S&W's change from Squard Butt to Round Butt question

griffbl · #1 03-29-2010, 12:45 AM

Gents-

When in the 29 and 629 frame series did Smith go to Round butt guns? I would like to buy as late a 629 as I can pre MIM and post durability enhancements but PRE Round Butt....I do despise that Round Butt Frame (but I do know many like it)

thanks so much!

Griffbl

Allen-frame · #2 03-29-2010, 01:09 AM

Griff, the 629-4 began production in 1993. During this engineering change in 1996 ,the square butt was deleted.

So ,,you are looking for a model 629-4 produced between 1993 and 1996.

I have a 4" square butt model 629-4 with serial # BRP****

and a round butt model 629-4 serial # BRS**** that was produced in June 1994.
This should give you an idea of the serial # cutoff.

Don't forget ,you can always put round -to-square conversion
grips on a round butt.

Good luck in your search .

Regards , Allen Frane

500 Magnum Nut · #3 03-29-2010, 04:06 AM

In addition to Allens post, any older N frame will have a square butt, like the 5 screws and the pinned and recessed guns from before the eightees. Some 3 inch guns have RD butt so you really have to look to make sure. Even some SQ butt guns were modified so again ask the seller to be sure your getting what you want, if you can't tell otherwise.

I like SQ butt better too...

StingrayG4 · #4 03-29-2010, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

Don't forget ,you can always put round -to-square conversion
grips on a round butt.

Agreed. I don't care for the round butt either, but my 617 looks & shoots great with square conversion grips.

-S

griffbl · #5 03-29-2010, 11:13 AM

Thanks for the info guys! I have tried the round to square grips and they do help a bunch.

Big Cholla · #6 03-29-2010, 12:13 PM

griffbl: The ergonomics of handguns are subtle. I for one really like the RB specially in the combat grips. This is why Instructors are continually telling people looking for their first handgun to go to a range where they rent handguns and try all that they can out for 'feel'. Then select the model that feels 'right' to you. The angle of grip to bore axis varies considerably on autoloaders. I like the angle of the Colt 1911, while other will like the angle of the Ruger Mk I,II and III. It is all subjective. I tried a Para Ordinance autoloader with the double stack magazine. I couldn't stand it so never acquired a Para.

As mentioned, any RB S&W can be re-gripped with the conversion grip to SB. Just remember......the biggest factor in concealability of any handgun is the size and shape of the grip. The length of the barrel has very little to do with concealability. ........ Big Cholla