S&W Model 29/629... which model variant???

[Claims Rep.]

I previously owned a 629 with 8 3/8" barrel and loved it. I ended up trading it, but am now looking to get another with 8 3/8" barrel. This next one won't be traded off either. But here's my question: which "dash" variant is the best to own? My first thought is anything prior to the -7, when MIM parts were incorporated into the design mods. Having said that, I read where the -3's dropped the recessed cylinders... I've got a nice K-Frame Model 66-1 that has the recessed cylinder and I really like that (too bad S&W in their infinitive wisdom got away from that). So perhaps a -2 or earlier?

I'd love to hear from some of y'all who are S&W revolver guru's. What are your thoughts?

Also, if anyone has an 8 3/8 629 that you plan to put up for sale, send me a PM and let's talk.

Thanks.

Derek

 

[DR505]

Personal preference. The 29-3E added the endurance package if you shoot a lot. I like the 29-2 and earlier myself.

For 629's I prefer the 629-4 personally.

 

[pharmer]

I have a 8 3/8" 29-5 that is accurate and shootable with most loads (I know the box is wrong but it is all I have). All around though the 6 1/2" 629-3 is the best, easy care too. 4" 29-2 is ok with factory 240 gr loads that hover around 1100 fps. Hard to pick a "favorite child. Joe

 

[hkcavalier]

I personally prefer the 629-3. I've been hunting for a 629 (no revision) with the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder though.

The 29-2 is the king of the .44s. The earlier revisions are great but much harder to find. As for the newer ones, I wouldn't shy away from a really clean one. I have a -8, it's MIM and IL of course, but a fairly rare variant so I hang onto it.

 

[75Vette]

I'm still trying to make up my mind......

 

[Claims Rep.]

I'm still trying to make up my mind......

One day... Very nice collection!

 

[Dieseltech56]

The 29-6 and 629-4 are my favorite. Rarely will I pass up a new configuration in either of those models

 

[OldChief]

I have a 29 6", a 629-6 5" and I've just purchased a 629 8-3/8". I've put a lot of rounds, both .44 Spec. and .44 Mag, through the first two. I haven't been able to shoot the 8-3/8" yet for two reasons, first, the state has gotten so far behind in their backgrounds that they can't meet the 10 day waiting time so I don't know when I'll be able to take it home. The second reason is that, due to the virus, all the ranges are closed! As for the first two revolvers, I prefer shooting the 629-5" over the 29 because I like the balance of the 5" barrel better and the stainless steel is easier to clean. I guess I'm getting a bit lazy in my old years. Hope you're successful in your search for an 8-3/8" 29 or 629, as you already know, they're getting harder to come by. Maybe you can pry one loose from 75 Vette.

 

[Nightowl]

The 629 arrived just a short while before the pinned and recessed models went away. The 29-2 was the last pinned and recessed non stainless .44 Magnum. I think you were thinking about the 29-3 in your post. Also, the 8 3/8 629 pinned and recessed was only made for a year or two, before the 629-1 replaced the pinned and recessed guns. I have no idea how many were made, but they are seldom encountered.
However, any of the 629s will be great guns, unless they have been shot a lot with 300 grain full magnum loads. I have a 629-3 that is really well made as well as some later ones.

 

[double-dipper]

629-4 but, I just like stainless.

 

[Breakaway500]

I'm partial to the 629 no dash as I love the no-gap look due to the recessed cylinder holes. I do have an "ugly duck" 629-2 as well.

 

[Jessie]

One day... Very nice collection!

That looks like someone's freezer full of ice cream I recently saw on the news, but better!

 

[RogerA]

629-4 in any barrel length, standard or classic, is my choice. No mim parts, firing pin on hammer, and all the endurance package features. Best of the Best to me.

 

[hassiman]

This one is my favorite. 629-4 3" Magna ported Trail Boss

I have been a M29/629 fan since 1968....
I was lucky enough to get this hard to find 629-4 3" Magna ported Trail Boss. Has great balance.