629 3" Classic Hunter 103650

[iPac]

I got one of these guns a few years back because I fell in love with it and thought the 3" -2E was rather scarce too. Ever since then I have been wondering just how many of this 3200 run were -2Es and if any other - #s were a part of it. Something came up that reignited my interest, but created many more questions.

The other day a fellow member over on the pony forum posted a photo of his 3" and he had the box which indicated it was from the 103650 run. His came with wood combats and was marked -2. So that right there confirms -2s were a part of it. Another interesting thing was his date code put it in October of '89, yet it had a later serial (BED) than my -2E (BEE). To make things even more interesting, his had the longer cut cylinder notches included in the endurance package. Mine also has the longer notches.

All this confusion has prompted me to post a new thread and try to get everyone who has an example, hopefully with box, to post theirs and give info on it such as - #, type of stocks, how much of the endurance package it has, and date code if you have the box. I will send the member with the -2 above a message and hopefully he is a member here too and will share his pictures so a -2 with endurance package features can be seen.

I have read most of the past threads that pop up about these. It seems like they used some old frames already marked -2E and incorporated the entire endurance package, which I believe is what mine is. I am thinking it is possible they used some old -2 frames and they got the endurance package too? Or why else would the -2 mentioned above have the longer cut notches? Another thing I would like to know is if there are any -3 guns out there that fall into this 103650 production run. It was said in other threads that the production code, 103650, was for some -3s too. If so, I would love to see evidence proving it.

Let's see just how much info we can put together right here with as many examples as possible. Unfortunately the box for mine didn't survive, but it was one that came with the SKGR Pachs. Some came with wood combats for sure. The original owner of mine had the dealer send it out for magna-porting right off the bat. None of these were factory done.

Pictures of all example are very much desired too!!!

 

[SmithNut]

As you can see below, the standard 103650 was not ported, have you confirmed that your gun is that product code?
A quick call to S&W customer service with your serial number will get you the product code for reference.
They've made so many variations of the 3? M29/629 it spins my head....

edit, I see you mention yours was aftermarket ported, that certainly helps with the recoil...

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

There was a 3-inch Classic Hunter. I knew it wouldn't be long before it came back around again....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...un-fluted-value.html?highlight=classic+hunter

 

[iPac]

Below are pictures of my friends 629-2 that I mentioned above. You can clearly see it has EP features, but is a 629-2. The combat stocks are original, and it has TS on the box which was correct for this from my research. I really wish I had the box for mine. Also, according to the 'julian style' code, it dates to Oct. 5/6 of '89. Not sure what exactly that date means, but it's after September which this run was supposedly made in. Serial number partially blurred.

 

[iPac]

Final Update and Conclusions

Ok, so I have just read about 20-30 old threads about these in order to find all the info I required. I will put everything right here so all the info is in one place and eliminate all the confusion once and for all. This info ONLY applies to this production run and has no bearing on any other variations.

First, this 103650 production run of 3200 guns IS NOT a Lew Horton run. I called years ago about mine and they stated no. I have just read as recently as 4 months ago some continuing to say they were LH, so I called again just 5 minutes ago and talked with Earl. NO! I also called S&W today just to confirm mine was 103650 and it was.

Grips - From all the examples and evidence I have found, I would say it's a VERY safe assumption that this run came with SKGR Pach grips, S&W wood combats, and in very rare cases Hogue rubber grips. The majority being the SKGR as they were advertised with. You can argue this if you like, but have seen too many credible examples that say otherwise. One of which is pictured above.

Endurance Package - I have come to the conclusion that S&W pulled old frames for this production run that were already marked -2 and -2E, however, they gave them ALL the complete endurance package. The longer cylinder notches and bolt were suppose to be the very last implement to the EP and every single 103650 example I have seen has them, -2 and -2E alike. Also, the bolt block was suppose to be done at the same time as the cylinder notches, -3, and mine has the bolt block too. I am awaiting confirmation from my friend to see if his -2 above has the bolt block. Even so, I feel it safe to say that with production of this run so close to the -3 change over, S&W gave this whole run the EP to keep them all the same. It wouldn't make sense to make half a run without the updates and half with. The public wouldn't appreciate that. Draw your own conclusions, but I know what mine is.

My observation of serial numbers from this run as been BBN, BED, and BEE. The first two were always marked -2, while just about all the BEE were -2E. If you have an example you would like to share, please contribute it to this knowledge base.

The misconceptions of a -3 run having the same product code, 103650, is just that, a misconception. I have concluded it comes from misreading the SCSW (posted above) and thinking the 3" is in fact a -3. There is NO evidence of any -3 ever being a part of this run. Also, these guns were NOT factory magna-ported, even though some got that treatment after, like mine.

So after thorough study, I am pretty certain of these details. You can interpret them or believe them however you see fit.

 

[Tequila45]

I just recently aquired this last week. I started a thread "new to me 629-2e...did I do good" but I'll post the pictures here also.

 

[BlueZee]

These 3" 629s are gorgeous. Thanks for all this information on them. I have a 5" classic and I am always on the lookout for a 3". Quick questiion - did the 629 come with a 3" underlug barrel, unfluted cylinder, and full length ejection rod? I could have sworn I saw one in the classified section once but didn't have the funds at the time.

 

[GCF]

EDIT: Photo added.

I have one. I can post pictures later. Mine is a -2 with BED serial. Came with original SKGR grips. The interesting thing about the grips is that they are labeled for a K frame inside. This is also evident in the S"K"GR model designation. ...

Not to get too far off the original 629 subject matter, but other "early" model 600 series RB N frames, came from the factory, w/ K frame Pach's as well.

