629...decisions...decisions

[Irelander]

Last year I was looking for a 629 with a 3" full lug barrel. I searched high and low but the only ones I could find were the Lew Horton models and the prices were beyond my reach. I really love the classic look of the full lug barrels. In the end, I settled for Performance Center 629 with 2-5/8" barrel. Great gun but its modern looks left me still clutching to the desire for a classic full lug barrel. I wanted a 629 because it would compliment my 44MAG levergun and I reload a lot for 44MAG. I wanted a short barrel because I hoped that I would be able to conceal carry it. Concealed carry is pretty much out of the question with such a large gun on my thin frame...except for this time of year when I can hide almost anything under a heavy snow jacket.

Anyway, I'm seeing more 3" full lug 629s on GB and am thinking about trading or selling my PC model to get one. Then I started thinking...never a good idea. Since I won't be concealing a 629, why not think about a longer barrel? After looking at the different barrel lengths, I think a 4" barrel would be perfect. However, S&W does not offer a 4" full lug barrel. I know the Mountain Gun is 4" but I'm just not a fan of the half lug barrels. So, I was thinking about buying a 6" 629 and having the barrel cut down to 4" and a new front sight installed. I think the 6" 629s are great looking, but 6" is way too long of a barrel for me. I guess another option would be to keep my PC model and have the barrel replaced with a cut down 6" barrel and have the finish matched.

I'd like to hear what you guys think about this. I'm sure lots will say that I should keep the PC model and then buy another but with a single income and a baby on the way...that's not going to happen. Who would be a good smith to send a 629 to to have the barrel cut down and the front sight replaced? How much do you think this would cost?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Irelander]

I contacted one well know gunsmith and he quoted me $300 + shipping for cutting, crowning, and placing a new front sight. That's not very cost effective for me.

Does S&W sell a 3" full lug barrel for the 629?

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I recommend a 5" barrel with the full lug.Not much longer than the 4". The full lug helps absorb the recoil of full power loads. I personally feel that the 5" barrel balances much better than the 6" barrel, and the 5" barrel versions are pretty easy to come by.

 

[KFrameFan]

I have to say that you may want to reconsider the 3" full lug even though you will not be concealing it. I like my 629-2 full lug 3" gun very much, even with the magnaports (I am not a huge fan of ports) it is super fun to shoot, and a real attention getter on the firing line.

 

[Cpo1944]

I would advise getting a 3 inch 629. I have one and I really like it .
It seems to me modifying good guns like our S&W`s is very counter productive and cost prohibitive!
It is always better to get one the way you want and leave it stock.
My opinion is worth what you paid for it.
Good luck, Jack

 

[Irelander]

Thanks guys. I am probably going to sell my PC 629 then decide between holding out for a 3" or getting the 5". Thanks for the advice.

 

[team sidewinder]

Thanks guys. I am probably going to sell my PC 629 then decide between holding out for a 3" or getting the 5". Thanks for the advice.

Here is link to a place where they do an excellent job of cutting down a 629 full lug barrel to 4 inches.
SDM SW
http://www.sdmfabricating.com/4_conversion.html

I have the 5 inch 629 Classic and think it is just about perfect but I do admit I am tempted to to have the barrel cut to 4. Doubt it will ever happen for me anyway at $250.

 

[Irelander]

Thanks for the link. That may be an option for me.

Are the 5" 629s round butt or square butt gripframes?

 

[P G]

I've been carrying mine in a Remora Holster. Appendix IWB.

I can't advise that you buy this holster though because I had to flip it over to make it work right. It works........really good that way, but I think I need to write Remora and let them know the fit issue with this gun. I carry all of my guns in Remora Holsters. They conceal with minimum printing with a long sleeve untucked shirt in the winter and a short sleeve untucked shirt in the summer.

.

 

[team sidewinder]

Thanks for the link. That may be an option for me.

