I heard once that with every dash, there's a change made to the model.

In the case of the 629, can someone please fill me in on each "dash-change?" Sometimes, I get curious about the strangest things

Thank you!

Wikipedia has a good breakdown of it look up S&W model 29 and it gives you the 29 and 629 dash numbers. In the 629 the 629-2E started the enhanced (stronger) versions, the -3 and -4 improved upon it. The -4 is probably the most desirable as the -5 started MIM parts and the -6 has the internal lock. The no dash and -1 and early -2 models were good guns , but the heavier (over 240 grain) loads tended the loosen them up. Hence the E modifications.

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 4th Edition, breaks down every model and every dash ever made for each model.....it will definitely satisfy your curious mind.

Thank you!

It's in the book about s&w guns too. The s&w m29-10 is suppose to be the best m29 ever build. It's all the changes in one gun.

It may be the "best" but the grips are sure no treat to hang on to.

1979 - Start production of 629.
1982 -1 Eliminated the pinned barrel and recessed chambers.
1988 -2 New yoke retention system.
1989 -2E Endurance package. Hardened yoke / frame.
1989 -3 Longer stop notch. Bolt block installed. Fixed hand.
1993 -4 New rear sight leaf and extractor. Drill & tap frame.
1997 -5 Eliminate cyl. stop stud. MIM trigger/hammer. Float firing pin.
2001 -6 Internal lock.
2005 -7 2-piece barrel.

Jim

My 629-2 was drilled and tapped at the factory. I pulled the sights off and along with the dirt that made it obvious the rear sight had never been off were holes ready to mount whatever. I was surprised and I have often wondered why mine ended up the way it is. I didn't buy it new but it was barely shot before I got it. I seriously doubt someone went through the trouble of drilling and tapping it and then not mounting anything on it. And clearly that rear sight had been on for a long time. Plus I never saw any signs there had ever been any screws in holes. Nothing was scratched and none of the finish was rubbed off.