What about 629?

[gabrielebosetti]

Hi all!
I'd like a .44 magnum and i found a 629-1, serial AFAxxxx so I think about year 1985, barrel 8-3/8".
Is this a good quality revolver as 629 no dash pinned and recessed?
I only have Smith before 1980 (except a fine 686-3)
Thanks at all!

Greetings from Italy

Gabriele

 

[gabrielebosetti]

Here it is

 

[Laketime]

The 629-1 are a good gun I had a couple and wish I still had my 6 and the 8 3/8 barrel versions.They will Handel standard pressure rounds with no issues.

 

[StakeOut]

The 629-1 does not have the Endurance Package that was introduced with the 629-2E and completed in the 629-4 engineering change.
Before the Endurance enhancements cylinder would sometimes open during firing.

 

[dmar]

I love my 629, great revolver. No problems with the gun, the cylinder stays closed…. .

 

[stansdds]

The issue with the pre-endurance package 29/629 typically involved the use of bullets greater than 250 grains in weight. Steel silhouette shooters often use 300 grain bullets for better retained energy at long distance. These heavy load 44 Magnum can cause the cylinder to unlock and rotate backwards just enough that the next pull of the trigger results in the hammer dropping on a fired case.

 

[murphydog]

For the lack of the pinned barrel and recessed chambers the 629-1 (and 29-3) seem to get less enthusiasm. I would say this one looks nice, the non-recessed cylinder is easier to clean and post more photos after you buy it.

 

[M29since14]

Used as intended, there is nothing wrong with a 629-1. As was mentioned by stansdds, use standard-pressure .44 Magnum ammunition with 250-grains or less bullets and the gun will run like a champ. If it doesn't, it needs a tune-up. "Adventurous handloading" started all the complaints about the Model 29/629. Original spec ammo should not be a problem in that gun.

 

[Rlg#17]

Back in the days of IHMSA steel shooting there were a lot of guys shooting with the 29's. Some were so "hopped up" with their reloads, that the cylinder would just pop open every cylinder or so. Usually with the heavier bullets, and case fulls of 2400 powder. They quickly learned how to correct endshake from battering the cylinder into the crane, a simple process if you know what you are doing!

I shot a Thompson Center which was better on the hand after making some grips for it, the factory grips sucked for recoiled control.

Your 629 will run slick as snot, just stay with lighter bullets, and standard loads. And it will be less punishment to your hands and the revolver. Last count my 629 has over 18,000 of stout reloads thru it. But I have always run 180-240 grain bullets thru it!

Buy it, and let us know how it runs for you.

Regards, Rick Gibbs

 

[jake1945]

I never could get along with my 629 because of recoil issues. I have lrge hands and my 629 would beat the s^^t out of my hand. I tried different grips with no help. So, I traded it for a Ruger Redhawk 44 mag with Bantam grips!