I have a Model 29-2 Nickel .44Mag with ported barrel I am seeking more information on. I saw a similar at a gun show
and was amazed at the description of the unit. I would like to know if my unit S/N N146473 has the similar manufacture designation as a Target Model and if the porting may be from factory? Does anyone have ideas and leads for me?

Your 29-2 dates to 1974 and was not ported by S&W. It was probably done by Mag-Na-Port Arms which was popular in the 70s. The factory designation for the Model 29-2 is NT-430 which means N or large frame, Target model, with a bore diameter of .430 inch.

Bill