i have a couple of questions that maybe the experts can answer regarding 29/629s:

When did S&W go to the angled cylinder latch? I think I've seen 629-4s with both so I assume early 1990s.

When did S&W go from cut rifling to EDM on 29/629s?

Thank you.

Officially, the cylinder latch was part of the -5 update but as you noted, some -4s have it. I have a 6-1/2" 629-4 Classic with one. I can't help you with the rifling change.

Ed