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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 05-02-2016, 08:40 PM
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Default Little help on a 29-2

A friend recently acquired a .44 Magnum Model 29-2 in quite nice condition. There are a few tiny scratches on the cylinder, but otherwise the blue is excellently preserved. The serial number says 1977 or 1978 (N328361). RR, WO, correct GA football target stocks.

Here is the odd part. The barrel length is 4.5". I measured it three times to be certain, and it is exactly that, no more, no less. I cannot find any reference anywhere to a Model 29 of any variant with a 4 1/2" barrel. Yet the pin looks correct and the muzzle crown appears to be perfect (factory).

Any ideas?
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:42 PM
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Silly question but did you measure from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle?
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:44 PM
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Silly question but did you measure from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle?
Of course. Thanks, but I've been around for a while.
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Old 05-02-2016, 08:49 PM
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I knew a guy who purchased several 5" barrels from the factory. They looked right because they were right. No telling what he put them on. 4.5" though, I can't explain.
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Old 05-02-2016, 09:19 PM
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Tell him to get a letter from the factory!
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Old 05-02-2016, 09:27 PM
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Why do I think I remember reading about some special 4 1/2" N frame large bore guns before? Did Elmer Keith have one…? Doc44, we'll be awaiting your reply!
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Old 05-02-2016, 10:37 PM
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I believe in mid 1976 S&W brass directed that all 4" barrels become 4.25" out of fear that proposed laws would make 4" guns illegal. I am told that guns made after that date will measure 4.125-4.25". Perhaps one sneaked through a little longer than average? Or maybe a previous owner had a longer barrel nicely cut down?

Oh, Canada (no pun intended) has mandated handguns be over 4" for a long time so maybe this was an export model?
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Old 05-03-2016, 05:47 AM
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Originally Posted by SaxonPig View Post
I believe in mid 1976 S&W brass directed that all 4" barrels become 4.25" out of fear that proposed laws would make 4" guns illegal. I am told that guns made after that date will measure 4.125-4.25". Perhaps one sneaked through a little longer than average? Or maybe a previous owner had a longer barrel nicely cut down?

Oh, Canada (no pun intended) has mandated handguns be over 4" for a long time so maybe this was an export model?
Our stupid law was passed 1996.
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Old 05-03-2016, 08:29 AM
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The only "lettered" Model 29-2 with a factory 4 1/2-inch barrel and smooth stocks shipped on July 25, 1963. click on the photo for a better look

Bill

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Old 05-03-2016, 08:49 AM
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Jack...Is the ramp base forged with the barrel or pinned to the barrel with two pins (polished flush to the rib)? Your 29-2 dates to 1976 and by this time the ramp base was forged with the barrel. The directive to increase the barrel length to 4 1/4-inches was issued in May 1975, but does not account for a length of 4 1/2-inches. Most 4-inch guns actually measure 4 1/8-inches.

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Old 05-03-2016, 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by JP@AK View Post
Of course. Thanks, but I've been around for a while.
Well we know that Jack but did you tape the tape?
I had 2 tapes the same brand and one was off an 1/8 inch. Couldn't figure out why all my boards had to be cut twice.
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Old 05-03-2016, 12:18 PM
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Quote:
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Jack...Is the ramp base forged with the barrel or pinned to the barrel with two pins (polished flush to the rib)? Your 29-2 dates to 1976 and by this time the ramp base was forged with the barrel. The directive to increase the barrel length to 4 1/4-inches was issued in May 1975, but does not account for a length of 4 1/2-inches. Most 4-inch guns actually measure 4 1/8-inches.
Bill
Thanks, Bill. I will have to go over and look at the ramp. That's a helpful clue.
Also, thanks for the picture. One thing I want to look at is the placement of the "44 Magnum" stamp on the right side. If my memory serves me correctly, it might be a little bit farther forward than it is on yours. If so, perhaps the barrel has been expertly cut?
Also, yours has the bright blue, which this one lacks. Today, when I go over there, I plan to take an ANIB Model 28-2 with me. I want to compare the finish. When I looked at it yesterday, the blue clearly wasn't bright. But I couldn't tell if it was the same as the "satin" on the Highway Patrolman.
Any further suggestions?
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Old 05-03-2016, 03:12 PM
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Jack...Hard to know what to suggest. If the finish is satin, it certainly is unusual for 29-2 made in 1976.

Bill
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Old 05-03-2016, 08:33 PM
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The only "lettered" Model 29-2 with a factory 4 1/2-inch barrel and smooth stocks shipped on July 25, 1963. click on the photo for a better look

Bill
Glad to know I was not imagining that a 4 1/2"er was out there.
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Old 05-05-2016, 10:25 PM
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Well, anything to update?
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Old 05-05-2016, 11:17 PM
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No. I've been too busy to drive back over there. Maybe tomorrow.
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Old 05-24-2016, 08:22 PM
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Sorry I let this go for so long, but here is an update.

Doc44
The front sight ramp does appear to be forged with the barrel.

The owner has agreed to request a letter from Roy. He promised to let me know what he finds out and I'll pass it along in due time.

Thanks for all the feedback.
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