Does proudly owning an iconic gun test all of the bins or does it really feel like one thing is lacking? You’d be hard-pressed to checklist off a high 5 checklist of legendary notable revolvers with out mentioning the S&W Mannequin 29. Form of humorous that this gun could not have offered wherever close to as properly with out Clint Eastwood muttering these basic phrases from Soiled Harry and holding this blued magnificence outstretched. At the moment it carries a price ticket to match its legend. Is it value it to really feel fortunate? Let’s dive into my assessment of the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 Basic!
Notice: That is for the 6.5” barreled model. Additionally they make a 4” model. All specs and particulars might be associated to the 6.5”.
Extra S&W Content material on TFB:
Specs: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 Basic 6.5”
The Mannequin 29 Basic is part of the, properly, Basic Collection that S&W makes. These blued beauties with wooden grips are an ode to the revolvers that actually made S&W a aggressive voice within the sport of double-action revolvers. The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 is an N-Body revolver. It shares this high quality with different S&W fashions such because the 25, 27, and 57 (and all of their derivatives). A cause chances are you’ll not see these Mannequin 29 Basic revolvers out within the wild fairly often is that despite the fact that S&W is difficult at work making revolvers, they solely instrument up for one sort of body at a time (this was defined to me by a S&W worker). I’d assume meaning they make a run of N-Body revolvers a few times a 12 months. The Basic Collection alone most likely has fewer manufacturing numbers but.
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Capability: 6 Rounds
Barrel Size: 6.5″
Twist Fee: 1:20″ Twist, 5 Grooves
Sight Radius: 220 mm
Rear Sight: 3.15 mm Notch, Adjustable
Entrance Sight: 3.1 mm Crimson Ramp
Cylinder Hole: 0.25 mm
Set off Pull Weight: ~ 4 lbs (SA), ~ 10 lbs (DA)
Dimensions (LxWxH):12” x 1.693” x 6.102”
Weight: 48.3 oz
Motion: Single/Double Motion
Barrel Materials: Carbon Metal
Body: Carbon Metal
Grip: Wooden
End: Blued
State Compliance: CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA
The MSRP of the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 Basic 6.5” stands at a hefty $1379. It’s a giant chunk of change to chunk off but when it means something additional the unique value of a Mannequin 29 within the first few years is principally the identical when adjusted for inflation. In addition to it’s all metal, is blued, has fairly wooden grips, a tough plastic case, and a wood show case. That to me says S&W tries to melt the blow to the typical Joe.
First Impressions: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 Basic 6.5”
Since we simply touched on the issues the Mannequin 29 Basic comes with, it appears like a very good time to go over my first impressions. This is available in a moderately giant cardboard field, throughout the field is the fashionable stereotypical blue Smith & Wesson arduous case. That is the place the brand new gun is packed together with a guide, keys for the hammerlock that everybody hates, and a easy cleansing set (rod and brushes).
Most notably it comes with a protected wood arduous case/show field. The inside has free velvet lining. After I say free I imply tremendous free. It could be much more enticing if it was fitted.
The looks of the gun is excellent. The bluing is beautiful. It’s received that luster that your fingerprints simply take a lot away from and but by nature of it being a handheld instrument they are going to at all times be there. It’s such an attractive deep darkish blue. The wooden grips are fairly commonplace and boring. If something their seems to be are enhanced by the bluing. Match total is superb. All elements are tremendous tight and well-placed. The motion is easy as might be and the lockup is steadfast.
As with all of Smith & Wesson’s trendy revolver catalog, the Mannequin 29 Basic bears its mannequin quantity contained in the body the place the crane that holds the cylinder usually hides it. It should learn “29-#”. On this case, my instance learn “29-10”. The ten represents the newest engineering modifications to the mannequin. They began at 29 after which labored their technique to “29-10” making small modifications and enhancements alongside the way in which.
Vary Time: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 Basic 6.5”
After I purchased my Mannequin 29, my pockets was already hurting so choosing up some 44 Magnum ammo was piecemeal and sluggish going. Luckily, my good good friend Adam tossed me a field of ammo. The ammo he gave me was some older Ultramax 240gr. After I went to the vary and shot it, I used to be shocked at how little recoil there was. I knew these have been principally cowboy masses on high of being previous however I used to be not anticipating them to be that gentle. That was only a short-range session getting a really feel for issues and perhaps being just a bit excited to shoot what was as soon as “probably the most highly effective handgun on the planet”.
The following vary journey was extra telling in that I picked up a number of bins of PMC 180gr JHP which cruises at a crisp 1750 FPS. These things had some pep and the Mannequin 29 associated that pep with care. Principally, yeah she bucks as she ought to and it was a hoot. The holes punched within the paper are as you see under. I’m positive fairly a little bit of variation was me and my more and more fatigued arms. I shot standing and two-handed. Not a horrible group and the sights might use some adjusting.
Ignore the 22LR holes.
Let’s discuss really feel with the Mannequin 29. I don’t have small arms by any means however the Mannequin 29 will humble any notion that your arms are large. That is primarily to do with how vast and beefy the wooden grips are. I’d assume some aftermarket rubber ones and even some customized wooden ones would make the dealing with a bit higher. They may keep on mine as a result of they simply full the look however yeah, not tremendous cozy and a bit cumbersome.
Sights-wise the Mannequin 29 Basic is properly basic with the sq. notch rear and the rear ramp entrance. Tremendous easy, simple to make use of, and simple to see. The double-action set off is fairly heavy. I’d say heavier than the marketed 10 lbs however nonetheless very easy nonetheless. The only-action set off pull is a agency wall however you received’t know when the drop is coming so we’re all good there. The cylinder launch button was noticeably stiff after I first received my revolver however after a few vary periods, it has damaged in simply fantastic. The cylinder slides out the aspect with ease.
Closing Ideas: Smith & Wesson Mannequin 29 Basic 6.5”
Is the Mannequin 29 overrated? Perhaps. Was it costly as heck? Yep. Do I remorse shopping for one? Completely not. It’s a murals. It’s artwork you possibly can have enjoyable with. It’s a literal and figurative blast and it’s arduous to not fall in love with this wheelgun. If it’s in your checklist, I counsel shifting it nearer to the highest for one major cause. Although I personally don’t see S&W deleting their Basic Collection that doesn’t imply that they received’t, nor wouldn’t it shock me.
These weapons are made in restricted batches and are offered to sellers the second they’re packed up on the finish of the meeting line. Their days could also be numbered and whenever you pair that with their literal numbers being few, I’d say get one whilst you could cause there could come a day the place the closest factor on cabinets is a contemporary 629.
As at all times we want to know what all of you guys and gals suppose. Do you consider that this piece of legend is value spending your cash on? Would you’re taking this out to the vary on the common? Would this be your go-to enjoyable gun? Tell us your entire ideas within the Feedback under! We at all times recognize your suggestions.
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