629-2 SS 44 mag...what do I have?...Classic Hunter...

[C.C. Dollar]

Hello everyone. Years ago...maybe in the early 80's...I bought a S & W 44 mag. model 629-2 SS with a 6" barrel, unfluted cylinder and black Hogue grips (new in box) #BDA96XX. It was called: Smith & Wesson's New Classic Hunter. It is and has been as nice as a pistol can be. There are no other markings on the pistol calling it out as a "Classic Hunter". Soon after, S & W's Classic Hunter became very popular with interchangable front sights, scope mounts, etc. Mine has none of these. Do I have a Classic Hunter or a standard SS 629? I have searched gun auctions for quite a while and can't seem to find a simular one. Thanks again...it sure makes my Hammerless Safety look small...

CC

 

[dma1]

I'd say you have a Classic Hunter. My brother bought a Classic Hunter in .357 around that same time. His has an unfluted cylinder too. Other than that, it looks like a standard 6" 686. My 629-3 Classic has the laser engraving on the barrel but it is not a Classic Hunter. It has a fluted cylinder.

 

[C.C. Dollar]

What makes a S & W a "classic hunter"? Is it an actual model type or type of model?

CC

 

[JohnAC]

Yep, Classic Hunter. This one came with the Hogues.

 

[dma1]

I think the Hogue rubber grip, full lug barrel, and the unfluted cylinder are the main distinguishing features. The description in the SCSW is 629-1 or 629-2, 6 shot unfluted cylinder, 6" full lug barrel, .500" target hammer, .400" smooth combat trigger, pinned black ramp front sight, white outline rear sight, Hogue soft rubber grips.

 

[NOTREDAME]

629-2

 

[holo]

this is how mine came. wood grips?

 

[C.C. Dollar]

Thanks everyone...yep...that's it. Question answered.

CC