629 No Dash, Pinned And Recessed 6”

[Jimmymac46]

I purchased new back in 1980 (?) an early 629 from a dealer and didn’t realize at the time that it was still pinned and recessed. I simply wanted a stainless 29. What was also a surprise, it came with the standard of the time, plain blue cardboard box with re-enforced corners AND the classic Mahogany wooden, fitted for 6”, case. Thought that was kind of unique, both boxes, but didn’t give it much thought. It was only a short time later, a year maybe, the pinned and recessed was gone forever.

Can anyone add anything of interest that might be new to me about this sweet, well fit, classic smith? I was a model 29-2 nut for a decade prior to this purchase, of which I still have a number, in 4”, 6.5”, and 8 3/8”, and all of those came mahogany box and three ‘T’s only. Anything new I can learn about my 629 no dash? Thanks.

 

[Model29-26.5]

From what I have gathered, they made them from 1979 to 1982.
The 8” and 6” were only introduced in 1980 or 81 and made for a year before they did away with the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder.

 

[jcelect]

You have a great piece that many newer collectors collect. They were made in 4", 6", & 8 3/8" barrel lengths for standard production. There have been many 3" models made in limited production runs. The early production guns had a "N" serial number prefix before going to the "ABC" serial numbering system in the early 80s. The model was introduced in 1979 in a 6" and the 4" & 8 3/8" were introduced in 1981.

 

[swagmeister]

THAT particular model is getting harder to find! Wish I had one. Enjoy yours in good health.

 

[The Gila Bender]

I came upon a private seller offering a nice clean P+R 629 no dash 6" N8702xx at the Phoenix Crossroads show in December 2023. It shipped in October 1981. Glad to add it to my pile o' stainless shooters.