My search terms didn't come up with what I was looking for, so I thought I'd try a new thread.

I'm in the process of replacing my ILS guns with pre-lock models. I know that the 629 to -1 transition marks the end of P&R, but is there any other reason to choose one over the other?

Thanks

For me no, but I would imagine that the P&R 629 would be more sellable than the -1, and maybe bring a bit more money. Other than that, I had a 629-1 and shot it extensively with factory 44 Mag ammo and had no issues with it and I regret selling it.

It only matters if P&R matters to you. In stainless guns, it doesn't matter to me. If it were blued and it had to pick between 29-2 and 29-3, I'd hold out for P&R. For stainless, eh...

I have a 629-1. It has earned the nickname Thor. Love it!!

C'mon now, help a newb out. What is ILS and P and R please?
Just got into the 629-1 thing, haven't even shot it yet.

The internal lock is a device found on newer revolvers that acts as a safety device. I don't own one, so I 'm not sure exactly how they operate, but a key device is inserted into a hole in the side of the frame above the cylinder release thumb latch to lock or unlock the action.

P&R refers to pinned barrels and recessed cylinders. This disappeared from production in around the 1982 area for the Model 629, and 629's produced after that were marked -1 until the next production and engineering change. Recessed cylinders were only found on magnum revolvers. Some people are of the opinion that after the P&R era S&W revolvers lost their collectabillity and popularity. I don't personally follow that though.

My 6" 629-1 has the pinned barrel but no recessed cylinder. A "transitional" model.

If you are planning on buying the revolver and to shoot it a lot it doesn't probably matter which you get of the two. In that case the Model 629 will be worth slightly more if you sell it if both revolvers show equal wear. However if you aren't going to shoot the one you get that much than there is a significant value difference between the two as really clean Model 629 no dash revolvers sell for a large premium over the 629-1 because collectors clamor for one. I had a set of the 3 barrel lengths in 629 no dash revolvers and I sold the 4 inch and the 8 3/8 inch and they sold for a large premium over what the same 629-1 sells for.
Model 629 no dash with 6 inch barrel

My six inch 629 has a recessed cylinder, but no pinned bbl.

For a shooter, if you plan on using it a lot with heavy loads, consider a -4 which has the full "endurance package".
No IL, not P&R. but still retains the traditional forged T&H.
A bonus is that it comes drilled and tapped for installing an optic if you choose.
The cylinder throats are likely tighter than on the earlier models. Mine are.
Most of these, however, are round butted.
I'd never molest this P&R no-dash:

This one now gets most of the work:

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I also like P+R guns. I have a 6 inch 629, didn't deal hard enough last fall on a 4 incher , have regretted it ever since!
And I had them Benjamin's in my pocket!

__________________
NRA LIFE MEMBER

Some guys hide them away in a safe for their heirs and some guys shoot them. P&R for the safe queens and either model for a shooter. Regardless, the future sale of either will not pay off the mortgage or put the kids through college...

Anyone have a link to diagrams or photos that show the difference between the pin/no pin and the recessed/no recessed? I'd like to figure out if mine has both, or one or the other.

Here are 2 pic's of my Model 29-2 (1977)
The first is the pinned barrel. Notice the pin in front of the cylinder and just in front of the top strap on the frame.



The recessed cylinder allows the case rim to be fully enclosed within the cylinder and seats flush with the end of the cylinder.

Perfect. Now I get it. Thanks!!