Which Is Worth More, Model 29-2 in 6 1/2" or 6"?

[range_rider13]

I know "Dirty Harry" used the 6 1/2" model in the movie and I believe it was replaced with the 6" barrel length around 1979 or so. Are the 6 1/2" models considered more valuable than the 6" models (both being in the same condition)?

 

[toroflow1]

They shouldn't be, but it seems they are. S&W only made 6" barreled 29-2s for 3 years (1979-1981), whereas the 6.5" was made from 1962-1978.

 

[Gunhacker]

Toroflow1... that's interesting, I've not even considered the difference in the duration that the two lengths were made.

I think even though the 6 1/2" M29's were made for a longer period of time than the 6", meaning that by all rights, the lower production number of the 6" M-29 should have translated into higher value.

The premium being placed in the 6 1/2" barreled guns probably stems more from them being thought of by buyers as the original/classic length, and bobbing the barrel by 1/2" just "cheapened" the gun, making it less of a gun that it was.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

They shouldn't be, but it seems they are. S&W only made 6" barreled 29-2s for 3 years (1979-1981), whereas the 6.5" was made from 1962-1978.

+100
I've been preaching this for years. I very much prefer the 6" barrel. In fact, unless I got a 29-2 with a 6.5" barrel in mint condition for $400 or less, I would never buy one. I have been looking for a very nice 29-2 With the 6" barrel for a while. I like 6" barrels, and would prefer they were all 5".

 

[range_rider13]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I have a 6" I bought brand new in March 1981 which was made in December 1980.

I was considering buying a 6 1/2" which appears to be fired very little in its wooden presentation case with all documentation, target trigger & hammer. According to the serial number, I believe would put it around 1977 to 78.

 

[No30]

I think even though the 6 1/2" M29's were made for a longer period of time than the 6", meaning that by all rights, the lower production number of the 6" M-29 should have translated into higher value.

Supply (or scarcity) is only half of the equation. Demand is also required to create value. The plague is scarce, but that doesn't mean I want it.

People seem to want the 6.5" because of the "classic" appeal. Some say it balances better, but I don't feel much difference. Then again, I prefer 4" barrels anyway.

 

[Art Doc]

Seems like a small thing but I can tell the difference and greatly prefer the 6.5" barrel.

 

[Pointman]

Right now I don't see that much difference in prices between the two, however, just wait until old Dirty Harry passes and the 6 1/2" will skyrocket in price and demand. I've bought both barrel lengths in the past year with very little difference in prices.

 

[jj2am44]

I'm with Saxon Pig. I have 2 6 1/2 inch ones and 2 6inch blue 29s. i prefer the 6 1/2-but i don't know why. They all shoot great.

 

[T. McIntyre]

I have both and prefer the 6.5" guns. They just seem "right".

 

[Nightowl]

I won't take a second look at 6". It is just not the same look as the 6 1/2". I guess its just personal preference. If I had a 6", I would probably be inclined to make it into a 5".

 

[wraco]

The 6 1/2" is my preference. Mine measures a full 6 1/2", but the 6" measures less than; more like 5 7/8" to 5 3/4". The 6 1/2" is considered by many to look better and to be the real deal; whereas the 6", is okay, but a cost cutting measure in times of hurry up....

Rod

 

[Jimmymac46]

If you place a 6" 29 next to a 6 1/2" 29, I feel the 6 1/2" is more asthetically appealing. Only a half inch, but try it if you are able and I believe you will agree. Also, while only a few ounces at best different in weight, it is muzzle weight and hence handles somewhat better. I like muzzle weight in all handguns. A Colt 1911 Goverment (5") handles considerably better than the commander 4", for the same reason. Again, just my preference.

 

[Arisin Wind]

If you see a picture of a M29 can you tell if it's a 6 or 6.5 incher? Sometimes I think I can but then get surprised sometimes.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

Maybe its just me, but I can't tell any difference without a tapemeasure. Makes little difference to me!

 

[Pointman]

It is really hard to tell the difference in a 1/2" barrel length without a tape measure.

Here's proof: I bought a M29-2 from a dealer that was marked 6 1/2" barrel. Brought it home and as cleaning it up measured the barrel and low and behold it is a 6". I was ticked but after a few hours the gun grew on me because it was a really nice one. And decided I would just keep looking for a 6 1/2".

Then, about six months later I was at a gunshow and admiring another very nice M29-2 that a seller had had for a couple shows, now. I had picked it up and passed on it before because he had it marked 6" and since I already had a nice one just had to pass. But this time, I asked him about the barrel length and if he had measured it. He said no, it just looked like 6". I said let's measure and see. You guessed, it turned out to be 6 1/2" and I bought it. Now, I'm looking for a nice 4".

 

[PALADIN85020]

I think the "Dirty Harry" influence is still at work. If you have a 6 1/2" 29, you can say "it's just like the one Dirty Harry used." If it's a 6", the best you can say is "it's almost like the one Dirty Harry used." For a braggin' gun, that's insufficient!

Here's one that's just like the one Dirty Harry used!