Larry from Bend
Member
Yes, it's a -4. It's all original. Came out of the collection of an elderly gentleman. It IS an early -4 -- Has the old style cylinder release.
Imagine another 44 magnum thread
- Thread starter SeamasterSig
- Start date
Buy it. You won't regret it, but on the off-chance you do I don't think you'd have any trouble selling it, on this forum if nowhere else. I have a 629-3 Classic with the 5-inch barrel and love it. I only carry it when hiking in bear country, for that I use a Bianchi 5BHL thumbsnap holster: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Bianchi-5BHL-Thumbsnap-Holster-5-Inch/dp/B0051FGBWA"]Amazon.com : Bianchi 5BHL Thumbsnap Holster - S&W 629 N 5-Inch (Tan, Right Hand) : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41t4XiTpprL.@@AMEPARAM@@41t4XiTpprL[/ame].
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jimbo728
Member
Im waiting for a 629-3 Classic from a fellow forum member. It`s a 6.5", and now Im excited to own it and dust off my .44 Mag dies.
Jim
Jim
OP
SeamasterSig
Member
Open carry is basically only permitted in Florida if you're hunting or fishing; otherwise it has to be concealed. There are at least a dozen state and county parks with hiking trails only a short drive from our home and we like to walk them all. Last winter when the feral pigs started getting out of hand and I decided to replace my 9mm with a 357 for the woods, the rangers took the hint and set up a lot of traps. They also started shooting them and sometimes left the carcasses for the vultures. You obviously can't hunt in these parks, but I seriously doubt anyone including the rangers or sheriff would care if you shot a feral pig on state land as long as there is no reason not to believe the pig just got too "frisky".
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Will in Montana
Member
I started carrying 5-inch Smith & Wessons in 1974, when I first entered law enforcement in Georgia. Back then, the only factory 5-inch guns that were even remotely available were the Model 27s, and I still have my first one. I can't even remember who made the duty leather for it, at the time, but it wasn't too heavy on the hip all day long (although I did drive a patrol car in those days). I have a regular blued Model 29 Classic 5-inch, and I've carried it in a Price Western Leather (PWL of UK) thumb-break, strong-side, hip holster. This holster also covers the trigger guard. After picking up my Model 329PD 4-inch, though, I find myself spoiled by the light "packing" weight. Sure, the 329 isn't near as much fun to shoot, but I always have it with me in bear country. It's hard to go wrong with the 5-inch guns, though. They offer a nice sight radius, and they're still compact enough for hip carry.
Good shooting,
Will
Good shooting,
Will
Jamesatrange
Member
Did you buy the gun?
OP
SeamasterSig
Member
Not yet. I've been too busy to go back to the gun shop these past few days. I'll make an offer on it in the next day or two.
The land south of Fort Benning, GA is loaded with hogs. My son hunts them with a SOCOM M1. I can be 12' to the side, and the shock wave is painful.
HoundDog316
US Veteran
Lots of discussion about if the price isn't too high, it's worth buying. Well, what is too high for this gun? I'm thinking I'd go $1200--what do the experts think?
hkcavalier
US Veteran
$1200 is too high.
I bought mine for $700 and probably would have passed at $800+.
I bought mine for $700 and probably would have passed at $800+.
stinsonbeach
Member
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2014
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 11
Bought mine from Mike Carmony - his personal Alaska piece.
Wonderful.
Buy it ... what else can you do w/ money?
Wonderful.
Buy it ... what else can you do w/ money?
AveragEd
Member
My 629 buys all took place five or so years ago so the prices are not really relevant today but as I recall, I paid around $600 for the 6-1/2" -4 Classic, exactly $615 for the 6" -1 and $800 for the 5" DX. All three were all original and in their boxes but the DX didn't come with its target or extra stocks. That hasn't bothered me much as every time I buy some attractive stocks for it, I wind up putting the MonoGrip on for shooting as it just feels best in my hand so I now just leave it on.
The DX has probably appreciated the most in the time that has passed as the 5" versions were only made for one year and that was 21 years ago.
Ed
The DX has probably appreciated the most in the time that has passed as the 5" versions were only made for one year and that was 21 years ago.
