The Long-Barreled Smith & Wesson Thread

[bmcgilvray]

Who likes the 8 3/8-inch barreled revolvers?

Yeah, they can be ungainly and difficult to properly holster. They're passé these days and are scarcely to be had in the latest catalog, only appearing on the Model 629 and the X-Frame. A whole generation of handgun shooters seems to shun them. The 8 3/8-inch versions don't tend to bring as much as their shorter brethren.

This wasn't always so and the 8 3/8-inch barrel was once reasonably popular. The 8 3/8-inch barrel gives the N-Frame revolver a sort of massive grace and it is downright elegant when fitted on the K-Frame. It adds recoil soaking weight without the chunky underlug and can be an aid to accuracy with its long sighting plane. It can squeeze an extra measure of velocity out of performance hand loads.

I've purchased four 8 3/8-inch revolvers in my time and still have three of them. Who else loves the 8 3/8-inch Smith & Wesson revolver, can tell of feats of derring-do with them, or can show photos of nice 8 3/8-inch revolvers?

Here's the 8 3/8-inch Smith & Wesson family that lives here. Just took these photos in order to celebrate the arrival of the real star of this post, the new Smith & Wesson prop that Forum member CXM kindly sent me.

Top to bottom: Model 17 .22 Long Rifle, Model 14 .38 Special, Model 29 .44 Magnum







To me this garden variety Model 17 is one of the most important handguns I own. I've fired more rounds from this revolver than from any other firearm in my menagerie. I've lucked into winning a few small bore bullseye matches on the local level with it. It's provided a good deal of small game for the pot and hours and hours of entertainment. We've been making a weekly date to the local range of late, since I live close by.

The Model 14 has probably only seen about one round fired for every 50 rounds fired though the Model 17 and has led a cushy life. It's like a little rifle and is so accurate. It's participated in a dab of hunter pistol competition "back when" and also some bullseye competition. Timed and rapid fire stages are really no problem with revolvers though they've long fallen from favor on the firing line. I took my first deer with a handgun using this revolver near San Saba, Texas.

This Model 29 has seen quite a lot of use with .44 Magnum loads, both in four seasons of hunter pistol silhouette competition and from detailed .44 Magnum hand load experimentation. It was purchased with the intent to thoroughly use and has held up very well to heavy hand loads through the years. It has two whitetail deer to its credit. These days it sees more use with a cast bullet and a moderate charge of Unique. Both of us are older now.

I purchased the Model 14 and Model 17 new as a pair in 1980 and they cost me $22.30. Of course it was in silver dimes and during the time when the Hunt brothers were buying up silver. I sold the dimes for $21 on the dollar.

The Model 29 was purchased a little before the Models 14 and 17 but I paid well over suggested retail at a time when a Model 29 was not to be had. It probably isn't worth all that much more used than I originally paid for it new, being an 8 3/8-inch.

I once also had an 8 3/8-inch Model 27 as part of the set of long barreled revolvers but the 6-inch Model 27 I have was the more accurate gun. The particular 8 3/8-inch revolver I had also didn't deliver any higher velocities than did the 6-inch revolver so was later traded away. I did use the 8 3/8-inch Model 27 once to fend off an owl one night that attacked me and a friend while we were calling coyotes. Was good for a laugh.

Thank you so much Chuck for the neato prop!

[bmcgilvray]

Duplicate post deleted.

[Pilgrim]

please delete

[paperboy98]

Finally, a post I can actually respond to! Call it "Barrel Envy" or whatever, but I have always loved the 8 3/8" Smiths. I'm a big guy with big hands and they just feel "right" to me. They also look cool. I have the following, all with 8 3/8" tubes:
16-4
617
25-5
27-2 Nickel
29-2 Blue
29-2 Nickel
629
686
57 Blue
57 Nickle

I love these things. Thanks for the thread.
paperboy98

[GLL]

[SuperMan]

Originally Posted by GLL

..somewhere out there there are two Model 57s just like that...the only two S&W ever made in .41 Magnum...

Sure would love to have one of them one day...

