629-3 barrel change

[7tenz]

I recently acquired a 6" 629-3 and would like to get a shorter barrel. I see Brownells has 4" and 3" 44 cal barrels in stock.

Mfr Part: 216960000-4"
Mfr Part: 217120000-3"

I'm still deciding on what length I want. The question I have is would either of these barrels work?

I also wonder if the 3" would need a shorter cylinder ejector rod?

Edit:I just saw an extractor rod specifically for 3" barrel, so that part is answered. Also center pin.

[Protocall_Design]

Either barrel will fit. I'm pretty sure a 3" barrel will use the full length ejector rod. Someone else will know that.

[7tenz]

Originally Posted by Toolguy

Either barrel will fit. I'm pretty sure a 3" barrel will use the full length ejector rod. Someone else will know that.

Brownells had the ejector rod and center pin on the side. Stated it was for 3"

Thanks for the info.

[k22fan]

Beware! The wrong vintage barrel will be obvious to S&W collectors and turn an original (read collectible) S&W into a parts-n-pieces shooter or Fanken-Wesson. I have done that myself but I already had the barrel and a 629 I purchased through the classifieds here arrived with a damaged bore. If you decide on a 4" then I have no doubt that you'd be better off trading revolvers or selling then buying a 4". Despite decades of numerous small production runs of 3" 629s they command a premium so rebarreling might be cost effective.

Edit to add: As posted the barrel shanks & Treads fit but ordinarily a barrel has to be fitted by turning it in a lathe. If you can do that yourself then having a project might out weigh other considerations.

[7tenz]

I bought the gun last week from a calgunner and intend to use it as a shooter. It's a common gun and not really a collector piece. I already decided on the 4" and ordered it.

I have a Magna Classic 29 and a LH 3" 610 that are collector pieces. Also 2 p&r nickel 6"29s Yea, I won't touch those.