MODEL 29-1 & 29-2 5" barrel

[Claymore33]

Why did S&W change the Model 29 5" barrel from tapered barrel to full lug on 29-6 .
I have seen here that there were only 500 Model 29-1 and -2 with 5" made . How many 29-6 5" with full lug were made.
I own 2 Model 29 4" and carry them on horseback in Montana grizzly bear country. But think 5" would be the perfect length for accuracy. 6" is to long to holster for me.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The very few half-lug 5” barrel model 29s were special order guns. The later full-lug 5” guns are more common but highly sought after too; careful shopping will find you one but it will be expensive.

 

[hkcavalier]

Well you certainly will get people to click on the thread with a title like that!

I believe the Classic line started with the 29-4. If someone can answer why S&W started making full lug .44 Magnums and never made the half-lug 5" a factory barrel length, I'm sure that would be floating around the Internet by now. I'm one of many on here that believe the 5" is the perfect all-around barrel length for most K, L, and N frame chamberings --- a wonderful balance of weight, muzzle velocity, sight radius, and portability.

 

[Claymore33]

I see a model 29-6 5" full lug for sale on GUNBROKER for @$1,000

I want 29-2 in 5" with tapered barrel.

 

[murphydog]

Expect to pay 2-3 times that amount for an original 5" half-lug model 29!

 

[Art Doc]

I see a model 29-6 5" full lug for sale on GUNBROKER for @$1,000

I want 29-2 in 5" with tapered barrel.

Last time I saw one for sale (only time, actually) asking price $4,900. If you have fairly deep pockets start looking for one.

 

[Claymore33]

Where would you look for one. I check GUNBROKER and GUNS INTERNATIONAL. I work 6 1/2 days a week so I don't get to many gun shows.

 

[Doc44]

I believe the first full lug Model 29-4 was manufactured for Hill Country Distributors in 1989. The run consisted of 500 units that featured a 5-inch barrel, unfluted cylinder, Hogue rubber grips, smooth target trigger, and plain ramp front sight. Similar guns were also made in the 29-5 and 29-6 model variations. The Classic DX line was only cataloged for a year and featured a round butt with combat style grips.

Generally speaking, the last Model 29-2s with a 5-inch barrel were shipped in 1963. One of these in 95% or better condition will cost between $4,000 and $6,000. Approximately 300 of this configuration were shipped by S&W from 1957 to 1973, but the majority were shipped in 1958 (44 Magnum, Pre-model 29, 4-screw frame) and 1963 (Model 29-2).

In the photo below, the two Model 29-2s with a 5-inch barrel were shipped in March 1963. Click on the photo for a better look.

Bill

 

[Catahoula]

I got my first 5" model 27 in the 1970s. Been thinking ever since that a 5" 29 would be perfect. It is a shame so few were ever made.

 

[gkitch]

I have a 29 Classic with a 5" bbl as well as an identical Classic DX. The DX is so scarce that I do not use it but the 5" 44 Magnum is, indeed, an excellent all around wheelgun. Huge fan.

 

[hkcavalier]

Last time I saw one for sale (only time, actually) asking price $4,900. If you have fairly deep pockets start looking for one.

He wants a tapered barrel too. I think it'll be a long search.

 

[murphydog]

Just to mention, having a longer barrel shortened, the front sight and stampings redone and the associated gunsmithing will cost you a fraction of an original 5" gun.

A point about the barrel - model 29s came with an untapered barrel and wide rib, but as you know not the full underlug. I have seen tapered barrel model 27/28 .357s converted to .44 Special but don't know if the original barrel was bored out to the larger diameter. Good luck in your search.

 

[Claymore33]

When I say tapered I mean NOT full lug. How much do you think it would cost to buy a 6" Model 29 and have good smithy shorten to 5'?

I do own a 5" Model 27 and that is why I know that 5" is the perfect length for a S&W Magnum.

Claymore

 

[Claymore33]

WHERE CAN I GET S&W PATCH?

Also, Where do I get that beautiful S&W patch in the picture of the 2 5" 29s ?

 

[Claymore33]

Also, please confirm that S&W made NO Model 57s in 5"

 

[Nightowl]

A year or so back, I got the wild hair to buy a 6 1/2 inch barrel and have it shortened to 5 inches and installed on a model 29 4 inch I have. By the time I paid for the barrel, shipping, Wiegand front sight, barrel shortening, installation, rebluing, and shipping to gunsmith and return, I was looking in the neighborhood of $700. I decided I didn't need it that much. Now, if I could find an originally made 5 inch barrel, I would just have it installed on that 4 inch gun.

 

[hkcavalier]

When I say tapered I mean NOT full lug. How much do you think it would cost to buy a 6" Model 29 and have good smithy shorten to 5'?

I do own a 5" Model 27 and that is why I know that 5" is the perfect length for a S&W Magnum.

Claymore

Wasn't trying to poke fun, just taking you literally

There are lots of 4" tapered barrel .44 Magnums, but they're all Mountain Guns and much newer than any 29-2. I'm a huge 5" barrel fan and would jump at a MG so configured, but S&W doesn't seem to be in any hurry. Any more than they seem to want to make the 17 no-lug 5" 10 shot pinto I emailed them about some time ago...

I'll just have to get by with my 4" Mountain Revolver, 5" Classic, and the 5" 27-2. I'd have to stumble into a 29 5", there's no way I'd pay market price.

 

[Doc44]

S&W made one Model 57 with a 5-inch barrel and nickel finish. It was shipped in 1968. Click on the photo for a better look

Bill

 

[Hair Trigger]

S&W made one Model 57 with a 5-inch barrel and nickel finish. It was shipped in 1968. Click on the photo for a better look
Bill

Custom order for who?

 

[Doc44]

Colonel Cunningham, a S&W enthusiast with friends at the S&W factory. This revolver was made in S&W's tool room and does not have a model number stamped in the yoke cut.

Bill