Welcome, if you’re a newcomer to this enjoyable bi-weekly section of AllOutdoor.com! Final time round we dove into the historical past of one of many completely legendary and beloved popular culture revolvers, the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29. Very like lots of Smith & Wesson’s quantity gun lineup, there are oodles of variants with very small modifications all through and fairly just a few one-off particular editions. It might be a days-long article to attempt to seize all of them intimately so I targeted on the principle ones and sprinkled some notable examples alongside the best way.
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Welcome to our recurring collection of “Curious Relics.” Right here, we wish to share all of our experiences, information, misadventures, and keenness for older firearms that one would possibly categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that’s not less than 50 years outdated in response to the ATF. Hopefully alongside the best way you may garner a larger appreciation for older firearms like we do, and concurrently you may educate us issues as properly via sharing your individual experience and ideas within the Feedback. Understanding the firearms of outdated, their significance, and their growth which result in lots of the arms we now cherish right now is extremely fascinating and we hope you take pleasure in what now we have to share, too!
Variations: S&W Mannequin 29
The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29, well-known for its highly effective .44 Magnum chambering, has seen quite a few variations since its introduction in 1955. Let’s discover these variants in chronological order:
- Mannequin 29 (1957): The unique Mannequin 29 was launched in 1957 with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. It featured a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder, hallmarks of high quality craftsmanship. This mannequin set the usual for the “strongest handgun on this planet” on the time of its launch.
Lot 488: Smith & Wesson Pre-Mannequin 29 44 Magnum Double Motion Revolver – Smith & Wesson Pre-Mannequin 29 44 Magnum Double Motion Revolver with Case. (n.d.-x). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/70/488/smith-wesson-premodel-29-44-magnum-double-action-revolver.
- Mannequin 29-1 (1960): Launched in 1960, the Mannequin 29-1 featured modifications to the ejector-rod screw. This minor change improved the gun’s sturdiness and ease of upkeep. The 29-1 maintained the long-lasting 6 1/2 inch barrel of its predecessor.
Lot 476: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29-1 Revolver with Case and Manufacturing facility Letter. (n.d.-x). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2039/476/smith-wesson-model-291-revolver-with-case-and-factory-letter.
- Mannequin 29-2 (1961): The Mannequin 29-2 arrived in 1961 with an additional simplification in design. One screw that had beforehand secured the cylinder-stop spring was eliminated. In 1979, the usual barrel size was shortened from 6 1/2 to six inches, marking a major change within the revolver’s profile. This mannequin has the notability as being the Soiled Harry revolver.
- Mannequin 29-3 (1982): The Mannequin 29-3 represented a significant shift in manufacturing strategies. Smith & Wesson dropped the recessed cylinders and pinned barrels in favor of crush-fit barrels. This transformation was primarily pushed by cost-cutting measures but in addition simplified the manufacturing course of.
Lot 51: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29-3 Double Motion Revolver with Field. (n.d.-c). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2049/51/smith-wesson-model-293-double-action-revolver-with-box.
- Mannequin 29-4 (1988): Launched in 1988, the Mannequin 29-4 featured enhancements aimed toward enhancing sturdiness for heavy use. The retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane was strengthened, and the studs within the body have been radiused. An 8 3/8″ model was provided with integral scope mounts, catering to hunters and long-range shooters.
Lot 849: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29-4 Double-Motion Revolver. (n.d.-aj). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2067/849/smith-wesson-model-294-doubleaction-revolver.
- Mannequin 29-5 (1990): The Mannequin 29-5 introduced additional enhancements to resist the highly effective .44 Magnum cartridge. It featured longer cylinder notches to stop bolt soar, and modifications have been made to the bolt and internal mechanism to scale back battering underneath recoil. These modifications considerably improved the revolver’s longevity.
- Mannequin 29-6 (1994): In 1994, the Mannequin 29-6 launched a notable ergonomic change. It got here normal with rubber Monogrips from Hogue, changing the earlier picket grips. This model additionally featured normal tapped holes for attaching scope mounts, growing its versatility for hunters and goal shooters.
Lot 495: Engraved Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29-6 With Manufacturing facility Letter – Lew Horton Restricted Version 1 of 100 Engraved Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29-6 with Manufacturing facility Letter. (n.d.-ac). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/87/495/engraved-smith-wesson-model-296-with-factory-letter.
