I've got a 629-3, believe from the early 90's and its something I'm just never going to use. I've done some basic research on trying to figure out a fair price but I see a serious range for this model from $600 up over $1000.

Looks good internally, the stainless finish just has what I would almost call micro scratches over the finish.

I'm more interested in making room for things I can handle...but also don't want to just give it away either.

Also I have a 617 with 6" barrel and I'm not certain if was used as a 'practice aid' for the 629? This one isn't going to get much use from me either as I'm a Mk II guy if its time for a 22.

Could I even try to sell the 629 and 617 as a set to possibly make more attractive or is that not something you even do?

Both have original cardboard box and manuals, even the paper wrap I think for at least one.

Any feedback thoughts would be appreciated.

Barrel length and condition would be good to know.

Your 629 is likely worth a lot more than $600.00.

Post some pics of each here, if you can.

I was at a show this morning. 629-3 and -4 were $800 to $1000. Barrel length did not seem to matter much although the shorter the barrel, the higher the price. DO NOT sell together, you would take a beating on the 617.

Thanks for the replies. The 629 is a 6" barrel if that sounds right and I would say good condition. It has rubber grip with S&W logo. I will try to get some pictures up here on both of them. The 617 seems to be in even better shape and has both a wood grip with finger groves (removed) and a hogue installed currently. Again not really looking for making money on them just fair prices. I appreciate the recommendation to sell separate. I inherited these and they got me back into the sport but again, these just aren't my cup of tea.

I've added the pictures to my library. I'm not sure if I should down grade its condition from 'GOOD' to 'FAIR'. The finish has no rust I can see but I'm not sure what was used to polish this as you can see 'fine scratches'. Certainly this is not a showpiece and I wouldn't price it that way.

The box for the 629 says 6 1/2" barrel, Classic. Serial No: BKD9XXX.
The box for the 617 says 6" barrel, Serial No: BHH6XXX.

I was able to put pictures of the 629 in my library and then posted links in this thread but upon posting it said must be approved by a moderator. Apologies if I've already done something wrong on my 2nd or 3rd post...
I'm thinking these are going to 1990 or 1991 year.

I got both of these about 12 years ago, took them to the range to try and brought them home and cleaned, lubricated, and put in storage. I already found somewhere here that gunbroker has some previous sales info I can use to help price. Then I can ask the guy I know at range where he recommends to sell.

That 629 is, at a MINIMUM an $800 to you Gun. At a MINIMUM.

Do not take a dime less than that.

That is a Pre Lock Full lug 629. It has the endurance package and other durability parts built in.

This is one of the more desirable 44 Magnums that S&W made, and with the 6” Full Underlug, it is manageable in terms of recoil.

Do some looking on Gun Broker and take a look at what Pre Lock 629’s go for. If it was mine, I would ask at least $1000 and then consider my offers.

They aren’t made anymore, and this is one of the ones to have.

By the way, you can sell them on this forum.

You just have to go through an FFL.

I have sold three S&Ws on this forum.

One Face to Face, and two through FFL. It was easy.

You have the box and papers for it, someone will snatch that up right away.

I would be tempted myself, but I am not buying any guns for a while.

Don’t polish it, leave it as is, it’s very clean and in very good condition.

Tom, thank you very much for the help. I really appreciate the information. I thought I was a bit more savy on gunbroker but I'll find the previous sales info to help me.


I didn't realize it could be worth this much. Going through box and finding Dad's signature on the original sales receipt is like a time machine and just like in the past when I looked has me second guessing any action. With that said it is just not getting any use.



I think you also asked for pictures of the 617 too and I think this was the 629s companion to the range back in the day but looking at the 617's condition it appears to have a much lower round count than the 629.


Again, I appreciate all your information on the 629.

The grips alone on your 617 are worth $350.

You don’t have ANY use for a .22LR handgun?

This is the one to have.

Pre Lock, Combat Target Grips.

I looked on GB and people are asking over a grand for similar ones.

Same as the 629, I would not take a dime less then $800, and I would start at $1000 in terms of asking price.

Are you going to consign them in a local Gun Shop?

Don’t just sell them to a gun shop.

If you consign them, they will sell quickly.

These are excellent S&Ws.

I could see not keeping the 629, I myself have moved on from my 44 Magnums, but someone will want that exact gun and pay accordingly.

That 617 is sweet, I personally would keep that, but if you just don’t need it, it will also get snapped up.

I actually want it myself, but I am not buying any guns for a while.

If you sell them on this forum, they will get snapped up, very quickly.

You just have to send them from a local FFL to the buyers FFL.

Tom,

Thanks again for information on the 617. It is a sharp looking gun. I have two 22LR semi auto that I frequently take to the range along with larger caliber semi autos. I think regarding the 617, on the next range trip I’ll take it as the only 22LR and give it a try. I did buy several speed loaders for it but then just kept taking my Mk II or Mk IV Ruger with me instead.

