Model 29 - 6-1/2" vs. 8-3/8" Barrels

[muddocktor]

I vote the 6"/6 1/2" barrel model for a couple of reasons. First, I find it to balance a little better. Second, the 29s in 6" or 6 1/2" seem to be appreciating in price faster than the longer barrel 29s, so get it now and then get the 8 3/8" later.

You KNOW you want both!

 

[MiGS]

For "ogling" purposes, Dirty Harry carried a 6 1/2". That is the one I recently purchased.

Travis Bickle blew a dudes hand clean off with an 8 3/8

 

[Step N. Mud]

either barrel length will make ya happy. I usually like the shorter 3", 4" barrels, but have a 6" and 8 3/8" Classic. I seem to shoot the 6.5" the best at the 25 yds. range, can't explain it. Still, if going on a hunt, I'd probably take the 8 3/8", just cause.

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

I had an 8 3/8 and I now I have a 6". The 8" was great and easier to shoot but I have a thing for 6" barreled revolvers. The 6" will almost always go for more and be more desirable than the 8" but it is up to you which one you want the most but I would recommend the 6" first because they seem to be going up in price and the 8" has been slow from my observation.

James

 

[F75gunslinger]

I voted for the 8 3/8s since you said it would be a range and eye candy gun. For carrying I would have said something shorter would be better. If it's a range only gun..the longer sight radius and longer tube will be a better option. It can help control the recoil and make it more comfortable to shoot more. I've got a 629-1 in the long tube with a 2x scope, and it doesn't beat me up at all.

 

[jimsguns]

Hey guys...you voted for the 6-1/2" Model 29 and that's what I got! She's a lightly used Model 29-10 50th Anniversary manufactured in 2006. 8-3/8" 29 on the radar for next year.Thanks for your votes!

 

[jack the toad]

Since 4" wasn't an option, I voted 6.5.
Congrats on your new 29.

 

[muddocktor]

Sweet looking 29, jimsguns! I know you will enjoy putting rounds downrange with that.

 

[at_liberty]

I just shot my 629-1 6" on Saturday and would think a gun like that should satisfy any penchant for long barreled guns. I have an 8 3/8 N-frame in a 657 41 Magnum with scope that I rarely shoot. I am not young enough, strong enough, and steady enough to hold that gun on target with the nervousness imposed by the view through the scope. The holster for it is a monster cross draw. I value them both but think the 6" is the baseline gun for that caliber.

 

[bcc629]

I had a 629 in 6" and 8-3/8" long ago. I think the 6" handled much better. The longer barrel puts a lot more recoil into your hand for one thing.

 

[arjay]

I've found that over the years my revolvers got shorter and I prefer a 4" gun,though the longer barrels soak up magnum recoil better.

 

[DR505]

Good choice! Here is a 6" 29-3 I picked up brand new in '87:

It really is the best barrel length for both carrying and getting the most out of the cartridge. I've shot 8 3/8" and 4" as well, and own the 4", but 6" is just right.

 

[M29since14]

Everything is a compromise. The 4-inch if nicer to carry, and a great looking piece of metal, but too mean to shoot much. The 6-inch or 6.5-inch gun always seemed the best of both worlds to me. I could always shoot it a little bit better than the 8-incher.

 

[Cleveland48]

I have the 29 -3 with 8 3'8 barrel. My dad gave to me. Killed my second handgun deer with it this year. Shooting factory federal fusion 240 gr. It is extremely accurate to 100 yards.

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