Model 29 - 6-1/2" vs. 8-3/8" Barrels

jimsguns · Feb 9, 2015

Hi all,

I'm looking to get my first Model 29. I've always been a long barrel (6"+) revolver fan and am trying to figure out which to get. Eventually I'll get both because I like them quite a bit - but which to get first as it will probably be a bit of time before I get the next one. Primary purpose is target shooting and ogling

. So which barrel length do you guys and gals prefer?

Fishinfool · Feb 9, 2015

Since you are a long barrel fan, I voted 8 3/8 - Go big or go home...

For mostly range use, the added sight radius helps, and ease of carry is not an issue. Some prefer the balance of a shorter tube, but I always liked a muzzle heavy revolver myself.

Larry

wolverine · Feb 9, 2015

Morning jimsguns;

Kind of like asking if you want a blond or redhead. They are both good, just depends on your likes & wishes.

In my local area here the longer barrels seem to be harder to sell so the 8"+ barrels are usually cheaper (sometimes $100.00 or more cheaper).

My personal preference is the shorter barrels for carry, the intermediate barrel lengths for range work or open sight hunting, & the longer barrels for scope use & longer range hunting.

The longer barrels usually do give a decided edge to bullet velocity.

If you are into S&W 29's then it probably doesn't matter what you get (first) as you will get the others in the future anyhow.

steelslaver · Feb 9, 2015

Get what makes you happy, but I voted for the 6 1/2" because carrying anything over is such a pain. I have a real nice 8 3/8 629 barrel in my parts pile. Made the rest of the gun into a 4" 45. I do have a 6" 629 and a 4 1/4 69 in 44 mag.

SLT223 · Feb 9, 2015

I just bought a 29-2 8 3/8" On Sat and shot it Sunday. Full power loads were no problem to shoot. Everything out to 15 yards was fish in barrel with that long sight radius. I always bought 6 1/2" guns. This is my first big bore 8". The six inchers definitely balance better, but I would say I had more shooting the 8" yesterday.

Laketime · Feb 9, 2015

Go with the 6.5 unless your planning to only carry in a range bag

loc n load · Feb 9, 2015

29's

I own both length's.....the 8 3/8's is my "deer hammer".....I have harvested over two dozen deer with it during the past couple decades.....I carry it afield in a chest rig...but normally hunt from a fixed, elevated position..if I am going to hunt with it or compete in metallic sil, the 8 3/8" is my choice...if you are planning on conventional belt carry, than the 6 or 6.5 would get the nod....either one will make you a great field companion...and since you intend to own both eventually, IMO it depend's on which you want the most now or find first.....in my8 3/8" I run my handload of the Lyman 429421 SWC over 20 gr's of 2400....meat in the freezer.

THE PILGRIM · Feb 9, 2015

I have found the 8 3/8 to be barrel heavy.
Have found the best balance in the N Frame to be the 6- 6 1/2.

Bob1943 · Feb 9, 2015

For "ogling" purposes, Dirty Harry carried a 6 1/2". That is the one I recently purchased.

ironhead7544 · Feb 9, 2015

The 8 & 3/8 inch is the best for a range and hunting revolver. Put on a set of Pachmayr Large Presentaion grips and the full 240/250 gr loads seem mild. Carried in a proper shoulder rig it is no problem in the field. For a belt gun, I would go with the M69.

Kid44 · Feb 9, 2015

Having both an 8 3/8" and 4" barreled M29 I must say I prefer the 4", just easier to carry and has better balance, to me anyway. 8 3/8" may be a bit more accurate due to longer sight radius but the 4" shoots pretty good and is so much easier to carry.

BigBill · Feb 9, 2015

I am a long barrel fan for most of my gun ownership life. The longer the better. But the 5 1/2" 6, 6 1/2" have always been my favorites. The 7 1/2", 9 1/2", 10 1/2" are my choices too.

Now comes along the s&w m58 in 41 Magnum with a 4" barrel. After shooting my revolvers with real 44 Magnum loads I expected the m58 to kick like a mule. I found out the s&w larger N Frame it's power to weight ratio balance wise is different. It's design is spot on. The 4" barreled revolvers are starting to grow on me now. I like the 4" barrels too but don't push anything shorter on me.

One more point to consider I like to shoot at 100 yards sometimes. I thought I was hot stuff with no scope. Until I read about Elmer Keith's 260yds shot with a 4" barreled s&w m29. Hickok45 did the same shot that Elmer did on you tube with a 4" barreled 44mag also.

I think every gun owner should have a s&w m29 6 1/2" barrel. Just because Dirty Harry did. As a tribute to Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan, s&w and to Remington for making the ammo. Plus Clint Eastwood gave it an awareness in the movie's. Or a craze to own one.

I voted for the 6 1/2" barrel but I'd get all three the 4", 6 1/2" & 8 3/8" too. But don't forget the 10" barreled m29 too.

I'm not fond of in the pants holsters. I like to fill a long barreled shoulder holster. The 6 1/2" is perfect in a suede lined shoulder holster.

jimsguns · Feb 9, 2015

Lot's of great inputs...thanks for taking the time!

roscoepc · Feb 9, 2015

The 8-3/8" is what I'd go for!! Why? I owned one with that barrel length and it was perfect for hunting and the range! I used a verticle shoulder holster for hunting and never really noticed it was there! Dead on accurate also using 240gr rounds!

M1A · Feb 9, 2015

Mines a 4" magna ported 629, so I would choose the 6.5. Longer maybe for hunting, a big maybe.

M29since14 · Feb 9, 2015

You'll save money buying an 8-incher, and you will find more of them in prissy condition. People must not have shot them a lot. I've seen more like-new 8-inch 29s than anything else.

If you are indifferent and will eventually end up with both anyway, for now I would shop with the idea of buying the nicest/best-value 8-incher while keeping my eyes open in case a really nice 6-1/2 just happened to come along at a good price.

LimaCharlie · Feb 9, 2015

I have always liked long barrel revolvers. I have an 8 3/8" 29-2 for hunting and target shooting. I have a 4" 29-2 for woods self-defense. I also have an 8" Colt Anaconda, and a 10 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk.

Pbchucker · Feb 9, 2015

I used to have a M29, 8-3/8". Now my best friend has it.
The longer barrels gave me great patterns due to the sight radius and the stability in the hand.
If I got another one, it would be a 6-1/2" for the slightly better overall balance. But keep in mind "balance" is very subjective and you might very well prefer the feel of the 8-3/8" barrel.
So, I voted for the 6 inch to start. My guess is, you will get a lot of enjoyment from both.

THEWELSHM · Feb 9, 2015

I like the long barrels in model 500 and 29-2. But I have the 61/2 in my 29-2 44. I love it but would like one in 8 3/8 too

Thewelshm

44wheelman · Feb 10, 2015

Yup, my 8 3/8 DX is sort of a waste at the indoor range.... I only shoot it when I'm at the outdoor 50yd+ range. Shooting fish in a barrel is only so entertaining.

So, if longer range shooting is what you're after, more sight radius the better. I've got 2 5/8 up to 10", I would start with the 6 1/2, you may find a 4" to be your next purchase... But depends on the type of shooting you like to do, and how much you care to be challenged.

Model 29 - 6-1/2" vs. 8-3/8" Barrels

Which barrel length for S&W Model 29?

6-1/2"

8-3/8"

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