Ok... so I am just beginning to immerse myself in the S&W revolver world and I am looking at 44 magnum/44 special options. I want something that is collectible but whatever I get is going to also be a shooter. Safe queens are lovely to fondle and stare at, but IMHO if it can never be shot because it's too "valuable" in it's pristine condition then it's not for me. I would like some of the knowledgeable folks here to weigh in about whether I should be looking at a 29-3 (or up) or a 629 and why. Oh yeah... and it's a great excuse to show yours too...
29-3 or 629 and why?
- Thread starter quaduser
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I have a 4" ported 29-3 without a scratch on it. If I avoid dropping it on cement, I should be able to keep shooting it, then sell it at a substantial profit (if I want to). Condition trumps model numbers.
For starters, 29s and 629s that are old enough to be pinned and recessed are sought after by collectors. Those made after them but before the endurance package, the 29-3 and 629-1 and 629-2s made before the 629-2E, shoot just as well as earlier .44s but should be more affordable than both earlier and later .44 Magnums. More serious target shooters usually want the endurance package which was introduced with the 29-4 and 629-2E. The package was not just about endurance. Forcing cone diameters and chamber mouth diameters were also reduced to improve accuracy.
Since you wrote 629 (no dash) and 29-3 I hope that simplifies the production time period that interests you. The list of model variations and production changes since then is too long to write. If a revolver that is for sale interests you describe it and I'm sure you will get opinions.
Since you wrote 629 (no dash) and 29-3 I hope that simplifies the production time period that interests you. The list of model variations and production changes since then is too long to write. If a revolver that is for sale interests you describe it and I'm sure you will get opinions.
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Hi quaduser, and welcome to the Smith & Wesson Forum!
I can't really speak to the Model 29's because I don't currently own one, but I'm in agreement with the information posted above.
When it comes to the Model 629's, my preference is for the 629-4; again, for the same reasons posted above and because I'm very partial to the case hardened hammer and trigger in combination with stainless steel. It's a combination I find visually appealing compered to the older versions with flash chromed hammers and triggers.
Here's an example of what that combination looks like...
Model 629-4, 4" barrel
Best of luck in your search for a .44 Magnum!
I can't really speak to the Model 29's because I don't currently own one, but I'm in agreement with the information posted above.
When it comes to the Model 629's, my preference is for the 629-4; again, for the same reasons posted above and because I'm very partial to the case hardened hammer and trigger in combination with stainless steel. It's a combination I find visually appealing compered to the older versions with flash chromed hammers and triggers.
Here's an example of what that combination looks like...
Model 629-4, 4" barrel
Best of luck in your search for a .44 Magnum!
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If you're located in N CA, I can probably turn you on to what you're probably looking for. The shop I frequent has a 92-? that has quite a bit of surface rust on it but the action is tight and the timing right on. He's asking a base price of $500 for it. With a bit of cleaning up, it will make a great shooter or carry gun in the field. Of course, that is if it's not already spoken for. I would have purchased it myself but I already have a real nice 29-2. If you're located in the right place and interested, send me a PM or Email and I'll send you the information you need.
Sometimes the selection is determined by availability. Several years ago, I decided to acquire a .44 magnum for hunting. The owner of a LGS used to have an agreement with S&W to purchase all of their samples displayed at the NRA Annual Conventions.
I traded a Browning Citori 20 gauge, in 85% condition and paid $200.00 for the 629-5 Classic DX that was one of the S&W samples. This has been a fantastic handgun and a true hunting weapon.
My Pawn Shop owner had a 29-4, 3" in his case one day and it screamed to me. It is a great carry piece and fun to shoot.
Then, after drinking the Koolaid here, I was convinced that a 4" .44 was a "must" have item. I traded a 8 3/8" Mod. 27 for a 629-5, 4" with the box and docs.
Find one you like and grab it, you will not regret your decision.
I traded a Browning Citori 20 gauge, in 85% condition and paid $200.00 for the 629-5 Classic DX that was one of the S&W samples. This has been a fantastic handgun and a true hunting weapon.
My Pawn Shop owner had a 29-4, 3" in his case one day and it screamed to me. It is a great carry piece and fun to shoot.
Then, after drinking the Koolaid here, I was convinced that a 4" .44 was a "must" have item. I traded a 8 3/8" Mod. 27 for a 629-5, 4" with the box and docs.
Find one you like and grab it, you will not regret your decision.
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I prefer the 4 inch 629-4 for field carry due to the endurance package and stainless steel.
These two are both pre-model 29s, but are still shooters. They are range guns that I just shoot hand loads through.
These two are both pre-model 29s, but are still shooters. They are range guns that I just shoot hand loads through.
That 3" 29-4 would have screamed at me too! Very nice!
Dieseltech56
Member
The majority of my N frame 44 mag collection is post endurance and above. I only have one pinned an recessed gun out of ten 29/629 revolvers.
I like shooters better than collectors.
I like shooters better than collectors.
The pre endurance package guns are not delicate per say and are fine for most people.if you are going to shoot the everyloving **** out of it, get the 1990 foward versions. I am shooting one of my early 29-2 today with magnums. I do think the newer ones from about 1990 on can be more accurate due to tighter throat dimensions. I have some thatshoot great groups at 50 to 100 yards. My most accurate is a 629-4 6.5 inch made early 1990s.
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bananaman
Member
Maybe it is my age, but I have always preferred blued revolvers over stainless. Now that is not to say I don't have stainless Smiths. My 29-3, is a beauty to me. I bought a 29-2 nickel. It was a "beauty". Too bad function did not match it's looks. Bob
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