Which Is Worth More, Model 29-2 in 6 1/2" or 6"?

range_rider13

range_rider13

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I know "Dirty Harry" used the 6 1/2" model in the movie and I believe it was replaced with the 6" barrel length around 1979 or so. Are the 6 1/2" models considered more valuable than the 6" models (both being in the same condition)?
 
They shouldn't be, but it seems they are. S&W only made 6" barreled 29-2s for 3 years (1979-1981), whereas the 6.5" was made from 1962-1978.
 
Toroflow1... that's interesting, I've not even considered the difference in the duration that the two lengths were made.

I think even though the 6 1/2" M29's were made for a longer period of time than the 6", meaning that by all rights, the lower production number of the 6" M-29 should have translated into higher value.

The premium being placed in the 6 1/2" barreled guns probably stems more from them being thought of by buyers as the original/classic length, and bobbing the barrel by 1/2" just "cheapened" the gun, making it less of a gun that it was.
 
Last edited:
toroflow1 said:
They shouldn't be, but it seems they are. S&W only made 6" barreled 29-2s for 3 years (1979-1981), whereas the 6.5" was made from 1962-1978.
Click to expand...


+100
I've been preaching this for years. I very much prefer the 6" barrel. In fact, unless I got a 29-2 with a 6.5" barrel in mint condition for $400 or less, I would never buy one. I have been looking for a very nice 29-2 With the 6" barrel for a while. I like 6" barrels, and would prefer they were all 5".;)
 
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I have a 6" I bought brand new in March 1981 which was made in December 1980.

I was considering buying a 6 1/2" which appears to be fired very little in its wooden presentation case with all documentation, target trigger & hammer. According to the serial number, I believe would put it around 1977 to 78.
 
Gunhacker said:
I think even though the 6 1/2" M29's were made for a longer period of time than the 6", meaning that by all rights, the lower production number of the 6" M-29 should have translated into higher value.
Click to expand...
Supply (or scarcity) is only half of the equation. Demand is also required to create value. The plague is scarce, but that doesn't mean I want it.

People seem to want the 6.5" because of the "classic" appeal. Some say it balances better, but I don't feel much difference. Then again, I prefer 4" barrels anyway.
 
Right now I don't see that much difference in prices between the two, however, just wait until old Dirty Harry passes and the 6 1/2" will skyrocket in price and demand. I've bought both barrel lengths in the past year with very little difference in prices.
 
I'm with Saxon Pig. I have 2 6 1/2 inch ones and 2 6inch blue 29s. i prefer the 6 1/2-but i don't know why. They all shoot great.
 
I won't take a second look at 6". It is just not the same look as the 6 1/2". I guess its just personal preference. If I had a 6", I would probably be inclined to make it into a 5".
 
The 6 1/2" is my preference. Mine measures a full 6 1/2", but the 6" measures less than; more like 5 7/8" to 5 3/4". The 6 1/2" is considered by many to look better and to be the real deal; whereas the 6", is okay, but a cost cutting measure in times of hurry up....

Rod
 
If you place a 6" 29 next to a 6 1/2" 29, I feel the 6 1/2" is more asthetically appealing. Only a half inch, but try it if you are able and I believe you will agree. Also, while only a few ounces at best different in weight, it is muzzle weight and hence handles somewhat better. I like muzzle weight in all handguns. A Colt 1911 Goverment (5") handles considerably better than the commander 4", for the same reason. Again, just my preference.
 
Maybe its just me, but I can't tell any difference without a tapemeasure. Makes little difference to me!:o
 
It is really hard to tell the difference in a 1/2" barrel length without a tape measure.

Here's proof: I bought a M29-2 from a dealer that was marked 6 1/2" barrel. Brought it home and as cleaning it up measured the barrel and low and behold it is a 6". I was ticked but after a few hours the gun grew on me because it was a really nice one. And decided I would just keep looking for a 6 1/2".

Then, about six months later I was at a gunshow and admiring another very nice M29-2 that a seller had had for a couple shows, now. I had picked it up and passed on it before because he had it marked 6" and since I already had a nice one just had to pass. But this time, I asked him about the barrel length and if he had measured it. He said no, it just looked like 6". I said let's measure and see. You guessed, it turned out to be 6 1/2" and I bought it. Now, I'm looking for a nice 4".
 
I think the "Dirty Harry" influence is still at work. If you have a 6 1/2" 29, you can say "it's just like the one Dirty Harry used." If it's a 6", the best you can say is "it's almost like the one Dirty Harry used." For a braggin' gun, that's insufficient!

Here's one that's just like the one Dirty Harry used!

29-2.jpg
 
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