No Dash 629 Question

[Sam2511]

I was looking at a 4"bb LNIB Model 629 with no dash, pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, manufactured 1980 – 1983. What does no dash, a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder mean? In addition, would this revolver be less strong, as strong as or stronger than a current a production gun?
Thanks
Sam

 

[Sam2511]

Does anyone know?
Thanks
Sam

 

[WFR]

No-dash means that it is the original run of a particular model before any engineering changes ( "-1" , "-2", "-9", etc.) were made to improve the model.
A 4" P&R 629-0 or 629 "No-dash" would have been made between 1981-1982.
The Endurance package started showing up on the 629-2E and 629-3 guns so it is not quite as durable as the later models.
Here's mine:

 

[TDC]

Be advised all engineering changes (dash #) are not improvements. Many consider the elimination of the pinned and recessed features that signified the change from 629 (-0) to 629-1 not necessarily an improvement but a cost cutting measure.

Later and current 629's are stronger but they have their own set of changes others like or dislike....

Just sayin'

 

[pohorelsky]

I'd take the no dash EVERY TIME.

 

[Nightowl]

The original 629's, pinned and recessed were only made for a year or so and not many 4" guns were made. They are fine guns. As long as you stay with 240 grain bullets or less, it will last quite well. If the price is reasonable, it would be a good catch. No dash guns bring a premium most of the time.