Some revolvers you have to explain. This isn't one of them. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is the gun that made ".44 Magnum" a household phrase — the big, blued N-frame that Hollywood called "the most powerful handgun in the world" and that sent buyers into a decade-long scramble to own one. What we have in the case right now is one of the good ones: a clean, early-1960s Model 29-2 that carries the exact construction details serious collectors look for first.

Here's the piece, honestly described.

The specifics. This is a Model 29-2 chambered in .44 Magnum with a 4-inch barrel and an overall length of about 9.5 inches — the classic, carryable N-frame profile. The finish is deep, polished Smith & Wesson blue, and it still shows strong throughout, with only a small amount of honest holster wear near the muzzle. The oversized walnut target grips are flawless. Mechanically it's tight, with a smooth action that tells you it was cared for. Serial number S228780 places it in the 1963–1964 era. There's one in stock, and when it's gone it's gone.

Why the "-2" matters. Smith & Wesson used "dash" numbers to mark engineering changes to a model over its life — so a Model 29, a 29-2, a 29-3 and so on are the same revolver at different points in its evolution. The 29-2 is an early, well-regarded update from the first half of the 1960s, and it's frequently called one of the most collectible variants of the entire Model 29 line.

"Pinned and recessed" — the phrase to know. If you spend any time around N-frame collectors, you'll hear "pinned and recessed," often shortened to "P&R." Pinned means the barrel is secured to the frame with a small cross-pin. Recessedmeans the rear of the cylinder is counterbored so each cartridge rim sits flush and enclosed. Smith & Wesson phased both features out in the early 1980s, so a revolver that still has them — like this one — is from the era collectors prize most. On this gun, the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder are exactly what you want to see.

Who this one is for. If you've wanted a Model 29 that isn't beat up, isn't a modern re-issue, and wears its history well, this is a strong candidate. It's clean enough to display and collect, complete enough to enjoy at the range, and it's a well-known store of value in a design that has never really gone out of style. (We'll leave the "do you feel lucky" jokes to you.)

How buying from an estate works here. Every firearm we sell comes to us through families liquidating a loved one's collection — and we treat both sides of that with respect. We're an Arizona estate-liquidation dealer backed by retired law enforcement, fully licensed and bonded. This revolver transfers like any other: it ships to a licensed FFL near you, where you complete the standard background check and paperwork. No surprises, no gray areas. If you have questions about condition, provenance, or transfer, call us before you buy — we'd rather you be sure.

Interested? See full photos and current availability on the product page, or reach us at 602-803-8300. One in stock.