Model 29-2 Hunter....IS THERE SUCH A THING? help!

[Dakota30.06]

Ok...so I'm at my local gun shop and I find a nice looking model 29-2. The guy behind the counter told me it was the S&W 29 Hunter. It's power-ported, has a noticably smoother action in both single and double mode than my other 29, and has a S&W 2x scope. I came home and did some research and I couldnt find much on any sort of model 29 hunter other than the performance center revolvers.

The only thing I did find was 29 Hunter made in 1989 that is supposed to have a full underlug and a 6 inch barrel....the gun at the gun shop has a 6.5 inch barrel and doesnt have the full underlug.

Have I been told wrong by my trusted gun salesman?

His price on the gun was $575 firm. The gun has one scuff on the cylinder, fair price? The scope is a brand new 2x S&W.

I cant make a decision on this one....any help would be appreciated.

[dbriannelson]

John Taffin has a good history of the 29s here.  I think it answers a lot of your questions.

-Don

[Dakota30.06]

Thanks Don...that answered alot. So it doesnt sound to me like the gun I was looking at is a hunter model.

[dbriannelson]

That's my take too.  Production dates for the -2 don't seem to fit, but I'm no expert.  Anyway, Taffin's essay is a good read.

-Don

[Broom Rider]

A photo of it would help a lot.

[mcwoodduck]

I remember a hunter model 29 that had a 6.5" barrel, was ported and a groved top of the full lug barrel to mount a scope on.  I think It came out in '93 to '96 time frame.  I also remember that there was a dull green color to one of the hunter models.  And one that had an unfluted cylender. 
Sorry I'm not more help. 
The price does not sound too bad.  Most N frame guns are going for around $500 in southern CA for a plain Jane model then start adding for Stainless, the porting and the scope and mounts.  If you want a 44 with a scope.  Get it.

[Dakota30.06]

 
I didnt think the price sounded too bad. I'd really like to have a .44 for deer and bear here in PA. I've been looking at Ruger too...but man I love that smooth S&W action...doesnt even compare to the Rugers or anything else I've tried.

I keep hearing people say that with a steady diet of hot loads you'll shoot a S&W loose...I have a hard time believing that, unless you're shooting 500 rounds a day.

Thanks for everyones help

[mcwoodduck]

I have had my 29 for 14 years.  i bought it used and shoot 180 to 240 grain loads through it on a semi regular bases.  Mine is still tight.
I load a 180 grain JHP with blue dot as a Warm special and use it for targets and medium game.
You won't be unhappy with it.

[Dakota30.06]

I think I'm gonna pick it up. I have a S&W 586 and a 617 .22. I love both of them.

Thanks again