Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns S&W Model 29 Favorite Barrel Length

I have a 29-3 that the barrel has rotated in the frame, TWICE. First time it went back to the factory and was reset. It rotated again, shortly after it was returned. I gave up on the factory for about 20 years and just used my other guns. I have now sent it back to the factory and am considering changing barrel lengths while it's there.

It currently has an 8-3/8" but, I believe they'll install whatever I want on it, provided they have one on hand. I'm seriously thinking about a 6-1/2" plus getting my 8-3/8 back, (just in case). The 8-3/8" was extremely accurate back when I was shooting targets but seems to have grown in size and weight since then.

I don't think they'll do the full length shroud on any barrels either, although I plan to ask.

What's your favorite barrel length for a .44 revolver? Mostly for hanging in the safe and an occasional trip to the range.

I like the 6.5" barrel on an N-frame; or the 4" barrel. The 6.5" hangs on the target better than the 6" and the 4" is just about perfect for packing.

For a range gun, I'd go with the 6.5" half-lug barrel. If they won't do that, I'd go with a 4" half-lug standard or Mountain Gun barrel.

If I am going to use it primarily for hunting,with either open sights or a scope,I prefer the 8 3/8 inch barrel,and that's what I own the most of.

For just general all around use,I like the 6.5 inch.

I personaly think the 8 3/8 inch (without the underlug)is the best looking of the lot.

WB.

5 inch.....but that is just me...

The only one I've ever had is a 6 1/2, and its about perfect for me.

29-3, that's a crush fitted barrel right?

If so, a 5" would be sweet, it's a full lug.

I've owned a 6 1/2 and now my current 629-6 with a 4 in. barrel. For me, I like the 4 in. much better, but I also pack it in the hills a lot. Best part, just as accurate as the 6 1/2 was...and it was quite accurate.

Good luck.......

Yes, my -3 is a crush fit, well, "almost fit". I do like the under lug barrels but so far they're indicating that they are not available. I think a 5" full under lug would be good but I'm also a little leery of that short of a barrel with a .44, Mag, or otherwise. A 2" or 3" .38 is no fun for me. I will check that out again though,if they ever call me.

I like the way a 5 inch full lug balances . It's a little harder to find leather . I carry as a backup to a bolt action rifle while hunting. If I were a range shooter I would probably choose a longer barrel.

That's a big 10-4 here too.

Wish my 29-2 had that bbl..

Same here, the 5" is a nice length

I've seen a photos of a couple of .44 Magnums with the standard 5" shrouded barrel. From what I've gathered they're extremely rare....like on the order of 500.

Yep, the 29-2 had no such critter, nor did the short lived 29-1.

I believe Elmer had one; of course he did!

Most were pre-29's and 29-2's. The resident .44 Magnum expert on the S&W forum knows of two 29-1's with 5" barrels (how's that for rare). There are some that were changed to 5" at the factory. Regardless, I think it would be a handy barrel length.

Personally I like the 6.5" best for hunting, and the 4" best for packing. The 5" on the right is an excellent all around gun. It is a good balance between shootability and packability.

Oh and Milt Sparks can handle your holster needs for the 5" N frame.

The 5" is also "minute of a jackrabbits head" accurate.

The 4" is capable to though, it just bucks a bit more. Really the 5" and 6.5" are much more pleasant to shoot with moderate to heavy loads.

The load I like best with a 4" gun is 8.5 grains Unique and a 240 grain cast SWC.

Here is the 4" in action:

5 inch full lug for utility and the 6 half lug inch for beauty-you out of luck on a 6.5 as they were never offered in the 629 except perhaps the rare 629 no dash. All 629 models made since 1982 or so and since that time have had 6 inch half lug barrels only.

I also like the look of the half lug 4 inch.

All very nice. (Wabbits too )

Yes nice wabbit killers! All I have a this time are a 4, 6 and 7.5 inch 629. The 5 inch is my favorite barrel length, best of all worlds.

Mackay good to see you are keeping your hind end safe! Great pics as always!

I don't think Elmer had one, but his son did, IIRC.

I kinda like the 5" as a decent compromise although I don't have one. If I did it should be in a vault.

I have two 4 screw Mod 29's a 4" & a 6" ,carried the 4" for several years but now carry and shoot a 3" 629. Most likely my favorite. --- Mel

Elkhunter76,

It sounds like you have a seriously nice collection of Stainless S&W .44s. Thank you by the way, I am still working away in the desert. I have a couple of interesting pics from today, though completely off topic.

We were out doing our thing and a toddler approaches totally unafraid and crawls right up in my lap in my vehicle and proceeds to play with everything I am wearing and everything in my vehicle. Cute kid, typical boy, going for the things he should not play with right off the bat. Made me wish badly to be home playing with my daughter. I gave him a couple of Jolly Rancher hard candies and made a buddy.

Sand storm coming in.

To the OP,
I apologize for going so far off topic. I am a certified .44 nut by the way.

