To cut a 629-4 Classic from 6.5 to 3 7/8. UPDATE:Wed. 8/19/09

[Allen-frame]

My gunsmith calculated the height of the front sight using the rear sight and the bore. He is really good and thorough.

I have already sanded off the barrel markings and hand polished the barrel back to a similar finish as the frame.

Squaring the barrel will be done using a small shop vise and a file.

My friend who cut the barrel has a crown cutter.

The whole idea here was to accomplish this without spending a small fortune.

I'll definitely post a range report.

Regards ,,,Al

 

[T. McIntyre]

Looks great so far.

Keep us posted!

 

[mm6mm6]

Verrrrry cool! I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for more updates!

 

[snakeman32]

I like the looks of that. I can't wait to see how it is going to shoot for you.


snakeman

 

[jrm53]

Cut Barrel

The project looks good, I cut a 681 barrel from 4" to 3" and mounted to a round butt 66 but I turned the end of the barrel true and then cut back about .020 to the diameter of the barrel rethreaded to fit the 66 it looks nice but was a lot of work by me at no cost except time. If I had the 6.5 like yours I would have left it. A friend won a 25-2 as a year end prize where we used to shoot combat and he wanted me to cut it in front of the ejector shroud, it was like cutting my finger off, it was 6" and unfired but he liked it that way. Jeff

 

[Allen-frame]

Wednesday ,8-19 09 update.

After the work last night I went to the range this morning. With the rear sight all the way down it shoots 3" high at 15 yards. Using my 44 special 240 grain l.s.w.c.s over 7 grains of unique. I foolishly didn't take any other 44 stuff, but will fire it with different loads before deciding on a direction to go with the sights.

I like the idea of the cylinder and slide extreme duty rear. If they make one lower than the factory r. sight that would be just the ticket.

My best group at 25 feet , slow fire d.a. ,,,,,

Regards ,,,Allen F.

 

[Nframe]

Allen,
that is HOT! And I 'm glad to see it shoots.


I just picked up this 629-3 5"




Yours is going to be a fantastic packing gun!

Chris

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Well done Allen- Well done. I think an extreme duty rear sight would add the finishing touch.
Two questions-Where did you get those grips, I really like them. And what does it weigh??
Also, If you want to get rid of those nasty grips it's wearing in the "before" picture, I'll take them off your hands-I'll even put a 10 spot in the mail to pay for the postage.

 

[T. McIntyre]

That turned out flat beautiful!

 

[BUFF]

Very nice concept and well done work!

I have wondered, since the first of the full underlug Model 29's were introduced (M-29-3 Classic Hunter), why S&W didn't offer the Models 29 and 629 with a 4 inch underlug barrel option. They already have the forgings which they use on the 4 inch Model 625's and others. Of all the short-barreled Magnum-chambered sixguns, the .44 Magnum would make the best use of the extra weight of the full length lug.

It would be just right to be able to choose between the standard 1955 Target profile (original Model 29), the 1950 Target/Mountain Gun profile or full underlug profile on 4 inch .44 Magnums.

 

[tdan]

I'm also curious about the weight of your finished gun. Also, what is the part number/height of that Millett front sight............Good job with the file!

 

[Allen-frame]

The weight.

Using my digital bathroom scale, the difference between me holding the gun, and not holding the gun is 2.8 lbs. I figure that translates to 2lb. 12oz.
It feels the same in the hand as my 5" 625-2 and actually weighs a couple of ounces more.

The Millett front sight is one for a Browning Hi Power, it is the only height available for that gun with adjustable sights. They do not make a taller front sight.

Cajun lawyer. Thank you for your generous offer to relieve me of those funky old grips. But if I did send them to you,,then one of my guns would have to go naked. And that would be a shame.

The cylinder and slide rear sight is going to be about $90. shipped.

I'm thinking that before I spend any more cash I might try a modification to the existing rear sight.

I will first deepen the groove in the rear sight blade,, then ,with the sight tightened down all the way ,continue the groove forward, right into the base and through the screw head.

Then at the range, with various loads I will remove height from the rear blade until it shoots to point of aim with a cross section of my handloads.
Then I will round the blade to a smooth radius, ala ,C&S heavy duty style.

Again ,all I have to lose is the cost of a new rear sight assembly.

Thanks for the encouraging words and such. I very much appreciate your input.

Tomorrow I will shoot it at the outdoor range with various loads ,,rested and see what it'll do at 15 and 25 yards.

Regards ,,,AlleN-Frame

 

[Edubya]

Waiting for results

Allen, some of us are waiting with bated breath on the results that you were going to post. We are not only interested in the results but want to hear that you and the project are still in one piece.
EW

 

[batmann]

I'll admit I had doubts when you first started the project, but so far it looks to be an outstanding job!
My congradulations on a job well done!