Lew Horton 629-1 .44 mag variants...Which is more desired?

[Sgt. Rock]

I was wondering out of the different variants of the 3" Lew Horton 629 .44mags, which one is more desired? Specifically the standard barrel with the fluted cylinder or the full underlug with the non-fluted cylinder?

 

[pred]

I prefer the unfluted full underlug barrel But that is just me.
I think the extra weight shoots like a longer barrel gun and I like the looks.
Peter

 

[VM]

Get both and don't worry about it!

 

[toroflow1]

I agree, get one of each dash #!!!

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Nice pics guys! Thanks. I will lay it out for ya'll, I have the opportunity to get the 3" with the full underlug and the unfluted cylinder for $750 or the regular barrel with the fluted cylinder for $900. Both about 98-99%. But I can only get one right now.

One more thing, the unfluted one is a 629-2 and has a serial number starting with BEE33**. Is this a lew horton or no?

BTW, Toroflow, you sir are my new hero. Cant...stop...drooling....

 

[toroflow1]

I'm not sure if a 629-2 is a Lew Horton or not, and don't care, as "Lew Horton" is meaningless to me. I would get the -2 for the simple reason that it is $150 cheaper than the -1. Although, the -2 did not come with the wooden combats like the -1. Those grips alone are worth $150. If the -1 you're looking at has the combats, then its a toss up. Funny thing about them 3" -1's...it seems they're the most expensive of the 3" 629's, but IMHO the least desirable in terms of endurance package upgrades that came later in the production run at the -2E & above. To me, the best of the best 3" 629 is the 629-4 with all the endurance upgrades, yet just before they went to the cast parts (MIM) at the -5. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Actually it does have the wooden combats.

 

[toroflow1]

Actually it does have the wooden combats.

Which one? The -1 came standard with the wooden combats. The -2 originally came with tupperware grips standard, although someone could have swapped the wooden combats on. I've done that on a few of mine.

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Which one? The -1 came standard with the wooden combats. The -2 originally came with tupperware grips standard, although someone could have swapped the wooden combats on. I've done that on a few of mine.

You could be right. Im gonna email Lew and find out for sure. Either way, im buying her first thing tomorrow.

 

[toroflow1]

Which one? -1 or -2?

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Heard back for Lew and toro was right. It was not distributed by them. But im buying it anyway. I can get the other lew horton model later

 

[goldenlight]

I'm not sure if a 629-2 is a Lew Horton or not, and don't care, as "Lew Horton" is meaningless to me. I would get the -2 for the simple reason that it is $150 cheaper than the -1. Although, the -2 did not come with the wooden combats like the -1. Those grips alone are worth $150. If the -1 you're looking at has the combats, then its a toss up. Funny thing about them 3" -1's...it seems they're the most expensive of the 3" 629's, but IMHO the least desirable in terms of endurance package upgrades that came later in the production run at the -2E & above. To me, the best of the best 3" 629 is the 629-4 with all the endurance upgrades, yet just before they went to the cast parts (MIM) at the -5. Good luck with whatever you decide.

What were the 'endurance upgrades' which were added to the 629-4?

I have not heard of this before. I have one of the 629-1's. I've fired a total of 6 rounds of factory full power 44 magnum ammunition.

I didn't really enjoy it. I reload, so I load to my comfort level; they are pretty mild loads; just a little warmer than factory 44 Special loads. They are accurate, and a LOT easier on my hand!

 

[goldenlight]

I agree, get one of each dash #!!!

WOW! that is a simply AMAZING collection of N-frame snubbies!

 

[pinkymingeo]

The endurance package was phased-in beginning with the 629-2E. The modifications were made to prevent the cylinder from unlocking under heavy recoil, which was a problem faced mostly by silhouette shooters who used very heavy loads and heavy bullets. The most noticeable change is longer notches in the cylinder for a larger stop. Under the sideplate there's a slide that prevents the cylinder bolt from moving when the trigger is back. Supposedly the yoke is stronger, but I can't see a difference. I don't believe there's a material strength difference between pre- and post-endurance package guns. The later models just stay locked with very heavy loads, while the earlier guns might occasionally have the cylinder rotate backwards. Either series will last you a lifetime if not abused.

 

[goldenlight]

Thanks for the info on the endurance upgrades.

Since I virtually never shoot full power loads in any of my 44 magnum revolvers, as you said, they should last my lifetime, and more.

I have 2 29-2's that are 30+ years old now. They really haven't been shot much at all, but it's good to know that for my purposes, all my 44 magnum revolvers will outlast me.

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Well I cant decide between the two different designs so I find myself trying to save for both

 

[toroflow1]

Well I cant decide between the two different designs so I find myself trying to save for both

You should get both! That's what this sickness called S&W accumulation/collecting is all about!