Model 629 Barrel length change -

[ImDrRich]

I could not get used to the 3 inch barrel on my 629-6 and thought the gun in my hand was poorly weighted. I shot fine with it, but I still wasn't happy with the feel. You guys who own and like 629s with 3 inch barrels are entitled to think I'm nuts.

I purchased a 4 inch barrel from Smith & Wesson and had my LG smith swap out the barrels. I have to say that from the minute I saw it I was really pleased - and the weight feels better distributed, too.

So, here is one "before" picture and the rest are "after" pictures I took today. I'm gonna shoot it next week. By the way, I took pictures of the barrel from above to show that the barrel has been set straight into the frame; the forcing cone is a wee bit closer to the cylinder also it seems. Different grips, obviously.

What do you guys think?

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I like the 4 inch.....The change of the latch is a nice touch

 

[jcs266]

Nice gun!

I like a 4" barrel, it's a great all-around length and I don't find it any more difficult to conceal a 4" large frame revolver than a 3" to be honest. Wear the right clothing and the right holster and belt and a 4" L or N frame can be worn all year around.

I'm an old retired guy in my late 50's and live in a small rural town. I don't wear skinny jeans or trim-cut dockers and tucked in shirts. My usual attire is Carhartt pants and a loose fitting oversized T-shirt or button front shirt. This enables me to carry almost anything easily. A Glock 17 or an L or N frame is no problem.

 

[22hipower]

I like it but I have to ask, wouldn't it have been less expensive just to sell the 3 inch and buy a new 4 inch?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[ImDrRich]

Nice gun!

I like a 4" barrel, it's a great all-around length and I don't find it any more difficult to conceal a 4" large frame revolver than a 3" to be honest. Wear the right clothing and the right holster and belt and a 4" L or N frame can be worn all year around.

I'm an old retired guy in my late 50's and live in a small rural town. I don't wear skinny jeans or trim-cut dockers and tucked in shirts. My usual attire is Carhartt pants and a loose fitting oversized T-shirt or button front shirt. This enables me to carry almost anything easily. A Glock 17 or an L or N frame is no problem.

In your 50s? You ain't old yet, sonny.

 

[ImDrRich]

I like it but I have to ask, wouldn't it have been less expensive just to sell the 3 inch and buy a new 4 inch?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Hi Jeff -

Nope. The part was cheap enough I i know the gunsmith real well.

 

[jdlii]

It is irrelevant what "we" think, it is more important that it is what you want. That is why they make vanilla, chocolate and all of those other flavors.

By the way, it looks great!

 

[SLT223]

If I could only have one gun, there's a high probability it would be a 4" 629.

 

[jcs266]

In your 50s? You ain't old yet, sonny.

You've made a friend for life lol

 

[murf205]

+1 for the latch change AND the new stocks. IMHO 44's are easier to control with the square butt. I have the same gun in a 4" and it might just be the last one I would part with. It has taken a bath(attached to my behind) in the Kenai River and got dried out next to a stove in the cabin but she has never failed to work when I needed her. It rains almost every day there and it's no plaace for a lesser gun. You have made a wise choice. Enjoy

 

[Pops9]

I am planning on purchasing a 629 soon. I've been debating on barrel length. Thanks your posts, I have decided on the 4"!
In addition, thanks to murf205, for square butt tip.

 

[RoyM52]

I'm rather surprised that you didn't try the 3 inch with the new grips before changing the barrel. The difference between those two grips make a major difference in feel and balance. Probably more than the barrel change.