I'm on my 3rd 629. Have owned a 8-3/8", 5" full lug, and presently have a 4" Mtn. gun. The 4" is my favorite of 'em all. I put Pachmeyer round butt grips on it. It's the most "shootable" of the bunch.
Virgil B.

I don't use my M29 for hunting but more for just a general carry gun while in the woods. I used to have a 6.5" but switched to a 4" Mountain Gun. Much nicer for carrying but much more recoil with full loads but considering that I carry it a lot more then I shoot it I'll take the extra recoil.

Though I'm not a real accomplished handgunner, for what my 2 cents are worth, I like the 5" on my 629 a great deal. It's a good compromise. Also have to echo going to Milt Sparks for a holster. I'm well pleased with both.

How'd you get them all to line up like that so you could shoot em?

which? the sights or the rabbits?

Hello
I Prefer the 4" length. Long enough to take Game, Yet short enough to carry comfortable. I use a factory S&W shoulder rig to carry mine when Hunting.. Thegeneral.

Guess my first question would be what are you going to shoot for loads? If it is mostly 1100 fps and less a 4" is sure nice...but in the .44 Magnum full loads in the 4" gun get "old" real quick.

My favorite 29 was the 6.5" original 1/2 lug configuration. Never cared for the full lug guns until I shot a friends 629 5". The gun was an original 6" no- pinned/recessed gun that was only made the first year of production. My friend had the barrel chopped to 5" but the smith who did the work, while an excellent rifle smith, didn't really make the gun look like an original S&W...so it never got shot much. About 15 years later my friend called the factory to have his gun put back to original but just asked.. "You don't have any 5" barrels do you...?"....and they did. One left from a special run of full underlug barrels that had been Mag-Na-Ported. But the full underlug never balanced for him but he loved my 629-2 Mountain Revolver so we traded...









I have it and a 629-5 Mountain Gun for .44s left just having sold my last 29-2 6.5". I don't shoot .44 Magnum much since I love the .41 Magnum but keep these two around...

Bob

So far things have boiled down to two issues.

1. The gun has been back at Smith for two weeks and they haven't decided yet, what they want to do about it.

2. Model 29's went out of production some time ago. It appears that all they have on hand are the 6-1/2" blue, half lug barrels they are putting on the "Classic" 29's.

If all I can do is keep my 8-3/8",(hopefully pinned this time), or switch to the 6-1/2" half lug I'll probably beat my head against the wall and then flip a coin.

If that comes up for the 6-1/2" I'll still want that pinned plus getting my 8-3/8" back.

twodogs that sounds like a deal to go with!

Mackay over the years I have had several 29's and 629's. Had a BBQ gun like General Stuart posted, but it was a bit too shiny for my tastes. Had an 8 3/8" 29 like twogdogs is having issues with. Traded it for a 6" Stainless 29 that was a piece of junk new from the factory. It was severely out of time new in the box. It got sent back and then traded. The only 29 I really regret losing was a 4" P&R I sold to my brother with the understanding that IF he ever decided to sell it it was to come back to me. Jackass got in a bind and sold it to a pawn shop! We don't talk much anymore......among other reasons.

BTW great pictures. Kids are kids everywhere. Too bad those youngsters have had to suffer the idiocy of tyrants.

...your one "problem" to getting a pinned barrel is not having a "pinned" frame... I doubt S&W would drill your frame just to put in a pin...but that sure would be nice...

Have you ever thought about just selling this one when it comes back and then buying exactly what you want?


Bob

I've never really considered selling it and never thought that there may be a problem getting this one pinned. This whole deal was supposed to be, send it in, decide what to have done, do it.

So far I haven't gotten past the "send it in" part. I guess I thought that they'd do anything, within reason, under their lifetime warranty. It may get put to the test on this.

I do expect to have to pay a fair price for anything over and above that.

Not only should they pin it, they should give you a factory action job and at least 1/4 coverage engraving for your trouble. Although I'm not sure if they engrave SS.

I've got a nickel 8 3/8th 29-2 bought in '78, a 629 Mountain Gun in '92, and a 57 4-in. in '08. I need more N-frames. Sure would like a nickeled 29-2 like Gen. Stuart's.

..I have never heard of a post-1981 crush fit barrel unscrewing before... I have several, mostly Mountain Guns, and they are some of the best shooting Smiths I have ever owned.

Bob

I have both the 4 and 6 inch Model 629. My favorite barrel length is 4 inch

Well, Snit,

Here's the way it's shaking out. Smith says the barrel is straight and lines up with the frame top ribs "within their production specs". PLUS, they aren't set up to drill and pin barrels anymore.

I mentioned that I am willing to pay for a new barrel installation if that were an option.

The rep confirmed that I can have my barrel removed and a 6-1/2" half lug installed BUT, there would be little or no chance that the new barrel bluing would match the old frame. It may be close but no guarantee. His recommendation was that he would leave it as is, regardless who would be paying for it.

