was, indeed, "beefed up" in terms of its internal lockwork, after it was found that the 29-2's would suffer so much damage from heavy loads that after fifty to a hundred rounds of the stuff, some of them had their cylinders rotating backwards! I don't know the model variation that brought in the stronger lockwork, but I'm sure it was either before, or at, the 29-5. I think the Model 629's all have the updated lockwork, IIRC - can anyone out there confirm this? However, the older 29's are still fine to shoot with normal .44 Magnum loads - just don't put Garrett Hammerheads or Buffalo Bore stompers in them and expect them to last! I have a 4" 29-2 that I've set up with the Cor-Bon defensive load (180gr. @ 1200 fps), and it's a real pleasure to shoot.