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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,119
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,119 |
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.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,000
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,000 |
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.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 11,282
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 11,282 |
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.
"You set your own goals for success, and when you succeed it don't necessarily mean that you're going to be a big star or make a lot of money or anything. You'll feel it in your heart whether you've succeeded or not." - Roy Buchanan
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 52,680
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 52,680 |
5 inch.....but that is just me...
Last edited by elkhunter76; 03/28/09.
Liberalism is a mental disorder that leads to social disease.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48,411
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 48,411 |
The only one I've ever had is a 6 1/2, and its about perfect for me.
Proudly representing oil companies, defense contractors, and firearms manufacturers since 1980. Because merchants of death need lawyers, too.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,808
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,808 |
29-3, that's a crush fitted barrel right?
If so, a 5" would be sweet, it's a full lug.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,226
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,226 |
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.......
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,119
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,119 |
29-3, that's a crush fitted barrel right?
If so, a 5" would be sweet, it's a full lug. 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.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,947
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,947 |
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.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21,955
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21,955 |
5 inch.....but that is just me... That's a big 10-4 here too. Wish my 29-2 had that bbl..
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 30,935 Likes: 1
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 30,935 Likes: 1 |
5 inch.....but that is just me... That's a big 10-4 here too. Wish my 29-2 had that bbl.. Same here, the 5" is a nice length
I got banned on another web site for a debate that happened on this site. That's a first
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,808
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,808 |
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.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21,955
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21,955 |
Yep, the 29-2 had no such critter, nor did the short lived 29-1.
I believe Elmer had one; of course he did!
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,808
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,808 |
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.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6 |
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.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6 |
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 CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6 |
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:
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 6 |
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 802
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 802 |
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.
Last edited by Timberbuck; 03/28/09.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21,955 |
All very nice. (Wabbits too )
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