First S&W, a Model 629-4, and First Post

[Hammerdown77]

Hello all,

I'm a Ruger single action and 1911 guy who just couldn't live without trying a nice S&W revolver, so when a fellow member on the Ruger forum put a Model 629 Classic up for sale, I jumped on it. I don't have the gun yet as I am still waiting for my payment to reach the seller and for him to ship the gun, but I hope to have it by next weekend

It's a 629-4 with the 5" barrel. It's a "shooter" grade gun, which is what I wanted, since I like to shoot a lot and really don't have a use for collectibles.

I'm new to S&W revolvers, and I have a few questions.

First, the seller didn't have a box or papers. Did these come in cardboard boxes, or plastic foam-lined cases? Would it be possible to get a correct vintage box/case from S&W?

Also, can you get the owner's manual correct for the date of the gun's manufacturer from S&W?

Which brings up another question. Is there a way to get the manuf. date for this gun without having to pay S&W for a "letter of authenticity"? I just want the date, maybe the specs, nothing else.

Lastly, this gun's finish looks in decent shape for a working gun, and it's stainless so it should polish right up with a little elbow grease, but the laser etched factory markings look almost completely faded. Can S&W restore these at the factory? Has anyone had this done?

Here's a picture the seller had. Can't wait to get it and start putting rounds downrange!

 

[ErnieDeBord]

I think you will enjoy the 44. The 629-4 is very well made, will any polish it will look as good or better than new........the classic has the laser markings which i never did care for, but heck polish it out to a gleam and shoot the dickens out of it, Ernie

 

[Cashdog]

Congratulations! I too am a fan of Ruger single actions, but I love my DA Smiths.

There will be plenty of help along shortly to answer all your questions.

 

[ishootblanks]

You got a good one!

I have the exact same gun with cardboard box and docs manufactured in 1993. It is the last of the best, all of the upgrades without the mim hammer and trigger with the frame mounted firing pin of the dash 5 and the internal lock of the dash 6. And I think the 5 inch is the best balance of any barrel length in the N frames. I don't like the lazer engraved markings and mine are fine, but I don't know if S&W can redo them. Congratulations on a fine shooter.

 

[66TXguy]

Congrats! Nice looking revolver.

 

[USBP SW]

The 629-4 is one of my favorites, like someone said in a previous post it has all of the best features but is old enough to pre-date the bad changes. I think you should wait to physicaly see the revolver before you plan to repair the finish, it could just be the lighting in the photo that makes it appear worse than it may really be. Anyway, good luck and let us know how you like it.

Steve

 

[Gun Smoke]

I have the same pistol bought new in a plastic case...I don't care for the laser marking myself so i polished them out with super fine wet/dry sandpaper then with a little metal polish and it shines and looks like new money...I love the 5 inch barrel and this is the most accurate revolver I have ever shot....I hand load a light load in magnum cases (8.0 grain universal clays with a 200 grain Hornady bullet) and it is quite pleasant to shoot and very accurate and runs about 1000 fps...My younger 14 year old son wanted to shoot a full house magnum round to see what it was like...I figured one would be enough but the kid loved it and wanted more rounds and dang if he wasn't shooting 2 inch groups at 25 yards....The range officer came over shook his head and said "it must be those young eyes"

 

[Snapping Twig]

Love the BP scallops on the cylinder.

You picked a fine revolver.

FWIW, wait 6 months or longer before you modify anything. You might change your mind and if not, nothing lost.

Trigger job would be the only thing I'd do and only if it was needed.

 

[Wayne M]

With that thumbpiece it looks like you gun was made in 1997, a serial #letter prefix when you get it may help confirm it. Anyway, the thumbpiece on your gun was first used in '97 and the change to -5 took place in '98. Your -4 is one of the very best of the Classics; great fun to shoot.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Congrats. I consider the 629-4 to be the best of the 629's for shooting. The 5" barrel is great and not as common as the others. You'll like it.
The front sight comes out without the use of tools and different sight blades are available should you want to try them.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[MMA10mm]

I bought mine to have a more resilient version of my 629-1 to start shooting as my main 44 Mag. Only trouble is, I prefer the .400" smooth trigger in my -1 versus the .500" grooved target trigger ours' have. Otherwise it's a fine pistol. For packing, I wish it didn't have the full underlug, but when shooting heavier loads it sure feels better with that extra weight.

 

[tomguuy]

Hammerdown-
I have 2 of the 629-4s.
A 3 inch and a 61/2 model.
I love them.
I too, would like to know about getting the S&W logo stamped.
The 3 inch is stamped. The 61/2 is lasered and the logo is fading from polishing.

 

[Hammerdown77]

Thanks for all the good comments and advice, guys.

The first three letters of the s/n are CBA (the seller sent that in his email).

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I'll add my opinion that you should shoot it for awhile before doing anything to it. Once polished there's no going back to original finish and the resale value is probably shot as well.
You probably already know that under the rear sight it is factory drilled and tapped for a scope mount.
There's a lot of good grip choices out there should you decide a change is desired.

 

[Nightowl]

About 15 years ago I found a 5" 629 in a pawn shop for $350, no accessories. I debated about 10 minutes before buying. I have never been sorry and in fact have bought and given one to each of my sons. I think mine is a -3, no matter, its still a great shooter. Just clean that thing up and shoot it before trying to do too much to it. I think you will like it a lot.

 

[6pack]

You are gonna love that revolver.

Nothing like a .44 Rem Mag....and the 629 is a very nice piece. I think you'll find the single action pull isn't too bad, though it may be a bit heavier than the sweet single action pulls on your Rugers.

You will be well served by that barrel length. It'll hunt well, pack easily in holster or backpack and serve very nicely as a defensive gun for the house.

Keep us posted on your developments with this gun.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

The 629-3 is almost exactly the same as the -4 except for the rear sight and cylinder release which was shown in the photo. Great guns and in blue they would be a 29-5 & 29-6.
5" is one of the really good barrel lengths, it'll carry easily and balance nicely.

 

[Mule88]

Joni Lynn +1

 

[Shooting4life]

I have a 629-4 with the six inch barrel. It is a great gun. I paid a lot for it (ca price of 700) but it is probably 97% with box and papers.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I've got a 629-4 Classic with a 5" barrel. Mine is an earlier one with the older-style cylinder latch. It came with fancy finger groove grips that I never cared for. Yours has the same grip that came on my 629-3 and I much prefer it.

I'm not sure how many etched revolvers you've seen, but they ALL look kind of bleached out to me. Also, I'd get to know it before I'd start serious polishing.

Mine likes 285 grain hardcast bullets which I load for use in Griz country (which in MT is now even on the Prairie).