629-2 converted to 45

[Ratherbelucky]

I have the opportunity to pick up this 629-2 converted to 45 LC. It also had the cylinder machined to accept moonclips to allow the use of 45acp. The barrel is 3 or 4 inches (now I'm not certain) and has the appearance of a 629/625 MG. The smith work appears to be very well done even adding a detent ball. I can trade a 66-4 4" even up. Is the value there for the trade and can I shoot full potential 45LC jacketed HP (I like XTPs)?

 

[Ratherbelucky]

Some pics...

 

[mtgianni]

I would say yes to the trade. It has shooter value not collector value. Several 45's were made on N frames of smaller calibers so that the throat dimensions could be closer to standard than S&W was putting out before the 25-5' changes. I think the 66-4 is more easily found than this gun as a shooter.

 

[Ratherbelucky]

Some more pics...

 

[s&wchad]

That's a 629 "Mountain Revolver". It looks like the conversion was nicely done and it sounds like a fair trade.

It originally looked like this, except for the grips. They were supplied with Pachmayr Grippers from the factory.

 

[Ratherbelucky]

I'm leaning towards making the trade. I don't have a 45 Colt and "need" one. Also, I have plenty of 45acp (and load for it), so I feel with the moonclips conversion for the acp it is a good value.

 

[bananaman]

I'm leaning towards making the trade. I don't have a 45 Colt and "need" one. Also, I have plenty of 45acp (and load for it), so I feel with the moonclips conversion for the acp it is a good value.

Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan!
I myself really like .45 revolvers! {either Colt or ACP} Have a 625 JM, in ACP and a 25-15 in Colt. Having a double duty is a plus! Have a Blackhawk Convertible that shoots both. That would be a trade to me! Bob

 

[Hair Trigger]

I have the opportunity to pick up this 629-2 converted to 45 LC. It also had the cylinder machined to accept moonclips to allow the use of 45acp. The barrel is 3 or 4 inches (now I'm not certain) and has the appearance of a 629/625 MG. The smith work appears to be very well done even adding a detent ball. I can trade a 66-4 4" even up. Is the value there for the trade and can I shoot full potential 45LC jacketed HP (I like XTPs)?

The way the cylinder face is cut for the moon clips, it looks like you'd have to use the clips even when loading .45 Colt. Otherwise, the only portion of the case rim that would contact the cylinder face is the small area on the outside edge. You need a flat surface for the case rim to fit against. Looking inside the charge holes, looks like it gets more .45ACP than .45 Colt. Make sure how you have to load for both cartridges and that both will actually chamber, if you're wanting to shoot .45 Colt in it. Below is a cylinder for .45 Colt only.

Does the seller say why he's selling it?

 

[maxfam]

Did the 629-2 have the “squared” extractor, or is that a replacement cylinder?

 

[arjay]

I wouldn’t shoot anything hotter than factory loads in it

 

[Ratherbelucky]

The way the cylinder face is cut for the moon clips, it looks like you'd have to use the clips even when loading .45 Colt. Otherwise, the only portion of the case rim that would contact the cylinder face is the small area on the outside edge. You need a flat surface for the case rim to fit against. Looking inside the charge holes, looks like it gets more .45ACP than .45 Colt. Make sure how you have to load for both cartridges and that both will actually chamber, if you're wanting to shoot .45 Colt in it. Below is a cylinder for .45 Colt only.

Does the seller say why he's selling it?

Edit: You are exactly right! That small radius is the mating surface for the 45LC. Think that's an issue?

 

[Ratherbelucky]

Did the 629-2 have the “squared” extractor, or is that a replacement cylinder?

I believe the cylinder was bored and recessed for clips.

 

[Ratherbelucky]

The way the cylinder face is cut for the moon clips, it looks like you'd have to use the clips even when loading .45 Colt. Otherwise, the only portion of the case rim that would contact the cylinder face is the small area on the outside edge. You need a flat surface for the case rim to fit against. Looking inside the charge holes, looks like it gets more .45ACP than .45 Colt. Make sure how you have to load for both cartridges and that both will actually chamber, if you're wanting to shoot .45 Colt in it. Below is a cylinder for .45 Colt only.

Does the seller say why he's selling it?

Seller says he put plenty of LC rounds through it. He got it after the conversion so his knowledge of it is limited. He says he has never had a FTF and always has good primer strikes. I guess if it became an issue (even for peace of mind) I could use the moons.

 

[CH4]

Looks like the conversion was well executed. I definitely swap a 4" 66 for it.
Fortunately, I have the best of both worlds, a 629-2 Mountain Revolver 44 mag and 625-6 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt.

 

[Tom S.]

Edit: You are exactly right! That small radius is the mating surface for the 45LC. Think that's an issue?

I see no issues and would take the gun in a heart beat. Here's a 627 cylinder that came from the factory cut for moon clips:

 

[Hair Trigger]

Edit: You are exactly right! That small radius is the mating surface for the 45LC. Think that's an issue?

Try loading a .45C cartridge and see how it seats, Recoil would push the case backwards against the recoil shield anyway, but if it only seats against that outer lip it kind of reminds me how a rimless case sits in a chamber that isn't fully supported, risking a bulged case at the case web. Also try a .45C case with the moon clip in place. If the cartridge fully seats and the cylinder closes, I'd use the moon clips for both .45C and .45 ACP.

 

[Ratherbelucky]

I see no issues and would take the gun in a heart beat. Here's a 627 cylinder that came from the factory cut for moon clips:

Great info! Thanks for the pic! I agreed to the deal, we will hook up in the next day or so.

 

[jcelect]

45 LC cases

If you were using the antique balloon head 45 LC cases, the unsupported portion of the case in your cylinder might be a problem. However, I do not think balloon head cases are made any more and the new way to form cases leaves a solid brass base in the cases. This is the portion of the case that is exposed to the unsupported area forward of the rim! If you are shooting reloads be very careful and use loads found in the reloading manuals under the heading of "For S&W revolvers"! Do not use any loads made for a rifle and/or Ruger guns!
jcelect

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I have the opportunity to pick up this 629-2 converted to 45 LC. It also had the cylinder machined to accept moonclips to allow the use of 45acp ...

I would pass on it.

When the owner converts a revolver to their specifications it should be a keeper. When they turn around and want to sell it. My first question is, why? The concept may be solid but the execution may not be.

An example would be the .357/44 Bain and Davis. In 1964 that was a great ideal, JMHO.

 

[The Kid]

I’ve cut dozens of cylinders for clips, mostly 454 Ruger DAs but same process. I see nothing wrong with the one in question and the 45 Colts will have plenty of support to be fired sans clips. TK custom sells clips to allow you to use them for 45 Colt but they are not interchangeable with the clips for 45 ACP.

Looks like a neat and useful revolver.