I have an N frame 29-2 with a pinned 8 3/8 inch barrel. As it needs refinished anyways, I really want a 6 or 6 1/2 inch barrel. I have been told to have it cut down to the size I want but that would leave me with no front sight as the front sight is milled out of the barrel stock. I guess after cutting to length the front sight would have to be replaced with some thing. Who does this type of gunsmithing? I'm just checking out my options. Thanks

Any competent gunsmith with the right equipment can mill out a slot in the top rib, insert a new sight blade, and cross-drill and pin it in place.

If you are going for one of the standard lengths - like 3", 4", 6", or 6-1/2" then it would probably be more economical to just buy a standard length barrel and have it installed. Cutting it down would really be the thing to do if you want one of the more rare lengths - like a 2-1/2", or 3-1/2" or 5".

In your other thread the cutting recommendation was to get a 5" - mainly because they are rare and highly desirable. A lot of people see them as the perfect compromise, little more length than a 4" (which is an ideal length for carry but not quite as nice for target shooting) and the 6"-8" barrels (which are great for the range and target shooting, but not so great for carrying in a holster).

Copy that Brother, I really want a 6" or 6 1/2" barrel and have been searching the interweb for one. As I understand it, a pinned barrel and a later model non pinned barrel are not interchangeable. I did carry a 6" Model 686 for a while so I think the 6" or 6 1/2 will work for me. Any idea where to find a good one? Thanks.

They show up on a regular basis on Ebay, Gunbroker, Gun Auction, and on the various forums including this one. All you have to do is start looking.

I have been looking for a couple of weeks now, I have found no pinned barrels for sale yet. Must be my luck. Thanks

Here is, what was a 6.5" 629, now reduced to 4+" with a Weigand front sight. Gunsmith milled a slot for it, and it takes interchangeable S&W front sight blades.

I put a 625-10 barrel on a 1917 frame with no problem.
Now the tensioned barrels may be a different story.

There is really no difference between the new barrels and the old except for the shrouded ones. You can simply mill in the little slot. Even the pinned barrels needed the same tension as the new ones. The original pin slot was milled in and if there is not enough tension the barrel will still move several decrees even with the pin in. The reason the pin was deleted was because it really does nothing on a properly installed barrel.

I am always on the look out for N frame 45 barrels and often see model 29 barrels. There is a 4" and a 6 1/2" on ebay right now. But, the long one is a special edition barrel and the guy wants way to much for it. Keep looking one will will come along.

I saw that 1 of 150 barrel for sale, much more than I paid for the revolver. I don't want the gold banner anyways. Its nice to find out that the barrels will interchange. I have a lead on a 6 inch at the moment! Thanks.