Model 29N-2 questions on barrel and grips.

[ncsurveyor]

I got a Nickel 29-2 with a 6" ported barrel that I used to carry a long time ago, than had it scoped and used it for hunting for a few years when I lived in Michigan.

Now it sits there, lonely, in the sock drawer.  Wishing only to be of use again.  Pushed into solitude by that cursed 45ACP that has taken favored status as my CCW, and by the fact that I live in a state where I can use rifles and therefore, didn't need the pistol for hunting.

I'm considering getting rid of my 45 semi auto, but I'd like to have a heavy hitting gun for CCW.

How easy is it to rebarrel this model to a shorter barrel?  What's the shortest barrel available?  Where are they?

If anybody packs the 29 for CCW, what grips do you use?

Thanks in advance.

For the record, probably push 44 Spl for carry, although I never felt uncomfortable with 240 gr Fed HydShks.

Jeff

[Mikey]

Jeff:  to be honest I believe you are much better carrying a 1911 for personal use than a 44 Mag, even loaded with 44 Specials.  People have a tendency to use heavy 44 specials for defense - and these are often found in a large size wheelgun that is limited to 5 or 6 shots.  A 1911 is slimmer, takes a lot more shots and is easier to control in recoil than a wheelgun with heavy loads. 

If you want to shorten the bbl on that 29-2, call Smith and Wesson, see if they have a shorter nickled barrel they could install and what the cost would be.  You could get a 4" bbl or maybe even a slim tapered Mountain Gun barrel they could match up to your M29 frame and then you would have options.  JMTCW.

[ncsurveyor]

Thanks, Mike.

Control issues with the 29 aren't a large concern with me now.  I can freely admit that when I got the gun, I probably had a chip and needed something that big, but after years of training, and recreational use, I've gotten use to the recoil, and I have manageable control.  Of course, its currently ported and that may be a consideration if I shorten it.

Weighing volume of fire versus stopping power is always the great debate, but unfortunately, my hand size is small enough (mainly because of short fingers) that I cannot use a double stack magazine comfortably, so I have 7+1 in 45, or 6 in 44.  Close to being a toss up at that point.

Maybe I'm just clinging to gun issues in response to trying economic times.

Probably should just keep the 45 in my pants and keep moving.

Thanks again.

Jeff

[dbriannelson]

S&W does sell barrels, but contacting them is a good idea.  Awhile back they changed barrel thread direction - I'm not close to my reference books and don't know whether the 29-2 is RH or LH.

If you decide to go with a barrel replacement, any decent gunsmith could install it and set the gap.

I've got a couple of 629-2 four-inchers, but frankly wouldn't want to even try to carry them concealed except under a parka or something when I don't expect to take it off or do any physical work.  I've got a little Kimber .45ACP that still feels too big. 

-Don

[thxmrgarand]

I carry a 29-2 with 6 inch barrel much of the time, and sometimes it is concealed under my coat in a shoulder holster - not so much for concealment as to have it out of salt spray in a boat.  The reason for writing is that I recently put on some Pachmayr (sp?) grips to try them and they are so much narrower than the S&W wood grips that the gun feels much more concealable.  I prefer the wider wood grips for shooting but I carry the gun much more than I shoot it as it is my favorite gun for walking the dog.

I would never sell a 1911 as there is no way to own too many of them.