Model 629

[Hippie44]

Been thinking of getting a S&W 629 6" barrel for deer hunting.I been hunting with a revolver in a 44 mag for some time but never a S&W. I'll be looking at pre-own 629 and the Classic, the DX is proably to much money. I reload for the 44mag and cast, I may scope it or not. So, is there than much difference between the 629 and the Classic beside the half under lug barrel and fixed front site? Also when did they start drill and tapping for scope base? First post so be easy on me Thanks Hippie

[Snapping Twig]

I own a classic hunter 29, and a 29-2 and a 629-2, so in a nutshell, the differences other than the endurance package are style things like the full underlug or BP scalloped cylinder or unfluted cylinder or 4 position front sight or interchangable front sight or fixed front sight - like that.

As far as the endurance package, I can't tell you when it was introduced by year as I've forgotten, but none of mine have it and they are all hale and hardy after many years of full power SAAMI loads.

You can load up to the redline of SAAMI, but not beyond with an S&W, so don't load the Ruger and TC data for it.

If you can't drop an animal with SAAMI loads, you're not doing it right.

[Hippie44]

Thanks for the information, Happy thanksgiving to everybody

[VAdoublegunner]

The 629-4 is the one to look for. Last of the hammer mounted firing pins, if that is an issue to you, lack of MIM parts (although I have one with what appears to be a MIM trigger) and all the enhancement upgrades. They are d&t for a scope. Also pre-lock. The enhancement upgrades started earlier, with the model 629-2E. Mine is a 4" heavy barrel and I like it just fine for field carry hunting. I think the underlugged models add a bit too much forward weight for my liking, but like most of this hobby it is user preference.

[mark454]

To answer some questions:
629-4 started all 629's drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
629-2E started Endurance Package
The 629's that you mentioned don't have a "fixed" front sight. The front sight is held in with a pin.
The Classic has a full-lug barrel. Only you can decide if you like that better.
The Classic DX is full lug barrel shipped with extra front sights, a set of combat grips, a set of wood stocks, and a target to prove it's accuracy.
Don't ignore internal lock guns.
How long have you been hunting with a 44 and have not tried a Smith? SHAME!!! Your penance-Quickly acquire the 6 inch 629 you desire. Post a picture on this website. Shoot 200 rounds of cast bullets, 100 rounds of jacketed bullets and report back.
That wasn't too hard on you, was it?
By the way, Welcome and Happy Thanksgiving,
Mark

[Hippie44]

Thanks again to all- that cleared up some of the questions. As to my penance I'm working on right now, good thing it's Thanksgiving day Hippie

[Dump1567]

Saw this at Buds, but i don't think it's tapped for a scope mount.

used Smith & Wesson 629 Classic Crimson Trace $739.00 SHIPS FREE



This S&W is in great condition. It is a Pre Lock 629 .44 magnum revolver. It features the 8 3/8 inch full lug barrel, target trigger and target hammer and adjustable sights. It wears Crimson Trace lasergrips (plastic). This gun has no lock and no mim parts. It is a -3. No box included.

[Hippie44]

Thanks for the link, whats min parts? Hippie

[Dump1567]

Originally Posted by Hippie44

Thanks for the link, whats min parts? Hippie

Metal injection molding.

The process involves combining fine metal powders with plastic binders which allow the resulting metal powder and plastic mix to be injected as a liquid into a hollow mold using equipment similar to standard plastic injection molding machines. After the part is cured (or cooled) and de-molded, but before the plastic binding matrix is removed, the part is referred to as a 'green part'. The next step is to remove the plastic binders from between the metal particles with the application of solvents and/or thermal processes. The resulting slightly porous (2-4% "air") metal part is sintered at temperatures great enough to bind the surfaces of the particles to one another, but not enough to melt the metal outright. Densities of 96-98% of that of solid, forged parts are common.

These parts are prone to breakage at a higher rate than solid metal parts.

[elundgren]

The powdered metal is melted after molding and heat treated as needed. If done right there really isn't any quality problem. That said, I would rather have drop forged parts.

edit, The more detailed explanation above is correct.( and better then mine ) but I I did not want the op thinking that the parts were just glued together.

[Joni_Lynn]

That 629-3 Classic in the pic is drilled and tapped. They were the first to be made that way.
My favorite S&W 44 is my 629-4 Power Port. I have to admit that I like all of them though.

Welcome to the forum.

[Hippie44]

Wow, you guys and gals are full of great information thanks again and thanks for the welcome.
Hippie