Which of these 3 S&W .44's to keep? (updated pics)

[WFR]

We are expecting our second child later this summer and I am thinning the herd to offset upcoming bills.
I've moved more towards shooting .45 Colt & .45 ACP so I am only going to keep one of these fine S&W .44 mags just to keep one in the battery.

1) 29-5 3" - This one is somewhat odd being a "-5" but it retains the squared of front edge of the rear sight leaf like earlier models. Correct box with matching serial numbers and correct Pach grips. Excellent shooter and tight as can be!

2) 629-3 3" - Another good shooter that I have had for many years. Excellent condition but no box or papers. Currently wearing Hogue X-frame grips.

3) 629 no-dash 4" - Picked this up last year and have only shot it a little bit. Not familiar enough with it to say I love it or not. The only SB frame gun in my safe. The Pach grips would have to go!

I've been moving towards mostly stainless revolvers for easy upkeep. Still have a 3" 13 and 4" 34 but that's about it.
I have other 3" N-frames and 4" Mtn Guns in .45 Colt so holster compatability is a moot point.
Do I keep a RB so all the grips feel the same or keep the one classic 4" N-frame that has the same barrel length as the Mtn Guns?
Will the no-dash hold up to the as well as the other two that have the endurance package?
So, what say the brilliant minds of the S&W forum?

 

[Dump1567]

Keep the one you enjoy shooting the most. I would lean towards stainless if it's going to get carried.

 

[mc5aw]

All beautiful pistols! I think the "keepability" order is exactly as you have posted, from 1 to 3, though I am most partial to #2.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I'm drooling over your four inch 629. It could use a sq butt Ahrends tactical grip. That's the one I would keep.

 

[Torakan]

Keep the 629-3 3" or the 29-5 3". There are plenty 629 4" revolvers out there and it would be the easiest to replace later.

 

[one eye joe]

Gotta agree with Torakan......

 

[AkRay]

I notice that the 629 no dash has the pinned barrel and recessed chambers in the cylinder. Those are desirable features in a 629.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I notice that the 629 no dash has the pinned barrel and recessed chambers in the cylinder. Those are desirable features in a 629.

That was part of my reason for my choice. Lots of six inch'ers out there but I don't see any four inch P/R 629's. Ever. I think they are mostly hiding in safes at this point.

 

[WNC Seabee]

Hey Jim...I'd take one of those 3 inchers off your hands! Call me!

 

[gkitch]

Keep Two! Keep Two!
(inspired by the long defunt TV show, "Let's Make a Deal")

 

[Dave T]

This is strictly personal taste but I've never cared for 3" N-frames. Closest I have is a chopped 1917 and it's 3-1/4". I'd rather it was 3.5"-4". I voted for the 4" "no dash". YMMV!

Dave

 

[kennyb]

i suspect you will regret selling any of them...just saying..

 

[Sebago Son]

4" 629-ND....

Jimmy,

This is the one to keep. A Real Classic. The others are interesting, but the P&R is a real sleeper.

Drew

 

[TDC]

Another vote for the P&R 629 4".....

 

[WFR]

i suspect you will regret selling any of them...just saying..

Doubt it!
It's rewarding to pass on something to someone who will actually use and enjoy it! I'm not a collector or a hoarder.
Half the fun is finding them and negotiating the price.
Besides, I'll be sleeping better at night knowing that my maximum out-of-pocket deductible is covered when August rolls around and I'll walk out of the hospital with another one of God's greatest gifts and not owe the hospital a dime!

 

[Jason68]

P&R = keeper

I voted for the 29-5, because I like them dressed in blue, but a nice, clean no dash P&R is clearly a better "investment" though I hate to use that term on these beauties. If there's a way, keep all 3. Speaking from experience, medical billing offices are very nice and helpful about working out a payment plan that works for you. I wish, I wish, I wish I still had my first 2 Smiths, a nice 2nd model top-break 38 I paid $50 for in 1987, and a model 19 purchased new in 1990 for less than $300.

