Finally have a S&W in .44 mag

[SuperGoat]

I have shot .44 before, and previously owned a Ruger Redhawk. But I have always wanted a model 29/629. My favorite caliber is .357 but I already have a few of those. Been hunting for a .44 for a while now and came across this beauty on Armslist, luckily it was within driving distance.
It is a 3" 629-2, I paid $1000 (usually they are more around here) and it came with 265 rounds of magnum ammo. It was dirty outside and dry as a bone inside but smooth and tight. Now I just have to go shoot it.

 

[sammynomas]

Congrats! Been eyeballing a new version just like it at my LGS. Just can't justify needing a .44 Mag........yet!

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[TruckGun]

Nice score, especially with the ammo! I hope to have a Smith 44 mag some day as well, but for today, I'll just enjoy yours!

 

[BC38]

Congrats! Been eyeballing a new version just like it at my LGS. Just can't justify needing a .44 Mag........yet!

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I always felt the same way - 'til I found one that was such a good deal I just couldn't pass it up. Now I have a couple AND a couple of 44 specials.

Great cartridge for reloading. Like a 357 on steroids.
And them big boomers are just SO much fun to light off.

Like yours my first one was a shorty. Astra Terminator by Jovino Customs.

 

[Shark Bait]

Ya done good on that one. Great looking gun. Not a bad price, considering the barrel length and ammo. Plus, the stocks alone are worth about $300.

 

[4D5]

That's a nice score.
And a lot of power in a small package.

 

[SuperGoat]

Question. How do I tell if this is the original barrel? I was looking at the photos I posted and noticed the barrel looked a bit shinier than the rest of the gun, I took it out to inspect it and noticed the barrel looks as if it is coming off (there is an obvious space, though the barrel is not loose). Also, should I avoid shooting it this way until I can take it to my gunsmith on Monday?
Can a barrel separate from the frame like that if someone shot alot of hot rounds in it? From the sound of it the previous owner shot it alot and always used "bear rounds".

 

[sw282]

Frames and barrels are usually made of different types or grades of stainless

That would account for the contrast in barrel/cylinder/frame...

Does not appear to be as noticeable on blued guns...

 

[SuperGoat]

Frames and barrels are usually made of different types or grades of stainless

That would account for the contrast in barrel/cylinder/frame...

Does not appear to be as noticeable on blued guns...

That makes sense, my 1917 Brazilian is blued and in the sun the barrel is a shade darker than the frame.
I am more concerned about the spacing, I think it is making the cylinder a little more difficult to open than it should be too.

 

[one eye joe]

Ya done good on that one. Great looking gun. Not a bad price, considering the barrel length and ammo. Plus, the stocks alone are worth about $300.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL REVOLVER, AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE. DON'T BE SURPRISED IF THOSE PRETTY COMBATS DON'T REALLY SUIT YOU. ACCLAIMED MULTI-CHAMPIONSHIP, PISTOLERO, TRAINER, AND GUN WRITER, MASSAD AYOOB, HAS STATED MORE THAN ONCE, THAT THESE TACTICOOL APPEARING STOCKS, ONLY FIT APPROXIMATELY 10% OF SHOOTERS.......

A NICE SET OF SMOOTH AHRENDS, OR PACHMAYRS COULD ADD TO YOUR SHOOTING PLEASURE. THE SALE PRICES OF THE ORIGINAL COMBATS KEEP ON STEADILY INCREASING, SO THEY ARE BETTER THAN MONEY IN THE BANK, AT CURRENT INTEREST RATES. UNLESS I NEEDED THE CASH, I WOULD NOT BE QUICK TO SELL THEM......

 

[sixtwoniner]

Nice looking revolver. Don't for get; These pistols are made to shoot and shoot and shoot. The more you shoot the better you get. Then you'll be amazed at what you can hit with that sort barrel. It's a lot of fun. I use the Pachmayrs for shooting but nothing is as nice as the factory rose wood. IMO

 

[SuperGoat]

Luckily the guy also gave me some NIB rubber Hogues for it in case I don't like shooting with the wood.
BTW the combats are dated inside, Sept 06 1988.

 

[KEN L]

Congrats! Been eyeballing a new version just like it at my LGS. Just can't justify needing a .44 Mag........yet!

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I can help you out here. There's no need to justify "needing". It is NOT a prerequisite for buying another gun. So, go get one!

 

[M29since14]

...I am more concerned about the spacing, I think it is making the cylinder a little more difficult to open than it should be too.

It's hard to tell much from your pictures. If your cylinder is hard to close, where is the interference? If you cannot find any interference and you have a little bit (not excessive) end shake when the gun is closed, then you may just need a thorough internal cleaning and a drop of oil on the front and rear locking bolts and the center pin. The barrel should not be loose at all. If you can move it even a smidge, something is wrong. If a good clean and lube job does not help the closing problem, check your extractor rod. It's got to be tight. If all else fails, see if you can find a local S&W armorer. Good luck and good shooting with your new .44!

 

[HamHands]

Question. How do I tell if this is the original barrel? I was looking at the photos I posted and noticed the barrel looked a bit shinier than the rest of the gun, I took it out to inspect it and noticed the barrel looks as if it is coming off (there is an obvious space, though the barrel is not loose). Also, should I avoid shooting it this way until I can take it to my gunsmith on Monday?
Can a barrel separate from the frame like that if someone shot alot of hot rounds in it? From the sound of it the previous owner shot it alot and always used "bear rounds".

That barrel and it's fitment to the frame is fine. Go shoot it and enjoy her! This model is stout and can handle the power of full-house .44mags. I like that length barrel the best for woods carry/packing as it's easily concealable on the trails and won't scare the sheeple... Good find at a decent price as 1K is exactly what they are going for in my area, especially with those stocks. Those style grips fit my hands like a glove. PM me if they don't work for you!

 

[75Vette]

Nice find. I have a dash 1 and dash 6 with 3" barrels and are a handful. You'll get alot of enjoyment out of yours. Midrange loads and 44 spl will make it even more fun to shoot.

 

[Shark Bait]

That little space between the ejector rod shroud and the frame is not a cause for concern, if that is what you were referring to. But it never hurts to have a used gun checked by a competent gunsmith if you're not sure about it. The challenge these days can be to find a gunsmith who is knowledgeable about revolvers.

 

[sw282]

Nice find. I have a dash 1 and dash 6 with 3" barrels and are a handful. You'll get alot of enjoyment out of yours. Midrange loads and 44 spl will make it even more fun to shoot.

Mine's a dash NONE.. Somebody even drove a nail thru

the barrel and frame to keep em together...Then built it a house

of WALNUT.. Put pretty BLUE carpet all over the floor too.

PLUS- gave it a Mop and Brush to keep itself clean, AND a fancy

screw driver to play with

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congrats! Beautiful gun!

 

[SLT223]

Dang you came out for the gate strong with your first .44 Magnum! Great value price too. Be careful, the 3" big bore snubs are quite addictive.