629, need your input

[Azfred]

ok, I have a 629 that I picked up years ago, it had some homemade grips on it, un-fluted cyl, and 8 3/8 barrel. I picked up a set of S&W finger grove wood grips, they look good. then, in my youthful ignorance, cut the barrel down to 5 inches and reset and soldered on the sight base (I was smart enough to put the proper front sight on it) and it is a very professional job, it looks great. there it has sat for many years and it is a great shooter. so, do you think I should change out the barrel to a proper factory barrel or just leave it? I'm not going to sell it, but I will some day leave it to the kids. any thoughts?

 

[M1A]

It has been altered, and altering it again is of no use value wise. You like the way it shoots so enjoy it. If you want a long barreled Smith just buy one.
Have a look at Dan Wesson with interchangeable barrels.

 

[clang444]

Post a pic or two, let's see how she looks

 

[Azfred]

here is a pic of the 629

 

[epj]

Cool. Leave it alone and enjoy.

 

[Nemo288]

Some folks think 5" is just about the perfect all-around length for a hogleg.
No wondering whether to grab the 4" or the 6".
Very few have been made so enjoy it!

I gotta believe that thing would have been as front heavy as Dolly Parton with an 8.375" full underlug.

 

[sw282]

Coulda fooled me.. lt sure looks factory...The Smith&Wesson logo is even
centered on the barrel

 

[MJFlores]

If the barrel isn't clocked, and it shoots to point of aim and accurately I'd leave it be.

 

[bananaman]

It looks cool! Especially the un-fluted cylinder. It is much more versatile as it is. Were it mine, I would not mess with it. Only my opinion. Bob

 

[Tex_1968]

It's a beautiful gun as is. Leave it be.

 

[BristolMax]

I have a 686 with a 5" barrel and unfluted cylinder, and think that is the perfect length and balances well. I would leave it as is. Beautiful gun.

 

[alfsauve]

Hmm. As others have said, it's too late to worry about collectible value. And I, as others, like the 5" barrel.

FWIW though, if the cylinder is also has recessed chambers AND it's serial number is in the range around CAN7250, then it might have been one of a run of 180 629s made for RSR Wholesale and Lew Horton back in 1996. Wild chance, but I happen to have one and got the letter on it. Not that it has any collectible value or anything. In fact, it's probably worth more with the 5" barrel. Product code was 103614.

 

[M29since14]

I'd leave it alone and just buy another gun if you want one - unless you are unhappy with the quality of the work. If so, fix it.

I think your idea to make the 5-inch gun is a good one, as witnessed by the fact that S&W still has the 5-inch 629 Classic in production. (I think. )

BTW, if it means anything to you, last year one of my friends here on the forum was scrounging parts to make up a Model 29 very similar to your gun (5-inch barrel, unfluted cylinder, etc). Last time I heard from Mike he seemed well pleased with the project. Anyway, if you are OK with the quality of the work, I would leave it alone or fix whatever problems there may be.

 

[LAWMAN662]

It's a shame for you to continue being upset over this. Why don't I take it off your hands for...........well..................say $300.00 to ease your mind? LOL

 

[kennyb]

love those combats!

 

[apollo99]

I had a 629 no dash 8 3/8" barrel. I loved the gun hated the barrel. I sold it and later had regrets. Last month I was back in the market for a 629, I bought a 629-4 5" barrel and love it. If you are happy with the quality of the work on the barrel cut and the front sight replacement,by all means keep it. If for some reason you find an original barrel on the cheeo, buy it and stick it in the box with the gun for a maybe future swap out.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

Some folks think 5" is just about the perfect all-around length for a hogleg.
No wondering whether to grab the 4" or the 6".
Very few have been made so enjoy it!

I gotta believe that thing would have been as front heavy as Dolly Parton with an 8.375" full underlug.

I have an 8 3/8" 29 Classic and you are correct...she's nose heavy. .44 Mags feel like a .22 Mag...LOL

 

[southernutah]

Some of the most sought after guns are those of well know gunnys . Guns from Keith Elmer to name one with his name self etched on the frame. Make this a family heirloom by signature etched name and add a picturend/ brief history with you and the revolver . Makes it real personal.

 

[les.b]

I think it looks fine, and is much more practical as a5" than the longer bbl. it looks like a very professional job ( it would be nice to see some close ups of the muzzle and front sight installation), but of course any 'collector' value is out. But so what? If it is as good as it looks, and you are happy, and you don't plan on selling it anyway, so what? I think it is fine, and much more useful the way it is.

 

[Azfred]

Hmm. As others have said, it's too late to worry about collectible value. And I, as others, like the 5" barrel.

FWIW though, if the cylinder is also has recessed chambers AND it's serial number is in the range around CAN7250, then it might have been one of a run of 180 629s made for RSR Wholesale and Lew Horton back in 1996. Wild chance, but I happen to have one and got the letter on it. Not that it has any collectible value or anything. In fact, it's probably worth more with the 5" barrel. Product code was 103614.

its not a Lew Horton Gun, I knew better than to chop one of those