629-2 Mountain Gun

[Kinman]

One of you guys can probably answer this question. I was offered this 629-2 and was told it was a "Mountain Gun", it has the 4" non pinned barrel w/fluted cylinder. According to the production code (103652) on the box the pistol came with which matches the serial number BDZ-000X it is supposed to be a 629-4 w/unfluted cylinder. Curious is all and I couldn't turn it down for the price he wanted.
According to him he was told by the guy that sold it to him that it was a very early 1st run of the "Mountain Gun". The only marks on the pistol are a faint turn line, otherwise ASIB w/all the tools unwrapped, papers, etc.

 

[SuperMan]

If it has the early non-MIM parts with the firingpin on the hammer and a matte stainless finish then you have what was called a Mountain Revolver....

Top and bottom ones should look like yours... The barrels were not marked other than the caliber...

Bob

 

[Kinman]

Thanks Bob, Yeah its identical to the top one. It has non-MIM parts and firing pin on the hammer, has a solid black front sight and Pachmeyer grips. I prefer my Smiths to have the firing pin on the hammer, this is my first S&W pistol manufactured after the 70's, also my first stainless S&W.

 

[Engine49guy]

The 629-2 "Mountain Revolver" is the forerunner to the
Mountain Gun" Series revolvers.

I LOVE these handguns, kinda looks like a Stainless Steel 27 or 24 but in .44 Mag.

,
If you are handy u can make a grip adapter and fit some classic
factory target grips.
Here it is with a Model 66 for comparison.

 

[Kinman]

Took the 629-2 out to the range today to see how it runs, first off I tried some 240g SWC target loads I had worked up for an old 29-2 6.5" I had, not too bad in fact put a smile on my ole gray muzzle. I then tried out some of Mr. Keith's 240g SWC with 17g of 2400, not as pleasant to shoot as the old 29-2. After about 25-30 of those bad boys I began to feel a bit of discomfort in the web of my hand, I think the rubber pachmeyers lack in width in that area. I then tried some full-house magnum loads with 240g JHP and was not happy with the resulting punishment, I understand that this is not a target pistol and the pachmeyers really are not up to spreading that impact out around the web of my larger than normal hand. I've sent it off to Mag-na-port for a 4 port dual trapazoid job and will look for a way to get some decent S&W target grips on it.
I've always enjoyed shooting 44 special in my 44 magnums and with target grade ammunition this pistol is fun to shoot, I like to be proficient with whatever I shoot and usually all it takes is a slight adjustment like grips, etc. to solve the problem.

 

[CA357]

Congratulations. Enjoy your "Mountain Revolver".

 

[radtuck]

Is there much difference in point of impact between 44 special loads and, say, the Elmer Keith loads?
John

 

[CWH44300]

If it has the early non-MIM parts with the firingpin on the hammer and a matte stainless finish then you have what was called a Mountain Revolver....

Top and bottom ones should look like yours... The barrels were not marked other than the caliber...

Bob

Hey Bob, those are some handsome sixguns you got there

 

[bronco45]

My all time favorite 44, the Mountian Revolver, they just get better with age.

 

[Kilibreaux]

2400 is a bit too slow-burning for the short-barreled Smith. Drop back to a medium rate powder such as Unique or AA7 to take best advantage of the barrel.
Years ago I was working up pre-fragmented loads in my 629 and ended up "killing" my chronograph as one of the shot-filled rounds I was testing spit out a pellet into the Chrony's LCD display!