29 with 4" barrel

SteveJewels

US Veteran
Joined
Jan 5, 2019
Messages
107
Reaction score
149
Location
Dayton, OH
I have been looking for a no dash 629 with a 6" barrel. A friend knew I was looking and has offered me one with a 4" barrel.

I am concerned that the short barrel might have too much muzzle blast and loss of velocity.

He also has a 29 with a 6" barrel. I plan to shoot it and am concerned about wear of the blue.

Thoughts?
 
Register to hide this ad
Nothing you're likely to shoot will know the difference between being hit by a bullet from a 4 inch barrel versus one from a 6 inch barrel. Both have plenty of muzzle blast and recoil with full magnum loads. I find 44 Specials much more fun to shoot and the arthritis in my hands objects less too.

I've got blue S&Ws that I've had for more than 50 years, one is a 6.5 inch 29-2. There is negligible blue loss on it. Blue loss comes from misuse or poor care. It will be just fine if you treat it well. Either gun will serve you well.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
I had a 629-(?) 6" felt like it needed front wheels. It had a longish cylinder gap of .010" I found a 4"bbl stainless for 100$, then researched the cost to have professionally switched for around 200$. I sold it minus target grips and found a 29-3 4", .004 gap. It looked fired none but carried in holster as some loss of blue became apparent in sunlight. I'm happy with it.
 
I prefer a 4” barrel for balance and its more comfortable on the hip. As far as shooting, just use 44 mag til your sick of it then shoot 44 special loads. They’re a lot more fun after the novelty wears off ;-)
 
What is the intended purpose of this revolver?

For hunting or range toy, the 6 inch barrel will be a little more pleasant to shoot. A longer barrel means more time for the powder in magnum loads to burn, so higher velocity. A longer barrel also means a longer sight radius, which can make accurate shooting easier.

If the revolver is intended for defensive purposes, house gun, woods carry for defense against an angry bear, then the 4 inch barrel is a better choice.

Best choice, buy both! Yes, for most of us that is not a viable option, but if you can, just do it.
 
@stansdds

Initially, range toy. I'm also looking for to commemorate a life event that occurred in the late 1980 - early 1981 period. A no dash 629 would fulfill that slot. Not sure what dash/SN range of a 29 would fit in there.

I had a 629 with a factory 7 1/2" barrel which I really liked. The S&W factory box is marked 7 1/2". Still have the box but the pistol got away. It was highly polished. My suspicion was that it was made with leftover Magna Classic parts.
 
I don't think that the revolvers' weights will matter much and won't really affect felt recoil. The 6" 629 weighs 46 oz., the 4" 629 weighs 42.5 oz., and the 6" 29-2 weighs 48 oz. Although SS revolvers probably require less maintenance when carried or in the field, blued revolvers are just as tough when properly taken care of. If you will be carrying the revolver, a 4" is a little lighter and perhaps quicker to draw if needed. But if price is a consideration, I think that the blued 29-2s will always bring more than 629s, and the 4" 629 will bring more than the 6" 629. With practice, there won't be much difference in accuracy or bullet speed between the 4" and 6". Just FYI, there were fewer 6" Model 29-2s manufactured than 6-1/2" Model 29-2s, but the longer barrels are still more desirable (thanks to "Dirty Harry"). Your decision really depends on how you plan to use the revolver: only at the range, CCW, or walking out in the woods. If I were you, I'd strongly consider the 4" 629 if the price was right. It would be a suitable revolver for all three uses. However as a novice collector, I'd pick the 6" Model 29-2 if condition was nice.
 
Back
Top