First a little about my revolver, it is a 6 inch model 629-3 in 44 magnum. Mu question is I would like to have some information concerning these models. First did these models come with the S&W Endurance package. And if these models did, what do they consist of, and how does this package help these models. Any help will be certainly appreciated very much, Thanks to all in advance......Ray

First of all congratulations on owning a very fine revolver, perhaps one of the most shootable of the S&W .44 mags. The endurance package started out in the late 80's, on some of the 629-2 models. By the time the 629-3 was introduced in about 1990, all of the 629's had the endurance package. The endurance package consisted of a hardened frame and yoke, an elongated cylinder stop notch (the most visible of the changes), I believe the hand was changed and a cylinder stop block.
The changes came about because the earlier models were not holding up under substantial amounts of use with heavy loads. The cylinder stop changes addressed the often encountered problem of the cylinder stop jumping out of the notch under recoil and allowing the cylinder to partially rotate. I hope I've given you the correct information you were looking for, I'm going mostly from memory, if someone has any additional, or better researched information, I hope they'll give you a holler.

Take care and I expect you'll enjoy that fine revolver.
Steve

First, if you really have a 66 inch 629-3, you have a very rare gun !

S&W 44 magnums that were being used heavily (not just with heavy loads) were having several different issues showing up that the factory never anticipated when the guns were designed. They were loosening up (endshake and side play among other complaints) way faster than their competition and as noted above, cylinders were unlocking during firing and rotating backwards one chamber so that when the gun was brought to battery for the next shot is was over an empty chamber. Cylinders were also popping open during firing of full power loads, and the hammer was rebounding and leaving a secondary pin indent in primers. There were other minor issues, but these were the most common complaints.


The endurance package consisted of (starting in late very '87 and throughout '88 with the 29-3E and 629-2E) hardening the yoke (not the frame or cylinder) and the new cylinder retention spring loaded screw. In '89 the radiused stud package was introduced to keep the hammer, trigger studs etc from breaking off inside the gun. In late '89 and into early '90 the cylinder stop notch was elongated and the cylinder stop itself enlarged to keep the cylinder properly locked during firing. Also included during this time frame was the internal bolt block that that prevented the cylinder from unlocking during firing, and eliminated the trigger "kick back" that many of us were experiencing during firing which felt like someone was smacking the back of the trigger and driving the trigger into your trigger finger.

I have experienced several of the issues with the 29-3 I owned at the time. The trigger kick back noted above, the cylinder rotating backwards during firing, and the double firing pin strikes. The endurance package eliminated all these issues and made the gun vastly more durable, though contrary to internet myth, it doesn't make them any stronger. They are still limited to the same level of loads as all M-29/629 guns, but they can shoot full power ammo regularly without developing any of their previous issues. I have owned several of the endurance guns and they are indeed much more durable with full power ammo.

IHTH

Great explanation guys, here's a photo of
some hammer bounce from a 629-1. This gun has since been back for its second rebuild. It only acted up with full power ammo this time, last time it did it with any load that had enough steam to get the bullet out of the barrel.

Excellent examples/pictures of what I was referring to. Thanks for posting.

First off, Gun 4 Fun, it took S&W a long time to make my 629-3 with the 66 inch barrel!! Must have been half a sleep when I asked this question! But as usual, nothing gets by my friends on this forum!!
Thanks' to all of the members that took their time to try and help me out, I appreciate it very much...Ray

I have to ask, is it classed as a rifle or handgun?

It would be kinda cool to see one like that IMO.

I have a 629-2 also. If it has the enhanced package, does the model number on the yoke show "629-2E"?

Gun 4 Fun, My Special 629 is classified as a Looooooong Range Revol-rifle! Only one ever made!!lol Ray

The 629-2's built at the end of '88 were the first to start getting the upgrades followed shortly by the -2E marking. They would only have the new hardened yoke, and the new side plate screw with the spring loaded plunger. To know when your gun was made, you can call S&W and give them the serial number. they can tell you approximately the time of build, usually the month and year. Check your side plate screw for the spring loaded plunger. If you have that, you at least have the first two of the upgrades that followed as outlined in my previous post.

I should have mentioned this in my other post-
the spring loaded plunger screw is the one at the front of the side plate that you remove to remove the cylinder and yoke for proper cleaning. The original version preceding this upgrade had always been a hand fitted screw. When the gun was opened and closed a lot from repeated loading and unloading, the wear to the fitted end of the screw would cause it to become loose in the matching relief groove in the yoke requiring the fitting of a new screw to remove the slop. The new yoke screw and relief groove in the yoke are different in that the screw ow has the spring loaded plunger tip that is pointed and fits into a matching V shaped relief groove. The idea is to make the screw self adjusting for wear.