Post by "DoubleAction" on Mar 28, 2004 17:31:55 GMT -5
The S&W Model number suffix notes a change in that particular model's design. In the case of the 29-3,which was introduced in 1982, the most significant change was eliminating the cylinder's counterbored chambers and the pinned barrel. The reasoning to eliminate the recessed cylinders, other than production costs, which S&W has never admitted to in my books, was the strength in ammunitiuon cases did not require the added support. In the case of the pinned barrel, the screw threads seemed to be sufficient in securing the barrel to the frame, and there was no need to continue pinning the barrel to the frame. The grip stocks seemed to change in design, as well. Other than these changes, the 29-3 bore the same resemblance to the 29-2, which was manufactured from 1979 until 1982, using the standard 6" inch length standard barrels. 