For the 629 I’ll start by contacting the FFL I’ve been using to receive but this time to see if they will help with transfers for me selling. I’ll just need to learn the process regardless and find the right FFL because it sounds like selling here will get a fair price.

I also have a 90’s 686 4" and a 63 in the collection, both of those have issues and I’ll post in different threads to get some help on those issues.

Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! Sometimes it is VERY difficult to make decisions! Just think it over before yo do something you will regret! Only my opinion! Bob

Bob,

Thanks for the warm welcome and the advice!
I've had them for 12 years already so not moving so fast!!!

I guess you could say recent events got me out to the range earlier this year but then I learned I just have fun going! Have a nice large outdoor range in my area and reconnected with an old friend of mine and go regularly since.

Great forum and looking to learn all I can on the S&W guns I received as part of the collection.

You’ll find it’s possible to sell and ship a gun without involving an FFL on your end. You would ship it by courier, ONLY TO AN FFL and with a copy of your drivers license enclosed. The buyer would have to verify HIS FFL will accept guns from individuals (although perfectly legal, not all will).

Good luck with the sale.

It would be a shame not to take the 629 on that range trip also.

Get some .44spcl rounds and give it a try. Shooting .44spcl in a 629 is just a lot of fun.......I think you would be surprised what a *****cat it can be as compared to shooting magnum rounds. Just my 2-cents.

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

Well, neither one made it to the range today. Since I got the Model 66 ready and have plenty of 38spl that made it instead.
I'm still working things out and really need to take less than more to the range but the 66 was a pleasure to shoot. First time out with it and 38 special and its plain fun.
Based on that impression I think I will take your advice of finding some 44spl. Maybe this 629 isn't going anywhere as well!

In my collection I have just about everything from .22 to .44 Mag. I have 3 .44 Mags: a Mod 29-2 (6"), a Mod 629 (8-3/8") and a Mod 629-6 (5") and I enjoy shooting them all. I reload all my centerfire ammunition and shoot mostly .44 Specials in all 3 of my .44s. I also have a Mod 625-2 (5") in .45 ACP and a Mod 25-5 (4") in .45 Colt. These are large calibers too but are also a real pleasure to shoot. I do believe that once you put a few .44 Specials through your 629 you may get hooked on the larger caliber too. I don't understand why you would want to get rid of the 617. It's a beautiful revolver and I know it must be a joy to shoot. By the way, I'm 82 on the end run to 83.

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Ed

I really just got going with all this a few months ago and wanted to just start learning with semi autos. Started there and maybe I had thought revolvers can be hard to shoot. After getting the 66 out today and seeing how much fun that was I think I'll take another 12 years to decide! Not sure when I'll get them out but will try the 617 and 629 before any further thought of selling. You guys are inspirational for sure!

If you have a nice model 66 do NOT get rid of that one, especially if you like shooting it. I have been trying to hunt one down in the flesh for years.

I saw a 4” 66-2 that was $150 overpriced and the guy would not move on.

I saw a 66-1 that looked like it was dragged behind a truck.

That’s it. And I always look now.

DO NOT I repeat DO NOT sell those revolvers!

Rant over!

Learn to shoot revolvers double action and you will learn the nuances of steering the front sight during trigger press. Mastering this technique and you will become a "pistol shooter"!

I love to "ring steel" at 50-100 yards with my revolvers. I also shoot precision pistol, mostly "Gallery" nowadays tough.

My action pistol competition days are over due to degenerative bone disease in my neck. God's way of slowing this 73 year old down!

Smiles,

Tom,

Here is the 4" 66-3, its a keeper:

Message received!!! I'm a long way off from those distances but look forward to trying! Sounds like you are an excellent shooter!

I shot my first "Gallery .22 Rifle" match in military school in 1957!

That was a few hundred thousand rounds ago!

Smiles,

Glad you’re hanging on to them for a while, you’ll be glad you did. Most would be proud to have those two in their collections, they’re very desirable.

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213th FBINA

I don't have a 66 in my collection but I do have 2 model 19s, a 4" and a 6" and I won't part with them. They're the blue version of the 66. My 4" is a 19 and the 6" is a 19-4 (CHP Commemorative). Both are great shooting revolvers.

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Ed

Those look like fine Model 19s, I didn't know until recently the 19 and 66 were the same except for finish.
I like those grips too.
I have a hogue on my 66 but also have the original wood grip and I'm likely to change back to that. I think the wood grips look much better but I'm also finding the hogue finger groves on this particular grip just don't fit me right, essentially removing any potential or perceived comfort. Strange but this will then be the second gun I'm removing a hogue to make it more comfortable...

The grips on the 19 are Culina walnut targets and those on the 19-4 are original from the factory. Every time I've picked up a revolver with any rubber or composite grips, I've changed them out for wood, usually Culinas.

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Ed

The inputs on this thread have been extremely helpful since I started it up.
At this point nothing is being considered for sale.
I've followed Don's advice and have now have some 44spl to try when I'm ready.
Thanks to all for helping me consider everything and with deciding what to do!