629-4 Mountain Gun

[Kingspoke]

I'm looking at buying this unusual version of the 629-4 MG that has a glass beaded finish, magna ported, and an unfluted cylinder. The product code is 103652 (1989) on this version.

Does any one here have one? Does anyone here know how many were made? Any thoughts on this one?

I'm not particularly a fan of the flame thrower slots on the barrel, but I'm sure it comes in handy when roasting marshmallows or starting a camp fire, etc.

Seriously, I just think the gun overall is pretty unique, and thought if might be nice to have. I've owned several 629s, all dash 4's except one, but never knew this one existed.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Search the product code.. you will see the one you are looking at is custom... cylinder and porting.
SMITH & WESSON 629-2 44 MAGNUM 4" MOUNTAIN REVO... for sale

 

[75Vette]

No expert but looks like what bigbruce said, a custom job. The first Mountain Guns were called Mountain Revolvers and had the bead blast finish. They were the dash 2s IIRC. After that they were satin finished and called Mtn Guns.

 

[SAFireman]

The whole point of a Mountain Gun was to help shave some weight off of the gun to make it easier to carry for long days in the hills. Putting a non-fluted cylinder would work against the idea of light weight.

I think that someone swapped out a cylinder and had it Magna Ported. It doesn't look original to me. My 629-4 is standard finish and has the typical MG cylinder.

 

[Kingspoke]

The product code 103652, indicates this is a -4, unfluted, GB (Glass Bead finish) with a prefix of CAP, 1989 production. This is from the SWSC page 310.

Also interesting it does not say Mountain Gun, rather 44 magnum on the right side of the barrel. Listed as "Mountain Revolver" not Mountain Gun, my error there!

 

[75Vette]

I looked into the SCSW and you are right. VERY strange though because it also says the same product code is used for the 629-2 Mountain Revolver with a fluted cylinder.
Another case of the factory trying to keep us on our toes!!

 

[mike campbell]

I owned one briefly that someone had Magnaported. Each shot was like getting smacked in the forehead with a 2x4.

Porting is perhaps the greatest scam ever foisted on gun owners. Unlike a true muzzlebreak, porting does absolutely nothing to reduce recoil which, I'm sure, is why most people had it done. It might possibly reduce muzzle rise a small amount, but to what benefit? Is double-tapping that common with a .44 magnum?

For many, porting on any gun is an absolute deal-breaker.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I owned one briefly that someone had Magnaported. Each shot was like getting smacked in the forehead with a 2x4.

Porting is perhaps the greatest scam ever foisted on gun owners. Unlike a true muzzlebreak, porting does absolutely nothing to reduce recoil which, I'm sure, is why most people had it done. It might possibly reduce muzzle rise a small amount, but to what benefit? Is double-tapping that common with a .44 magnum?

For many, porting on any gun is an absolute deal-breaker.

You nailed it!.........No termite holes in any of my barrels!

 

[stykshooter]

I had an absolutely gorgeous 2 1/2" model 19 that I ruined. Sent it to Mag-na-port in a fit of insanity and was pretty much unable to shoot it once I got it back. Anything slightly hot in it and those ports would take your eye brows off.

 

[jwk]

Some folks do double tap w a 44Mag. I have shot IPSA matches w a 4 inch 629 shooting Win 240 JSP ammo. 2nd match I shot it in I was invited NOT to bring it back again. No question that my loads made major or when I hit a steel plate.

I used to shoot 629s a lot DA when my wrists were younger. I went to a Ruger Redhawk for a while because the recoil wasn't as bad but the trigger sucked and I couldn't find grips that worked for me shooting DA. Finally grew out of trying to shoot a 44 fast.

 

[CH4]

I have a 629-2 Mountain Revolver (103652) with the traditional fluted cylinder as well as a .45 Colt 625-6 MG with porting - bought both NIB. Not a fan of magnaporting, but I don't notice it when shooting standard pressure .45 LC. Never seen an unfluted Mountain Revolver. The above unfluted MR's cylinder isn't chamfered - imagine it would look funny. Also, the chamfering on my MR is much more pronounced than on my MG.

