I looked at a gun at a LGS this weekend that has raised questions. It is a 629, I think a "dash 2." I believe it to be an early Mountain Revolver. It has a chamfered cylinder and a tapered four inch barrel. It is rolled marked (not etched or laser engraved like my 625 Mountain Gun) Smith and Wesson on one side and 44 Magnum on the other. It has a pinned front sight. What has me stumped is that it is Magna Ported, one port on each side of the barrel closer to the front than the middle of the barrel.

I have searched the forum, the internet and the SCSW 4th edition and cannot find a definitive answer. I would be interested in the gun if the Magna Porting is factory and original, but not so much if it were done after market.

My questions are:

Did S&W build and ship an early Mountain Revolver with Magna Porting or was this work done after it was shipped?

What would be a decent price for the gun? (I looked at so many guns that I can't remember the asking price).

Thanks,
Bill

__________________
Bill

Bill I seem to recall some discussion years back that either S&W sent some to Magnaport for the work with an end label applied or the stocking dealer sent them.

I have a non ported 629-2 MG as well as a magna ported version , havent lettered the ported gun as its one of my range and carry guns.

The 629-2 MG is the granddaddy of the MG's,
On the plus side it has the chamfered cylinder, grooved tangs, satin stainless finish, forged internals, flash chromed hammer trigger and old style rear site with channel cut in the frame that mates to the barrel rib.

Down side of the 629-2 MG is that its pre endurance package.

Hard to estimate value but if in high condition and you like the Magnaporting perhaps in the $800 neighborhood ?
I do not notice much (if any) reduced fealt recoil in the ported gun vs non ported, it does seem louder and all 629 MG's have a bit of recoil that leaves an ungloved hand a bit red in the palm after 6 rounds or so of factory Magnum loads.

If you purchase the gun my suggestion is do not add a red ramp insert with the Magnaporting as it probably wont last long if the ports are close to the front site like mine are as it vents the gas right onto the front site blade.

I believe you are on the right track Bill, I can't say for sure about the Magna Porting, although Smith did magna port a great many guns? The -2 will not have all the "endurance package"?? but it is indeed a beautiful Revolver, and with light Magnums or 44 Specials it is indeed beautiful and functional.

Does it have the tapered barrel of the "Mountain Gun"?

Yes, it does have a tapered barrel.

Bill

__________________
Bill

I have no idea Bill, but did you get it?

FG&G?

__________________
Sure you did

They are a beautiful and rare revolver.

Make sure you have a grip that fits you, these have a touch of recoil owing to the light weight construction.

I put a set of Kurac's on mine. Well worth it!

Could it have been a Trail Boss ?

:RSR exclusive S&W 629 3" .44 Mag, Trail Boss, unfluted cylinder

The gun has a fluted cylinder. I have done quite a bit of looking around since I posted this thread and I believe it is a Mountain Revolver with an aftermarket porting job. Given the aftermarket work, I passed on it.

__________________
Bill

Here is my Mt Revolver with John's great grips.

Attached Images

IMG_2824.jpg (125.1 KB, 41 views)

__________________
Possum—The other white meat!