Finally found my Model 29...

[Federov-Fox]

Picked up my dream Smith and Wesson.  Exact barrel length, finish, and condition (nearly unfired!).   Local shop got in a ton of S&W's in from a collection and the owner let me take this away for $499.   

I just love these .44 magnums.   I can barely shoot my model 10-5 well, but I was getting 5" groups at 25 yards off the bench with this (I know, I know, it'll do *much* better, but I'm just learning the joys of wheel-guns):

[williamlayton]

Good job.
Blessings

[drdougrx]

You done good!

[Mohawk]

Congats on the find! What problems were you having with your 10-5?

[mcwoodduck]

After you break in the gun a little have a buddy load the gun for you with up to a couple empty cases.
One squeeze of the trigger and you will see what you are doing wrong if you hit an empty.
When I first got mine, I was pushing down on the gun anticipating recoil and the empty case had me aiming at the floor.
A few dry fires and practice with the 22 as the same tiem and I was starting to hit the target with the 44.
Special too helped.
Great find and congratulations.

[1911crazy]

Nice find.  My local dealer had one but when i went back to check the price and hold it, it was gone.  The S&W's seem to be selling much faster now. My two new S&W's have the key loc and thats ok i been hearing rumors that S&W may discontinue the key loc so these will be worth even more to collectors when they become a part of S&W history.

BTW;  I opened up my two new smiths and found the sears were dry.  I lubed them both with moly and the triggers are smoother now.  With my 44's using a two handed hold i like to put a tad of down pressure just before i squeeze it off.  I do find the 7 1/2'' barrel handles better than the 5 1/2'' barrels.  But more practice is needed too.  Try loading the cylinder with 3 or 4 rds.

[4296]

I think the Model 29 is one of the great classic big bore revolvers. I have 4-
4" standard barrel
4" lite barrel Mountain Gun
6 1/2" standard barrel (round butt)
6" full lug Classic Hunter
All show great accuracy and handling characteristics, not to mention outstanding aesthetics. I do not however run top end loads in them as often as I do in my Ruger Redhawk and Super Blackhawk Bisley.