 

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

629, 4 inch, unfluted, Magnaported

I have this same revolver. I have the factory box, but cannot access it right now. I am pretty certain that it is as sold by S&W in terms of the magnaporting, unfluted cylinder and bead blast finish, but I did not buy it new.

 

[Jimmy4570]

Very nice! Personally I much prefer fluted cylinders so would likely send it to Hamilton Bowen for fluting and black powder chamfering on the front of the cylinder but all in all, great gun.

 

[Kingspoke]

I have this same revolver. I have the factory box, but cannot access it right now. I am pretty certain that it is as sold by S&W in terms of the magnaporting, unfluted cylinder and bead blast finish, but I did not buy it new.

That would be cool to see the box, label. I believe this gun is magna ported from the factory. Though I'm not a fan per se of magna porting (never owed or desired to own one), the overall "off the beaten path" combined features have me intrigued by it's uniqueness.

 

[Kingspoke]

Very nice! Personally I much prefer fluted cylinders so would likely send it to Hamilton Bowen for fluting and black powder chamfering on the front of the cylinder but all in all, great gun.

I also prefer fluted cylinders, & this would be the first unfluted gun, I've ever owned. I think it's pretty unique, if completely factory features, which I'm not thinking it is, based on Jeff's comments.

 

[Kingspoke]

I looked into the SCSW and you are right. VERY strange though because it also says the same product code is used for the 629-2 Mountain Revolver with a fluted cylinder.
Another case of the factory trying to keep us on our toes!!

Yes, Smith & Wesson is good for that. That's is what intrigued me about this gun, something off the beaten path. I also notice that unlike the "Mountain Gun" it has roll marks vs lazer etching, similiar to the differences in the 625 model of 1988/1989, which some are roll marked and some (1989) are lazer etched.

 

[Kingspoke]

I have a 629-2 Mountain Revolver (103652) with the traditional fluted cylinder as well as a .45 Colt 625-6 MG with porting - bought both NIB. Not a fan of magnaporting, but I don't notice it when shooting standard pressure .45 LC. Never seen an unfluted Mountain Revolver. The above unfluted MR's cylinder isn't chamfered - imagine it would look funny. Also, the chamfering on my MR is much more pronounced than on my MG.

I have the same gun, 625-6 MG 45LC, but not ported, wearing some Badger grips. They're beautiful guns and having it, piqued my interest in this MR.

 

[The Norseman]

Unique S&W 629-4 Mountain Gun

Thank you for sharing a Unique 1989 S&W 629-4 44Mag MG
glass beaded finish, magna ported, unfluted cylinder.
Product Code 103652.

I like learning things about the Mountain Revolvers or
Mountain Guns.

My Unique 44Mag Cabela's Outfitter Mountain Gun
below.
A regular 625-6 45Colt also.

 

[tennexplorer]

Very nice! Personally I much prefer fluted cylinders so would likely send it to Hamilton Bowen for fluting and black powder chamfering on the front of the cylinder but all in all, great gun.

Bowen no longer works on S&W's.

 

[Kingspoke]

Thank you for sharing a Unique 1989 S&W 629-4 44Mag MG
glass beaded finish, magna ported, unfluted cylinder.
Product Code 103652.

I like learning things about the Mountain Revolvers or
Mountain Guns.

My Unique 44Mag Cabela's Outfitter Mountain Gun
below.
A regular 625-6 45Colt also.

Yes, these are some nice MG's alright! Thanks for sharing as well, and by the way, those are some nice Hogue's with S&W silver medallions. I have those on my 629-4 (3") Backpacker. They are hard to find. I was lucky enough to buy a pair from a forum member. A small distinction, but a very nice one!

 

[Triggernosis]

Bowen no longer works on S&W's.

Does anyone know why he stopped working on them?