Ed
Great minds think alike! I love my 5" 629 for field use. To my mind it's the quntessential barrel length.
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Jdavis
Member
I wouldn't call myself and expert but, I do have a philosophy about such things. If you have the financial means to make a purchase at a given price and making that purchase will not affect primary responsibilities, make the purchase. This gun will only increase in value if properly cared for. Good luck with your decission.
girvin02
Member
As for fair price, I'm picking up a 5" -4, later today, for $875. It has been fired very little and comes with original box & docs. I know where there is a 6 1/2" -3 that has been sitting in a gun shop for a couple of weeks, with a $750 price tag. I think those are both fair prices, if not good deals.
OP
SeamasterSig
Member
I made it to the gun shop today and inspected it a bit more thoroughly. The cylinder locks up like a vault, the timing is excellent, the finish is flawless, no scratches anywhere that I can see. The bore looks great. Only a very light cylinder drag ring, the slightest bit of carbon on the forcing cone to indicate that it has in fact been shot, and essentially no sign of wear and tear that I can find. The original box was missing, but otherwise what's not to love, right? Wait, it gets better.
My wife reminded me that we looked at that very same revolver briefly back in March when I was hunting for a pre-lock model 66. Don't know how I could forget that, but in my defense I was suffering from 357 tunnel vision at the time. The guy behind the counter even confirmed that this 629-3 has indeed sat on the shelf since last winter. However, my offer was apparently too low to hit the mark (still fair, I think, given the circumstances) and he apparently has very little decision-making authority on pricing, as the best he could/would do was to knock about $50 off the price tag. He suggested I discuss it with the owner, but he just had surgery and isn't expected back until maybe the middle of next week.
So I'll go back next week to haggle with the owner – unless I spend the money on some other wheel gun I can't pass up at the gun show this weekend. Who knows, as long as this gun has been on display, maybe the owner really doesn't want to part with it.
My wife reminded me that we looked at that very same revolver briefly back in March when I was hunting for a pre-lock model 66. Don't know how I could forget that, but in my defense I was suffering from 357 tunnel vision at the time. The guy behind the counter even confirmed that this 629-3 has indeed sat on the shelf since last winter. However, my offer was apparently too low to hit the mark (still fair, I think, given the circumstances) and he apparently has very little decision-making authority on pricing, as the best he could/would do was to knock about $50 off the price tag. He suggested I discuss it with the owner, but he just had surgery and isn't expected back until maybe the middle of next week.
So I'll go back next week to haggle with the owner – unless I spend the money on some other wheel gun I can't pass up at the gun show this weekend. Who knows, as long as this gun has been on display, maybe the owner really doesn't want to part with it.
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Dpapa
Member
Leave it - you don't want it..
Ahh, you don't want that old, unsafe, no-lock revolver. You should walk away, but before you do, just let me know the location of the 629, and I'll sacrifice myself to buy it to make sure no one gets stuck with that lemon....
Sorry to be a smart ***, but anytime I get a chance to pick up a pre-lock S&W I jump on it. I own 11 S&W wheel guns, and then two months ago I saw a pre-lock model 19 with a 2.5 inch barrel in a local shop. I bought it after a little haggling, but to tell the truth, I would have paid full asking price if the shop hadn't agreed to negotiate with me. Among my S&Ws is a 6" 629 (pre-lock) that is a real pleasure to shoot. If I could pick up a 5 inch version, in the older pre-lock frame I'd be in heaven.
Good luck to you, whatever you decide.
Ahh, you don't want that old, unsafe, no-lock revolver. You should walk away, but before you do, just let me know the location of the 629, and I'll sacrifice myself to buy it to make sure no one gets stuck with that lemon....
Sorry to be a smart ***, but anytime I get a chance to pick up a pre-lock S&W I jump on it. I own 11 S&W wheel guns, and then two months ago I saw a pre-lock model 19 with a 2.5 inch barrel in a local shop. I bought it after a little haggling, but to tell the truth, I would have paid full asking price if the shop hadn't agreed to negotiate with me. Among my S&Ws is a 6" 629 (pre-lock) that is a real pleasure to shoot. If I could pick up a 5 inch version, in the older pre-lock frame I'd be in heaven.