Bob

[nsully]

Great Thread!
I only have 4 S&W revolvers - all 8 3/8
a 14, 17, 25-5, and a 53. Purchase NIB and fired them all!
Neil

[jcelect]

Originally Posted by SuperMan

..somewhere out there there are two Model 57s just like that...the only two S&W ever made in .41 Magnum...

Sure would love to have one of them one day...

Bob

There was one of THE TWO at the SWCA Symposium this year in Columbus, Ohio. Someday, maybe it'll reside with my 29s!

jcelect

[Green Frog]

I only own and have only ever owned 1 S&W revolver in 8 3/8" length, a Model 29-2. It actually came to me as a 4", but I was dabbling with handgun silhouette back in the early '80s and felt I needed more sight radius, so I bought a long tube and had it installed. I really enjoyed pulling out that old piece of artillery at matches, but it really isn't as practical as I would have hoped for other occasions, and I almost wish now I had left well enough alone. (The original barrel seems to have disappeared into the mists of time.) If I had it to do over again I probably would use a 6 or 6 1/2" barrel and be shooting it more, but that long tube does have a sort of aura about it, doesn't it?

Froggie

[Flint Ridge]

How did I miss this thread...

14-3 with some wear etc.


27-2 S prefix - should be about my birth year.


27-2 N prefix '76 or so unfired from the factory.


Bad picture of the trio...

[sophie]

I also like the longer barrels. I have a 27-2, K38, K22, all in the 8-3/8 barrel from about 1980. Sorry no pictures.

I really enjoyed all the replies and pictures in this thread.

_________
James

[mikepriwer]

Wow Mike! Wasn't expecting one of those to turn up in a long barreled thread. What a keen revolver! One of a kind? Especially made? Original to the revolver?

Bruce

I missed your response about the 8" 1899. There were two built special-order; this
one and a nickel one. This one was shipped to a doctor in New York, who used it
in the 1908 Olympics. The nickel one was delivered to Charlie Call, in the factory.

Regards, Mike Priwer

[VaRecon]

By far my favorite gun.
I love the accuracy this long barrel offers too, can't wait for turkey season.

[teesur]

I'll break one out to keep it going.
Model 25-5.
tesur.

[Kestrel]

I had always wanted an 8 3/8" S&W for as long as I can remember. A number of years ago I purchased a 6" 629 which was practical but just didn't scratch 'the itch'. Neither did its replacement, a 7.5" Ruger .454. So earlier this year I finally got what I should have started with, an 8 3/8" 25-5 in .45 Colt. Finally, this is the gun that really does it for me. I'll see about getting around to taking some pics & posting them.

[Kestrel]

Sorry to repeat-post but here are the pics of my 25-5 .45 Colt:









The condition isn't perfect but then again I'd have a harder time taking it out to the woods if it were.

[Tom K]

So you say you like long barrels? How’s this?



From right to left with 8-3/8 barrels:

M-17-4 .22LR
M-48-4 .22WMR
M-53-2 .22 Jet
M-14-4 .38 Special
M-27-2 .357 Magnum
M-29-3 .44 Magnum
M-25-9 .45 Colt
M-57-1 .41 Magnum (with scope)
M-29-3 Silhouette 10-1/2”
Dan Wesson Model 15 with 15” barrel

I found out only a few weeks ago that the Smith & Wesson M-15 was also available with an 8-3/8 barrel but this forum is the only place I’ve ever seen one. *Edit* I acquired a Model 15-5 in 8-3/8 in April 2019.





And just for comparison sake, the Dan Wesson 15” alongside the similarly sized K-frame M-14-4:

[GF1]

Smith Model 57 no dash, Kurac stocks. Who said a Smith and a Beretta don't go well together?

[markggtp]

Saw one of those 15" DW's at a local shop last weekend , never knew there was such a thing.Can't believe they made many of those.They were asking $750. Seemed high for a DW. It would look nice next to my Colt buntline, 10 5/8 M29,10"Fa 83,10"Ruger BH 357 and12" Virginian Dragoon. Spent all my $ on guns, can't aford camara to post pics!

[Tom K]

Originally Posted by markggtp

Saw one of those 15" DW's at a local shop last weekend , never knew there was such a thing.Can't believe they made many of those.They were asking $750. Seemed high for a DW. It would look nice next to my Colt buntline, 10 5/8 M29,10"Fa 83,10"Ruger BH 357 and12" Virginian Dragoon. Spent all my $ on guns, can't aford camara to post pics!

