The following production schedule of “no-dash” (pinned and recessed) Model 629s was provided in a letter by Roy Jinks and has been cited in at least one previous thread:

Date of Mfr.---------- Serial Nos.------ Quantity

March 4, 1980 ---- N733921 – N734074 154
March 5, 1980 ---- N748564 – N748913 850 (1)
March 6, 1980 ---- N748914 – N749348 435
May 28, 1980 ----- N776966 – N777917 950
May 29, 1980 ----- N777918 – N778965 1,048
June 19, 1980 ----- N778966 – N779765 800
June 20, 1980 ----- N779766 – N780898 1,133
January 2, 1981 --- N837100 – N839348 2,249
January 15, 1981 -- N839349 – N841939 2,591

(1) Note that the serial numbers only account for 350, not 850.

That letter also states that the 4- and 8 3/8-inch models were “introduced and released” in 1981 at approximately serial number N778000. Both Bill Cross, in his commentary, and Supica and Nahas indicate the start of the 4- and 8 3/8-inch models began in 1981.

I believe the serial number that Mr. Jinks indicates as the beginning of 4-inch manufacture is correct since I own a 4-inch 629 with serial number N780348 (June 1980). However, the manufacturing schedule above shows that production began on May 29, 1980. So, did the 4- and 8 3/8-inch models begin in 1980 or 1981? Could the 1981 start date refer to S&W’s fiscal year instead of calendar year? A 1981 fiscal year would start in 1980!

The schedule also indicates that the last production date was January 15, 1981, however all sources I have read indicate that the pinned and recessed barrels continued until 1982. I have another 4-inch 629 with serial number N852768 (outside the numbers in the above schedule). Clearly production continued beyond serial number N841939.

Also, the total production of no-dash guns, according to the above schedule, is 10,210. This is less than the pre-29 44s manufactured. Is this correct?, and if so, this is a particularly “rare bird” indeed, especially the 4- and 8 3/8-inch models.

Any updated info or clarification would be of interest.