Please give me some advice on a 629. I've been wanting one for a while and have been searching around. I found a 629-1 in excellent condition, orginal grips for $700. There are a few used 629-6 on Gunbroker from $600-$700 used. I would prefer an older model, but is 629-6 for a $100 less a better deal? Is $700 a fair price for a excellent 629-1? Thank!!

You don't say what barrel length, 4" generally are a little more. I don't think $700 for a very nice M629-1 is too much.
The other question needs an an answer. What are you going to do with the gun? If you are planning on shooting a lot of full power magnums I'd probably go with the newer gun. The endurance package came on the M629-2E model and later.

Thanks BamaBiker it has a 6" barrel.

You've gotta love them both for their own qualities...

The 629-1 is exactly like the no-dash model except it no longer has a pinned barrel or recessed cylinder. If it remains original it will have the classic lines of earlier N frame guns with wood target stocks. Beautiful guns!

The 629-6 is the latest version. It may or may not be a model with a full underlug barrel. Several variations exist. It possesses the new cast parts (MIM) and a internal locking system so it can be disabled for safety purposes. The later dash number guns have all the longevity upgrades that increase its durability. The dash 6 benefits from the lifetime S&W warranty.

Both have their supporters and their detractors. Some see changes as necessary and beneficial, others see changes as diminished quality creating an inferior product.

I own both, shoot them both, and love them both for their contribution to the S&W lineup. All things being equal, If I were a new shooter I'd probably opt for the gun with the outstanding warranty. As a collector of earlier S&W handguns I'd likely look toward the dash 1.

A difficult but pleasant decision to be making....

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Terry

Very well said

One school of thought, 629-4 all the improvements you want but none of the stuff you don't want. JMHO/YMMV