 

[HamHands]

I have a 629-2 Mountain Revolver (103652) with the traditional fluted cylinder as well as a .45 Colt 625-6 MG with porting - bought both NIB. Not a fan of magnaporting, but I don't notice it when shooting standard pressure .45 LC. Never seen an unfluted Mountain Revolver. The above unfluted MR's cylinder isn't chamfered - imagine it would look funny. Also, the chamfering on my MR is much more pronounced than on my MG.

What a beautiful pair you have there!

 

[Kingspoke]

S&W 629-4 Mountain Revolver - Unfluted

Well, yesterday, I called up Smith & Wesson and they confirmed that my 629-4 Mountain Revolver, identified by product code and serial number, did leave the factory with the Glass Bead finish, and Unfluted cylinder, as described in the SWSC 4th Edition.

Based on the serial number, they also stated this revolver was sent out to Magnaport, for the barrel porting.

 

[Kingspoke]

629-4 4" Mountain Revolver

Today, I received the gun at my FFL, and was very happy with the appearance, balance, condition, and feel. I appreciated the differences in the glass beaded finish, and the unfluted cylinder.

The porting was excellently executed by Magnaport, though I personally would never have gone thru the expense to altered a very unique factory version of the 629-4 Mountain Revolver.

I had spoken with Smith & Wesson CS and they assured me they could restore the gun to factory original barrel. So I have options here.

Last night I had watched several video's on the pros and cons of Magnaporting & Powerporting, which is a factory feature on many Smith & Wesson Performance Center revolvers.

Particularly , the Jerry Miculek video shows his many Magnaported handguns including one he used in winning 3 (semiauto) Championships. He seems to be a big proponent of Magnaporting, displaying how it helps the shooter stay on target quicker, yet slows the velocity of the projectile.

For me maintaining originality of a uniquely featured 629-4, supersedes concerns for muzzle flip and speed/competition shooting. I'm very fond of the 629-4 and I have had a few of the 3" variety and one 5".

 

[Kingspoke]

629-4 Mountain Revolver - Unfluted & Glass Beaded!

I've decided to shoot the gun as is, and develop my own opinion of the benefits of the barrel porting, vs bringing it back to original configuration.

I'm not concerned about the gun having a non fluted, non beveled cylinder, or having a glass beaded finish, those are a bonuses of being a unique version of the 629-4! Though an unfluted cylinder may contradict the idea of lightening the revolver, it also changes the balance, when holding/shooting.

 

[Kingspoke]

Thank you, Smith & Wesson for coming up with so many very cool guns!

Cheers!

 

[one eye joe]

I'm looking at buying this unusual version of the 629-4 MG that has a glass beaded finish, magna ported, and an unfluted cylinder. The product code is 103652 (1989) on this version.

Does any one here have one? Does anyone here know how many were made? Any thoughts on this one?

I'm not particularly a fan of the flame thrower slots on the barrel, but I'm sure it comes in handy when roasting marshmallows or starting a camp fire, etc.

Seriously, I just think the gun overall is pretty unique, and thought if might be nice to have. I've owned several 629s, all dash 4's except one, but never knew this one existed.

I WOULD BE SURPRISED IT THIS REVOLVER IS ACTUALLY SCRIPTED AS A "MOUNTAIN GUN". IT LACKS ONE OF THE SIGNATURE FEATURES OF THE MGs---THE "BLACK POWDER" STYLE, BEVELED CYLINDER. THE UN-FLUTED CYLINDER IS USUALLY A FEATURE OF A "CLASSIC HUNTER". COULD IT BE THAT THIS UNUSUAL REVOLVER IS ACTUALLY A VARIATION OF A CH, RATHER THAN A MG ? ? ? TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE PORTED BARREL IS NOT A FEATURE OF EITHER THE MG OR CH REVOLVERS. OF COURSE THERE'S NO TELLING WHAT S&W MIGHT SURPRISE US WITH.....

IMHO, THE SEMI LUGGED BARREL DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE TAPERED QUITE LIKE THE BARREL OF A MG. OF COURSE, AS THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE HAVE SUFFERED THROUGH THE PERIODIC EXPLANATIONS OF WHY, THIS OL' SOLDIER TYPES IN CAPS----ONE EYE JOE DOES NOT SEE VERY WELL...lol WE REALLY NEED THE SERVICES OF A GUY LIKE Kernel Crittenden TO SORT THIS OUT FOR US--OR ME, AT LEAST........

