In your opinion, which model is the best for a 629 and why? (No dash, 629-1, 629-2, etc.) I posted a similar question the other day about the 686. I'm wanting to go to a few gun shows coming up and want to keep an eye out for a good 686 or 629.
Best 629 dash model
- Thread starter Wfevans4
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
As far as accuracy and ruggedness, I have to vote for the 629-6. I've done better with those in IHMSA competition over the past 20+ years than any of my supposedly superior "no dash"s, -1, -3s (early and late, including a couple of DXs), or -4. If you want visual appeal, then the -6 isn't top of the heap. The ONLY reason I keep my basic 6" -1 is because it's "purty"!
I can't remember which dash versions all of my PC 629s are, but most are -6s. But plain ones are what gets used the most.
I can't remember which dash versions all of my PC 629s are, but most are -6s. But plain ones are what gets used the most.
Last edited:
I like the -4 the best. This is the start of the new style extractor and imho S&W had their act together during the mid 90's when these were made resulting in better fit and finish.
The absolute best one......Is the one you own and enjoy.
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
The only one I'd consider is the no-dash. It's the only P&R series M629.
Marksman
Member
I prefer the no-dash model too.
I had this 629-3 out this morning. Just 12 rds but it tames the "rompum-stompum" to the fun level. My favorite .44. Joe
Why not the 629-2
75Vette
Member
My preference would be the dash 4s. The factory finally tightened up the cylinder chambers to make modern .430 diameter bullets accurate at distance. That being said, all the engineering changes that followed came with more improvements keeping that accuracy. Many hate the MIM parts but the guns haven't suffered IMO.
The -4 from what many knowledgeable people on this forum say.
Late -3 and -4 have all the bells and whistles.
Engine49guy
Member
I prefer the 629-3 or 629-4, both are drilled n tapped for scope and have the endurance package.
The -3 has the old style flash chromed hammer n trigger but it's rear site unit is proprietary to that revision.
My favorite two are the Mountain gun and the 5" Classic.
The -3 has the old style flash chromed hammer n trigger but it's rear site unit is proprietary to that revision.
My favorite two are the Mountain gun and the 5" Classic.
dickydalton
Member
I like my no dash and my others.Stags2 | The High Road
I am partial to the 629-4 but wouldn't pass up a 629-3 in good condition at a fair price. A 629 no dash came my way in Dec 2023 and I have a 629-2 Mountain Revolver and 629-3 Classic Stainless 5". Ya just can't go wrong with a 629.
AveragEd
Member
44wheelman
Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2006
- Messages
- 1,709
- Reaction score
- 998
Any DX, or PC gun.
No dash for collecting. (My cylinder drags the bbl, is in need of a shim or two)
Agree with earlier post, mid 90's to '01 was a good time for S&W.
No dash for collecting. (My cylinder drags the bbl, is in need of a shim or two)
Agree with earlier post, mid 90's to '01 was a good time for S&W.
grip frame
Member
Without a doubt the most desirable 629's were the -3 and -4. Nothing wrong with a -5 either as it is still pre lock. The -5 MIM parts do not bother me and the frame mounted firing pin is probably more reliable.
The current 629's are good revolvers. Just no reason to deal with the ugly lock feature when there are plenty of clean -3 to -5 versions out there for sale regularly. The only caveat would be if you are looking at a particular Performance Center version that was not made pre lock.
The 629 no dash was the only pinned barrel and recessed cylinder 629. Many people like these vintage features. Neither are necessary. Like stated above, a collector revolver but not the best for a shooter in .44 magnum.
The -1 and -2 did away with the pinned barrels and recessed cylinders and do not have the engineering changes that made the 629-3 and forward a stronger and more reliable .44 magnum. So to me the -1 and -2 are the least desirable versions. Yes, there are a few 629-2E versions out there that do have the endurance package improvements but they are not very common.
The current 629's are good revolvers. Just no reason to deal with the ugly lock feature when there are plenty of clean -3 to -5 versions out there for sale regularly. The only caveat would be if you are looking at a particular Performance Center version that was not made pre lock.
The 629 no dash was the only pinned barrel and recessed cylinder 629. Many people like these vintage features. Neither are necessary. Like stated above, a collector revolver but not the best for a shooter in .44 magnum.
The -1 and -2 did away with the pinned barrels and recessed cylinders and do not have the engineering changes that made the 629-3 and forward a stronger and more reliable .44 magnum. So to me the -1 and -2 are the least desirable versions. Yes, there are a few 629-2E versions out there that do have the endurance package improvements but they are not very common.
Last edited:
AveragEd
Member
To that I can only add that there is nothing wrong with an earlier Model 629 if you don't hammer it with full-house loads on a constant basis. Fifteen or so years ago, I wanted a six-inch 629 for target shooting and found this 629-1 with some pretty plain checkered target stocks for sale on Gunbroker by a dealer 25 miles away.
I feed it nothing but 240-grain cast semi-wadcutters over 10.0 grains of SR4756; it's very accurate at 25 yards and the gun will likely outlive me and my offspring. Aside from rotating its stocks, the only thing I've done to it over the years is replace the rear sight with a Millett as I just like the sight picture better. I often think of having the front sight replaced with a more bullseye-friendly black Patridge but as the front sight is part of the barrel, I don't want to permanently alter an older gun.
I don't know if $615 would buy this gun today.
Ed
I feed it nothing but 240-grain cast semi-wadcutters over 10.0 grains of SR4756; it's very accurate at 25 yards and the gun will likely outlive me and my offspring. Aside from rotating its stocks, the only thing I've done to it over the years is replace the rear sight with a Millett as I just like the sight picture better. I often think of having the front sight replaced with a more bullseye-friendly black Patridge but as the front sight is part of the barrel, I don't want to permanently alter an older gun.
I don't know if $615 would buy this gun today.
Ed
Attachments
gnappi
Member
I've had most of the pre-lock generations and currently have a -4 and a -5. That said I like the idea of the endurance package of my later models even though I no longer shoot barn burners.
Similar threads
- Locked
