Model 29 and 6 or 6 1/2 inch barrel

[SWBigBang]

From what I have learned so far from this site is in general there are many different years of manufacturing with the early years more for collecting and later years more for shooting.

Where does the 6 inch and 6 1/2 barrel length fall?

What years have each and does a 6 1/2 barrel only exist on the "collector" side and the 6 inch barrel on the "shooter" side?

I read in another thread that even though there is a 1/2 inch difference it makes a big difference ascetically and I am really looking for the 6 1/2 barrel.

 

[toroflow1]

I believe the 6.5" barrel was discontinued in favor of the 6" barrel on 29-2s in the 1978-79 timeframe.

 

[Doc44]

The 6 1/2-inch barrel was standard on the 44 Magnum/Model 29 from 1955-1978. The barrel length was standardized at 6-inches for N-frame revolvers in 1979 and the 6 1/2-inch length was eliminated for the Model 29. The 6-inch barrel was standard until 1999 when the Model 29 was dropped from S&W's catalog. In 2002, S&W's 150th anniversary Model 29-8 has a 6 1/2-inch barrel that continues today with the Model 29-10 that was introduced in 2006.

You find shooter grade and collector grade in each barrel length (although collectors favor the earlier or 6 1/2-inch barrel length).

Bill

 

[manderson]

The 6 1/2-inch barrel was standard on the 44 Magnum/Model 29 from 1955-1978. The barrel length was standardized at 6-inches for N-frame revolvers in 1979 and the 6 1/2-inch length was eliminated for the Model 29. The 6-inch barrel was standard until 1999 when the Model 29 was dropped from S&W's catalog. In 2002, S&W's 150th anniversary Model 29-8 has a 6 1/2-inch barrel that continues today with the Model 29-10 that was introduced in 2006.

You find shooter grade and collector grade in each barrel length (although collectors favor the earlier or 6 1/2-inch barrel length).

Bill

Yes, but a little more detail please. What year was the 29-3 introduced, and how many years would this equate to the 29-2 being manufactured with the 6 inch barrel? I also prefer the 6-1/2", but as time rolls on, the 6 inch could be considered more collectible as fewer were made.

 

[Doc44]

The Model 29-3 was introduced in 1982. The Model 29-2 with a 6-inch barrel was produced from 1979-1981 (approximately 3 years depending on when in 79 29-2s with a 6-inch barrel were first shipped and when in 82 the 29-3 started to be shipped...I am sure the changes overlap).

I have learned most anything can become collectible. In the 60s and 70s you could not hardly give away a Model 27 with a 3 1/2-inch barrel or a Model 58 in 41 Magnum. These guns are highly collectible now.

Bill

 

[SWBigBang]

From what I am reading, I am not uncertain if that means that a 29-2 has been known to be available in both a 6 inch and a 6 1/2 inch barrel.

Are there models that have both but most have either or?

 

[Doc44]

S&WBigBang...the Model 29-2 with a 6 1/2-inch barrel was produced from 1962 to 1978. The 29-2 with a 6-inch barrel was produced from 1979 to 1981 and the Model 29-3 was introduced in 1982.

Bill

 

[bmhiii]

SWBigBang,

Looks like you're getting into this thing pretty good! Good questions seeking info (I'm learning some stuff watching your threads!). I suggest you pick up a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition. Lot's of good info there and fun to have on hand when someone says Model 13, for example, and you wonder what that is.

I've opened mine a thousand times in the 5 months....

Amazon has a pretty good price on them.

Have fun!