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

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.