- Mannequin 29-7 (1998): The Mannequin 29-7 included a number of manufacturing updates. Modifications have been made to the locking mechanism and the firing pin’s attachment. Moreover, the hammer and set off have been now produced utilizing a metallic injection molding course of, streamlining manufacturing whereas sustaining high quality.
Lot 816: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29-7 Double Motion Revolver with Case. (n.d.-ak). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2078/816/smith-wesson-model-297-double-action-revolver-with-case.
- Mannequin 29-8 (2001): There’s restricted info out there on the particular engineering modifications for this mannequin. Nonetheless, it’s identified that the Mannequin 29-8 was undoubtedly produced within the Mountain Gun variant. The Mountain Gun model featured a light-weight design for simpler carrying, a traditional barrel profile, and an inside lock mechanism. It was sometimes out there in 4″ or 6″ barrel lengths, catering to those that wished a extra moveable .44 Magnum revolver with out sacrificing energy.
Lot 836: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29-8 Mountain Gun Revolver with Case. (n.d.-al). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2062/836/smith-wesson-model-298-mountain-gun-revolver-with-case.
- Mannequin 29-9 Heritage Collection (2002): Launched as a commemorative version, that includes a .44 Magnum caliber, 6 1/2 inch barrel, blue end, adjustable rear sight, 6-shot fluted cylinder, 4-screw body stamped “Mannequin 29-9”, extractor shroud, PC (Efficiency Middle) emblem underneath the thumbpiece, goal grips, and shipped in a particular Heritage Collection gold field.
Lot 2991: Smith & Wesson Heritage Collection Mannequin 29-9 Double Motion Revolver – Smith & Wesson Efficiency Middle Heritage Collection Mannequin 29-9 Double Motion Revolver with Field. (n.d.-be). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/1044/2991/smith-wesson-heritage-series-model-299-double-action-revolver.
- Mannequin 29-10 (Present): That is the most recent iteration of the Mannequin 29 collection as of 2024. It’s a part of Smith & Wesson’s Traditional line, providing a mix of conventional design components with fashionable manufacturing strategies. The Mannequin 29-10 is obtainable in two barrel lengths: 6.5″ barrel: This model harkens again to the unique Mannequin 29’s iconic size and 4″ barrel: A extra compact possibility, probably aimed toward those that favor a extra concealable or easier-to-carry revolver.
- Mannequin 629 (1979 onwards): The Mannequin 629, launched in 1979, is the chrome steel model of the Mannequin 29. It has undergone related evolutionary modifications as its blued counterpart, with variants from 629-1 via 629-8 mirroring lots of the enhancements seen within the Mannequin 29 line.
Lot 3452: Manufacturing facility Engraved Smith & Wesson Mannequin 629 Revolver – Manufacturing facility Engraved Smith & Wesson Mannequin 629 Double Motion Revolver with Case. (n.d.-bi). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/86/3452/factory-engraved-smith-wesson-model-629-revolver.
Different Notable Variants:
- fiftieth Anniversary Mannequin (2006): Featured gold inlay on the aspect cowl, the brand new inside lock mechanism, and a non-fluted cylinder.
- Classics Line Reissue (2007): An engraved mannequin reintroduced in Smith & Wesson’s Classics line.
- 629 Stealth Hunter: Includes a 7 1/2 inch ported barrel with a full-length underlug for elevated stability and recoil discount.
- 329NG: A part of the NightGuard line, that includes a scandium body, PVD-coated cylinder, and tritium sights.
Lot 64: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 329 Evening Guard Double Motion Revolver – Smith & Wesson Mannequin 329 Evening Guard Double Motion Revolver with Case. (n.d.-d). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2057/64/smith-wesson-model-329-night-guard-double-action-revolver.
Finish of Half II: S&W Mannequin 29
The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 and its variants have left an indelible mark on firearms historical past, frequently evolving to fulfill the wants of regulation enforcement, hunters, and firearms fans alike. From its inception because the “strongest handgun on this planet” to its varied specialised varieties, the Mannequin 29 household represents a major chapter within the growth of large-caliber revolvers.
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics section knowledgeable in addition to entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We didn’t simply understand how weapons have been alleged to look and performance. It was a protracted and tedious course of that has formed the world we stay in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm on the market that you simply really feel doesn’t get a lot notoriety? What ought to our subsequent Curious Relics subject cowl? As all the time, tell us your entire ideas within the Feedback under! We all the time recognize your suggestions.
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