Determining Manufacture Year of 629-1

[cmercer62]

I purchased a S&W 629-1 stainless .44 mag with 6" barrel a few days ago for my 52nd birthday present. I inspected the gun closely for two days at my local dealer before I bought it and am convinced it is a keeper. The serial number is N926901. Does anyone know how I can determine the year of manufacture using the serial number?

Also, as I am new to this forum, I would be interested to learn anything I can about the 629-1 (good and bad). I have had only one shooting session so far and am impressed with its accuracy. The .44 mag is not the beast I remembered it was when I last shot one many years and 90 pounds ago. In fact it wasn't unpleasant to shoot at all. Of course I weight 250 now, that might have something to do with "absorbing recoil'.

 

[Timbo22]

First, welcome to the forum! Second, you have purchased a great revolver. I bought its younger brother in February 1983. Its exactly like yours (629-1 with a 6" barrel) but its serial number is slightly higher at N9389XX. So your 629-1 should have been made in the early 1980s. I don't have my reference books handy, but others may come along and give you a more exact time frame. Did you by any chance also get the box, papers and original grips with it? That would be icing on the cake.

 

[enfield]

Can't improve on that. The SCSW says 1982-1986, so, based on the above info, I'd say 1982 is a really good estimate.

 

[cmercer62]

Thanks friend. No. The dealer didn't have original box or papers. He said the owner needed cash and had to part with it. I bought new grips, 3 speed loaders, and a handsome Galco holster. What a great unofficial birthday gift; unofficial because I bought it for myself. I absolutely love it, in fact it is sitting here next to me calling me to take it out to the range. Oh by the way, how many S&W guns are too many?

 

[PA Reb]

Oh by the way, how many S&W guns are too many?
Like

LOL - You asked the wrong question on this forum! Get ready!

 

[cmercer62]

PA Reb, I couldn't work in a gun store..I'd be broke all the time! Ha!