I have been looking mostly at the traditional Clint East style Model 29 with the 6 1/2 barrel but have been noticing some very sharp looking ones with the 8 3/8 inch barrel with very attractive prices to match and finding it hard to decide which to choose.

Unless someone is going to offer a two for one sale I am going to have to choose only one and a very big gun show is coming to town in two weeks.

What are the pros/cons between the 6 1/2 inch barrel compared to the 8 3/8 inch barrel?

I am seeing the 8 3/8 barreled 29s going for a bit less than the 6 1/2 so am assuming the 6 1/2 is more desirable amount collectors.

This item would only be used sparingly with mild magnum loads mostly at distances of 10-50 yards max (maybe 100 yards on very rare occasions).

In general, more shooters like the 6 1/2 inch barrel on these big guns, and that was the original length for the first .44 magnum; it was also the standard length for the postwar N-frames of any caliber. The 8 3/8 models were eventually offered because there was a market for them among hunters and long range target shooters in the late '50s/early '60s. I happen to think long tubes are extremely cool, but I acknowledge they make for a big and ungainly gun. I have both a Pre-27 and a Model 57 no dash with the long barrels and love them both. But if I were going to pick up an early .44 Magnum, I think I would go for the 6 1/2 inch barrel.

And don't forget there are some four-inch barrels to be found among the early .44 Magnums, though they are uncommon. A lot of .44 Magnum shooters will tell you that a four-inch barrel is all you need for accuracy at any reasonable distance.

Whichever one you get, you are bound to like it. But if you want to play it safe and pick one up that you could turn around quickly in a financial emergency, the 6 1/2 would be a little more marketable.

Two cents worth from me, and worth every penny you paid for it.

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David Wilson

Addressing the pros and cons, the obvious things that come to mind seem to work out just as one might expect. The 8-inch gun is awkward, to me. I have trouble shooting the guns as well as the shorter ones, probably a matter of forearm strength. The weight difference is not great, but at arms length, the extra ounces do seem to add up quickly.

If your vision is not the greatest, the extra distance between front and rear sight might not be helpful to you. It isn't for me.

The good thing is the 8-inch gun is by far the mildest of the three, in terms of recoil. I have never heard anyone complain much about the recoil of an 8-inch 29.

None of the drawbacks are pronounced, and the long guns are fun to toy around with. On the other hand, 6.5-inch guns are not hard to come by, and if that is what you really want, why not spend the few extra bucks and get the right one?

If you are buying a gun both to shoot and to "collect," the only ones I know of that are of any particular interest are the ones made shortly after the barrel length was first introduced. But remember, the long barrel attracted quite a bit of interest and some guns were rebarrelled, so buying an early one requires a little expertise to be sure you are buying an original gun, not one returned for service.

Thanks for some very insightful information.

I have both, a 629 with 6" barrel, and a blue 8 3/8" 29 I like the longer barrel better for the extra length between the sights. The first 29 I ever shot was a 6.5 length barrel and it was like baby bears bed it was " Just Right" Jeff

I would go with the 6 1/2 incher. The long tubes are cool but if you want to sell it down the road the shorter tube's will sell faster. I do have a 27-2 and a 57 in the 8 3/8 incher's, they shoot well but they are a bit akward to lug around!

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Stay safe people!

My 29-2 (1974 issue) had a 6/5" barrel. It was very well balanced, extremely accurate, and carried well, especially in a shoulder rig. I used to shoot it a lot, and it was very accurate to something over 100 yards (that will vary with the shooter). I really loved that gun, carried it for years - sadly, it was amongst a large number of guns stolen about 10-12 years ago, none of which was recovered. Overall, I would recommend the 6.5" barrel on a 29 (it is also, IMHO, the most aesthetically pleasing version of the 29). That being said, I bought an 8 3/8" 27-2 a year or two ago, and the longer barrel has really grown on me. Great accuracy, and pretty nice aesthetics. The only drawback is that it is a bit awkward to carry; however, I haven't really had any problems with it in a belt holster, and there is no real difference between handling the barrel lengths if you use a good shoulder rig. I still plan to buy a 6.5" 29-2 one of these days to fill the vacancy in my old one's presentation case; however, I am seriously thinking of getting one in 8 3/8", also. BTW, back in the '70s (when nobody, including dealers, could obtain 29s in any barrel length without an act of God), the most highly sought after (and rarest) barrel length was 8 3/8", even after Dirty Harry came out. Almost nobody wanted a 4" 29 back then, interesting how things change.

All good reasons for the 6-1/2" but when I shoot full house
loads,I prefer the longer barrel because it does dampen the
recoil. I like the longer sight radius and I think it looks great
but I don't carry it,either. I really like 44Magnum full house,factory ammo ACCURACY--it's tops for me. Pete

Thanks again for all the good information.

On Model 29's I have a 6.5 inch barrel and (2) with 6 inch barrels. I can talk about the longer tube because I have a 629 with 8 3/8 inch barrel which is the same gun in stainless. I also like long tube guns very much with the 8 3/8 inch barrel as I have a 27-2, 14-4, 17-4 in the 8 3/8 barrel length. On the model 29/629 I prefer the shorter barrel lengths of 6.5 or 6 inch better because I think they balance better in the hand and the 6.5 inch barrel still gives you a great sight radius and sight picture.

My own $.02 I prefer the 6.5" for looks and shooting. I am with Art, I believe they are better balance in both appearance and handling.