Good luck to you, whatever you decide.
OP
SeamasterSig
Member
Well, no new acquisitions from the gun show. So I still have my sights on the 5" 629-3 Classic. I'll keep y'all apprised.
Like new model 629
I have a model 629-6 Classic with a 5" barrel I bought in 2002. I bought it to carry while running beagle hounds in bear country (particularly if I was by myself). I took it to the range after buying it & fired 8 rounds of 44 magnum from it and then put it in my safe. It pretty much sat there until, having read this post, I decided to give it another go. I took it out today & shot 35 rounds of 44 special and another 7 rounds of 44 magnum. I can appreciate the affection guys have for this gun and I really like the feel and accuracy of the 44 specials.
I have a model 629-6 Classic with a 5" barrel I bought in 2002. I bought it to carry while running beagle hounds in bear country (particularly if I was by myself). I took it to the range after buying it & fired 8 rounds of 44 magnum from it and then put it in my safe. It pretty much sat there until, having read this post, I decided to give it another go. I took it out today & shot 35 rounds of 44 special and another 7 rounds of 44 magnum. I can appreciate the affection guys have for this gun and I really like the feel and accuracy of the 44 specials.
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OP
SeamasterSig
Member
I swung by the local gun shop today and talked to the owner. It didn't take much discussion to arrive at a very congenial price. And so now after much ado I can finally join the 44 magnum club with my own 629-3 
I was surprised to notice that it rattles a bit, but since the action is so smooth, I gather that is normal. Strange, though, my 66-2 doesn't do that. The serial # BPR8053. Can anyone tell me when it was manufactured?
I was surprised to notice that it rattles a bit, but since the action is so smooth, I gather that is normal. Strange, though, my 66-2 doesn't do that. The serial # BPR8053. Can anyone tell me when it was manufactured?
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75Vette
Member
Congrats! Glad ya got it. Nothing like a little push (shove) from the Forum.
That rattle may be the hammer block. Let us know how it shoots.
That rattle may be the hammer block. Let us know how it shoots.eyegots2no
Member
I believe he thought he was on needforum.com.
It's not unusual to have the hammer block make some noise as it moves freely in its cutout. That is a good thing as it is free and not binding. That is one fine looking 629.
OP
SeamasterSig
Member
Nothing like a little push (shove) from the Forum.
Yeah, two weeks ago I didn't even know I wanted a 44
Is this a model-specific feature, or did S&W start adding the hammer block after a certain date?
Engine49guy
Member
Congrats on a fine firearm !
S&W started using the hammer block just prior to the end of WWII.
The hammer block is a small bar that rides in a slot cut inside the sideplate which prevents accidental discharge if a loaded revolver was accidently dropped onto its hammer spur.
If your gun is dry inside that piece can rattle slightly but hard to diagnose what your hearing through the forum...
Lots of good tutorials on Youtube on how to disassemble a S&W properly and diagnose issues.
S&W started using the hammer block just prior to the end of WWII.
The hammer block is a small bar that rides in a slot cut inside the sideplate which prevents accidental discharge if a loaded revolver was accidently dropped onto its hammer spur.
If your gun is dry inside that piece can rattle slightly but hard to diagnose what your hearing through the forum...
Lots of good tutorials on Youtube on how to disassemble a S&W properly and diagnose issues.
OP
SeamasterSig
Member
Thanks! It probably just needs some TLC. Who knows how long its just been sitting.
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OP
SeamasterSig
Member
After seeing the price of a box of ammo
I've got a set of dies, brass, and some semi-wadcutters on the way.Geo. T.
Member
I love my 6 1/2 inch classic . It's a little raunchy with 300 grain max loads buy shoots everything very well if I do my part. Go for it and sell it to one of us if you decide you don't want it! You will notice that I did not say NEED. A true gun nut seldom uses that as a filter!
OP
SeamasterSig
Member
You bet, I will definitely keep the forum in mind should I ever decide to sell it. However, unless my buddy out in Colorado expresses a desire for it (he actually needs something like this a lot more than I do), which I don't expect, I plan to hold onto it for the time being. Actually, I think it takes a lot of ammo to evaluate a gun like this
