Another 629 no dash inquiry

[UTO]

Just purchased this no dash for 700.00 from my LGS. It has the recessed cylinder and no barrel pin. Also it came with Pachmeyers (not sure if original or not) also no box or papers. Apparently it has been magnaported. My serial # is N88I544 (not sure if the I in the serial is a different marking or what. It also has other markings near the yoke such as 38693 and E12, gun is super clean with a very very minimal turnline

Can anyone tell me its birthday?
Did i pay too much because of the magna-porting or too much period?
What do those other markings mean?

Thanks in advance John

 

[toroflow1]

Born in 1981. I would have bought at $700, even though it is a transition gun and is recessed but not pinned. I had a model 57 that way once. The other markings are assembly marks. That should not be an "I" in the serial number, but a "1". Pachmayrs aren't original...should have checkered target grips (Goncalo Alves wood). Great pick up IMHO!

 

[UTO]

Thank you for the reply, I've never shot a ported pistol no clue if I'll like it. S&W says they can replace the barrel for a fee of course

Gotta put some rounds down range first

Anyone have any input on Magnaporting a 4 inch 44mag? Or opinions on getting a standard barrel thrown back on??

 

[Goblin]

You only paid $500 because there's $200 worth of porting. I like Mag-na-porting. Makes my 6" shoot like a .357, so I think you'll like it on the 4". Even if you don't love it I'd leave it alone.

 

[S&W Fan]

I'd wait to shoot it before deciding on a barrel swap, I'm also surprised the factory says they can swap a barrel as I was under the (perhaps misinformed) impression they no longer had proper vintage barrels for that gun in stock.

Some guys love the porting, others not so much. I'm in the latter group but if the gun shoots just fine and you don't mind the flames than I'd leave it.

Enjoy and I'd say you paid a fair price for it.

 

[BUFF]

Current model barrels will fit, but will look like new barrels, front sights and lettering are much different. I am guessing that a new barrel at the factory will cost you about $250.00.

Affordable 4 inch no dash M-629's aren't easy to find. (Yeah, I know, 'affordable' is relative.) I'd shoot it with both warm and mild ammo first. The porting is more effective/obnoxious (pick one or both) with hotter loads as the pressure and volume of gasses that "jet" out of the ports are greater.

Porting is one of those things you will either love or loath. Shoot it a bit and find which group you are in.

That's a nice looking revolver you got there.

 

[UTO]

Believe it or not I was told by the rep at S&W they can still get correct period barrels, I'm not sure how I didn't inquire. I was sceptical because of the colors matching more so than roll marks. Sounds like I had better call one more time and verify. Still wanna shoot it first

I've read a lot of negatives about firing from retention. This is going to be more of a hunting backup/shooter than anything. Dept SOP's won't let us carry 44's anyway

 

[UTO]

Thanks for all the kind words so far.....I just ordered a set of Ahrends for it as original grips I think are hard to find and are getting expensive