Model 29-2 Barrel Length?

[pingeorge]

Hey guys, it has been a very long time since I have been on the forum but I need help in answering a question. I have a Smith & Wesson 29-2, blued, serial number N321609, mfg. between 1975-1976 with a 4 inch barrel on it. All I need to know is if it originally came with a 4 inch barrel? This is because the bluing looks very different between the frame and the barrel. Not sure if anyone can answer this without me going to the historical foundation. Just checking to see if anyone has the inside scoop.

Thank you,

Pingeorge

 

[22hipower]

If the barrel has an SN stamped in the shroud along with a <> you can be pretty sure that S&W replaced the barrel. Some slight difference in the bluing isn't uncommon; well lit, clear pictures from several angles might help us assess it. A letter will tell you the original configuration if you want to be sure of how it shipped.

 

[pingeorge]

Jeff, thank you for the information and I will post some new picture here when the lighting is better in the morning. In the mean time I did check the barrel shroud for the SN and <> and there was nothing there. I attached a few pics from the GB sale pics at https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1177430804 if you are interested in seeing some of the originals. Thanks again, pingeorge.

 

[murphydog]

It’s not unusual to have the barrel (and often the cylinder) on a blued gun match each other, but not the frame finish.

If you see no evidence of a barrel swap it is likely original, but as you noted the only way to be sure is a letter of authenticity.

 

[pingeorge]

I am going to submit and see what they say. It is really the only way to be sure.

Thanks Alan, much appreciated. I have attached a couple of other pictures from another 4 inch currently on GB from roughly the same era with similar looking issue. See more pics at: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1182319205

 

[Doc44]

Looks original to me.

Bill

 

[MSD2343]

My guess as well that it’s likely original. The barrel and cylinder are a slightly different alloy than the frame and that can cause color variation relative to the frame as the bluing ages.

 

[22hipower]

Looks fine to me, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome back to the Forum! You have a nice 4" Model 29-2 with the original case and tools, and it all looks original and righteous to me. It's not uncommon for the bluing on some N-frames to turn a plum brown color...perhaps due to the metal, preparation, or different bluing salts.

 

[pingeorge]

Thank you gents, and you input is much appreciated and helping calm my nerves a bit. I have a brand new insert for the case and all of the paperwork and tools are with it. So I guess I don't have much to complain about. I have gone ahead and ordered a letter on it from the S&W Historical Foundation, which I figure can't hurt to have and reinforces the providence of it.

 

[pingeorge]

P.S. I will let you all know how it turns out.

 

[pingeorge]

Still no letter yet. I expect it takes at least 2 months. Sorry for the wait everyone. I am anxious to find out if she is a real 4 inch.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Looks original to me.

Bill

And an N serial 29-2 I wouldn't letter. But that's just me.