1969 Tunnel Gun new Pic

[29-1]

Simply amazing journey, how is it that it came into your possession?

What a journey and thanks for the background detail, obviously you have a part of history and a serious S&W addiction.

Well I guess you could call it an addiction, more like a way of life actually after all these years, close to 40 now.

I was waiting for someone to ask how it came to me. I found it on GB being sold as a 29-2. It had an unmarked cylinder and barrel with smooth target stocks. Having an S serial # made me take a chance on it being a late S series 29-2 as that is my interest these days. I always request a letter on any S&W I acquire and what a nice surprise I got when the letter came back. You just never know what you really have until you get a letter.
Chuck

 

[DCWilson]

Fascinating post! You included so much more about the TG than I had learned from the scant other sources that it's almost like learning the whole thing for the first time.

Just unbelievably cool that you found one on Gunbroker!

Thanks for taking the time to put this post together.

 

[galena]

Outstanding presentation. The Tunnel Rats were a different breed of cats. Keep shootin'

 

[27145]

An amazing post, I cant believe men actually volunteered to do this.

 

[ARMinSC]

Now I know where S&W got the idea for the Governor, it wasn't from Taurus.

Just kidding! Thanks for the post, this is exactly why I visit this forum.

 

[Sebago Son]

TG Holster Rig....

Chuck, interestingly the holster rig shown as worn by the gutzy troop with the TG pretty clearly at 1:02 of Gunny's clip looks to be a Brauer Brothers shoulder rig.... complete with undyed leather and elastic straps... Or given that brief glimpse, it's also possible that this holster is a Heiser No. 22....

 

[JayCeeNC]

Amazing job on the research, and great info!
History like this is why I keep coming to the Forum and reading the Journals.

 

[northslope]

Awesome post!

--Neill

 

[Combat_Diver]

Very informative post, thanks.

CD

 

[dnonac]

Amazing post Chuck.
I can't wait to see more on this historical project. And to think you actually found it on GB! Wow...it proves there is still hope for the rest of us to find unusual and rare guns.
Thanks,
Craig...

 

[29-1]

Very informative post, thanks.

CD

CD, first thank you for your service. I have some clips of modern day tunnel rats in Afghanistan. I'll try and find them and post. Except for about 40 years passing little has changed technique/weapon wise. Stay safe.

Chuck

 

[BE Mike]

This is a fascinating story. These special guns and rare guns are fantastic to see and read about, but I always found that the best story is in the people who possessed and used them. You provide both.

 

[TACC1]

Thanks for posting. I had no idea...

 

[Flint Ridge]

Well I guess you could call it an addiction, more like a way of life actually after all these years, close to 40 now.

I was waiting for someone to ask how it came to me. I found it on GB being sold as a 29-2. It had an unmarked cylinder and barrel with smooth target stocks. Having an S serial # made me take a chance on it being a late S series 29-2 as that is my interest these days. I always request a letter on any S&W I acquire and what a nice surprise I got when the letter came back. You just never know what you really have until you get a letter.
Chuck

GB - Now that's funny. But an S as you noted would be worth the effort anyway. "Nice Surprise" - seems like an understatement - you just won the S&W Lottery.

 

[mc5aw]

Chuck ... You've inspired me to re-read my tattered paperback copy of "The Tunnels of Cu Chi" ... Thank you once again.

 

[mike from st pete]

Why?

Very interesting story about a highly specialized gun.

Perhaps it's just me, but I feel a little uncomfortable about a gun with a plugged barrel that is functional in every other way. I understand that the solid barrel was required for BATFE compliance, but that firing pin would be gone (or shortened) if it was mine.

Buck

Quite an article, thank you.
Why does the barrel have to be plugged? Just 'cause they say so or is it because it is too quiet?

 

[29-1]

Quite an article, thank you.
Why does the barrel have to be plugged? Just 'cause they say so or is it because it is too quiet?

Hi Mike, good question. The original TG barrels were smooth bore and those are illegal to own unless the gun has been declared a C&R by the BATF and it has not been because all but three have not surfaced and there have been none in private hands so there has been no application to the BATF to have this gun declared a C&R. I may actually start that process if it looks like it might be a possibility. Another reason is because the gun would be classified the same as a sawed off shotgun which is also illegal. If I had had my gunsmith simply rifle the barrel then it would have been ok left unplugged, but I wanted to keep as close to the original design as possible. It will never be fired because there is no available ammunition and I only plan to put it on display so having a plugged/inop barrel is no real concern.
Regards
Chuck

 

[boykinlp]

This is another reason I enjoy this forum so much. You could not see these kinds of things anywhere else. Very interesting information. The way in which you came into this piece is fantastic. It is as if you won a lottery. Like getting a gun lettered to Wyatt Earp. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Thuer]

It dont happen often. But this is realy an revolver I havent seen yet.
Thanks for the information.

 

[dacoontz]

Chuck, outstanding post. I will be adding my "like" as well to add this one to the notable thread index. This may be obvious but this has to be the only gun I have ever seen that expected the cartridge to essentially contain it's own pressure. Interesting idea. Maybe we'll see this one in Boise next summer.