S&W model 29 P n' R

[smithnframe]

I found a S & W model 29 that is listed as a 29-2 but there is no 29-2 stamped inside the frame. Its very clean and it has my favorite barrel length (8 3/8). The shop owner says it was manufactured in 1976 but I suspect it's a post P n' R that has been assembled with leftover P n' R parts. Can anyone enlighten me?

[Leslie Sapp]

It might not be a "29". S&W didn't have model numbers inside the crane on the earlier guns. Do you have a picture or a serial number?

[gunther]

got curious and did a google search for "s & w 29 serial numbers". One reference that caught my eye was "Model 29-2 s vs n serial numbers-smith & wesson forum". That one reference may answer your question.

[evort]

Did you get the serial number, I can look it up in my book, give you a rough estimate.

[Petrol & Powder]

I would run away from that "deal" unless it is priced right and you don't mind paying for what you're getting.

[smithnframe]

I think I'm right.......it's not an "S" or an "N" prefix s/n. I'm going back with my S & W book and try to trade for it.

[smithnframe]

It might not be a "29". S&W didn't have model numbers inside the crane on the earlier guns. Do you have a picture or a serial number?
It's a later production gun!

[Outpost75]

It's a later production gun!

If it is a "29 with no "dash" or engineering change number stamped in the yoke cut of the frame, it is a pre-1960 gun:

N1 – N60,000………….......1970-72
N60,001 – N 190,000…...1972-74
N190,001 – N430,000…...1975 – 77
N430.001 – N 550,000…..1978
N550,001 – N580,000….. 1979
N580,001 – N790,000…...1980
N790,001 – N932,999...…1980-83

If your revolver falls outside the above serial number ranges it would have to be a 29-3 or later:

Engineering change numbers of the S&W Model 29:

29-1 introduced 1960, thread pitch of the ejector rod was reversed to left hand pitch to help keep the ejector rod from backing out during use and binding the cylinder.

29-2 introduced 1961, the cylinder stop spring screw in front of the trigger guard was eliminated.

29-3 introduced 1982, eliminated recessed cylinders and pinned barrels, in changing to crush-fit barrels, the “new” problem of “thread choke” being introduced which occurred if barrels were excessively tightened in factory assembly.

29-3E – introduced 1987 hardened the yoke and lengthened the bearing pads on the cylinder yoke tube. Thus began what S&W Marketing called the Endurance Package, increasing the width and depth of cylinder locking bolt notches and enlarging the cylinder stop and beefing up springs to address “cylinder backspin” and other durability issues associated with extensive use of heavy loads, brought upon mostly by the excesses of silhouette gamers.

29-4 introduced 1988 contained all the above features plus a new style yoke retention screw and radiused stud package.

29-5 introduced 1990 completed the last of endurance package upgrades/enhancements, including all of the above, plus longer cylinder stop notches, slightly longer cylinder stop, and internal bolt block intended to eliminate the annoying “trigger kickback” sensation which the gamers complained about.

29-6 introduced 1994 traditional wooden grips replaced by Hogue rubber monogrip.

29-7 introduced 1998 implemented Metal Injection Molded (MIM) lockwork and changed firing pin attachment.

29-8 introduced 2001 implemented the new frame design having the internal lock, aka “The Hillary Hole.”
 
Would someone who has been to S&W Armorer's school since I retired please append the info on change numbers after 2001.

Thanks.

[Petrol & Powder]

I gathered that it had NO model designation on the frame under the yoke. Not a lack of a dash number but no number at all.

From the OP, "I found a S & W model 29 that is listed as a 29-2 but there is no 29-2 stamped inside the frame."

Maybe I misread that but it sounds like it has no model number.

[condorjohn]

3 screw, 4 screw or 5 screw?

[smithnframe]

3 screw!

[Petrol & Powder]

Does it have any type of model number?

Can you provide a picture?

[Green Frog]

Serial number, even with the last couple of digits as Xs, would be helpful, including the Letter at the beginning. AFAIK, all S&W 44 Mags have alphanumeric serial numbers and P&R models should have S or N at the beginning.

Froggie