Fixed sight, 4" model 29

[drpete826]

Now that the factory is making a fixed sight "N" frame in the Texas Ranger commemorative, why not use the same frame to make a 4" 44 mag? With all the interest in "bear protection" guns, I think they would sell more than a few. I ran the idea by Davidsons at the last SHOT Show and got blank stares. No one there had enough product knowledge to even debate the topic.
Do I remember that S&W made such gun , supposedly for issue to the "tunnel rats" in Vietnam?

 

[Bullet Bob]

I saw a commercial 3" 629 with fixed sights around the turn of the century. In fact one of my earliest posts on this forum was why would anyone want one. Shows you how much I know.

 

[prescobd]

So, basically a Model 58 in .44 Magnum!

 

[WCCPHD]

There were a small number of 3 (or so) inch revolvers built on Model 58 frames. If I remember correctly there was some controversy surrounding these guns. I believe a member here has at least one of them.

S&W has build several "runs" of fixed sight 629's for various distributors over the years.

This one was built for Lew Horton and there were 495 made. It is a 3 inch barrel with an integral compensator. It was called the "Carry Comp" and also the "Mag Comp." (The Hogue grips are not "factory.")



S&W did two runs for Camfour Distributors. The first a 629-5 and the second a 629-6. If memory serves there were 300 in each run. They are 2.5 inch full underlug. (They were originally shipped with "rubber" grips)

 

[drpete826]

Thank you Sir! I wonder if the current emphasis on bear protection would motivate a current distributor to resurrect that 3” 629? I’d prefer a 4” with fixed sights for every day ranch carry ( I have two model 58s, but the snake shot choices are limited) but the shorter barrel is no disadvantage when Old Three Toes is at breath-smelling range.

 

[Tom K]

Here's mine, a custom build that I found on GunBroker back in 2016. A Model 29 barrel and cylinder mated to a Model 58 frame.





For reference, here it is on the left compared to a Model 29-2 4" (center) and a Model 58 (right).

 

[Nedroe]

I got bored one time so I made my own.
Mod 29 barrel cut to 3", a 29 cylinder on a 58 frame.


Ned

 

[Riposte1]

I got bored one time so I made my own.
Mod 29 barrel cut to 3", a 29 cylinder on a 58 frame.


Ned

A man after mine own heart - I ended up with three Model 58s, two had been modified and one was pristine so I took one of the ones that had been round butted. I meant to convert it to .45 Colt but I ran onto some free/cheap .44 parts and ended up doing that.

I cut it to 3.5", and there was enough of a front sight base left to shape a front sight. The gun now wears Spegal stocks, but it is hardly elegant - it does shoot well - alas the best shooting factor load is Federal 240 JHP - and it has a tight barrel/cyl gap tose loads get 1350 - they are not exactly comfortable. Target was shot at 25 yards. The mediocre group on the left was the Triton Magnum lite.



Riposte

 

[mic214]

So, basically a Model 58 in .44 Magnum!

I would buy one in a heartbeat!!!

 

[Eddietruett]

Now that the factory is making a fixed sight "N" frame in the Texas Ranger commemorative, why not use the same frame to make a 4" 44 mag? With all the interest in "bear protection" guns, I think they would sell more than a few. I ran the idea by Davidsons at the last SHOT Show and got blank stares. No one there had enough product knowledge to even debate the topic.
Do I remember that S&W made such gun , supposedly for issue to the "tunnel rats" in Vietnam?

Order a set of fixed sights from Cylinder and slide. I have several. Work great. Might have to drill and tap top strap but will be covered if you put the original sights back on