29-2 Question

[blanda1]

Looking at my last couple of issues of the BB of Guns I just noticed something. The Smith and Wesson 29-2 shows barrel lengths of 4", 5",6.5" and 8 3/8". Why do they not list the 6" barrel length? Seems a little strange to me. Is this an over-site or is there any scarceness to this barrel length?

 

[Doug M.]

I believe that the 6" length came after the 29-2, which would explain your observation. Until S&W standardized on 6" N frames, they were mostly if not entirely 6 1/2". Certainly the transition was about that time, or soon after. Take a look at the descriptions for the 29-3 and 29-4 and I suspect you'll see the transition in there somewhere.

 

[Doc44]

They probably don't list it (although it should be listed) because it first appeared in 1979 (and the 6 1/2-inch was discontinued). The 5-inch was never cataloged although an estimated 400 44 Magnums were produced in this barrel length. The 29-2 was produced with a 6-inch barrel for about three years as the 29-3 appeared in 1982.

Bill

 

[Art Doc]

As Doc44 stated, the 29-2 was indeed produced in both 6.5" (1962-1979) and 6" (1979-1982) lengths.

I recall perusing the BB of GV a few years ago and it clearly said the 19-3 with a 2.5" barrel was never offered in nickel finish. So I sent a photo of mine to the publisher. Just because it's in a book doesn't mean it's correct.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Yep, I can swear to it. I have blued 29-2s in 6" and 6-1/2"bbl, both from the 70s. Both are 3Ts. Although not as rare as the 6", I still like the looks and feel of the "Dirty Harry" 6-1/2"!

 

[MN2944]

I also have a P&R, 3T, 6" 29-2. I'm the original owner, so that's how it came from the factory. I really like the look and balance of the 6" It's not the exact Dirty Harry gun, but every bit as nice, in my opinion.

 

[Doc44]

The 6 1/2-inch barrel was replaced by the 6-inch barrel for the Model 25-2 and 29-2 when S&W standardized the N-frame barrel lengths at 4, 6, and 8 3/8-inches in 1979. These models were manufactured with a 6-inch barrel until sometime in 1982 when the -3 model variation was introduced.

Bill

 

[bigtubby]

So condition being equal two 29-2's made a year apart one 6 1/2" and one 6" which is more valuable?

 

[Doc44]

Personally, I would always take a 6 1/2-inch over a 6-inch Model 29-2.

Bill

 

[rbmac52]

Both are nice guns, but the 6-1/2" barrel length is iconic (not to mention, it DOES look better proportioned).

If you can only have one, THAT'S the one!