Smith & Wesson Classic Hunter S&W Model 29-3 .44 mag 6” Revolver, NonFlute
SOLD FOR: $1,375
WOA#: WY240309GC004
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 29-3, Classic Hunter
Serial Number: AYD1427
Year of Manufacture: 1987
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Non-Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “44 MAGNUM”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo and the right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke and the sides of the grip frame have inspector marks and matching number code.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silhouette-style Patridge blade on a sprung rocker with four small allen-head screws at the center numbered 1-4. Under the rocker is a dial that allows one to change the elevation setting of the sight to one of four pre-set positions which can each be individually adjusted using the four screws. The blade is black. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a Hogue Monogrip with the grip screw. There are a few scattered light marks. The texturing is strong. The grips rate in about very fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish and displays very little signs of operation. The turn line on the unfluted cylinder is thin but noticeable. There are a few scattered light handling marks. One scratch near the muzzle underneath the lug. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The un fluted cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is extremely light and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory box, cleaning tools, moisture absorbent paper, and owner’s manual.
Our Assessment: Developed in a collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Remington with the input of big-bore handgun shooters including Elmer Keith, The .44 Magnum revolver and cartridge took the revolver world by storm in the 1950s, later to be known worldwide, even outside the firearms community, as “the most powerful handgun in the world” due to its portrayal in the Dirty Harry movies. This is Smith & Wesson’s famous Model 29-3 built on the N-Frame with a square butt.
This revolver has a beautiful blued finish, with a wide serrated case-colored trigger and wide checkered hammer. Chambered in 44 Magnum caliber with a 6 inch barrel and a full length barrel lug, non fluted cylinder, Houge grips, four position adjustable front sight it’s exactly the way it should be. There were only 5000 of these revolvers manufactured especially for Lew Horton in 1987. This one of five thousand shows hardly any wear and looks to have seen gentle use.
The main talking points on this revolver are the Silhouette Sights and the incredibly rare Non-Fluted Cylinder that stand out much more on this model than other revolvers.It will be perfect to add to your collection, especially if Smith & Wesson revolvers are your area of interest. Please see our pictures and enjoy the auction.-K.F.
