.44 Magnum S&W 29-5 Classic

[HHank]

I just purchased this gun. A S&W .44 Magnum model 29-5 Classic. It is a blued version with black pebbled finger grooved pachymar grips with S&W insignias. It has a 5 inch full underlugged barrel. I hear these are rare. I've read many articles that favor this barrel length over the 4". It was made in 1991. I paid $550 for it. Did I do well?, or was I "taken for a ride?" I also am having trouble finding a holster to fit it (S&W doesn't have one). Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks, HHank

 

[rustyst]

I picked up a model 29-4 with a 5" barrel and unfluted cylinder 2 weeks ago, paid $550 in like new condition.

 

[22-rimfire]

You did just fine on the price. Shoot it and enjoy it!

 

[Gator]

You did great. Those are very nice guns.

 

[22-rimfire]

Holsters can be a bit of a problem if you want perfect fit in an "odd" barrel length. I had the same problem with a 3" GP100. I would look at the Bianchi line. I have a number of them and if you have to get one for a 6". It will probably be the 5BHL which is a strong side belt holster.

 

[poet]

I have the 4 inch little brother , bought it years ago for the price that you paid. You did well, the fact that it is a 5 inch makes it that much more unique.

 

[glockman19]

Yes. I just bought a 629 5" and paid $700. I find with the full lugged barrel the 5" is perfectly balanced and heavy enough to reduce felt recoil to make shooting it pleasurable.
Congrats on the purchase and happy shooting.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I have the exact same gun, a 29 Classic with 5" barrel - it's one of my top 5 handguns out of way too many.

You can get a holster from El Paso Saddlery; they're not cheap products, but they're worth every penny.

 

[L-2]

Holsters.
I bought a Blade-Tech: http://www.blade-tech.com/SRB-Sting-Ray-Belt-Holster-IDPA-Approved-pr-939.html
Get the "Sting Ray" belt loop, and not the "Tek-Lok", if you go with Blade-Tech. I tried the Tek-Lok belt attachment but the holster flops around too much with that attachment. The Tek-Lok works OK with smaller things like their mag holders.

Another Kydex manufacturer is Sidearmor: http://www.sidearmor.com/cart/catalog/product_25_NFrame_Revolver_Modular_OWB.html

I've had good luck from both companies, if you like Kydex.

 

[Magnum.35744]

Nice Holsters.

 

[Bullet Bob]

It may be okay in California, but it's against the law here in the South to put a blued S&W in a Kydex holster.

 

[IV Troop]

I have the same gun.

Mine rides in Milt Sparks leather and I love the combo.

The Sparks # is 208-377-5577.

 

[S&Wfan]

My 29-5 is from the same time period.

Not labeled "Classic," is has a full underlugged 6" barrel, unfluted cylinder , TT and TH, and came with the 3-way adjustable front sight.

It will be with me in the deep Georgia woods when the sun comes up tomorrow. Another wonderful day in the woods with that sweet revolver.

T.

 

[jeff-10]

I'd pay $550 for it. I paid $400 for a regular old Model 29-3 2 years ago and its a much less desired model than yours.

 

[HHank]

Thanks for all your responses to my question(s). I have taken your suggestions into great consideration. I think that I might "dress" this gun up with a set of S&W checkered walnut combat grips, and a Milt Sparks holster. Do you think that I'll ruin the "asthetic" image of this beautiful piece by changing the grips?