Bought a well used 629, what to do now?

KPK102084

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Hey guys got a "new to me" beater of a 629! I couldn't resist for $350, even though I may have paid too much.

Here are some pics of the revolver. It's pitted, been painted, and well used, but locks up great, shoots well and will work great for a pack gun.

What can I do as far as the pitting? Will S&W do anything about it? Think beadblasting will work?

It's a round butt too...
 

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I'd send it to Smith for a Combat Revolver Package and have a heck of a 629 for $600
 
I'm no expert, but I think the pitting is there to stay. I'd just shoot the heck out of it. Think of it this way, it's not going to get damaged by getting dinged up anymore, it's a good "working" gun.
I don't think you did bad at all at that price.
Jim
 
That sure looks like a Mountain Revolver. Accept the pits, their not going anywhere. Shoot it as is and enjoy a scarce 629!
 
Did you find that under someone's house or maybe the bottom of a lake or something? I'd polish it up some. put some rubbers on it and shoot the fire out of it.
 
I agree with LC '92, looks like a 629 Mountain Gun. I think the first thing I would do is use it to pistol-whip the previous owner for letting it get in such a sad condition.
 
He said it was a mountain gun. How do you tell the difference in just a 629 and mountain gun? Barrel length?

I agree it's totally sad, but I guess this way I'll get to use and enjoy it instead of it sitting in the safe....I would have a hard time using pristine old Smith's for packing, etc.

So there's no way bead or aluminum oxide blasting will even out the pits? SUCKS!!!! But I really wasn't counting on it anyways.
 
Light weight contour barrel makes it a mountain gun or mountain revolver. What dash is it? 629-2 or what? If it's a -2 it's an earlier mountain revolver. I have one. Little more scaece.
 
I think bead blasting may make the pits a little less obvious, but agree with others who say there is too much there to polish away. You'll lose the etched S&W trademark, but it might be worth a try. :)
 
You actually have one of the early Mountain Guns (lucky you). They basically took a 624 thin barrel and added to the Model 629. It is a little more recoil with full loads, but it is a sweetheart of a carry gun. I have seen a couple of guns with Magnaports finish and it looks good. I would also give Hamilton Bowen a ring, if he can't fix it, it can't be fixed.
 
Glass bead blasting = velvet hone. Aluminum oxide blasting = don't do it.

Glass blasting actually peens the surface and makes it a bit harder, oxide is sandpaper. Besides, glass blasting keeps its looks where oxide scratches easily.

I had one done with glass beads 20+ years ago and it pretty near looks NIB after logging every hunting season in the woods with me.
 
Thanks for all the info guys. I will call around and see if I can get this thing in somewhere for the vapor hone...I just hate to spend the money if it won't work on the pits!

Found another revolver - Model 27, used with holster wear, etc. P&R, 3.5" barrel, $450ish (see if I can get it cheaper). Is it a buy?
 
I just had a Remington 870 refinished that was badly rusted and pitted (worse than your 629). My 'smith first bead-blasted, and then polished down to a 400 grit before bluing. It looks great; the finish looks like new. It only cost me $ 125 for all the metal work, so you may be able to find someone to bead-blast and polish your 629. Bill
 
Found another revolver - Model 27, used with holster wear, etc. P&R, 3.5" barrel, $450ish (see if I can get it cheaper). Is it a buy?

Can't go wong with that especially if you can get it cheaper.
The fact that it is P&R'd makes it a dash 2 or older. If it has factory wood grips and just has a little holster wear, I'd be on it pretty hard:)

Post pics when you get it!
 
Thanks Wew I will call around and see what some smith's can do for me. I was thinking that may be the best bet, polish after beadblast.

Here's a pic of the 27. I think it would be a cool gun to through in the safe and appreciate in value. Especially if I get it bought right...
 

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Thanks Wew I will call around and see what some smith's can do for me. I was thinking that may be the best bet, polish after beadblast.

Here's a pic of the 27. I think it would be a cool gun to through in the safe and appreciate in value. Especially if I get it bought right...


That's a SMOKIN' deal on the PRE-27 as it's a 5 screw with what appears it be it's original diamond magna grips.
Even with the wear on the cylinder - GO GET IT!
Did you hear me? :)
 
Found another revolver - Model 27, used with holster wear, etc. P&R, 3.5" barrel, $450ish (see if I can get it cheaper). Is it a buy?

It's a STEAL - if you don't want it PM me the phone number . . . :D
 
Put a little effort and maybe a little money into that 629. If it is mechanically good and bore and chambers are OK, it is too handy of a revolver to let go. I think the bead blasting, if done properly, will yield a satisfactory result. It won't be like new, but it should suffice.

I would take the gun apart myself and not allow anything to be blasted that doesn't absolutely need it - and to be sure that everything is properly plugged and sealed off. Might help to save you some money.
 
My kinda gun. Who in blazes cares about the finish.
Carry it in the car, shoot it, carry it camping, shoot it, stick it under the matress, shoot it,----did Imention shooting the snot out of it.
Blessings
 
Please say you already went and snatched up or at least put down money on that .357 Magnum....

IF NOT GO GET IT NOW!!!!

Oh and yippee on the 629.

NOW GO GET THAT OTHER ONE!!!!
 
Dang guys thanks for all the info on the 27! Good thing I got it bought for $450!!! It has to be shipped so will be at me in a few days. What do you all think this thing is worth? The first of the serial # is S 115xxx. Does that make it a pre-27?

On the 629 looks like it's going to the gunsmith to be stripped down, beadblasted, cleaned, etc. However it comes back it will be well used as my truck, camping, hunting, packing,,,,,,,beast!
 
Oh just kind of cool, but the guy I got it from said he has had it since the early 60's and all it's done is ridden around in his vehicle in a case. Said he hasn't fired it in 20-30 years! Pretty cool deal if all goes well as far as shipping, etc.
 
Dang guys thanks for all the info on the 27! Good thing I got it bought for $450!!! It has to be shipped so will be at me in a few days. What do you all think this thing is worth? The first of the serial # is S 115xxx. Does that make it a pre-27?

Congrats on the pre 27 - it is from 1954. Post some better pics after you get it cleaned up.
 
So there's no way bead or aluminum oxide blasting will even out the pits? SUCKS!!!! But I really wasn't counting on it anyways.

Parkerize it. That will act like cake frosting and even out the worst of the pits, and it confuse the heck out of people. Most will think that it is an old Model 28 until it BOOOMS! :cool:
 

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