629 Classic - differences between dash numbers

[wellthought1]

What is the difference between a 629-3 Classic 5" and a 629-4 Classic 5"? Which is more desirable? Thanks.

 

[Shark Bait]

Both have the endurance package, but I believe the main difference is the -3 has a flash chromed trigger and hammer while the -4 has a case color hardened trigger and hammer. The -3 may be slightly more desirable as the earlier model. The Classic DX versions are even more desirable. Still looking for one.

 

[grip frame]

-4 also has the current rear sight assy. and current extractor assy.

 

[oink]

Is the top strap drilled and tapped on the -3?

 

[muddocktor]

Is the top strap drilled and tapped on the -3?

The -3 Classics are drilled and tapped, but the regular -3 models are not. IIRC, it wasn't until the -4 guns came out that all were drilled and tapped.

 

[bangbig]

And there you have it! : ' )

 

[Steve71]

The -3 Classics are drilled and tapped, but the regular -3 models are not.

Could you explain please, what that means?

 

[bangbig]

Could you explain please, what that means?

A standard 629 model, that is NOT a "classic". No full underlug.

Also, were the cylinder throats reduced by the time the -3's came out?

 

[muddocktor]

bangbig, yes, by the time my -3 Classic was made they were definitely reduced. Mine check out around .4295 to .43 if I remember correctly. It's been a couple of years since I checked it with pin gauges

 

[RoyM52]

The dash 3 with full under-lug were drilled and tapped during the dash 3 production. I have a full under-lug dash 3 that is not drilled and tapped, my brother has a dash 3 full under-lug that is drilled and tapped. Mine is non fluted and his is not. Mine has a 6 inch barrel and his has a 5. Mine is a square butt and his is a round. He has the replaceable front sight {spring loaded} mine has the pinned front sight. Both are full under lug and both are dash 3.

 

[HamHands]

Is the top strap drilled and tapped on the -3?

My M629-3 "DX" model is D and T'd...

 

[HamHands]

bangbig, yes, by the time my -3 Classic was made they were definitely reduced. Mine check out around .4295 to .43 if I remember correctly. It's been a couple of years since I checked it with pin gauges

The throats on my M629-3 are tight as well...