New S&W Model 629 from PSA

[Slufstuff]

I just received my 629 from Palmetto State Armory. It is again a mixed bag, like the 686 Plus I received earlier (that one had a buggered grip screw, scuff on the barrel, and overall mediocre polishing).

The 629 was again disappointing cosmetically. The side plate has a noticeable polishing pattern that really mars what is otherwise an acceptable finish. It is something that should not have left the factory IMO. Especially since it probably could have been corrected fairly easily.

It is not all bad. The DA pull is easily the best I have ever felt on a S&W revolver, from any era! Really nice smooth light pull. SA is about average. I am looking forward to shooting this one.

I think this is only an OK deal. The finish really hurts, as the action is outstanding. I am keeping it, but still kind of a disappointment from S&W.

 

[One Holer]

I understand your disappointment, but you can simply buy some Flitz and easily buff that out yourself.

 

[Slufstuff]

I understand your disappointment, but you can simply buy some Flitz and easily buff that out yourself.

I will do that, I have polished up used firearms before. But it is something you should not have to do on a brand-new revolver IMO.

 

[ProCarryNAustin]

With that turn line, I’m thinking that is not new.

 

[Slufstuff]

With that turn line, I’m thinking that is not new.

That thought has crossed my mind also. PSA has an "all firearms sales are final" policy, meaning issues go directly to the manufacturer. So theoretically, this should not be a returned or used revolver. If that is the case, either S&W dropped the ball, or PSA is playing games.

In this case, I will just polish it up as best I can, and hope it shoots as well as the action appears to be.

 

[stansdds]

No wonder they are selling them so cheap, looks like a "gently used" or "scratch and dent" item.

 

[Baxter6551]

I have to agree with others above - that dosent look like a new gun to me. Was there the factory powder burn rings on front of cylinder - only 3 chambers ?
Would a call to Customer Service reveal a build date ?

 

[Hawg Rider]

Looks to me like PSA sold you one of their used revolvers...did you buy it from the "Clearance" section? I didn't realize that PSA sold used trade-ins until I googled it. If you're OK with the price you paid, just polish it up. If you're unhappy, contact PSA and see if you can return the 629 since it was not advertised as "previously owned".

 

[Slufstuff]

I have to agree with others above - that dosent look like a new gun to me. Was there the factory powder burn rings on front of cylinder - only 3 chambers ?
Would a call to Customer Service reveal a build date ?

I checked, the cylinder only has the 3 factory burn rings. I will just polish it and use it, I think. After the rebate, it will be basically a used price.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I bought a used 629-6 about 3 years ago. It's the most accurate gun I own. Any marks on it, if there were any, disappeared with Flitz, as mentioned. The DA pull, in the store, was too good to be true. I asked the guy to check the screw for me and it was out about 1 1/4 turns. Still, it's a very decent trigger pull at 6#6.3 oz., and 1#11oz. SA. Have fun with that gun.

 

[gnappi]

Ordinarily I'm not fussy about appearance especially on one I'd have planned on using afield, but a new revolver to arrive like that is a sad statement on quality control at S&W.

 

[Engine49guy]

My buddy who owns a 5" Model 629-3 Classic sent a link to that PSA 629 deal and asked my opinion.
IMO under $800 for a NIB .44 Magnum with a lifetime warranty Id buy it to shoot, carry, beat up and leave that 629-3 Classic in the safe as an investment...

 

[Yendor357]

That’s a new revolver? Can’t be. I’ve bought lots of used stuff that looked better than that. The barrel doesn’t even match the frame; maybe it’s just the picture.

But… if you spend lots of time on it with an ink eraser, ad plug the hilary hole…….nah I still wouldn’t want it.

Have you seen the new Colts? Gorgeous.

 

[diyj98]

Unfortunately, that seems to be the level of acceptable quality at S&W. Here’s what my brand new 629 from PSA looks like.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

I bought a 686-5 5” from PSA on one of their screaming deals. It had a very similar “finish”. I’ll live with it or polish it up, but yes, sadly that level of care (or lack of) seems to be normal now…

 

[Nick B]

A little work with a grey pad and that finish will be fine . No Flitz .
OP how’s the cylinder gap ?

 

[Narragansett]

I went to PSA in Savannah a couple weeks ago. Not a place for me. No racks or cases of used guns, no top shelf fishing stuff, Chinese flip flops 70.00 as well as Chinese nylon shorts 70.00. Good SIG display. Just another big box store IMO