Thoughts on the SW 629

[Specter7]

I have a buddy sellng two older 44mags. One is a 629-1 in 4in another 629 that is a 6in. Both have had tigger jobs ect... How do these older 44's stack up to the modern S&w's? Do these guns have a problem with accidental discharge since the fireing pin is part of he hammer? Any other thoughts on this issue?

[hawk81]

The older guns are better IMHO.

[S.A.]

If you really want a .44 magnum, get the 4".

[pyromensch]

how old are they, and for those of you that have heard this, close your eyes.
i have had two 629's, one i bought in 85. it had a 6" bbl. after shooting it on a half a dozen outings, i noticed that the front sight, and barrel were canting to the right. i sent it to the S&W repair center, where they straightened it. took it out for some more shooting, again, the same thing. sent it back, got it straightened, and sold it.
bought a new classic hunter 6". figured if i paid more money, might get a better product. WRONG! shot it on several outings, and noticed the same cant, starting to appear. gave it away. POS, in my book. bought a ruger vaquero in 45LC, and handload 44mag specs or better in it. very happy with it.

[Specter7]

I am leaning towards the 4in. I read the article on how to check these guns out. I believe they are 1980's guns.

how old are they, and for those of you that have heard this, close your eyes.
i have had two 629's, one i bought in 85. it had a 6" bbl. after shooting it on a half a dozen outings, i noticed that the front sight, and barrel were canting to the right. i sent it to the S&W repair center, where they straightened it. took it out for some more shooting, again, the same thing. sent it back, got it straightened, and sold it.
bought a new classic hunter 6". figured if i paid more money, might get a better product. WRONG! shot it on several outings, and noticed the same cant, starting to appear. gave it away. POS, in my book. bought a ruger vaquero in 45LC, and handload 44mag specs or better in it. very happy with it.

[SnWnMe]

The worst guns in the history of S&W were made during the Bangor Punta and Lear Ziegler eras. IIRC these periods covered late 60s to mid 80s. The Brit owned S&W of the 90s turned quality around.

Older Smiths are better IF they were made prior to BP or LZ IMO. The 629s you are looking at were probably made in the early to mid 80s.

I've had many Bangor Punta guns go through my greedy hands and most of them ended up being sold in frustration of their issues.

[trashman]

The guns of the Bangor punta era have a reputation that is worse than reality (IMO). Smith turns out a stinker now and again, but some of the nicer smiths I own ( and I own quite a few from different eras) are from the Bangor punta era. And this includes a couple of really nice 27-2's....

[Snapping Twig]

If I wanted another .44, I'd get one of the ones you're looking at. I'd probably select the 4".

Get it!

[BigDogatPlay]

The guns of the Bangor punta era have a reputation that is worse than reality (IMO). Smith turns out a stinker now and again, but some of the nicer smiths I own ( and I own quite a few from different eras) are from the Bangor punta era. And this includes a couple of really nice 27-2's....

^^^This^^^... regardless of era, each specimen has to be considered on it's own merit. Yes some of the Bangor Punta era guns were not up to snuff, but the majority (I own a couple from that era and have had others) are just fine. 629-1 would date between 1982 and about 1984, IIRC.

I have a 629-3 three inch that I keep stoked with 200 grain Gold Dot .44 Special. It's an excellent package for personal defense at home or in the woods and a fine shooter. To complement it I have a Ruger Redhawk with a 7.5 inch for hunting. Choice of barrel length will come down to personal preference and use for the gun. If it's a back country carry then the 4 inch is likely optimal. If it's going to be used for hunting, then 6 inch would be better.

[5shot]

I had a 629-1 series in 6". It was a weak gun compared to the Rugers and Colt. Had to replace the trigger and hammer as the lock work just plain could not take the beating from full power loads.
Also had a 629-5 series that was greatly improved over the -1 series. The internals were changed and beefed up. And you could see that some stress points on the frame were also beefed up.
I'd never buy a 629 or 629-1 series again. But I would be happy with a 629-5 or above series.

[Pred@tor]

My Dad has one and its a great gun not sure about the 629- I cant look at it t until I go visit him again. His has a hair trigger and its a 6" barrel I think great gun I believe it was made in the 70s.

[redcliff]

I had a 629-1 series in 6". It was a weak gun compared to the Rugers and Colt. Had to replace the trigger and hammer as the lock work just plain could not take the beating from full power loads.
Also had a 629-5 series that was greatly improved over the -1 series. The internals were changed and beefed up. And you could see that some stress points on the frame were also beefed up.
I'd never buy a 629 or 629-1 series again. But I would be happy with a 629-5 or above series.

I believe the enhanced models started at 629-4, but I could be wrong; I know the -4's have the improved cylinder notches.

Personally I look at model 29's/629's as great .44 special equivalent load guns with the ability to fire heavy 44 magnum loads for bear protection when needed. I personally like the warm 44 special equivalent loads very much (probably my favorite revolver round) and up to the 1200fps magnum loads. Hotter loads I really don't find enjoyable to shoot.

As for barrel length, the 6" versions seem more common and are nice range/hunting guns, but I prefer the 3 and 4 inch versions for carrying.

[markm]

I believe the enhanced models started at 629-4, but I could be wrong; I know the -4's have the improved cylinder notches.

Personally I look at model 29's/629's as great .44 special equivalent load guns with the ability to fire heavy 44 magnum loads for bear protection when needed. I personally like the warm 44 special equivalent loads very much (probably my favorite revolver round) and up to the 1200fps magnum loads. Hotter loads I really don't find enjoyable to shoot.

As for barrel length, the 6" versions seem more common and are nice range/hunting guns, but I prefer the 3 and 4 inch versions for carrying.

Hello OP,

I tend to agree with redcliff regarding the 29/629 being great guns for the handloader. My 629-6 is a great gun when using 240 grain bullets charged to a velocity of 1000 fps to 1300 fps. The big Rugers are a better choice if you want "full-house" magnums or more. Late model 29/629 guns can handle the punishment from full magnum loads, but the gun is too light to make it comfortable to shoot, and shoot accurately.

With 44 magnum cases, I can charge-up a 1000 fps load that is a fun plinking load that anybody can handle. By switching the HP-38 powder to Unique, I get a mid range round, that is fun to shoot and more than adequate for home defense or Sierra Nevada back country security. For lower 48 grizzly security, I use H-110 and can load the 240 grain projectile up to 1500 fps.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

My 629-6 is plenty strong enough for the loads described above.

I have a Bangor Punta gun. It is a model 28 Highway Patrolman. It was sent back to the factory after 25 years. Smith and Wesson completely rebuilt it, at no charge to me.

I prefer the 6" barrel. It has better ballistics (marginally better) and is perfect for back country security and OK for close-in hunting. Also, it is much more enjoyable to shoot than a snubby.

I love my 629-6 with its 6" barrel!! I love Smith and Wessson wheel guns. I have definitely been drinking the cool-aid and I am not ashamed to admit it.

markm

[Specter7]

I own a SW 500 mag, (AKA, THE RANGE CLEARER) I know punishment.

Interest in a Smith really takes a nosedive beyond 4". The most desirable Smiths are all snub nose, with 3" being the most popular length. Notice the lack of K, L & N snubbies for sale at any used shop. The case is usually full of 5"+ guns. A .44 is a real handful, please put a few cylinders downrange before you commit.

[giants_fan24]

I bought a 629 classic about 5 years ago with a 5'' barrel and its awesome. I love that gun great balance and dead on at 50yrds+. If I was you I would fire both and see witch one you liked better.