Getting the 629 itch

[snuf]

Getting the itch for a new 629.
It's been almost 30 years since I owned 29 so I'm not up to date on the features of the new versions. How are they new models holding up?
Are the barrels two piece and is the rifling EDM or cut?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[OldChief]

I have a 629-6, 5". It has a regular one piece barrel and a full shroud. The balance is perfect. I haven't experienced a single problem and, so far, I've put 500 rounds through it, both .44 special and .44 mag. mixed. The -6 is the change that added the internal lock. It doesn't bother me at all, probably because I haven't used it yet. I recently picked up a 629, 8-3/8" and can't give much of a report on it yet because the ranges around here are just now re-opening. I don't know much about EDM or cut rifling but the rifling on both my 629s is clear and shiny.

A question for you, were you ever in the 552nd at McClellan?

 

[SLT223]

They are one piece barrels that are ECM (electro-chemical machining). I have a 5" 629-6 and its the best factory action in my gun safes. I have Smiths from the 1950 to today. That 5" 629-6 beats them all in action quality. Everything else is quite good on the gun as well.

They are also drilled and tapped to mount optics.

 

[ImDrRich]

I scratched that itch two years ago and have never looked back. I love the 4" bbl 629-6 and really like having the option for .44 special and .44 magnum. You're biggest decision is bbl length.

 

[theord]

629

Have a 629-4 8 3/8"barrel, is my favorite firearm, especially nice if you reload. one word it is graceful.

 

[snuf]

Thanks guys - keep the info coming

 

[gdpolk]

I have a newest version of the 629. It's my favorite handgun of all time including a few $3-4K handmade 1911s. I've fed mine a steady diet of factory 44mag hunting loads and it's just as good today as the day I bought it minus a negligible turn ring on the cylinder and some powder residue.

The factory stocks that came on it were too thin for my hands and allowed the gun to walk during recoil, plus it was a little painful to shoot with them. I put some VZ grips on it because the G10 was a really good, no maintenance material for a hunting gun even though I like the look of some of the natural materials better. I've been very pleased with the ergonomics since swapping those out.

 

[jake1945]

Shooting full power loads in my 629-6, 7 inch barrel was painful for me even after putting on better grips. My Ruger Redhawk is much better with felt recoil.

 

[WCCPHD]

It's a terrible itch and expensive to scratch.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I try to hold the line at 357 magnum. I enjoy shooting friend's 44 magnums, 41 magnums, Model 460's and Model 500's but it is a battle between "a man has to do what a man has to do" and "a man has to know his (financial) limits". If you do not load your own, the price goes way up on ammo that ain't cheap to start with. Too much temptation once I cross that line and the Good Lord knows I like what temptation offers!

 

[hammer 1]

I had a new 629, and there was nothing wrong with the gun, just could not get used to it, I traded it in for a new 57 classic in 41 mag, and have not been disappointed. I prefer the blued finish, and the power and recoil of the 41, are exactly where I want to be. Have been thinking as of late, about a model 27 classic 6". Now if every thing would just open up!

 

[75Vette]

Sometimes the itch just gets worse....

 

[ImDrRich]

It's a terrible itch and expensive to scratch.

Are two of those Camfour .44 magnums?

 

[snuf]

Thanks for all the encouragement

 

[75Vette]

That's what we're here for!!

 

[RogerA]

I tried to count them. Is 24 correct? I just love this photo!

Sometimes the itch just gets worse....

 

[75Vette]

I tried to count them. Is 24 correct? I just love this photo!

You're close. 25 when that photo was taken. A few have bred since then.

 

[roberth]

I'm waiting on my new 629 to get to my LGS.

 

[WCCPHD]

Are two of those Camfour .44 magnums?

Yes the bottom two are. The top is a Lew Horton Mag Comp AKA Carry Comp.

The Horton is a 629-3. The Camfour guns are 629-5 and 629-6.

 

[The Norseman]

I think the S&W 629 44Rem Mag 5" Barrel would be a good
choice. The 5" is a very good compromise between the 4"
and 6-1/2"

I like the S&W 629 and that "N" Frame it is made on.

I shoot my Revolvers a lot. They are all good. I also enjoy
reloading, that makes it easier.

Thank you for sharing and listening to our thoughts.