Two S&W M 29s which one to choose?

[Old Sarge]

Hi All
I stopped by a small local shop the other night. In the case they had two Smith M 29-2 Blued finnish and both in the same condition. One was a 4" bbl and the other a 6". The way I see it, the 4" would be shorter (easy carry if I want to?) and the 6" would be more accurate at distance (loger bbl and sight radius) What if any thing am i over looking and which one would you choose?

By the way, price is the same on each.

Thanks
Old Sarge

[catmguy445]

I think it kind of depends on what you're going to use the gun for. If you're thinking about self defense and using .44 Spl ammo in it, then I'd go with the 4"bbl. If you're going to be shooting full house .44 Mag in it, then I'd think about the 6" bbl. The recoil is going to be about the same with either barrel, but you're going to get a lot more muzzle flip with the shorter one if you're shooting magnum loads in it. If you're going to carry it while hiking or hunting, I think the longer barrel would be better. The extra two inches won't make that much difference using a hip holster or a shoulder rig, and the extra muzzle velocity won't hurt anything, either.

[Indycar]

What are you planning to use it for. That is what should influence your decision.

Except if one of them is a 29, 29-1 or 29-2 (the pinned and recessed models) if so, buy that one as it will have more value.

[Old Sarge]

Originally posted by Indycar
What are you planning to use it for. That is what should influence your decision.

Except if one of them is a 29, 29-1 or 29-2 (the pinned and recessed models) if so, buy that one as it will have more value.

Both are a 29-2. Most of the time it will be used to shoot at the range. I will carry it when hunting and if I wear a coat I guess I could use it for CC. Just to be differant.

I love the big old N frames!

Old Sarge

[Old Sarge]

More likly just carry it while out in the woods. Not into the scoped pistiols idea. But I guess if the right target came up and I had it on me???

So not as an excluseve hunter.

Old Sarge

[7.62srbest]

I've had a 4" M29 for about 27 or 28 years. Plenty accurate. Some pistols seem particular about the ammo (bullet weight/type) you shoot through them but that big S&W likes all of it. Not hard to carry but with 240 grain magnum ammo it will kick. I put Pachmayr grips on it not long after I got it. That first weekend we put about 650 rounds through it and the middle joint in my right thumb swelled up till it looked like I'd broke it. Took weeks to get back down to normal.

You can't appreciate a smooth revolver action till you handle/shoot a Model 29. They are awesome.

[Temp]

I've owned both barrel lengths. I much prefer the balance of a 6" barrel on the N frame.

[gobbler]

Originally posted by Temp
I've owned both barrel lengths. I much prefer the balance of a 6" barrel on the N frame.

+1 on the longer barrel, 8 3/8" is even better to shoot

[Indycar]

I prefer the 6" over the 4". It's more accurate and has a better balance. The 6" doesn't punish you with as much blast and recoil. 6" vs. 4" weight for woods walking isn't much different.

If you can afford it, buy both and keep the one you prefer and peddle the other at S&W Forum to offset the expense.

[litsnsirn]

I'm jealous. I've lusted after a recessed cylinder 29 for years. I once turned down a 4" for a fair price, thinking why would I want a 4" barrel, boy was I an idiot. The closest that I have come, so far, is a 329PD and that is a whole seperate ball of yarn.

[cpd109]

4". It's more concealable and if you use it, you won't need a great deal of accuracy. And if you take it on a hunt, it can be a close at hand since you will be more likely to carry it rather than leave it at camp.

I have shot one once. Too much recoil for my likeing. However, in AK I'd be glad to have it, or something even larger. Good luck with your choice.

[MAINER]

I have both. If limited to one, I'd pick the 6". The 29 is a heavy piece and for me best carried in a hip holster with a heavy belt. In this rig, a 6" carries as easily as a 4".
The belt rig worn while in a vehicle would give the nod to the 4".
I've packed a 29 in a shoulder rig for a time and found it to be a pita, but the best choice for a 6" in a vehicle.

As already said, the 6" is better balanced and more accurate due to the increased sight radius. A bit easier to shoot with less recoil and muzzle blast provides slightly faster follow-up shots.

Both are desirable handguns and if possible, I'd get both. You can always sell one later if you wanted. I'm not parting with either of mine.
Both are worth two to three times what I paid for them.

On the plus side,either one is a good choice! :D

[maxhush]

For your uses, I'd have to vote with those saying to go for the 6" bbl Model 29. All other things being equal, I'd probably pick that one in any event in a .44 Mag. Oddly enough, I currently don't have a Model 29. I have a lot of the other N frames, including the uncommon Model 26 and a Model 57, but no Model 29. The next one I'd like to acquire would probably be a Model 23 (already have a 27 & a 28).

[Timber Wolf]

Don't have any experience with either one and foolishly passed on a fairly priced 6" 29-something at a show last year. I do have other N-frames though and think the 6" barrel length is just right on this frame size. I do really miss my 4" 28 though and love my 4" .45 Mountain Gun & 4" 38/44 but my 6" 27 is King of the safe right now. I am working a deal on a 4" Python so the 27 may have to share the throne. :wink: I know one thing. N frames, like a lot of stuff (Ruger Old Models & Security Sixes to name two), are ONLY going up. If you can swing it work a package deal on BOTH. You will not regret it. Worse case you shoot both and pick the one you want to keep (but I bet you keep both:D).

[Old Sarge]

Originally posted by Timber Wolf
I know one thing. N frames, like a lot of stuff (Ruger Old Models & Security Sixes to name two), are ONLY going up. If you can swing it work a package deal on BOTH. You will not regret it. Worse case you shoot both and pick the one you want to keep (but I bet you keep both:D).

And that is exactctly what I did for lunch this afternoon. Or at least put a down payment on them till I can pay the tab off on them.

Old Sarge