S&W 29-2 with 3.75" barrel

[reddog reddog]

Please see Gun Broker listing #184051458. Serial # N65XXX. Is this barrel variation possible from Smith?

[Art Doc]

That's a 4" gun. Some people don't measure correctly. If you measure from muzzle to cylinder face it's 4". If you measure from muzzle to front edge of frame you get 3.25". If you measure to rear edge of frame you come up with 3.75".

[VM]

IMO, it is a 4" gun that is a tad short from the factory. I have had many guns that were 1/8" short..............and a couple 6"ers that were actually 5.75" long tubes.
Don't think it is an issue or a rarity.
Curious about Doc44's comment.

[VM]

Agree with SP's comments also.

[Doc44]

I would agree with the comments above. A 4-inch Model 29-2 with manufacturing and/or measuring variations. I also looked at the photos of the 29-2 on Gunbroker. It is definitely a 4-inch barrel, as the ramp base and barrel were forged together after 1971 for this barrel length. The only way to actually make a 3 3/4-inch barrel would be to cut a 4-inch barrel (or longer one) and pin the ramp base and red ramp blade on with two pins (like was done in the 50s and 60s). This barrel has the ramp base forged as part the barrel and is four inches in length (or at that is what the letter will say). Hope this makes sense.

Bill

[reddog reddog]

Great information. Thanks!