6291 Barrel change

[isaactc]

Has anyone rebarreled a S&W 629? I have a 629-1' in 8 3/8" I've owned since 1985 or so. I am thinking of changing it to a 4" with a S&W barrel I picked up from Brownells about 12 years ago. I would like names of good S&W gunsmiths to have it done. This is something I do not have the talent or tools to do myself. Thanks.

 

[M29since14]

Guns from the 629-1/29-3 era are risky for barrel changes, unless the barrel is sawn off and the shank removed when not under tension. Or so I have been told, and I do have firsthand experience with that, unfortunately. I'd not rebarrel your gun unless you're willing to remove the barrel as described. In some cases, to do otherwise could end in disaster.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Have you considered call CS at S&W. They may insist on providing the new barrel. (Just sell your 4" in the classified's).

Ivan

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I removed the barrel off of my 29-3. No biggie! It did sound like I was removing a lug nut from a 3/4 ton with a breaker bar. But other than that, I was able to remove and install the barrel with no problems.
You need special tools to do it. I used a mgw frame tool and a big vise.

 

[steelslaver]

I had done 3 629-1 barrel changes. Went just like any other barrel for me. 2 of them became 45 colts and the 3rd went from an 8 3/8 to a 4"