I bought the gun originally with an 8" barrel - it was the first gun I ever bought all on my own. I was in college and the first Saturday after I turned 21 in 1978 I went down to Southwest Shooters in Oklahoma City. I had already picked this out as the gun I was going to buy, after a lengthy winnowing process. I believe it was $160 plus tax.

The 15" barrel I bought many years later, don't recall exactly when or where, but I think it was about $120.

[rdcl]

Tom K........

# 4 picture in your post is one of the most interesting pics I've seen here........all those muzzles neatly lined up on that table!..........and you even managed to get the 15" muzzle in the shot!


Really cool pic......thanks.

Russ

[geodimeter]

The first S&W I bought. A 686-3 with adjustable front sight.

[Mexican Kerry]

I've only owned one long barrelled Smith, a 29-2 I picked up a week or so ago.



As a Canuck who got into the game after laws changed, I cannot legally own a 4" pistol. I bought this one with plans to cut it down to 4.25" (minimum legal length). I suppose this might be considered heresy, but I have to be honest, a shorter barrel is more appealing to me.

Plus, the barrel is less than perfect with a ring around the outside, so I figure its better than doing it to a flawless example.

[TAROMAN]

This one came to me a few months after I'd posted my others.

Added the smooth targets that I prefer on the long barreled revolvers.
Came in a somewhat battered presentation case the inserts for which Joe Cebull has restored beautifully.
Have the box all sanded ready for varnish.

[LimaCharlie]

My S&W 460XVR with the 8 3/8" barrel.



My .44 magnums.

S&W 29-2 (1980) 8 3/8"
Colt Anaconda (1992) 8"
Ruger Redhawk (2012) 7 1/2"
Ruger Super Blackhawk (1979) 10 1/2"
Ruger Super Blackhawk (1986) 6 1/2"

I like .44 magnums with long barrels and wood grips.

[308]

I too like the long ones, have owned a couple 629s and once a 657 all with the long tubes, currently have a 617-2 and a 629-5 both with 8 3/8ths barrels, I bought the 629 from a forum member here and it is a fine shooter, I have a 686 but it was picked too early and only measures 6".
No pics of them, I will have to work on that....

[Chubbo]

I have been gathering parts, and have them all now to install a S&W1.5-6x28mm scope with a Leupold Clasic Hand gun scope mount & rings, which requires drilling & tapping three holes in the frame. I chose this set up as it looks to be the most solid, trouble free Mount I have seen.
Now, I am agonising over whether to drill&Tap the frame. and in so doing, ruining the collectors value of the gun, which hasn't a flaw on it, or keeping it pristine. Should I do it, or not?
Chubbo

[MIKELUVR]

Very happy to have found this thread .......the long tube 8 3/8"
Pre 27's are my passion . I will revisit this thread and admire the many beautiful guns here for many a day

[GM4spd]

I already posted here but this pic came out so clear and detailed,I had
to put it up. Pete (clicking on it will enlarge it)

[410bore]

4 Screw Model 17 with Red Ramp Front Sight


4 Screw Model 29

[PALADIN85020]

Originally Posted by Chubbo

I have been gathering parts, and have them all now to install a S&W1.5-6x28mm scope with a Leupold Clasic Hand gun scope mount & rings, which requires drilling & tapping three holes in the frame. I chose this set up as it looks to be the most solid, trouble free Mount I have seen.
Now, I am agonising over whether to drill&Tap the frame. and in so doing, ruining the collectors value of the gun, which hasn't a flaw on it, or keeping it pristine. Should I do it, or not?
Chubbo

No. A future owner will curse your memory.

