Latest updates to 629's???

[Maximumbob54]

My 629 is the -6 model which has the MIM trigger and hammer and the frame has the ILS. The original grips were the rubber Hogue Monogrips.

I see now there is a -8 update out. What are does the -7 bring and now the -8 bring? I would hope that the newer S&W branded rubber grips don't get an engineering change number so I assume there's more to it than that but what else have they changed? Other than the grip change it still looks identical to my 6" 629-6 so I'm guessing internals have been altered?

Gratuitous pic so that thread isn't so boring:

 

[grip frame]

No new internal changes that I am aware of.

Standard models are still -6 variants last time I checked.

Sometimes special configurations will be given a different dash number. Performance center models as an example.

 

[CWH44300]

As you know, the new -6's have a new style rubber/synthetic grip that covers the back strap.

This is my -7, think the only change is a 2 pc barrel.

And this is a -8, change's are return of the high side plate screw and a sq butt frame.
This is all I'm aware of...
Pretty sure the 7's and 8's are only available from the performance center.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Hickok45's latest YouTube video "S&W Model 629-8 44 magnum" is why I'm asking. Other than the latest rubber grip, it looks identical to my 629-6.

 

[twodog max]

I sure wish I could get a square butt without the performance center route.

 

[DocB]

They've got one of those long barrel Performance Center 44 magnums down at my local pawn shop. Even has a nice red-dot scope/sight on it. It's blue. Strange looking gun. I don't really do newer guns. He has $995 on it, but I'll bet he would take $800 OTD if I wanted it. Looks like it might be good for deer hunting.

 

[Invictus357]

I sure wish I could get a square butt without the performance center route.

The 29-10 classic (blue)is square butt

 

[CWH44300]

Hickok45's latest YouTube video "S&W Model 629-8 44 magnum" is why I'm asking. Other than the latest rubber grip, it looks identical to my 629-6.

That is odd, about a year ago my lgs called and said they had a new 4" dash 8. Needless to say I headed right down. It did look like an 8 untill someone produced a magnifying glass, turned out to be a lightly struck 6.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

..... Other than the latest rubber grip, it looks identical to my 629-6.

Look on the right side, near the rear sight, you will see a fourth screw in the side plate. That's what makes a -8 different from a - 6. Requires a different frame, therefore a different Dash number.

 

[Maximumbob54]

No screw:

 

[CWH44300]

I watched some of the video, he calls it a -6.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

No screw:.....

Maybe. It's not unknown for dash numbers to be mismarked. BTW, the -6 is still in production. It has not been superseded by the -7 or the -8. All three have unique features that result in frames that can not be substituted between versions.

 

[Maximumbob54]

At this point I'm willing to bet it's an honest mistake.