A snug fit, but I always liked 'em...

Pic attached of my old 4" / M625-3 Model of 1989 / .45ACP

 

[iPac]

I just recently aquired this last week. I started a thread "new to me 629-2e...did I do good" but I'll post the pictures here also.

Thank you for adding to the thread.

I would sure say you did good! Got the package and goodies too, can't beat that. I wish the original owner of mine had kept his, but he told me that got tossed long ago. Luckily the gun doesn't need the box to shoot well!!

I think these 3" 629s are about the perfect "backpacker", but that un-fluted cylinder makes it a tad heavy. Could have done without that. Never understood why the 4" ones got named that. Mine is for hiking and camping while riding nice in that Don Hume above.

I see yours got magna-ported too. I never shot one without the porting but I am inclined to say it helps with recoil. Although it still stings the snot out of my hands with those wood combat grips. Factory Pachs are much more comfortable. They will cause surface rust though as I caught it on mine once and off they came. Be aware.

Just a word of caution for anyone with a gun from this particular run, mine had a canted barrel. It was slightly over-clocked. With that high front sight, I just couldn't stand it. Frank Glenn put it back to perfect for $50. Give a good examination if you have one or are considering one.

 

[iPac]

These 3" 629s are gorgeous. Thanks for all this information on them. I have a 5" classic and I am always on the lookout for a 3". Quick questiion - did the 629 come with a 3" underlug barrel, unfluted cylinder, and full length ejection rod? I could have sworn I saw one in the classified section once but didn't have the funds at the time.

Not sure what your asking. Did you mean a different model number? As the ones pictured fit your description.

I am not an expert or even close to one with S&Ws. I own 2, and only a handful of others peak my interest, most of which are old vintage ones. I just studied up some on these because this production run seemed to have more questions than answers and I wanted to know for sure.

Now ask me about Colts and that's a different story!

 

[TheHobbyist]

@ the OP, congrats on a fine firearm. I have been looking for over 10 years and have only found two. I bought both.

You can never say 'always' or 'never' with S&W's, however, my amateur opinion is that these guns were not ported from the factory.

Kernel chimed in on this thread and in the few conversations I have had with him I can confidently state he has forgotten more about our hobby then most will learn. Very humble person on the forum who is a wealth of knowledge. Thank you, Kernel.

This is one of my favorite variants. I would buy every one I could find. You are correct, in my opinion, that they came with rubber grips. Recently, I attended a gun show and the gent wanted $ 1,400.00 w/o a box. I thought it was too high, but who knows what someone will pay if they have the means and know about them. I find it an interesting collectible from the era.

Best,

TH

 

[TheHobbyist]

Ha! This is what I get for making food for the family and checking the forum...I found three in about 12 years. I bought 2, passed on one. YMMV. Wished to add clarification with this post. Best, TH.

 

[BlueZee]

Not sure what your asking. Did you mean a different model number? As the ones pictured fit your description.

I am not an expert or even close to one with S&Ws. I own 2, and only a handful of others peak my interest, most of which are old vintage ones. I just studied up some on these because this production run seemed to have more questions than answers and I wanted to know for sure.

Now ask me about Colts and that's a different story!

I think my eyes are just playing tricks on me. Some of the 3" models look like they have a fullsize ejector rod while some look like they have a shorter rod like you'd find on a snubbie. So I was just wondering if they were offered both ways. But regardless they are sweet looking revolvers.

 

[straightcut]

Who is Frank Glenn? It is a matter of backing off the barrel, or do the threads have to be recut and all that?

He's local to me, though I've never met Mr. Glenn, so I can't speak for his character.
Frank Glenn-Glenn Custom Complete Gunsmithing Service Glendale AZ

 

[1911-10MM]

-2 BBW51**

 

[blue70chevelle]

Here I go, throwing a wrench in the mix here. Just when you think you figured everything out with these guns, I present to you this specimen.
-August 1989 built
-629-2 w/ Endurance package but not marked as such
-Factory Wood Combats
-RR W/O
-103650 W/O a full underlug barrel

The last part is the most interesting part..
Good luck figuring this one out.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

... I present to you this specimen ..... Good luck figuring this one out....

It's a 103650 (you had two numbers transposed). The barrel is different. You should contact Lew Horton for a free provenance letter on their fancy letterhead. It's nice to have, and will have info specific to your gun. Maybe it will say something about the barrel profile. If not, it may of been altered aftermarket.

 

[blue70chevelle]

It's a 103650 (you had two numbers transposed). The barrel is different. You should contact Lew Horton for a free provenance letter on their fancy letterhead. It's nice to have, and will have info specific to your gun. Maybe it will say something about the barrel profile. If not, it may of been altered aftermarket.

you are correct, i fat fingered it and transposed it. i fixed it now. anyway, lew horton won't have info on these guns as this product code was not a lew horton run according to other posters who have called on this in the past.

 

[SLT223]

Here I go, throwing a wrench in the mix here. Just when you think you figured everything out with these guns, I present to you this specimen.
-August 1989 built
-629-2 w/ Endurance package but not marked as such
-Factory Wood Combats
-RR W/O
-103650 W/O a full underlug barrel

The last part is the most interesting part..
Good luck figuring this one out.

Actually, this one is easy. That's a 629-5 through dash 6 barrel. Not the original barrel. Probably went back to smith for warranty work and that's all they could do to replace the original with a 3" bbl they had in inventory. Look at pics of current 3" barrels when you get a chance.

Edit, can you post a pic of the rifling? My money is on ECM, not broach cut.

 

[SLT223]

-2 BBW51**

Let me know if you ever get tired of those Culina birds eye maple grips