Hi All,

Started looking for an N frame in a large caliber as .357, .44 or
the .45. Noticing many of the older used models are costing more
than new production. As my next one will be a shooter, and not
a collector version, anyone have any input on the new models,
especially the 629 in current production?

Any of the new ones are good to go. The older command more of a price tag, mainly for nostalgia reasons. Having owned new and old I see no difference in quality or accuracy between the two. Just different manufacturing processes from the earlier days to now. Some will claim the older triggers are better, maybe, but we're they better new or is it just 30 years or so of being shot that's made them better. People will also whine about the locks, while nobody likes them, they are a non-issue as far as shooting. Pick one you like and go for it.

Thanks uncleted,

looking at the #163606 (6 in 629) price is almost 300 less than a classic
29, and almost 200 less on a used 29 model. The N frames certainly hold their value as Models 25, 27, 28, and 29. Just want a shooter, not a high grade collectable.

Check out Buds guns online, you can snag most any of the 629s for the mid to upper $700s and the 29 Classics usually run mid to low $800s. Once in awhile you can get a really good price, I just picked up a new 3" 629 Deluxe for $685 from them last month.

Just got my 3" 629 Deluxe outta layaway yesterday. Have not gotten to shoot it yet, but fit, finish, and quality are top notch. Trigger is a bit heavy in DA, but the SA trigger is typical Smith crisp. Will mostly feed it Specials (sure wish they were more plentiful over the counter in my area), with a few Magnums tossed in here and there. Good luck in your search.

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Uncleted

Funny you should mention Buds. That's where I usually go, but the prices
can be wild there.

629 4'' barrel - 784
629 6'' barrel - 716
29 classic 6'' barrel - 1053
29 classic 4" barrel - 843

The Model 25 and 27's are in the high 800's (classics) right now.
The used models at shows are 750 to 800 depending on barrel and caliber. Just don't want to go crazy for an N frame shooter. Right now,
#163606 (629 6in stainless) seems to be the best pricewise. Just want to see what the gang thinks of them (new production)

The new 29s and 629s are just fine. My only real advice is that if you buy a 44 Magnum, think about getting into reloading. Shooting factory 44 Magnum, or even Special, on an even semi-regular basis can be a costly proposition.

I ran into that with Bud's too. I bought a 6-1/2" 29 Classic from them last year. Upper $900ish, IIRC. The 4" version of the Classic must not be as popular, although I wouldn't mind having one to make a pair.

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the advice. Been reloading a long time, and probably
will use .44 special loads should I get one. Been loading in 44 for
a long time. My first 29 was in 1973, when I paid 400 and the list
price was 229. Caught up in the "Dirty Harry" fever. A LOT of money back then. Still have the RCBS dies from back then.

I purchased a couple newer model 629s and have no reservations. Highly recommend being able to inspect it prior to purchasing to check barrel alignment and timing. If you mail order, that may/may not be an option. My 5" was ordered from Bud's and lucked out it was in time and little to no barrel issues with barrel alignment. My 7.5" PC, not so much. Shoots great, good action, in time, but the barrel alignment is off enough it's noticeable with a scope mounted. Will get it realigned sometime in the future.

Thanks all, for your input. Never had a stainless before. Any
extra care needed for the finish and grips, vs the blue models?

No problems with our 4” 629 bought 2-3 years ago.
Stock rubber grips got a big hands down from my boy and his Gunnery Sergeant buddy as did every brand/style they tried during their range time.
But they carry nice.
We do like a full grip frame on wheel guns.
Rugers are great..... but tough to buy when a Smith is in the other hand...... triggers that are crisp out of the box always bring a smile.

No extra care required, but you will notice the carbon on the forcing cone, cylinder front, etc. after cleaning. It is on your blued guns as well but you can't see it. If it bothers you there are simple ways to clean it off. Including a standard pencil eraser.

Noro, I have nothing but good to say about my 629-6. I mainly shoot .44 special but my 3" bbl is just fine for .44 magnum. I know it may seem weird, but even though it's an N-frame, I carry in an OWB and after about 10 minutes I forget it's there.

Out of the box I had to make a 'one-up, one-to-the-right' adjustment on the sights, but after that the accuracy is just as good as I am.

In other words, I am a fan.

Best,
Rich

It's commonly said a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a couple thousand words:







Performance Center Model 629-8 at 25 yards.

__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Thanks for all of your input guys. TomS, that is some shooting!

I picked up a new 629 5inch early this spring. Shoots better than me and all is as it should be. Crisp single action trigger and double action is not bad at all.