How to tell if a new 629 has a full lug barrel or not??

[TheMystro]

I have owned many M29 over the years but I am having a hard time trying to distinguish how S&W designates a 44magnum with a full lug barrel or no lug like the M29 these days. It seems like they call them all 629's??? I remember when you had a 629 Classic ='s full lug and 629 ='s a stainless M29. Am I missing something obvious??

I have been calling my latest baby a M29 stainless for lack of any better designation. I figure the M29 never came with a full lug barrel so it at least makes some logic in my mind.

 

[amazingflapjack]

629's are stainless steel-29's are blued or nickel plated. The lug length is a separate issue.

 

[nipster]

Full lug barrel would have a different product code than one without. No idea what those are. I am sure someone will pipe in.

 

[highpower3006]

I believe that the full lug barrel 629's were called the Classic model.

I'm sure that I'll be corrected if I am wrong.

 

[M29since14]

I figure the M29 never came with a full lug barrel so it at least makes some logic in my mind.

Well, some 29s were made with full-lug barrels, so there goes your logic. As has been said, there are so many models these days you just about have to refer to the S&W SKU-number if you have any doubts and you cannot look at the gun in person, or pictures of it.

How are you getting along with your new 629? Does it seem to have a good barrel?

 

[mkk41]

Well , they're not 29's , but the 657 CH (Classic Hunter) on the left has a 'full-lug' barrel while the 57 on the right is a conventional 'non-full lug'

If I'm thinking correctly , they use the term 'Classic Hunter' for those with full length underlugs and 'Classic' for the conventional ejector rod shrouded barrels

 

[nipster]

Not all 629 classics had the full lug. I had a 5" 629-4 classic that was not full lug. Unfortunately I let it go some time ago.

 

[TheMystro]

So it's looking like there is no correct designation or logic to the model number. We always called S&W 44mags with non lugged barrels "29's" and full lugged barrels "629's". I know its not correct but it looks like S&W doesn't have a obvious designation or for that matter, follows their own twisted logic.

Why not call this gun a "m29 stainless"??

 

[H Richard]

Yes, 29's were made with a full lug barrel. 29-3 "Classic Hunter" with 6" full lug barrel, 4 position silhouette front sight and un-flutted cylinder.

 

[TheMystro]

I can follow this logic. 29-3 Classic Hunter. Classic designating a full lug barrel. Even "6"29 designating a stainless model and "classic" designating a full lug barrel. Where and when did S&W deviate from this system calling every thing a 629 regardless of barrel option??

S&W catalog
Large Frame (N) - Smith & Wesson

Yes, 29's were made with a full lug barrel. 29-3 "Classic Hunter" with 6" full lug barrel, 4 position silhouette front sight and un-flutted cylinder.

 

[Dragon88]

So it's looking like there is no correct designation or logic to the model number. We always called S&W 44mags with non lugged barrels "29's" and full lugged barrels "629's". I know its not correct but it looks like S&W doesn't have a obvious designation or for that matter, follows their own twisted logic.

Why not call this gun a "m29 stainless"??

There is logic to it. As has already been explained, a 629 is the stainless verson of the Model 29. There is no such thing as a "Stainless Model 29", because that would be a Model 629. These are the official S&W model numbers, the numbers you will find stamped on the guns, on the boxes, in the catalogs, and everywhere else. It is a very simple designation and does not require advanced logic to be applied.

Other variations, such as "Classic", are immaterial to the Model number.

 

[TheMystro]

I am not so sure its so simple. Address the lugged barrel or not in the designation. Designating finish by a "6" in front of 29 is one thing, but design of barrel/weight is a lot more important to be able to distinguish. Why Smith & Wesson would choose to differentiate these models by their finish and not by their obvious barrel differences baffles me. They had a pattern to this years ago when they first brought out a full lugged barrel designating a "target model". How a gun preforms seems a lot more important and then it's aesthetics. If Winchester calls a model 70 a "sportster", I know a sportster won't have a bull barrel.
It would be like Ford distinguishing their Pickup trucks by their color and not by their engine and carrying capability.

There is logic to it. As has already been explained, a 629 is the stainless verson of the Model 29. There is no such thing as a "Stainless Model 29", because that would be a Model 629. These are the official S&W model numbers, the numbers you will find stamped on the guns, on the boxes, in the catalogs, and everywhere else. It is a very simple designation and does not require advanced logic to be applied.

Other variations, such as "Classic", are immaterial to the Model number.

 

[gr7070]

It would be like Ford distinguishing their Pickup trucks by their color and not by their engine and carrying capability.

Where in an F150 XLT can you distinguish whether it has a six or eight, or has leather, or an extended cab or bed?

S&W is no different than Ford. If you want to know all the individual characteristics of the item you have to add more and more identifying verbiage to its name. And really you just need to see it in person or get a full description and lots of pictures, Ford or S&W.

All one needs to do to see this with regard to F150s is to try and buy one used. There are a dozen different submodels, with tree different cabs, many engines, etc. the combination of major, important factors are mind boggling and that's not considering the dozens of minor differences each may have.

A model 29 is just a start, much like an F150.

 

[TheMystro]

Gotcha. I guess thats why when my Father-in-law asked what does my newer S&W 44 look like, I said "Its a stainless M29 6" barrel". I know technically it is wrong but he knew exactly what I was talking about. I think this goes into the street/popular culture name verses the technical name.

A model 29 is just a start, much like an F150.

 

[bigi]

629 Classic 5"

 

[MikeChandler]

They distinguish the full lug version with the word "Classic" appended to the model.

 

[ladder13]

Is this a trick question?

 

[nipster]

They distinguish the full lug version with the word "Classic" appended to the model.

Maybe most of the time, but not always.

 

[ladder13]

Never saw ONE non full lugged 629 Classic, but never say never as they say.

 

[mkk41]

They distinguish the full lug version with the word "Classic" appended to the model.

It seems they're calling the latest version of the original model a 'classic'.


Product: Model 29 - S&W Classics - 6 1/2" - Blue