At various times various models of S&W revolvers have been offered with 6.5" barrels. Some models, like the Model 29, used the 6.5" length while others, such as the Model 57, used the 6" barrel. The Model 27, on the other hand, was made in both lengths although the 6" is far, far more commonly seen.
In 1978 S&W standardized all lengths at 6" and those models that were offered in the 6.5" barrel length had to conform to the new policy. To me the extra 1/2" was noticeable and I always felt the 6.5" barrel was just a tad more sophisticated looking than the 6" tube.
I have four S&Ws with 6.5" barrels:
A run of the mill M29-2 from the 1970s.
A Model 25-2. The serial suggests a 1980 date but it has the 6.5" barrel supposedly phased out in 1978. Most likely they used up old barrels in inventory so it took a few years to make the transition.
A pre-27 "357 Magnum" with the scare 6.5" barrel. I looked for one of these for at least 10 years before breaking down and paying way too much for this one. One man who saw it remarked that the red insert front sight and white outline rear sight must have been added but these optional features were available beginning in 1953 and I see no reason to believe the gun is not factory original.
A 32-20 Military & Police Model. The long barrel and round butt seems an odd combination but many early S&Ws were made this way. The stocks are post 1968 and are way too new for this old gun and I am searching for an older set to look right.
In 1978 S&W standardized all lengths at 6" and those models that were offered in the 6.5" barrel length had to conform to the new policy. To me the extra 1/2" was noticeable and I always felt the 6.5" barrel was just a tad more sophisticated looking than the 6" tube.
I have four S&Ws with 6.5" barrels:
A run of the mill M29-2 from the 1970s.
A Model 25-2. The serial suggests a 1980 date but it has the 6.5" barrel supposedly phased out in 1978. Most likely they used up old barrels in inventory so it took a few years to make the transition.
A pre-27 "357 Magnum" with the scare 6.5" barrel. I looked for one of these for at least 10 years before breaking down and paying way too much for this one. One man who saw it remarked that the red insert front sight and white outline rear sight must have been added but these optional features were available beginning in 1953 and I see no reason to believe the gun is not factory original.
A 32-20 Military & Police Model. The long barrel and round butt seems an odd combination but many early S&Ws were made this way. The stocks are post 1968 and are way too new for this old gun and I am searching for an older set to look right.
