Been thinking wild thoughts

[Nightowl]

I have a 29-2 that has been sitting in the safe for a lot of years. I used to carry it on SWAT duty back in the late 1970s and have not shot it in probably 25-30 years, as I am not really fond of 4 inch N frames. I have a 5 inch 29-2, but really do not want to shoot it much. Its really nice!!

So, I've been thinking of finding a used barrel and having it cut to 5 inches, using the front sight of the donor barrel, and recrowned to Smith contemporary to then style. Of course, installed with a .004 or .005 B/C gap.

I know it would cost some coin, but the most important thing is who can do this work to make it look like it was made that way. Not that I want to fool anyone, I just like the style of the 29-2.

So, who is capable of doing this project?

 

[series guy]

Andy Horvath comes to mind. Be prepared for a wait but I've always found his work flawless.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

Alex Hamilton of Ten Ring Precision in San Antonio, TX has done excellent work for me on a couple of occasions. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

BTW, I have a blued 6-1/2 inch barrel for a Model 29-2 that you might want. If you're interested in acquiring it, please send me a PM with your email/phone and I will make you a generous offer.

 

[BC38]

Why not just find a used 5" barrel and have it installed instead of doing all the cutting & modifying?

 

[murphydog]

Why not just find a used 5" barrel and have it installed instead of doing all the cutting & modifying?

Because an original 5" model 29 barrel is so rare that even the hens with teeth couldn't tell you where to find one.

 

[Nightowl]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I have sent Alex Hamilton an email, and BlueRidgeBoy, too!

 

[BC38]

Because an original 5" model 29 barrel is so rare that even the hens with teeth couldn't tell you where to find one.

Interesting. I never realized they were that uncommon.

 

[Engineer1911]

I guess my 5" M629-? with a full lug barrel was common. It is also a great shooter.

 

[CH4]

I guess my 5" M629-? with a full lug barrel was common. It is also a great shooter.

Yes, the 5" 629-3, 4, 5, etc. are common, at least in my world. I have a -4 and -5. I prefer the balance of the 5" to that of my 6.5" -4.

 

[film495]

If it is what you want and can afford it, why not?

 

[Muley Gil]

If it is what you want and can afford it, why not?

I agree 100%. I round butted N frames long before the factory did it. They just fit my hand better. For a long time, I preferred red ramp front sights and white outline rear sights, so I installed them in my revolvers. I have had .357 N frames and Old Model Ruger .357s converted to .44 Special. I'm currently working on converting a M15 .38 special to a 6" .327 Magnum.

Some folks say, "Don't alter your firearms. You won't get your money back if you decide to sell them." Well, I have seldom ever bought a gun with the intention of re-selling it, so doesn't apply to me. There have been a time or two where I had to sell one of my modified firearms. I didn't lose any money.

Make your guns fit YOU. You won't regret it.

 

[alwslate]

Why not just sell your 4" mod 29? The 4" is very desirable and should
sell quickly. Then buy a 5" model or a 6" and have it cut. A lot easier and
most likely cheaper solution.

 

[Nemo288]

Sometimes the whole process of customizing a gun to your particular (and mayhaps peculiar)
needs is more satisfying that just purchasing one, assuming that option even exists.
This is similar to what most serious motorcycle enthusiasts do to make the bike fit them and look the way they want.
I did this to a 4" 629-2 MR as I still have no intention of selling it.
Only gun I have had ported and glad I did as it is way more controllable now.
I have had a gun created from scratch as well and every time I look at it I get a kick out of knowing it's unique and fits me to a "T".

Let's hope Nightowl will show us the results of his project!

 

[Nightowl]

It is time to put this thread to rest, I think. It was really a wild hair idea, I guess. I exchanged messages with Alex Hamilton, who gave me prices and the type of front sight would have to be a Weigand. I really did not want a Weigand front sight, although it is probably the most practical.

For the record, I already have an original 5 inch 29-2, but just do not want to shoot it much. I also have a 5 inch 629-3 Classic. Plus, some other longer barrel 29s and 629s. I am not really a fan of 4 inch barrels and have not shot this one in probably 30 years.

The result is I am shelving this project for now. If I should run into a 544 barrel, (not likely) I might revisit it.