trouble buying 629

island

Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2013
Messages
13
Reaction score
4
Im trying to step into the world of revolvers with a back country carry in WA, did a bunch of research and reading and settled down on the .44 4" 629 Mountain Gun. Called about 30+ shops in the state found a couple 629 standards around and one shop saying they had new Mountain Gun in the warehouse but I could pay for it and they would ship it right away. I went for it based on the lack of availability went to pick it up today and alas no Mountain Gun down the barrel nor the other traits of the MG, pretty sure its the standard(629-6 CUU5***). Although I paid a more than $100 more than what I could of payed at the other shops Im considering trying to negotiate some of the cash back and just going with their standard as I believe it could suit my needs as well.
My question is after a quick inspection I noticed about a half inch from the end of the muzzle tip a small circular scratch or groove with slight burring across the riffling going around about a third of the circumference. Due to how even and circular the scratch was the guy I was talking to today said it was probably done at the time of machining and probably wouldn't affect performance. Based on my limited knowledge of revolvers and the rough start to the purchase I am unsure if this is a bad sign to the quality of the gun as a whole or the possibility of it actually being a used gun not new. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.
 
Register to hide this ad
Welcome to the forum. I like the older 629's. Mine is a 4" 629-0 pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. I've got $700.00 in it because I bought it when I wasn't looking for it. I don't like the MIM stuff and want my firing pin on the hammer. I don't like the lawyer lock. But that's just me. I like older stuff mostly because I'm older and I think it's better made. You didn't mention what you paid so I assume you may have been burned. If so, consider it the cost of an education. It takes a while and lots of research and some money before you recognize the deals. Do some research, Have some patience, and ask questions here. Folks here are friendly and helpful.
 
That is probably broach chatter during the machining process that caused the imperfection you see in the barrel. It is not unheard of in stainless S&W's since 1985. Smith will replace the barrel on warranty but why should you have to go through that. Return it to the dealer and find one that is not defective.
 
That is probably broach chatter during the machining process that caused the imperfection you see in the barrel. It is not unheard of in stainless S&W's since 1985. Smith will replace the barrel on warranty but why should you have to go through that. Return it to the dealer and find one that is not defective.
Not to hijack a thread, but what is broach chatter?
_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.
 
Thanks for all the help everyone, I did some pokin around on the site about tool marks and came up with this thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/158169-my-classic-22-4-tooling-marks-barrel.html which after reading deffinitly think that something was wrong with the machine process mabye dinged drill bit or piece of scrap metal, either way, it is not the firearm that I purchased nor is it in a "new" condition, I will try to get out of this as painlessly as possible.. hard lessons learned.
 
I used to tell my students that "frustration" is part of the learning process, and that frustration assumes many forms.
I'm confident you will move on and soon possess the gun of your desires.
 
The 629 Mountain Gun I have looks pretty, but the ounce or two weight reduction in a gun + holster that weighs over three pounds, is insignificant. However, the extra ounce or two of weight out in the barrel will have more effect on reducing recoil than on easing your burden.

If I was doing it all over again, I'd buy a standard 4" 629, or a 6" and have the barrel cut down to 5". Either of those will be easier on the hand when shooting hot loads, and I'd probably never notice the difference on my belt.
 
Update

Thanks for input. I talked to the gun shop today, they said that they didn't have a mg in stock, and if they cant get one, they will issue me a refund, but it will take about 2 weeks to get a check out to me... Is this normal procedure for dealers has anyone experienced?
 
Thanks for input. I talked to the gun shop today, they said that they didn't have a mg in stock, and if they cant get one, they will issue me a refund, but it will take about 2 weeks to get a check out to me... Is this normal procedure for dealers has anyone experienced?

If you paid by check, then it is not uncommon since they need to make sure your check clears before giving you a refund, but if you paid with cash or CC, no, they should return credit to your card or cash to your hand.
 
hmm, paid with CC, i guess my only option is to cross my fingers...
 
There's no reason for them not to issue an instant refund on a CC. I would be in there raising heck if they wouldn't.
 
hmm, paid with CC, i guess my only option is to cross my fingers...

If the charge comes across your CC bill dispute it with the credit card company, they will back-charge the retailer in a heartbeat.
 
I have found that some people who work in guns shops don't really know what they are talking about. This may have been what happened in your case. You asked for a 629 Mountain Gun and they may not have known that Mountain Gun is a specific model variant of the 629 so they just gave you a 629. Their ignorance is no excuse and you should not have accepted the standard 629 if that is not what you want. As others have said above, they should issue an immediate refund to your CC.

It is surprising how many people in gun stores don't have a clue about what scandium, titanium and aluminum are and I have seen them confuse these frequently. If you need gun info this forum will give you much better information than you can get in most gun stores.

I believe that S&W is not currently in production on Mountain Gun models. This is unfortunate since it is a really nice gun. I would like to buy a Mountain Gun especially in other calibers such as 41 magnum and 357 magnum. Let's hope S&W decides to start producing them again soon.
 
While a Mountain Gun is kind of neat ,all of the 29/629`s are great.I would check out the local listings on Armslist and find a used one and do a face to face transaction. You wont be able to use your credit card, but you will probably get something good and save a few bucks.
I have had very good success on Armslist, just be careful and ONLY do a FTF.
 
Back
Top