629 Classic rear leaf Question

[44 MAGNUM SHOOTER]

Hi all.

Will the rear leaf sight on a 629-4 classic fit on a 629-3 classic? They are both 5" barrels. The reason I ask is because the 629-3 one was removed to make room for a scope and I'm putting an after market rear sight on the 629-4. Somehow the rear leaf to the 629-3 was lost.

I know there was a change to the 629-4 leaf but not for sure what.

Thanks all

[handgunner356]

If I had to guess it would be that the -4 is drilled and tapped and the -3 is not. The main differance in those sights is the sight strap is rounded on the front (instead of square) and the hold down screw is larger and in a differant spot.

[44 MAGNUM SHOOTER]

Originally Posted by handgunner356

If I had to guess it would be that the -4 is drilled and tapped and the -3 is not. The main differance in those sights is the sight strap is rounded on the front (instead of square) and the hold down screw is larger and in a differant spot.

Hi,

The 629-3 is drilled and tapped because I had a scope on it and they are both "round tangs" I guess is what they're called. I did hear that the hold down screw was larger come to think of it. Looks like I have to get a cheaper aftermarket sight. GEEZ

Thanks for the feedback

[valkyriekl]

According to my copy of the SCSW, the 629-4 was the first engineering change to include the round-tang rear sight leaf and factory drilled & tapped top strap for a scope. Previous engineering changes had the square rear sight leaf and were not drilled & tapped for a scope from the factory.

If you had a gunsmith drill & tap your -3's frame to fit a scope-rail meant for a factory drilled & tapped frame, then yes, a modern round-tang rear sight should fit on the gun.

EDIT: according to the SCSW, the 629 Classic started with the -3, and it says that the topstrap was drilled & tapped from the factory for a scope. It says that the rear sight leaf was changed with the -4, but doesn't say how it was changed.

You could try it out; if it fits, then it's probably good to go.

[Skip357]

I have in my paper-629-3 in1990/longer stop notch/added bolt block/fixed hand.
629-4 in 1993new style sight leaf / drilled&tapped frame.Hope this will help out.

[handgunner356]

Yes, if yours' is the Classic Hunter or probably one of the other limited guns that were D&T from the factory then it'll have the round strap with the larger screw. Millett did make a complete replacement but I not sure they are still available. Did you check with S&W for a replacement, the screw is probably extra.