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 )