BELOW ARE PICS OF MY 3 MGs. L to R, THEY ARE A M686+. A M629, AND A M625 IN .45 COLT. THE M629 IS PICTURED SOLO, AS WELL. THE MGs ARE FINE REVOLVERS.....

I HAVE ALSO POSTER A PIC OF 2 OF MY M629s. the 8 3/8" BARRELED ONE IS A CLASSIC HUNTER, WITH THE SIGNATURE UN-FLUTED CYLINDER. WHATEVER YOUR UNIQUE REVOLVER MIGHT BE---ITS A WORTHWHILE ADDITION TO ANYONE'S COLLECTION......

I'M NOT A FAN OF A PORTED BARREL OR A BEAD BLASTED FINISH, AND I'M A SHOOTER, NOT A COLLECTOR, BUT EVEN I WOULD BE TEMPTED TO BUY THIS ONE---UNLESS IT WAS TAGGED FOR "STUPID MONEY"......

WELL, RE-READING THIS THREAD, I FOUND OUT THAT I WAS CORRECT---ITS NOT SCRIPTED AS A MOUNTAIN GUN, BECAUSE ITS ACTUALLY A "MOUNTAIN REVOLVER" ! ! ! EVIDENTLY IT LEFT THE FACTORY WITH THAT CYLINDER AND FINISH, AND IT WAS SENT BY S&W, TO MAGNA PORT. BASED ON OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCE, WITH PORTED GUNS--I WOULD NOT BE TEMPTED TO BUY OR SHOOT THIS GUN. I DO EXTEND MY BEST WISHES, TO THE OP, FOR AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE WITH IT, HOWEVER......

 

[sw282]

l had a 629 Mtn Gun.. Too light on the front end made the muzzle flip

a bit much for me... l then went the other way. l found a full lug 3'' 629.

Unfluted cyl too!! Felt like a BRICK to carry.. Pointed and balanced AWFUL..

I solved the problem with 625 MOUNTAIN GUN!!!

l remember Larry Kelley of MagnaPort Arms.. Back in the 70s he went to

Africa with one of his special Ruger SBH 44s.. He killed ALL of the Big Five

with it. Shot special BRONZE bullets in it to get the penetration he needed

on the really BIG critters.

Shortly after Kelley started MagnaPort virtually EVERY ''gunsmith'' from

N Y to L A with a drill press was doing it on every type gun imaginable.

Sure ruined a bunch of fine firearms:-(

 

[oink]

Interesting thread. I have a 3" 629-4 RSR Trail Boss. I'm not clear on the difference between the Trail Boss and a Mountain Gun??? My Trail Boss is also MagnaPorted and I guess sent by S&W out to get done. I can't say for certain that the porting helps a bunch but I don't experience the negative issues with the porting others are reporting. In low light it's obvious but not really otherwise. I like the gun but have never found the perfect grips for it.

 

[Kingspoke]

RSR Trail Boss 3" Magnaported

Hey Oink! That RSR 629 "Trail Boss" is another one of many cool guns S&W puts out.

This my first go round with a Magnaported gun, and I know Smith & Wesson also produces many Powerport guns as well, many of them Performance Center guns. I think I'll find out in a week where I stand on Magnaporting and a tapered barrel!

I'll be shooting factory 44 specials however, as I do in my 29-3 3" & 629-4 3" Backpacker. From what I'm seeing in the SWSC 4TH, there are several releases of the Trail Boss, but they all appear to be 3" barrels vs the 4" barrels on the Mountain Gun series (including predecessor, Mountain Revolver, Mountain Lion, etc.), with tapered barrels. There are other differences, but those being the most prominent.

Post a pic of your beauty if you have one handy. I would love to see it!

In my case if I don't like the Magnaporting on this Mountain Revolver, I'll just send it back to Smith & Wesson, and have them bring it back to stock.