i.hunt
Member
Just what is the Full Endurance Package... I am picking up a 629-2 from a buddy that is unfired with original box.... It looks like it has a very strong frame and unfluted cylinder....
629 Full Endurance Package
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The transitional Endurance Package changes were added to the 629 series beginning with the 629-2E model in 1989. It consisted of a hardened yoke and frame.
The 629-3 added longer bolt notches, a bolt block and hand changes.
All this was to lessen loosening of the guns in heavy use. Worst problem was the cylinder unlocking and reverse rotating upon firing.
The non-fluted cylinder has nothing to do with the E.P. AFAIK.
The 629-3 added longer bolt notches, a bolt block and hand changes.
All this was to lessen loosening of the guns in heavy use. Worst problem was the cylinder unlocking and reverse rotating upon firing.
The non-fluted cylinder has nothing to do with the E.P. AFAIK.
No problem at all.
The endurance package was needed when silhouette shooters (myself included) shot 100s and 1000s of full-house loads in practice and matches.
Dale53
Member
I have an early Model 29 (with 8 3/8" barrel) and have fired 10,000+ loads with a 250 gr Keith ahead of 23.0 grs of H110 and 24.0 grs of H110 (I practice with the 23.0 gr load). My revolver is still as tight as the day I bought it.
I believe the key to longivity is to use nothing heavier than 250 grs, use cast bullets, only, and drive them just under max loads except when actually hunting. The lighter load will shoot lengthwise through a large whitetail deer at 100 yards.
The O.P. will probably find that he will not be happy with full house loads in that short barrel. He will probably find happiness with a 250 gr Keith at 900-1000 fps. At which point it'll make a fine defense gun.
FWIW
Dale53
I believe the key to longivity is to use nothing heavier than 250 grs, use cast bullets, only, and drive them just under max loads except when actually hunting. The lighter load will shoot lengthwise through a large whitetail deer at 100 yards.
The O.P. will probably find that he will not be happy with full house loads in that short barrel. He will probably find happiness with a 250 gr Keith at 900-1000 fps. At which point it'll make a fine defense gun.
FWIW
Dale53
Groo01
Member
Groo here
+1 to Dale"s post...
When JD of SSK first brought out his Ram Slammers 320gr/44mag cast
bullets [I have the mold ] it was made so as to be too long to fit in an
M-29 cylinder.. As the Smith had problems standing up to such heavy
bullets and loadings..
+1 to Dale"s post...
When JD of SSK first brought out his Ram Slammers 320gr/44mag cast
bullets [I have the mold ] it was made so as to be too long to fit in an
M-29 cylinder.. As the Smith had problems standing up to such heavy
bullets and loadings..
71firebird400
Member
Is it just me, or does that gun have the elongated bolt notches? Look at how far forward they extend in front of the bolt ramps. For comparison, here's a picture of a 629-1;
http://heisingart.com/guns/sw629-1-03xw.jpg
http://heisingart.com/guns/sw629-1-03xw.jpg
MichiganScott
Member
The OP's 629 has the elongated bolt notches. The unfluted cylinder was originally to add a bit more weight to decrease recoil.
I didn't really buy it for a defense gun but it would make one heck of one wouldn't it lol lol I bought it to go Mountain Lion hunting this winter humping the Montana Mountains, and as a back up while in the woods hunting with my rifle or my X frame... also while cruising around in my Ranger to go to my hunting territory, the short bbl will belt carry alot better than a 4 or 5 inch.... and provide plenty of knock down power compared to my 686.... .357 mag...
DaveBreck
Member
71firebird400
Member
I thought the longer notches indicated it had the endurance package; yet he is saying this is a -2 (not a -2E). I presumed that the longer bolt notches would only appear on -2E's and later (-3, -4, etc).
SmithToter
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These are -2Es
These both are -2Es.
These both are -2Es.
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Is the frame under the crane marked "629-2E" on those guns?
I really want a 629 and need to understand what to look for.
Thanks!
SmithToter
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Sorry, I had to dig them out of the safe to check.
Yes, inside the crane is stamped 629-2 E. The "E" is a little ways over, so it was obviously stamped later.
I am kind of curious too. Could someone post some pictures with illustrations of what sporting features indicate the Endurance Package?
My only 629 is a no dash
Frank46
US Veteran
I like the 44mag with the full round cylinder w/out the flutes. I may be wrong but besides giving a little extra weight I think it changes the look as more cool. yep you heard it from me a 66 year old fart saying it looks cool. Well it does. And should be retro fitted to any of the S&W revolver who's caliber starts with a "3" and go up from there. Flame on!. Frank
71firebird400
Member
Which is why I'm confused. I had assumed that a -2 would have the shorter notches.
This gun has been owned by a buddy of mine since new I remember him buying it and also it is UNFIRED lol lol he collects guns and is selling some.... I'm also getting a 625 UNFIRED and a 657 only shot 6 rounds through it... from him, all 3" Bbls one or two are Lew Hortons too.....
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