Model 29-2

[Major Wader]

I have the opportunity to buy a model 29-2.

Here's the challenge - I want a 4 or 6 inch barrel, and this one is 8-3/8". Finish is really good, correct grips, no box or papers.

Is it practical to buy this one and have it cut down? What would that cost?

Or should I leave this nice piece alone and keep looking for what I really want?

Thanks in advance.

 

[greystonedog]

plenty of them out there, get the 6 1/2 its the one to have. every time anyone modifies or refinished they loose money in addition to what the mod costs

 

[gunnut44]

I would wait for the right one to come along. You could buy a new barrel and have it replaced if you get the 8 3/8 cheap enough. If you cut the barrel the roll marks will not be centered and will look terrible. I think you can only cut to 5" where the roll marks are centered. There are plenty of 4" & 6" guns around than to go through all the trouble.

 

[mjolnir2]

I would buy the 8" and then... buy the 6.5 inch!

 

[gkitch]

I bought an 8 3/8" M-27 once because it was a good deal. One of the best shooting and most accurate guns I own. Difficult to holster and carry, in comparison.
Please do not chop a M-29-2?

 

[Joni_Lynn]

They made the -2 for a good while, you should be able to find what you're looking for.

 

[CT Smith Fan]

+1 Wait for the right gun.Check the guns for sale on the forum.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I stopped at the local dealer and he had a nice 4" 29-2 in the case. almost like new in the wooden display box with the tools and all paperwork. Very nice looking revolver. N prefix gun.

They're definitely out there and not apparently all that hard to find. I almost tripped over this one.

 

[Sportsterguy]

That 8 3/8" hogleg is a pain to carry, even in a shoulder holster but extremely accurate. It can get rather costly swapping barrels and chopping that 8' down would really ruin the S&W roll marks The 4" is easy to pack, but less forgiving when shooting. I like the middle tube for all around outdoor use and hunting. Everyone is into the shorter barrels seems these days (me included) and they are very accurate but do not bring out the full potential of burning all the powder in that caliber. If you are using it for hunting many states require a minimum 6" barrel. I've been packing my 6" 57 in a Bianchi shoulder holster for years with ease and it also carries well in a Bianchi crossdraw.

It really comes down to what YOU want. The 4" is one beautiful revolver, easy to pack and also can be concealed well. They also seem to bring a higher price at the counter. The 6" would be my choice if you are going to be hunting deer sized and larger game. They also are lighter on the wallet if you're saving up for Christmas.

 

[borntoraisehogs]

8 3/8 are great to shoot. 4 inch better to carry. 6 1/2 is somehow the one everybody,including me thinks is the ONE and it is not that much different to shoot freehand than the 4 and almost just as big a pain in the car seat as the 8 3/8
unless you use shoulder holster.
Get it if the price is right. Altering it will be a mistake you might regret, but it will be yours to enjoy,most important, get it if the price is right. Worry about your preferences later.

I am not seeing the like new or NIB
or even close at any price these days. Nice ones of any length are something you have almost waited too long for.
enjoy

 

[66TAS]

Unless its really a good price, a barrel swap or cutting the barrel is going to be too expensive to make it worthwhile. I would probably pay more for the barrel length I wanted.

Of course having said that, I paid 325 for a 29 no dash with a barrel cut to 4 1/2" that was a bit finish challenged. I later found a 4" 29-2 barrel at a good price and had it installed and it is a great shooter and one of my favorite woods guns. It really just depends...LOL

 

[durco]

There REALLY IS a Santa Claus. He came early this year...... Two weeks ago I got a 29-2 (S prefix) with 5" barrel. (I'm still pinching myself.) I've always liked the 4" barrel length. But, after playing with this thing for a while I can see why people really like the 5".
Mike

 

[Notime2]

Major Wader,

I committed a major collector sin, upon obtaining my second 8 3/8ths 44. I sent it off to Mr. Bowen, for about $375. it was shortened to 5", the only difference is the angle of the new front sight. I love it!

Do it again....yes.....even at the cost....be happy

Notime2

BTW since mine is cut, yours is worth more.

 

[SWBigBang]

If its a good price, buy the 8inch. I am sure you will enjoy it.

It would not be cost effective to cut it down.

Plus there are plenty to choose from in the size you want.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I would purchase it if it could be obtained at a good enough price and have Bowen shorten it to 5". Great length and the roll marks would be centered properly. Best of both worlds!

Tom

 

[Smithhound]

Buy it, enjoy it and when you find your 4" or 6" offer it as partial trade. What's the worst that can happen? You get stuck with two nice S&W's?
That's the kind of problem I need more of.
RD

 

[M29since14]

Is it practical to buy this one and have it cut down? What would that cost?
Or should I leave this nice piece alone and keep looking for what I really want?

It's not practical, given that the lengths you want can be found pretty easily. There is nothing wrong with cutting it down, but I would only do it to obtain an odd length, like a 4.5- or 5-inch. If you're not inclined towards one of those, I would just keep looking for a 4- or 6-inch gun that you want.

If you do decide to have the gun cut down, do not be cheap about it. Send it to a professional who knows Smiths and insist that the job be done right. Hamilton Bowen has blank replacement front sights that can be double-pinned to the barrel, just as S&W did it, and he can shape the blade to your preference. The screw-on monstrosities do not belong on an S&W.

If you can get the gun at an agreeable price, you might buy it and give it a whirl as-is. There is nothing at all wrong with the 8-inch barrel. Lots of guys shoot them very well. I happen to always shoot the 6.5-inch gun a little better, but I still like to have the longer guns around. They are fun - really cut down the recoil, and they do give notably higher velocity (if that interests you).

If the price is right, I would at least give it a try.

 

[Shiloh76]

Those long tube 29-2s are great shooters. I have a 5-inch 629-3 and a 8 and 3/8 inch 29-2; the long tube on that 29-2 helps me with muzzle flip. I find it easier to shoot than the 5-inch. Don't cut it down -- buy it; enjoy it, and keep looking for a 4 or 6-inch if you want another one.