Well BillyN, you've caused quite a stir with your interesting Model 29-2. I assume that the model no. is stamped in the yoke area along with the s/n and that dates your revolver's manufacture to 1967. The barrel is definitely not original to your revolver. Although the "SCSW 5th Ed." mentions that "7-1/2", 4-1/2", and 3-1/2" barrels have been reported", I've never seen one discussed or presented here on the Forum. There were quite a few Model 29 versions released with 3" barrels, but none were done for the 29-2. Even the later Lew Horton .44 Magnum Combat Magnum 3" (29-3; 1984-85) had the ".44 Magnum" stamped on the right side of the barrel and "Smith & Wesson" stamped on the left side of the barrel (see below). I'm not sure when S&W reversed their stamping procedure but it looks like it was sometime between the 29-5 (and .44 Classic) and the 29-10. I'm sure that some other Forum members have more info on this. I noticed too that the 3" barrel has a much nicer finish than the much older 29-2 frame, so this to me also indicates a barrel swap. However, I think you found yourself an exceptional .44 Magnum snubby revolver that most of us would be happy to have in our collection. Enjoy!