John

[Armybrat]

29-2 from 1975:

[Pointshoot]

Thats one reason I really like this forum . . . someone has probably already asked a question I had about S&Ws ! I was wondering if there were guys who liked the long barrels because recently I bought an 8 3/8" M27-2. Its my first Model 27 and first 8 3/8" gun.
I shoot a lot more 38 Specials than 357. I find the muzzle blast of the 357 to usually be more than what I prefer. (I'm a big fan of the 45 Colt, 44 Special, and 38 Special for this reason.) And, I was actually looking for a M27 with a 6" to 6 1/2" barrel. But the conditions were right for buying the long tube 27-2 and I went for it. I figured that long 8 3/8" barrel will bring down the muzzle blast as much as is possible when shooting 357. And for my first Model 27, with all that nice checkering & metal work - I'll get an extra bit of it with this gun !
The deal has been made,but I havent picked up the gun yet. I did order a custom Simply Rugged cross draw holster for it already. Its a gorgeous, just about flawless 27-2 so I don't know how much actual carrying it will get though. Thankfully there's a Model 28 that gets shooting/carrying duty.

[jaymoore]

Originally Posted by Chubbo

I have been gathering parts, and have them all now to install a S&W1.5-6x28mm scope with a Leupold Clasic Hand gun scope mount & rings, which requires drilling & tapping three holes in the frame. I chose this set up as it looks to be the most solid, trouble free Mount I have seen.
Now, I am agonising over whether to drill&Tap the frame. and in so doing, ruining the collectors value of the gun, which hasn't a flaw on it, or keeping it pristine. Should I do it, or not?
Chubbo

Not! Not with factory drilled and tapped S&Ws all over the place. Save it- if it's not too late.

[Jebus35745]

Here's my 8 3/4" reg mag. Larry

[66Park]

Originally Posted by Jebus35745

Here's my 8 3/4" reg mag. Larry

Oh, yeah! A registered magnum with humpback hammer in that condition is truly a thing of beauty. The stocks are in amazing shape as well.

[amazingflapjack]

27-2 (2) 629 no dashes 25-5 629-6 PC (7 1/2) 14-4 Aaannd-a mod 44 Taurus!!

[Fredo Batali]

Here's my 14-3. Just picked it up a couple of weeks ago along with it's stable mate a six-inch 14-3. Getting to like the long barrels.

De Oppresso Liber

[highpower3006]

I just became a member of this fraternity with my recent purchase of this M57. I really don't understand the current fascination with short barreled, large caliber handguns. The magnum calibers really need to have a long barrel to realize their true potential.

I have a 4" 29, and while I don't find it all that objectionable to shoot, the longer barreled guns are easier to get that last bit of performance and accuracy out of.

Anyway, here is my NIB M57, serial # points to a manufacture date in 1978.

[BlackSky]

29-3 I use deer hunting...

[Old TexMex]

I keep braggin', but I'm enamored I guess..

Model 57, 8 3/8-----stocks unknown maker

[had3nuf]

It looks like they are getting popular guys used to say they're not worth as much as shorter barreled guns but I can't find anything for under $600.00 for any caliber 8 3/8", here are a few of mine, now still trying to get the rest, long ways to go.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

[had3nuf]

Here are a couple more I just acquired, 14-3, & 17-4
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

Originally Posted by had3nuf

It looks like they are getting popular guys used to say they're not worth as much as shorter barreled guns but I can't find anything for under $600.00 for any caliber 8 3/8", here are a few of mine, now still trying to get the rest, long ways to go.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

[bmcgilvray]

As I get older I'm not certain that 8 3/8-inches is long enough and that 18 3/8-inches would be more to the point.

[25elk]

Got two 8/38 barrelled S&W's, a 629 that is 25 years old and still NIB and a 57 nickel plated that is 30 years old. The 57 has taken two whitetail and two javalina. All four with one shot and factory open sights. The 57 is an absolute tack driver and my most treasured large bore handgun. When I'm gone it will go to my son and I hope to hell he doesn't sell it for quick cash...a mistake I am grimly familiar with.

[tjpopkin]

I have a few....


























Sold this to Doug Johnson recently:














there are more....... I really like these guns!
Terry

[Flint Ridge]

One I had to let go...

14-3

[RussellD]

Well a fellow member recommended I head over this way and post my LNIB 29-2 from 1975 or so.

[Fredo Batali]

Well things have settled down considerably so I had some time to take a couple of photos of my eight and three eights M14-3. I've found another one at my LGS and I'm thinking of visiting today to make a deal. Here are the pics as promised quite a while ago.

De Oppresso Liber

[Malpasowildlifer]

8 3/8 is starting to grow on me; I think I need one