Are the 5" 629s round butt or square butt gripframes?

Round butt.

 

[Irelander]

Here is link to a place where they do an excellent job of cutting down a 629 full lug barrel to 4 inches.
SDM SW
4 conversion

I have the 5 inch 629 Classic and think it is just about perfect but I do admit I am tempted to to have the barrel cut to 4. Doubt it will ever happen for me anyway at $250.

SDM is not taking any new work right now.

 

[team sidewinder]

SDM is not taking any new work right now.

Bummer.
I think if you still want the full lug the 629 5in. barrel is great for carring all day and still has enough barrel weight to help reduce some felt recoil. A 5 inch sight radius doesn't hurt any either for some improved accuracy over the 4 inch. You won't be sorry with a 5in. IMHO.

 

[Irelander]

I decided to be content with what I have. I'll save up for a while and either buy another 629 or get another barrel put on my PC 629. I definitely love the action on my PC gun and I'd hate to give that up and start over. I do actually need to send it back to S&W because the checkering on the hammer spur was screwed up when I got it. Just never had a chance to send it back for a new hammer. Guess I'll give S&W a call and get things started. Thanks for the advice guys, it definitely did not fall on def ears. I'll ponder it and make a move one of these days.

 

[Bugs Bunny]

SDM is not taking any new work right now.

Thanks guys didnt know they did that work, I was going to use magnaport for a similar chop job.

The 5in Classic is a nose heavy pig IMO if you intend to use it in a combat type shooting (IDPA type) had one & sold it, besides the 4in max rule change for IDPA

A 4in full lug might be fine (my 4in Anaconda is ok balance wise) so I am going to have a 629 full lug chopped to 4in to play with at some of the matches this summer. (sight rad issue for longer shots) If I don't like it toss it in the closet with the rest, my kids will eventually give the stuff away LOL

Don't see the advantage or much diff on the 3in guns I presently use for IDPA (full lug or partial) I guess the 625-3 4in full lug balances ok not too nose heavy for combat shooting - The 3in really are sweet to whip around & easy to target with mild 250gr loads they are nice to shoot.

Just my opinion on various configs I have used for IDPA & Steel matches.

I have a desantis speed scabbard to conceal carry & a $20 cheapo for comp shooting.

Have Fun

 

[fotoman12001]

5" is nice

I don't have a 629 but do have a 627PC 5". It's an N frame like the 629. I can say that I agree with others who like the balance of the 5" barrel. I normally don't like revolvers over 4" but the 5" feels just right and looks good. Of course it is not full lug.

 

[Irelander]

fotoman,

Dang I love your photos! Do you think the 4" PC contoured barrel balances better than the 4" full underlug barrel?

 

[nawilson]

Anyone else notice a distinct lack of 3" 629 photos in this thread???

We need more pics, please!

 

[Irelander]

Anyone else notice a distinct lack of 3" 629 photos in this thread???

We need more pics, please!

I agree. Pics are a must.

 

[fotoman12001]

fotoman,

Dang I love your photos! Do you think the 4" PC contoured barrel balances better than the 4" full underlug barrel?

Thanks.

I haven't really handled revolvers side-by-side that would be a good comparison. My 627PC and 617-1 4" would be the closest I have to what you're asking but they are pretty different animals. I have handled the 686 SSR which is an L-frame 4" barrel with the same contour as the 627PC but more in line with the size of my 617-1 4". I love that 4" 617 but I think I would like it more with the contoured barrel instead of the full underlug. But maybe I wouldn't. It's hard to say.

 

[rockyrider]

Irelander, not for nuthin' but, I have 3 29's. A 3" mountain gun, stainless. A 6" blue gun, and a 11/5/8" Silhouette gun. Personally, I've found the 6" to be more practical and accurate. I could carry it concealed any day in a Kramer T-Shirt holster. the 3" is a little less comfortable in a hip holster. And the 12 barrel gun is just Awsome.