My references indicate that the first 100 629s had serial numbers beginning with "629". Did these revolvers have a "case hardened" hammer and trigger or the "in the white" look of the production models 629 through 629-3? Thanks.

See photo of pre-production Model 629, N629193, in answer to your question. The target trigger on the pre-production 629s is 0.500 inch wide. The regular production 629s have a target trigger that is 0.400 inch wide. Click on the photo for a better look.

Bill

They're not in-the-white, they're flash chromed.

__________________
Psalm 27:2

Thanks! Got it.

Technically the Serial Numbers started with N629xxx.

It was just a coincidence the numbers were in that range as I recall.

According to my database, N 629100, was a prototype gun and shipped Nov 1978. I have serial numbers starting at N611xxx thru N628xxx all shipped from Jan 1979 through Feb 1979! Here is a quote from Dr Jinks on the 629s;

....... the first production Model 629 had serial numbers that began N 629xxx these were basically test guns and guns for the writers. Although we shipped some of them to distributors such as Bill Orr’s company GT Dist. The revolver bearing serial number N748614 was in the second lot of 629’s that were manufactured in March of 1980. This lot was for 350 units and were serial numbered from N748564-N748913. These were the first group produced for sales
jcelect

Photo of Model 629, N629100, below. I had this 44 Magnum in my collection for quite a few years and it was part of my display of Model 629s at the S&WCA annual symposium in Spokane, WA in 2015. This is also the revolver that Roy Jinks' daughter, Beth, learned to shoot with. A special magnum indeed. Click on the photo for a closer look.

Bill

Here's the revolver in question. It is N629137 and I had a chance to purchase it for $1100. I passed. Thanks for all the info!

Attached Images

629137B.jpg (123.1 KB, 46 views)

Wait......wut?

That was my response also. I have no idea what that’d be worth but surely $1,100 would be very bottom of any expected price range.

Go for it.

Attached Images

629137.jpg (61.8 KB, 24 views)