Hello

I'm in the market for a .44mag. I know I want a 29-2 and was fairly sure I wanted a 4" but now I'm thinking I like the look of the 6" as well

I can't get both so will have to decide on one over the other. This will be used for plinking and will hardly ever be carried.

Which barrel length would suit me best?


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Go for the 5"






...for us non-lottery winners though, you'll indeed have to choose between a 4" and a 6". I personally prefer the 4" N-frame to the 6", but that's probably because I carry them every now and then. If you're not going to be packing it around, then it's all up to shooter's preference. I'm sure you'd find either to be perfectly suitable for plinking.

I have a 6 inch, but really want a 4 inch as well. I will wait for some experts to chime in, but I say the 4 inch!

In my opinion, I would get the 4". I like the look and the balance of the 4". Unfortunately, the price of the 4" is a little higher than the 6", in like condition, right now.

Six inch, if it's to be your only one. The four inch is nice for packin', but if you don't plan to do that often the extra 2" of barrel will give you a longer sighting plane and will help to dampen recoil a bit at the range. And even if you do carry it occasionally, the longer barrel isn't that much of an issue with a good holster. Plus, there's the classic look of the six inch that for many, makes their day.

The 6.5-inch gun is the more sensible and indisputably the more handsome revolver of the two. On the other hand, 4-inch guns are great for teaching you to endure pain. If that is a big interest for you, by all means go that direction.

The idea of using a 4-inch gun for plinking with full-charge 44 Magnums is about like listening to a beginning violin student for musical enjoyment. I wouldn't think it would last too long. The 6- or 6.5-inch gun is a much different animal.

I would buy a 29-2 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel. They were made from 1962 to 1979 and are considered by many to be the "classic" Model 29.

Bill

6" nothing to be gained by a shorter barrel but the ability to carry. Having only 4" isn't something to be proud of.

There are pros and cons for each. Lately, I mainly just shoot a 4". But I have the other barrel lengths as well. A few thoughts.

4"

Greater portability
Less weight
Higher demand


6" - 6 1/2"

Greater muzzle velocity 50/100 f.p.s.
Longer sight radius
Less expensive
Less recoil
Less muzzle blast

If you're mainly going to use it for plinking, what ammo are you going to use? If you're going to plink with heavy magnum loads, you might be better off with the 6" or 6 1/2". If you're going to use light loads or .44 special, you might as well get the 4".

If you can shoot a .44 magnum at a range, that may help you decide.

Less 4's were made. Something to think about.

I have a 6.5", a 6", and a 3", plus a Spl in 4" and I can honestly say the 4" is the best all-arounder.

6.5" is the definitive 44 mag, but a 4" packs well, unlike the 6.5".

Depends on what you want to do with it.

I have a 629-1 and a recently acquired 29-2, both in 4". I like the looks of the 4" and I spend more time looking at them than shooting. Having said that, shooting full magnum loads in the 4" isn't fun for me. I love shooting .44 specials though. The 4" N frames seem to be more popular right now. When I bought the 629 in the mid 80's I had to look hard for a 4" because the longer barrels were more popular then.

Go with the one that calls you or turns you on. You will be packing it and shooting it, not us. I have owned every barrel length includeing my present 5". I do have my own idea,s and have went the full circle. It`s not a absolute that a longer barrel will give more velocity and better accuracy from gun to gun. Yes, on paper they should, but it doesnt always hold true. Personnaly, I like short barrels and the portability but I dont claim to be always right either.

Did the S&W model 29 .44 Magnum come in the 8 3/8 " barrel ?

Yes you can find it in 8 3/8". I would go with the 6 1/2" over any other though.

Go Ahead ...Make my day PUNK... and get the SIX inch !

Callahan packed a 6 1/2" M29.

B.

I would look for a deal on either one and buy it. Then I would start looking for the other one. Which ever one you buy first, you will still want the one you don't have. Ask me how I know.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Get either one. The other will be here before you know what happened!
Craig...

Ditto... 6 1/2 inch is the way to go.

If you are going to shoot it with full charge loads go for the longer barrel. It's amazeing how much difference in recoil those extra two inchs of barrel makes!

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Stay safe people!

I can't tell you which to get. I went with a 4 inch, but I already had a 8 3/4 inch 29, so to me the 6 1/2 was hung in the middle. Suprisingly, the 4 inch has become one of my favorites to shoot. And, if nothing else, it sure looks good...

I have used the 4" and the 6 1/2" 44 Mags as duty/offduty guns, and carried them in the field.

The longer barrel is much easier to shoot, recoil wise, especially with full power type loads.
It is most likely better as a Primary hunting handgun too.

That being said I will admit I carry the 4" much more often.I have been using them since the early 1970's. In fact I am wearing a 4" Mountain Gun as I type this.

Which ever you get, if you start shooting it a lot, you will probably end up with both.

How good do you look in a hat?



With a pipe..........

If so get the 4 inch.

But.........I bet you don't end up with just one. None of us can do that.

It's a matter of personal choice. A four inch "packs" better. A six, or six and one half inch will handle the full recoil .44 Magnum loads better. And I bet you will want to try some.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

Look what happened to me.
Beware!
teesur.

4 inch 29-2


6inch and 6 1/2 inch 29-2's

Me too, teesur....

This is usually how it starts .... then nickel ... then stainless ..... then?

I believe everyone will agree the earlier Mod 29's in any barrel length or finish are becoming much more difficult to find in good condition with every passing day.

Try to buy what you can when you can. The quest will never get easier or less expensive...

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Terry