 

[KEN L]

Another vote for #3. Just love those classic lines! But I agree, the Goodyears have gotta go, a nice pair of woodys would look much better..................

 

[Notime2]

Congrat's on the new addition
Keep #2 You like the RB's
#1 & #3 have the most value for the new baby.
#1 $750 #3 $750 - $850
Notime2

 

[keithherrington]

There is just no doubt about it: The 4" straight taper barreled N Frame S&W is the best balanced DA wheelgun ever designed. The Fourth Model HE with the tapered barrels just don't compare.
Keith

 

[mike from st pete]

Which to Sell?

The two with the unfluted cylinders. But that's just me.

 

[Nemo288]

You should be able to offload any or all of those beauties
in here in about 1 microsecond.

I voted for and would be interested in the 4". I am a 4" fanatic.
The performance jump from 3" to 4" is one of the greatest
(up to 100fps) there is. IMHO the 3" N frame really doesn't offer
any advantage in terms of carry or conceal. They are all huge

 

[jimhoff]

Edit - I'd keep 'em all. Beautiful.

 

[BigBill]

I voted for #1 because of its being blued. I hate to part with any guns because i parted with two many years ago thinking i could replace them down the road and i was wrong. I only buy now. Bill

 

[m657]

whoa...Whoa....WHOA>......here......

Error Error: re: " I am thinning the herd to offset upcoming bills."

Your efforts at offsetting the costs associated with upcoming bills on a 2nd child, are commendable.

Review the actual expenses of all such costs over 18 years of close financial management, or even the first 6 years....or even the first year....and whatever you realize from sale of 1 of those magnificent beasts, is mere crumbs in a vast banquet of expenses.

Consider what additional stewardship of such investments will return in 15-18 years as an educational fund boost....

And consider you will not have to fret about replacing any empty spots in your '401-N-frame account'......

 

[WFR]

whoa...Whoa....WHOA>......here......

Error Error: re: " I am thinning the herd to offset upcoming bills."

Your efforts at offsetting the costs associated with upcoming bills on a 2nd child, are commendable.

Review the actual expenses of all such costs over 18 years of close financial management, or even the first 6 years....or even the first year....and whatever you realize from sale of 1 of those magnificent beasts, is mere crumbs in a vast banquet of expenses.

Consider what additional stewardship of such investments will return in 15-18 years as an educational fund boost....

And consider you will not have to fret about replacing any empty spots in your '401-N-frame account'......

Hilarious!
I have a wonderful 3-year old daughter and understand the costs associated with such beauties!
The sale of a few pieces will cover the deductible and that's all I'm looking to do.
It's funny how kids can change your perspective on what's really important.

 

[crofoot629]

I've sold lots of collectable S&W's to cover the expenses of being married and having two kids myself. No big deal, I still have more guns than most any of my friends.

I don't know about the first two, but the 4" 629 no dash was only made for one year, and is much like a 29-2. That's the one I'd keep, but it needs a decent set of shoes.

Emory

 

[WFR]

I'll take #1 for 800... [email protected]

Email sent with pics.

 

[florange]

Keep the one you enjoy shooting the most. I would lean towards stainless if it's going to get carried.

No doubt I am partial to the stainless 3 inch but I mainly shoot 44 specials. My wife also enjoys shooting the round butt with 44 specials but finds a square butt N frame a little large for her hand.

If you need to find a home for the 4 inch 629, it could share a room with its 6 inch brother at my place. Just let me know.

 

[WFR]

Well it looks like the 629 no-dash 4" was the landslide winner.
I'll be listing the 3" .44's for sale next week.
Thanks guys!
Now to find some real grips for that classic P&R beauty!

 

[Lou_NC]

Keep them all, get a 2nd job instead!

I'd suggest getting a 2nd job until you earned the $1500 or so that the sale of these two guns would bring you! I'm not joking! Heck, I'd work nights for a few months cleaning the local movie theater if that's what it took to keep all of these beauties!

C'mon, they don't make these pre-lock models any longer, and in the grand scheme of things, you'll wish you kept them all.

Best of luck in whatever you decide,
Lou