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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 10-30-2016, 12:31 AM
Gunnut.38 Gunnut.38 is offline
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Here is my new to me model 629-1. My second ever N frame and my first 629. I have thought I needed one of these for a while. The timing was right, I saw this listed locally and I had the cash burning a hole in my pocket. It is in over all good condition and has just returned from a trip to the factory for a trigger stud replacement before I bought it. It was also checked out and test fired by a local gunsmith on return from the factory. Other then a new hole in the frame where the factory drilled out the broken stud ( maybe there is some value in the endurance package in later models ) , related scuffing , and the fact some bozo used pliers to tighten the ejector rod (I have a new one already on order) it looks really nice. It shoots great as well , at least with the first 20 rounds of handloads I put though it.

Here are my questions:
1. Have seen many different style of grips on 629-1. Are these correct for the vintage?
2. The serial number is N937XX ,Am I correct, this would date it to 1983 ish ?
3. The orange front sight insert is dull,not as bright as my 1983 Model 66. Can the color by restored ? Has anyone tried lightly sanding this to get below the dull surface .Does someone make a replacement insert ?
4. The lower pin hole in the grips are elongated. Allowing the grips to slip forward. Is this common for heavy recoiling .44 magnums . I have not seen this before. I am going to try glass bedding the holes and re-drilling them.
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Last edited by Gunnut.38; 10-30-2016 at 12:32 AM.
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Old 04-02-2017, 07:20 AM
at_liberty at_liberty is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunnut.38 View Post
Here is my new to me model 629-1. My second ever N frame and my first 629. I have thought I needed one of these for a while. The timing was right, I saw this listed locally and I had the cash burning a hole in my pocket. It is in over all good condition and has just returned from a trip to the factory for a trigger stud replacement before I bought it. It was also checked out and test fired by a local gunsmith on return from the factory. Other then a new hole in the frame where the factory drilled out the broken stud ( maybe there is some value in the endurance package in later models ) , related scuffing , and the fact some bozo used pliers to tighten the ejector rod (I have a new one already on order) it looks really nice. It shoots great as well , at least with the first 20 rounds of handloads I put though it.

Here are my questions:
1. Have seen many different style of grips on 629-1. Are these correct for the vintage?
2. The serial number is N937XX ,Am I correct, this would date it to 1983 ish ?
3. The orange front sight insert is dull,not as bright as my 1983 Model 66. Can the color by restored ? Has anyone tried lightly sanding this to get below the dull surface .Does someone make a replacement insert ?
4. The lower pin hole in the grips are elongated. Allowing the grips to slip forward. Is this common for heavy recoiling .44 magnums . I have not seen this before. I am going to try glass bedding the holes and re-drilling them.
The grips on your gun are the same as on my 629-1, probably original.

Sorry about the ejector bubba, however, when something can be more than finger tight, the manufacturer should provide wrench flats on the fitting, or possibly a hex wrench receptacle.
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Old 04-02-2017, 08:30 AM
AveragEd AveragEd is offline
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My 629-1 came with target stocks with the speedloader cutout instead of the "football" cutout like yours. But mine also has a serial number of the later (and current) format of three letters followed by three numbers so there might have been a transition to the speedloader stocks during the -1 production run. Here is a photo of it from back when I bought it.



Before I went to the trouble of altering the stocks you have unless they have fantastic wood figure, I would just buy another nicer set for your gun. Wood damage like you described is not typical for any S&W revolver.

Rubbing that sight insert with steel wool or a cloth wetted with aerosol automotive brake parts washer couldn't hurt and it might remove the dull glazed surface of the insert.

It unfortunately sounds like a very amateurish "gunsmith" had their hands on your gun at some time.

Ed
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Old 04-02-2017, 08:41 AM
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diggler1833 diggler1833 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunnut.38 View Post
Here is my new to me model 629-1. My second ever N frame and my first 629. I have thought I needed one of these for a while. The timing was right, I saw this listed locally and I had the cash burning a hole in my pocket. It is in over all good condition and has just returned from a trip to the factory for a trigger stud replacement before I bought it. It was also checked out and test fired by a local gunsmith on return from the factory. Other then a new hole in the frame where the factory drilled out the broken stud ( maybe there is some value in the endurance package in later models ) , related scuffing , and the fact some bozo used pliers to tighten the ejector rod (I have a new one already on order) it looks really nice. It shoots great as well , at least with the first 20 rounds of handloads I put though it.

Here are my questions:
1. Have seen many different style of grips on 629-1. Are these correct for the vintage?
2. The serial number is N937XX ,Am I correct, this would date it to 1983 ish ?
3. The orange front sight insert is dull,not as bright as my 1983 Model 66. Can the color by restored ? Has anyone tried lightly sanding this to get below the dull surface .Does someone make a replacement insert ?
4. The lower pin hole in the grips are elongated. Allowing the grips to slip forward. Is this common for heavy recoiling .44 magnums . I have not seen this before. I am going to try glass bedding the holes and re-drilling them.

From what I can answer, and I've worked on a few Smith's that I mistakenly bought online (that were boogered up and not disclosed by the owner):

1. Those grips are period correct.
2. The date seems right without checking my catalog.
3. Some people remove the old red insert and "epoxy" in a new one, very similar to glass bedding since it seems like you are familiar with that.
4. Haven't had that problem, but it sounds like your revolver was shot a lot. The glass bedding idea sounds good and I'd probably do that as well to start with.

I've got a couple of 629 no dashes and a -1. They are one of my favorite revolvers. Good luck.

Last edited by diggler1833; 04-02-2017 at 08:49 AM.
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Old 04-02-2017, 08:52 AM
Mike, SC Hunter Mike, SC Hunter is offline
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That trigger pin hole does does not look "Smith Finished"......I had one done on a nickel 29...Can't see the pin due to polish and refinish....Your's looks like a gunsmith repair......Other than that......Nice gun!
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Old 09-20-2017, 12:45 AM
Gunnut.38 Gunnut.38 is offline
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Thank you Diggler1833 for your info and opinions. I intend to replacing the insert and glass bedding the grips when winter comes and I have more free time.
Mike maybe right the finish does seem a little rough. I am not sure I got the true story. But I am happy with the gun and the price was very reasonable. Shot it this last week with 250grain/2400 home cast Keith loads. Amazed at how well it shoots. I will be taking it black bear hunting next week since I can not carry a rifle during a controlled deer hunt that I do not have a tag for.
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