629 endurance package

[eddieE76]

Guys, I'm sure others have asked this. But could not find a quick answer. If a 629 that doesn't have the endurance package is sent to S&W, will they update the parts to the endurance package?

Thanks

 

[kwselke]

I'm not certain, but that would be some major changes to collectable firearms. The changes could probably be done, but the costs would probably far outweigh the benefits. My guess is you would be better off buying a 629-3 or later than trying to convert a 629-2 or earlier to a 629-3 or later.

 

[finesse_r]

I Seriously Doubt It

Guys, I'm sure others have asked this. But could not find a quick answer. If a 629 that doesn't have the endurance package is sent to S&W, will they update the parts to the endurance package?

Thanks

I don't think that would even be possible. The endurance package is basically a hardened yoke and frame. I suspect that has to be done very early on in the manufacturing process.

However, repairs can be made to them most of the time to take out the end shake and improve the lock up.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Guys, I'm sure others have asked this. But could not find a quick answer. If a 629 that doesn't have the endurance package is sent to S&W, will they update the parts to the endurance package?

Thanks

I would doubt it. They do not treat this like the L Frame "M" recall. The SCSW 3rd describes the endurance package as hardened yoke and frame, longer stop notches on the cylinder, addition of a bolt block and a fixed hand. At the very least a new cylinder is needed. That gets pricey. I just do not think they do that, or at least I have never heard of it. Doc 44 is the person to ask on this as there is no person alive, apart from Roy Jinks, who knows more about S&W 44 Magnums than Bill.

 

[eddieE76]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I will be looking for a 629-4...keeping my eyes open.

 

[AveragEd]

Eddie, if you don't plan to pound your 629 with full-house ammo constantly, which isn't a lot of fun with those older, lighter partial-underlug guns, why worry about the endurance package? I have a nice 6" 629-1 that I only use for punching paper with target loads. For hunting, I have other 629s that are heavier and better-suited to those loads.

Ed

 

[stu1ritter]

The endurance package starts with the 629-2E, everything after that, like the 629-3 on and on has it.
Stu

 

[eddieE76]

Thanks guys. I have a gun that is going back to S&W for some minor work and was wondering if, while there, they could upgrade it with the endurance package. It appears that is not possible. Since I will not be using the gun with the heavy loads I won't worry about it.

 

[S&WIowegan]

The endurance package was created in response to silhouette shooters who were using heavy bullets loaded as fast as possible. They were reaching out to touch 200 yd. heavy rams. The old 29s and 629s would eventually shoot loose. Cylinders would fall open and the bolt would fail to engage the stop notches.

If you're not using the gun this way, no worries!