S & W Model 29-3 barrel issue

[JohnnyB]

I just recently purchased a Smith and Wesson Mod. 29-3 in gorgeous condition. It sold for $549. I always wanted a 29, and when I saw this, I couldn't resist it. They sold the gun as a 5 7/8" barrel, but I can't seem to find much on 5 7/8" 29's.
S&W said it left the plant as a 6" in 10/86. Could I be measuring the barrel wrong? I measured the actual length of barrel with a caliper and got 5.875" Is there some other way they are supposed to be measured? There does not appear to be any gunsmithing work done to the gun. If gun was worked on, they did a fantastic job of refinishing
Also, are model 29-3's capable of a steady diet of full house .44 mag loads? I will most likely load it down to keep it comfortable to shoot.
Lastly, was $549 a good price? (no box)
thanks in advance,
John

 

[rcmodel]

You measure revolver barrels from the front face of the cylinder to the muzzle.

Yes, the 29-3 will handle all the .44 Mag you can afford to feed it.

But I second your idea to tone it down a little with handloads for general fun shooting.

Yes, $549 would be a good price around this part of the country.

rc

 

[BYJO4]

You got a good price on model 29 and I'm sure it is a 6". It will handle hot loads but I would mainly shoot mid range loads as much more comfortable and easier on the gun.

 

[pendennis]

The 6" barrel length is what's referred to as a "nominal" barrel length. You have a 6" barrel.

Keep to factory-loaded ammo, and you won't have any problems. I'd avoid the hotter stuff from places such as Buffalo Bore, since some of their ammo is loaded pretty hot.

 

[JohnnyB]

S&W M-29-3 barrel lengtb

I just measured the barrel length of my S&W Model 29-3 with a set of calipers' depth rod and It measured 5.900" (through the bore). I measured from tip of barrel to the face of the cylinder. The gun looks untouched. It is almost like S&W installed it themselves. What reason would there be for the barrel be short by. 100". I can't see S&W's QC missing that, unless it was some kind of special order.
Any ideas?
John

 

[rcmodel]

Not a problem.

S&W stated barrel lengths are nominal at best.

My 4" Model 625-6 & Model 66 measure about 4 1/8" with a ruler.
My WWII Victory model 4" measures 4 1/16".

My 6" Model 19 measures 5 7/8".

It isn't like it really matters much anyway.

rc

 

[radar1972]

Read Dennis' post #4 again. 6" is a 'nominal' barrel length. That means it's about 6".

 

[Hammerdown77]

Count your blessings that you got that one for the price you did. Some of the 29s and 629s I've been watching on Gunbroker recently have gone for $850 and up.

 

[JohnnyB]

Thanks guys, you took a load off my mind. This
is a beautiful piece with a great trigger in DA or SA
John