629-5 PC

[ultratec00]

I had to do a "revolver rescue" from the LGS for a 629-5 that had been sitting in their counter for a bit. At first I thought someone had the compensator added aftermarket until doing some research. Turns out this is #79 of 205 produced, in the first run of two in this configuration. The good news is it came in factory box and had everything but the factory grips. Bad news it had two cylinders out of time and in need of a good cleaning. The cleaning revealed what appeared to be a very little used firearm. Bone dry and I doubt it had very many rounds through it. The timing was fixed post haste and it now locks up tight on all cylinders. Also of note, no MIM parts.

Question I have is whether this is a Lew Horton. In the box was a registration card from Lew Horton Distributing Co thanking the buyer for purchasing a Lew Horton Special Edition. Makes me think this is one but wasn't sure if Lew Horton was also a distributor for other limited run editions?

 

[BRatliff]

The end label on the box should list the product code. If you can provide it, one of us might be able to further identify it. I think the grips pictured are correct. They appear to be Altamonts, many S&W's shipped with them. Best regards, Bob.

 

[ultratec00]

Product code #170124

The attached is a stock pic from another ad, which I assumed was original configuration as it was listed as new/unused. The one I bought had a set of rubber pachmayrs.

thanks

The end label on the box should list the product code. If you can provide it, one of us might be able to further identify it. I think the grips pictured are correct. They appear to be Altamonts, many S&W's shipped with them. Best regards, Bob.

 

[colt_saa]

Yes that is a Lew Horton Exclusive.

The 170124 Model 629 Hunter started production in 1998 during the -4 engineering revision

The V-comp is removable and there should be a false muzzle, that is usually stored under the foam, that can be attached in it's place. The false muzzle is visible in the lower left corner of your "Stock Photo"

The 629 V-comp design was offered in 3", 4" abd 6 1/2" barrel lengths

The V-comp is very effective in fighting muzzle rise with full power ammunition. It is nowhere near as noticeable with light lead loads. If non gas checked lead loads are your main shooting choice you might want to consider using the false muzzle as the V-comp's slats will get lead deposits on them

If you have your box handy, there should be a 4 digit number under the heading "SPEC ORD"

95% of this time this is a code for the revolvers Date of Manufacture.

The actual shipping date of the revolver can be discovered be requesting a Historical Letter

 

[75Vette]

Nice find. Lew Horton had the factory do several short runs in many configurations. Also, the trigger, hammer & thumb piece cylinder release are all MIM. The dash 4s were the last 629s with forged parts. The stock Altamonts can still be purchased from their website.

 

[ultratec00]

S&W must have changed the design of the MIM parts early on as this has a hammer with an integrated stirrup like the non-MIM; as well as, the trigger has an integrated arm for the rebound spring housing.

Also, the trigger, hammer & thumb piece cylinder release are all MIM. The dash 4s were the last 629s with forged parts.

 

[ultratec00]

Awesome, thanks.

The false muzzle was there, I checked before buying. Looks like the previous owner either shot lead or a very dirty powder looking at the build up in the comp. I shoot jacketed exclusively and have a couple loads that seem to work well in all my 629s. No barn burners, whitetail loads that are very accurate @ 50 yards.

SPEC ORD: 8264.

Yes that is a Lew Horton Exclusive.

The 170124 Model 629 Hunter started production in 1988 during the -4 engineering revision

The V-comp is removable and there should be a false muzzle, that is usually stored under the foam, that can be attached in it's place. The false muzzle is visible in the lower left corner of your "Stock Photo"

The 629 V-comp design was offered in 3", 4" abd 6 1/2" barrel lengths

The V-comp is very effective in fighting muzzle rise with full power ammunition. It is nowhere near as noticeable with light lead loads. If non gas checked lead loads are your main shooting choice you might want to consider using the false muzzle and the V-comp's slats will get lead deposits o them

If you have your box handy, there should be a 4 digit number under the heading "SPEC ORD"

95% of this time this is a code for the revolvers Date of Manufacture.

The actual shipping date of the revolver can be discovered be requesting a Historical Letter

 

[colt_saa]

Awesome, thanks.

The false muzzle was there, I checked before buying. Looks like the previous owner either shot lead or a very dirty powder looking at the build up in the comp. I shoot jacketed exclusively and have a couple loads that seem to work well in all my 629s. No barn burners, whitetail loads that are very accurate @ 50 yards.

SPEC ORD: 8264.

That revolver was manufactured on September 21st of 1998

Sorry about the typo in my first post

 

[colt_saa]

S&W must have changed the design of the MIM parts early on as this has a hammer with an integrated stirrup like the non-MIM; as well as, the trigger has an integrated arm for the rebound spring housing.

Engineering revisions on the Performance Center side do not always conform to what was done on the Production side

The Performance Center stayed with Forged parts much longer than the production side

 

[75Vette]

Engineering revisions on the Performance Center side do not always conform to what was done on the Production side

The Performance Center stayed with Forged parts much longer than the production side

My bad then. Thanks for straightening me out.

 

[ultratec00]

I have a RSR limited run 629-4 6" light hunter and it has the exact same trigger as this one. The hammer is obviously different. The -4 having the integrated firing pin, the -5 has the frame mounted firing pin.

Engineering revisions on the Performance Center side do not always conform to what was done on the Production side

The Performance Center stayed with Forged parts much longer than the production side

 

[ultratec00]

Tell me about it. Took 45 minutes last night to get the lead build up out of the muzzle brake. Not only in the slats, there was lead build up in the barrel of the brake as well.

If non gas checked lead loads are your main shooting choice you might want to consider using the false muzzle as the V-comp's slats will get lead deposits on them

 

[colt_saa]

Tell me about it. Took 45 minutes last night to get the lead build up out of the muzzle brake. Not only in the slats, there was lead build up in the barrel of the brake as well.

In the olden days . . . . When we all used to shoot our Model 41s with the V-comp in place, we sprayed the comp with Carters Compensator Cleaner BEFORE shooting. The lead deposits would wipe away easily at cleaning time

I do not think that old stuff exists any longer (the EPA bans anything that works), but there must be a product that took it's place. I never searched it out since I had a supply on hand that took care of e until I switched away from 22LR autos.

You could also soak the stainless comp overnight in a solvent specifically made for lead removal. That might make the work easier

 

[Robspeire]

I have # 8 from the first run which I had ordered

Letter from Lew Horton which I received.

This gun is one of two small runs produced by Smith & Wesson in this configuration, with both runs completed in 1998. A total of 205 units were produced. 101 units with alpha prefix JZJ were produced and 104 units with alpha prefix HCC were produced. These stainless Model 629’s were manufactured by Smith & Wesson and delivered to Lew Horton Distributing in 1998. Your gun was delivered to Lew Horton’s in November of 1998. This Lew Horton Special Edition is listed in the Standard Catalog of S&W, 4th Edition on page 309.

Mine is 629-5.
In the 4th Edition it states they are "629-4