If you're going to buy at a gun show, I would wait & see what the sellers have to offer. Go check the completed auction on AA/GB to get a good idea of how much they are selling for.

Yes there is more demand for the shorter bbl, and they are slightly more practical; but, if you are on the fence about it, I wouldn't let the extra 1 7/8" become a deal breaker. I'd rather have a good deal on an 8 3/8 that was in excellent cond. than an average deal on a 6.5" in good condition.

I actually did this for both and am ready for the show about 10 days away.

This is excellent advice because when you search on "Completed Auctions" you will find a HUGE difference between "asking" price and "selling" price and that goes for items in mint condition with and without box and papers.

In fact, if you do the search on Completed Auctions and order by "Highest Price" you will see numerous auctions re-listed without any bids on the high end. I was happy to see the majority of items sold in mint condition with box and papers for between $700 and $800 and mint ones with no box or papers for around $600.

There are a lot of guns on GB that just sit there with very high prices and never sell. It doesn't cost them anything to post them and just hope that some guy comes along and pays them way to much for the gun. I bought my Model 29-2 with 6.5 inch barrel that was in 96% condition with presentation case from a forum member for $650. I had to send the presentation case to Joe to have it redone but it was still worth it.

Was that fairly recent or a long time ago?

Attended the show and got to handle the 8 inch barrel and thought it was GREAT.

Unfortunately no 6 1/2 inch available for comparison.

Now, it will probably go down to price and condition as to which i will gravitate to.

It's too bad you can't buy both and money left over for a 4". I like them all. The "Dirty Harry Special", the 6 1/2, I think, is the the best looking one of them all. Nothing wrong with the long nose either.

Rod

A "mild magnum load" - wow. We have sure come a long way.

I own a 29-2 nickel 6 1/2 and a blued 29-3 8 3/8. I have been shooting both a lot lately because I'm working hard on my Revolver marksmanship. I'm getting pretty deadly at 50 yds with the 8 3/8 barrel from a solid rest. The 6 1/2 would be easier to wear w/ a holster. When I'm hunting varmints/pigs etc. I usually carry the pistol, holstered in my hand, because I hate belts around my not so slim waist. I can shoot the longer barrel better. I can pack the shorter barrel easier. I usually head out the door w/ the 8 3/8s so I don't scratch the nickel on the 6 1/2. The only pig I've shot so far was with a custom 29 in 45 Colt w/ a 5 inch barrel. So, go figure. This response probably doesn't help you very much. If I could only have one 44 Mag it would be a 6 inch barrel. Dread the thought.

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beaver

[QUOTE=SWBigBang;1088217]

Unless someone is going to offer a two for one sale I am going to have to choose only one and a very big gun show is coming to town in two weeks.

Buy the one you like now, and then buy the other 2 or 3 later. Not enough money? are you still eating?? LOL these guns have gone up in value and will probably continue to go up.
I bought a Lew Horton in 3" for about $350, approx. ten years ago.
Worth a lot more now.

I've got some of each and I wouldn't want to have to choose between the two lengths, they both have their place. But these days I think I prefer 4 or 5 inch for short barrels and love the 8-3/8 barrels. The 6" are a good compromise but I rarely buy any of that length these days.

I've owned a 4", 5",6", several 6 1/2" and two 8 3/8" 29s.

The 8 3/8" are nice to shoot but a pain to pack, even my 8 3/8" shoulder holster with its belt loop. I'm a short 5'8" and the shoulder holster goes well down my thigh. I can't see myself owning another 8 3/8 inch N frame.

For packing the 6 1/2" are fine and, for me, they still are not bad to shoot. It was popular with good reason.

The 5" is pure perfection. It packs well on my belt and it is pleasant to shoot. I'm surprised the 5 inch length wasn't the standard.

So for me 5, 6 or 6 1/2 inches is the way to go.

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Bill Bates

6 1/2 = Harry Callahan
8 3/8 = Travis Bickle

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Smith, and Wesson, and Me!

I know where there is a 10 inch 29-3 if you are into real artillery. It's pretty reasonable too. I thought out buying it myself and having the barrel trimmed down to 5-inches.

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Vaya con Dios

Wow, who resurrected this old thread.

I never was able to obtain one for a good price, but still continue to keep an eye opened at the gun shows.

One day I may come across one for a good price. Whether it be a 6 or 8 inch, I may pick it up depending upon condition.

I owned and used a Mod 29-2, 8 3/8 inch for over 40 years. The longer barrels helps reduce recoil and provides a better sight picture. On the other hand, due to its length, it is hard to carry. I solved that problem with a cross draw holster. The 6 1/2 inch barrel is better balanced, easier to carry and fun to shoot, but does result in a little more recoil.

If I were looking for a Mod 29-2 and I am, I would want a 4 inch for occasional shooting. Then I would load the magnum brass with 44 special loads.

Years ago I had a 4" and 8 3/8". The 4" recoil seemed pretty brutal at the time. So, I sold it. The 8 3/8" will help with the recoil. In the last few years, I've picked up a 4" and 6.5". The 4" doesn't seem too bad to me anymore and I like to shoot it the best.

I would look out for a good deal. I don't think you can go wrong with any barrel length. There are pros and cons for each.

After you pick one, if you decide you don't like it, sell it and get another.

It's not like a marriage...

I love my 6 1/2" barrelled Model 29-2, which I like to refer to as simply "Callahan". It's a fabulous shooter, and looks great doing it!

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