While I wouldn't compare it to any of generalstewart's beauties, it does have its own features. I've got both sets of the factory grips for it, the regular checkered and the smooth, grooved, combat grips. It doesn't have a mark on it except for the cylinder stop drag marks and, being a -3, it really isn't as valuable as the -1 or -2 series.

I believe I'm on the brink of having them send me the shop report, stating the barrel to frame match is per their specs and just leaving the original barrel on it.

Much ado about nothing?

I was pretty sure S&W wouldn't put a pin in a crush fit frame.

I wouldn't pay for a new barrel, that's for sure. If they properly corrected the barrel fit, that is relieving the frame or barrel shoulder to mate up correctly at 12 o'clock, I'd not worry about it. I'd ask them what exactly they did to correct the loose barrel.

They said they did nothing to it other than confirming it was tight and aligned within the range of their factory specs.

I did check a couple other Smith's and one was lined up perfectly and the other was off about half as much as my 29.

Looking down the barrel, toward the front sight, the sight looks like it's tilted a bit left. If the barrel is a right hand thread they'd have to cut another thread or machine the frame and machine off some of the forcing cone.

I think my choices now are to keep it as is or have it machined by either them or a custom shop.

It isn't unscrewing. I think it was loose when I got it and the subsequent shooting has caused it to tighten, (assuming it's a right hand thread). If it's left hand, then it would be coming loose.

Hello
This isnt a 29 or a 629 but it is a Model 331 in .32 Magnum that the Barrel Unscrewed on. I was about to fire it at the range when I drew it out of my Daily Carry holster I heard a rattle and was glad I located that rattle before shooting it ! I simply unscrewed the barrel with my Thumb. I sent it back to S&W and they admited to having a problem keeping the barrels tight on their Titanium frame Air-Weight revolvers. I promptly swapped it off, as soon as it Returned....Thegeneral.

A agree but since the 5" was discontinued years ago. The barrel length is likely not available.

Doc

Definitely the 4" tube. If I could get the Mountain Gun taper, I would go that route.

Have a 83' vintage 629 4"..seen lotsa rounds..still probably my favorite packing pistol..

I guess this issue is over, for a while anyway. I just got a call from UPS telling me to have someone home tomorrow to sign for a package from S&W.

We shall see what we shall see.

+1 all the way down to round butt Pachmayrs.

Its on my hip right now (Milt Sparks holster).

BTM

Well, here it is. It got here this afternoon and the barrel is lined up top dead center, or, dead nuts. Not the best pictures but I finally got a couple.

I have no idea what was done except the accompanying letter states "Repaired: Adjust Barrel Alignment".

I shoulda' dressed it up with it's Barbecue Grips.

Looks good.

I just sent my 8 & 3/8ths" M29-2 off to SDM Fabricating to be chopped to 5"s and have them do up an interchangeable front sight system like on the S&W "Classic" series. The owner estimated a 2 month wait.

.... The clock ticks slowly....

Both 29-5's:
5" is my favorite for sure!

My other favorite barrel length is 3"

That's why they used to pin it.

TwoDogs, I have a model 29 Smith & Wesson with an 8&3/8's barrel and have used it for hunting deer and eliminating snakes (#6shot) around the place. It is very accurate out to 75 yards, no question about that part.

I have a friend who has a 4" model 29 but that pistol has far to much muzzle blast to suit me. Mine is a little barrel heavy but I never minded that much when hunting deer etc. I put a set of rubber grips on the pistol soon after firing it the very first time. Those checker grips will eat up your hand in a big hurry.

The 5" underlugged barrel is tough to beat. Here's my 29-2 as such. It does add some weight though.

My 29-2 has a 6" barrel. That length works well for me.

I have had a 4-inch model 29, a 6 1/2-inch Model 629, a 4-inch model 629 and now have a 629 "Classic" with a six barrel and the underlug. I have liked them all, and while I generally prefer the shorter 4-inch barrel, I am growing fond of the newest 6-inch version.

5 is the number. Just balances nicely, points good, carries good, and has an adequate sight radius for practical hunting ranges.

Chop it then.

A guy can end up with too many guns that are "almost" right. I would rather have fewer that are exactly what I want. 5" Model 29s fall into that category.

4" Mountain gun for hiking, 5" with regular underlug for carrying and general purpose.

My 6" is just 1" tooooo long.

If I knew where to buy a regular, blued 5" M 29 bbl, I would buy it on the spot!!

I am tempted to skip the DA feature and get a 4 5/8 or 4 3/4 SA - any suggestions?

Hermann

Thats what I did. 4 5/8 Super Blackhawk, though the reg blackhawk is lighter and seems to point better for me. I think a reg 4 5/8 blackhawk in 45 Colt is only 36 oz.

I just shot a red squirrel yesterday with my 4 inch 629!
DRT.
It packs in my front pocket, with the grip sticking out a little. No holster needed.
Years ago I had a 6" and thought it was a bit to long.
whelennut