Mdl 29 bbl. Lengths

[pfc1911a1]

Was looking for a model 29 with a 6 1/2" barrel. Some I see advertised list as a 6" were models made with both a6" and a 61/2" ? I know(think) the original ones were 6 1/2" am I correct? If so when were the 6" models made. How hard is a 6.5" to find and do they command a premium?

 

[Piwo]

I believe the switch came in 1979. I bought a new nickle one that year and was surprised to find it with a 6 inch barrel. I was told at the time S&W was standardizing barrel lengths due to complaints from holster makers. I can't say if that is true. The models 27, 28 and 57 all came with 6 inch barrels.

 

[Photog]

Was looking for a model 29 with a 6 1/2" barrel. Some I see advertised list as a 6" were models made with both a6" and a 61/2" ? I know(think) the original ones were 6 1/2" am I correct? If so when were the 6" models made. How hard is a 6.5" to find and do they command a premium?

My understanding is that the 6" were made in fewer numbers, but the 6.5" seem to command a premium and are more sought after. Even though it is only a half an inch difference, the 6" just doesn't look "right" to me. I have had several of each, and only have 6.5" versions left in my collection.

 

[Doc44]

The 6 1/2-inch barrel length was made from 1956-1979; the 6-inch length from 1979-1986. In the mid-1980s, S&W began making special runs for distributors with a variety of barrel lengths. It should be fairly easy to find a Model 29-2 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel.

Bill

 

[pfc1911a1]

Interesting

Thanks for the input.

 

[stansdds]

I think there are two reasons for the 6 1/2" barrel length commanding a higher price than the 6", even if it is a Model 29-2. First, 6 1/2" was one of the original barrel length options when the Model 29 was introduced. Second, and possibly the biggest factor, it was the barrel length used in the move "Dirty Harry".

 

[6string]

I think there are two reasons for the 6 1/2" barrel length commanding a higher price than the 6", even if it is a Model 29-2. First, 6 1/2" was one of the original barrel length options when the Model 29 was introduced. Second, and possibly the biggest factor, it was the barrel length used in the move "Dirty Harry".

Haha! Yes, the second reason was certainly a factor at that time! People wanted THE Dirty Harry gun!

By the time the 29-3 came out (early 80s) 6" was well established. So, that's something to consider: if it is not "pinned & recessed" you can be pretty much certain it's a 6". If it is "pinned & recessed" the chances are very likely (but not absolute) that it'll be 6.5".

Surprising how much that 0.5" makes once your eye has processed the difference!

 

[jcelect]

Reason #3

In addition to reasons #1 & #2, the requirements of 1968 Gun Control Act, S&W changed the seral numbering system from an "S" prefix to an "N" serial prefix. However, due to the number of guns in different stages of production, the change to the "N" serial prefix did not reach the public until early 1971. My database shows 29-2 6 1/2" #N3 shipped sometime in Mar of 1971!
jcelect

 

[pfc1911a1]

Good information,Thanks for the information

 

[T. McIntyre]

The 6.5" was my first and still my favorite for iron sighted hunting. I may favor a 5" for all around use, but the 6.5" is top dog if I know I will be out in the field.

 

[80sSmithGuy722]

The 6 1/2-inch barrel length was made from 1956-1979; the 6-inch length from 1979-1986. In the mid-1980s, S&W began making special runs for distributors with a variety of barrel lengths. It should be fairly easy to find a Model 29-2 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel.

Bill

Here is a pic of mine... S# N801***. Pinned/Recessed, Triple-T, 6" barrel. As they stopped P/R in 1981, mine dates to late 1979 or early 1980 mfg. I searched everywhere for the "holy grail Dirty Harry 29-2" and this is pretty dang close. I call it the "Sudden Impact" model because I believe that was the only film to feature the 6" barrel and speed loader cut out goncalo alves stocks. I am waiting on S&W letter and will update with a fuller write up of this interesting piece of history.

 

[Thaddeus Beauregard]

Here is a pic of mine... S# N801***. Pinned/Recessed, Triple-T, 6" barrel. As they stopped P/R in 1981, mine dates to late 1979 or early 1980 mfg. I searched everywhere for the "holy grail Dirty Harry 29-2" and this is pretty dang close. I call it the "Sudden Impact" model because I believe that was the only film to feature the 6" barrel and speed loader cut out goncalo alves stocks. I am waiting on S&W letter and will update with a fuller write up of this interesting piece of history.

Just so I'm understanding correctly... you have a 29-2 from 1979/80 that came from the factory with speed loader cut out stocks? I thought I had read that S&W didn't introduce the speed loader stocks until the 29-3 in 1981. The reason I ask is I too have a 29-2 6" from 1980 and I bought some speed loader replacements to my original "football" stocks, thinking they were still period correct. Then later, I read that the "football" style stocks were the only ones offered on the gun until the intro of the 29-3. If your speed loader stocks are original, this makes me happy!

 

[Doc44]

From S&W's shipping records...N-frame revolvers with an N-prefix serial number first shipped in September 1969. I did not investigate further to see what model(s) was shipped, but if I had to guess, I would say these guns were Model 28-2s. I was a little surprised when I discovered this information as I thought the first N-prefix serial numbers shipped in 1970.

Bill

 

[Photog]

Reason #3

In addition to reasons #1 & #2, the requirements of 1968 Gun Control Act, S&W changed the seral numbering system from an "S" prefix to an "N" serial prefix. However, due to the number of guns in different stages of production, the change to the "N" serial prefix did not reach the public until early 1971. My database shows 29-2 6 1/2" #N3 shipped sometime in Mar of 1971!
jcelect

There was a gent who ran, I believe a wholesale firearms business. I think his last name was Marble. He had connections at S&W and was able to "pull some strings" if you will and get personalized serial numbered guns. M29-2 serial number N3 was one of them. I think he also had N1 and N2, but those were, IIRC, M28-2's? Anyway, the N3 was not indicative of the normal serial number ranges.