Which 629?

[EFR]

I'm looking for a little guidance from those in the know. I'm looking to purchase a 6" 629; which model/vintage, is what I'm looking for advice on.
I've read these forums front to back and used the search function to ad nauseam. My main concern is accuracy, trigger quality, and durability. Which model (or dash number) do I want? I've read contradictory opinions on each. From the original 629 to the present 629-5, which do you feel (have actual experience) will give me the most accuracy, best trigger, and most durability?

The price between brand new and the older models is really not an issue.

Intended use is protection (along with bear spray) bow hunting in grizzly country (I know, not ideal). Loads (I handload) will be heavy and hot.

I have a nickel 29-3 8 3/8" presently. Overall, I'm not overly impressed with the quality. Trigger is very nice, but barrel was noticeably canted when I bought it. I sent it back to S&W and they straightened it, but there is now a gap between frame and ejector shroud now (none of my other S&W's exhibit this).

I'm not opposed to the 69, but I prefer the longer sight radius of the 6" barrel.

Any help from the pros is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[MrUnderwood08]

I'm not an expert by any means but also want a 629 in the near future. From what I found the 629-4 gets the most recommendation.

Here is a thread covering this information: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/156470-best-629-dash-numbers.html

Daniel

 

[AveragEd]

I agree that the -4 is best but that is if you want a round butt. My preference is toward square butts as I like the classic and attractive S&W target stocks but today, round is about all they make and the round-to-square conversion stocks just aren't "real" S&W.

Ed

 

[grip frame]

629-3, -4 or -5 is what you want.

If you don't mind the MIM parts and frame mounted firing pins the -5 are great guns. All round butt grip frames.

The -3 models are only drilled and tapped for scope mounting on the classic models. They have flash chromed hammers and triggers which to some makes more sense on a stainless gun. Mechanically they only differ from the -4 because they have the older pinned extractor design. From what I have seen fit and finish tends to be better than on the -4 models. Standard models will be mostly square butt which most people consider a plus.

The -4 models are all drilled and tapped for scope mounting. They have the new extractor design that is still being used . They went back to the bare case hardened hammers and triggers which can rust. Much less likely to find models with square butt frames as they were transitioning to all round butt frames during this time.

Note that the classic models (full lugged barrels) will all be round butt in the -3 and -4. There were a few exceptions like the 629-3 classic hunter model with 6" barrel and square butt.

 

[RogerA]

There are a few 629-4 Square Butt Revolvers out there.

I agree that the -4 is best but that is if you want a round butt. My preference is toward square butts as I like the classic and attractive S&W target stocks but today, round is about all they make and the round-to-square conversion stocks just aren't "real" S&W.

Ed

If you look hard enough, you CAN find a 629-4 Square Butt Revolver.

 

[EFR]

Gentlemen thanks for your help. Gripframe, that is exactly the info I was looking for, thank you

Now, the search begins....

 

[EFR]

If, for some reason I am not able to find a 29-4 in time, how are the triggers on the new production 629's? Can they be worked to produce a good (excellent) trigger?

Of the 6 S&W revolvers I own, the triggers are from very good to perfect, but all are of earlier models.

Again, thanks for your help.

 

[GF]

Count me in for a -4 fan. The one I use the most and the last one I'd get rid of.
I've used mine for big game ...

...no not those ...

...these.

GF

 

[muddocktor]

I have a 629-3 Classic in 6 1/2" barrel and used to own a 6" barrel 29-3. Of the 2, I much prefer the 629-3 Classic. I find the full underlug helps in taming recoil as compared to the half lug of a regular 29 (or 629 for that matter). But, the regular 629 will be a bit lighter to carry in the woods. My brother recently picked up a really nice 6" 629 no dash off GB and last week we went and shot our 44's together and while his no dash had more muzzle rise, it wasn't too bad and fully controllable, So, look for the model that will appeal to you most between half lug and full lug models. The fit and finish on my 629-3 is great as is the fit and finish on my brother's no dash. If you prefer the traditional half lug barrel, don't count out looking at the no dash 629 as they are pinned and recessed and just seem to ooze quality to me. He also got it for less than $800 after shipping and FFL fees were figured in to the total price, so he got a very good deal IMO. And you can tell it has a very low round count as it hardly shows any top strap cutting and in general it is in darn near new condition.

 

[foytfoyt]

I agree that the -4 is best but that is if you want a round butt. My preference is toward square butts as I like the classic and attractive S&W target stocks but today, round is about all they make and the round-to-square conversion stocks just aren't "real" S&W.

Ed

I recently learned that the new 629 SKU 170334 is square butt. 8 3/8" however, as you may have been referring to shorter barrel models.

 

[Warren Sear]

...My main concern is accuracy, trigger quality, and durability. Which model (or dash number) do I want?...

If that is you criteria, then I suggest buying a new current model 629. The round butt is not a detraction, the MIM hammer and trigger have an outstanding track record, and the IL can be removed if you want it (I wouldn't).

 

[JimZ1006]

My personal preference would be a 629-2E or 629-3 or newer as these all have the endurance package and if you plan on shooting hot handloads you definitely want the endurance package.
I have a 629-3 "Classic Hunter" and it is a great gun. I prefer the full underlug as it adds weight in the right place for me and tames the recoil a bit when shooting hot loads. This is the most accurate revolver I own and it's a joy to shoot!
Here are a few pics:











Just put the Hogue combats on it recently. It came with Hogue rubbers and I also have a beautiful set of Checkered Targets for it........Enjoy

JimZ