Smith 629-1 help

[Xycod]

Found a good sample 629-1, it’s in great shape and around 650 but with no box, does this seem a fair price to you guys. The next question I have and for me this decides if I get it and keep it.

I’ve read about this model isn’t necessarily great at shooting 44 full loads or that I should keep it light or minimal shooting, not necessarily the 300 grain stuff but 240’s in full loads. I really have no use for a 44 that has to shoot special or downloaded ammo so it doesn’t break the gun, again I’m not talking about heavy cast 300 plus stuff. So my question is can I shoot factory 44 mag ammo consistently in the 240 grain stuff or do I need to get a newer smith or anaconda possibly.

Also what exactly is the endurance package, is it a different lock up or steel used, and does this weakness also apply to a 29-2 which I already own but haven’t shoot it much, and thanks for any and all help in advance.

 

[Tracksidewrong]

I have owned and shot the 629-1 in my avatar since fall of 2002 with nothing but full power 240 gr loads, bought new old stock in the box with it's consecutive serial 6" mate.

I would estimate this gun has to have over 2,500 rounds through it over the years and lockup and timing are still good. I believe it occasionally will reverse the cylinder resulting in it going back to the chamber shot previously, but it happens so rarely I'm still not sure if that is actually happening. I have installed a heavier bolt stop spring in it now, but have not shot it since I installed it. I shoot jacketed hollow points and mostly my cast lead reloads at 1,200 to 1,350 fps velocity.

The Endurance package was introduced on the 629-3E, and it consists of a bigger bolt stop and larger bolt stop notches in the cylinder for certain, I also believe the yoke may be hardened more than the non E package revolvers. Your 29-2 is built to the same pre E specs as the 629-1, I also own an 8 3/8" 29-2 and a Pre 29 .44 Magnum, both relatively new to me.

I would not hesitate to buy this 629-1 and shoot it extensively, I love loading for and shooting my .44s and plan on it for many more years. I do feel that $650 is a pretty fair price, I paid $950 for my pair all those years ago.

 

[stansdds]

$650 is a really good price for a Model 629-1 these days, unless there is something wrong with it. I think Tracksidewrong pretty well summed up what you can expect from a pre-endurance package S&W 44 Magnum revolver.

 

[Bald1]

$650 is a really good price for a Model 629-1 these days, unless there is something wrong with it. I think Tracksidewrong pretty well summed up what you can expect from a pre-endurance package S&W 44 Magnum revolver.

$650 is a very good price. If it’s a 4” it’s a great price. I assume is 6”

 

[spin132]

Wow, $650 seems like a VERY good price if in decent shape. I gave 1k more than that for a 3" 629-1 LH. It did come with matching box, tools, etc. Magnum loads are a little hard on the wrist after a few cylinders on this one. I think you stole yours.

Mike

 

[Xycod]

Yeah it’s the 6 inch bbl, I wish it was a 4 though but it’s a nice revolver in decent shape especially mechanically.

 

[Nightowl]

I bought my first 29-2 in 1968 and have shot several thousand rounds of 429421 cast bullets ahead of 20 grains of 2400 through it. It is as good today as it was then, altough I only shoot it occasionally these days. It is still my favorite .44.

The issues with the model 29 seems to be with the metallic silhouette shooters who shot maximum load with 300 grain bullets to knock down the 200 yard plus targets. The endurance changes were an effort to mitigate the wear with those heavy loads.

A Smith revolver is a man made machine and will need maintenance at times. The most common issue I have notices with revolvers is the wear on the hand and ratchets, creating a timing problem. Generally a replacement wider hand is enough to put the gun back in service.

 

[Xycod]

Anyone see anything that looks wrong or stands out that may be an issue, it definitely needs cleaning. Lock up is tight and the trigger is great in double action.
Thanks again.

 

[gnappi]

It would have gone home with me if I saw it!

 

[nksmfamjp]

I think my only concern is it is not drilled and tapped for an optic.

The worry that S&W’s are weak when shooting 44 mag is complex. First, they are intended for a lifetime of full house 44 mag loads.

What is a lifetime? Well, it is probably not 50000 rounds without cleaning or service like a Glock.

The other side is a Ruger Redhawk has a reputation for living up to a lifetime of Buffalo Bore or other over pressure ammo.

 

[stansdds]

I see it has replacement grips, signs of use, and a little bit of erosion at the edge of the forcing cone. To me, this Model 629-1 is definitely a shooter grade revolver. I think for $650 it's a good deal.