I'm looking for a 629 4" in the box but having trouble finding one. I'm thinking of buying a 6" in the box...much easier to find and converting by rebarreling to 4"

Any thoughts on doing it from a collectibilty stand point if hold onto the original barrel?

If you don't absolutely have to get a brand new one and put your hands on it before dishing out your money, you can look on GunBroker. Last time I looked at 29 and 629 models, there were quite a few 4" barrel models for sale, new and used. I personally like my revolvers rolled without a lock built in on it. That's where I bought my low mileage 629-3 and 2 unfired 27s; one a 1985 model and the second a 1990 model.

IMHO, no there is no problem as long as the job is done right. Nothing on the original handgun can be altered to aid in making the swap. Any mods needed are all to be done on the new barrel. That way the subsequent swap back to original will be straight forward. The finish and front sight of the original barrel must be well protected during both swaps. I'm always surprised at how many 'pistolsmiths' do not take all the necessary precautions to protect finishes. .............. Big Cholla

Is6man,

IMO your plan is a bad idea. Absent local legal restrictions on buying guns it would even be a poor idea if you already owned the 6” 629.

Having S&W install a new barrel will cost over $300. Buying a used barrel carries substantial risk of getting a barrel that was removed because it was defective and you may not learn about the defects until a gunsmith points them out. Most local gunsmiths can change a barrel but the newer smiths mostly have experience working on simi-autos. Seeking out the least expensive gunsmith adds the risk of shoddy work.

Big Cholla is correct writing that a well installed same vintage replacement barrel usually can’t be detected. However, eventually the 629 will acquire enough value that collectors may buy a historical letter then with the major replacement part revealed its condition will be no better than "good." That may be irrelevant among common recently made guns but you asked about effect on collector value. After the original barrel is reinstalled the fact it once had a different barrel won’t affect value. The majority of barrels will torque back in tight enough on the same frame one or twice but many will require lathe turning to set them back just short of a revolution. If the later is the case there goes another $150. You can only learn whether the original barrel is on very tight or barley tight enough by removing it.

Be a more patient shopper and find the 4” 629 you want.

If all else fails, Gun Broker will have what you want, price and condition, if you are patient. My lack of dollars proves that, at least for me it has.

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S&WHF 366

At one time I was seriously considering purchasing a 6.5" new production 1917 and cutting it to 4" as I like the unshrouded ejector rod. In the end it made a lot more sense to just buy a 22-4 that had been staring me in the face for months.

Be patient. A 4" 629 is not a rarity.

Conversions , modifications , alterations, etc. = always a bad idea! Keep it stock and buy one already configured the way you want it! You will be happy you did. Changing stuff almost always leads to complications and problems.

Hi guys

I wasnt going to cut the original barrel...simply have my 'smith install a NOS 4" barrel and hang on to the original 6" which could be replaced later

Will keep looking for a 4" in the box but might at some point look more into swapping

Thanks for the feedback

you will need to have a very competent pistolsmith with the right vise to perform this. otherwise, you can have a bent frame or poorly fitting cone to cylinder fit. Generally, dont do it, if you have a really screwed up 6" barrel that you will be sending back directly to SW for replacement, then by all means have at it.

JMHO, but if it was me, I would just order one from S&W.
Close your eyes so you won't see the lock and enjoy it.
My first IL gun is a 396-1 which is not a total wimp in the recoil dept.
Not a single problem with the lock. I just ignore it.
If it bothers you, take it out.
The gun is so well made, it is one of my favorites now.
The chamber specs and tolerances are much better than they were in decades gone by.

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"S&W shill"
Nemo

Just doing a quick search for "29" on GB, then narrowing it down to revolvers, Model 29 and 4" brought up over 50 pistols, new and used. So a 4" Model 29 isn't exactly a hard item to track down.

EDIT: And running down 4" 629s brought up over 20 pistols.

Hi..thanks for the info. I'm not looking for anything with locks or MIM parts so it narrows down quickly.also looking for 3" or 4" (preferred) and into the box...a collector's piece...so harder to find

I can't imagine wanting a "collector's piece" and settling for a fabricated replica. The gun you're proposing (a 6" collector's piece with a swapped out barrel) seems inconsistent with what you really want. Wait for what you want. Also, realize that your proposed gun would likely cost more than the gun you really want. I can assure you, what you want isn't that hard to find and if you throw down the extra money you would spend on a NOS barrel and gunsmith fees, it will be even easier to get what you want.

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18-4, 15-4

An older 4" 629 is a bit easier to snag at a decent price compared to a 3". Just be patient and, keep your eyes open. One will turn up eventually.