Why the 629-5

sbcman

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I have read on various different forums that a lot of guys consider the 629-5 to be the "best" 629 made, sometimes the "best" 44 ever made. Coming from the internet, I know these reports must be true:p but...

Why do folks consider it the "best"?
 
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I have a 629-6. What is the difference? Mine has the lock. I would hope that isn't the only difference. I can say that it is crazy smooth in the action. And it now wears a plug.
 
The 629-5 incorporated the frame mounted firing pin and MIM trigger and hammer. Some think the frame mounted pin is superior. The lock was added in the -6 change IIRC.
 
I think the -4 is the best. Hammer mounted firing pin(as it should be), no MIM parts(-5), no lock(-6). After the -4 things went downhill IMO.
 
All.
Sorry I butted into your thread, I had my 625 and a 629 I want confused in my brain.

625-6 from PC shop.
Hammer mounted firing pin.
No lock.
Ball detent lockup.
Magna-ported barrel.
45 Colt
Shown with Eagle Heritage Grips.

625629004.jpg


Bill@Yuma
 
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Thanks for the responses. The mim and hammer changes are the only changes I knew of between the -4 and -5, so I was just curious if I was missing some barrel change, etc.
 
Why do folks consider it the "best"?

It is probably best to jump into their conversation ask them why they think it is the best. Personally, I prefer -3's and -4's. That has everything to do with MIM, no lock, and proper tolerances. I like it that way. My opinion has nothing to do with the fact that S&W has been producing quality 629's for many years including -5's and -6's.
Mark
 
It is probably best to jump into their conversation ask them why they think it is the best. Personally, I prefer -3's and -4's. That has everything to do with MIM, no lock, and proper tolerances. I like it that way. My opinion has nothing to do with the fact that S&W has been producing quality 629's for many years including -5's and -6's.
Mark

From what I can pick up in the online conversations, I think the guys touting the -5 as "the best" say so because they have one:D I have one one as well, 6.5" full lug, and personally have no issues with s&w mim parts or the frame mounted firing pin. I've also owned a 29-3 in nickel and thought it was a fine revolver as well. I will admit that the -5 is more accurate than the 29-3 I owned, I just wouldn't say that because of that the -5 is "the best" nor would I say it just because I own one.

:mad:Speaking of which, a little rant here on the -4 and -5. I bought my -5 a few months ago after looking long and hard for a 6" full lug in my parts. Nothing came up, so when this one did, I jumped on it for $679 out the door. Well, guess what. Just yesterday a guy close to where I live put a -4 up for sale for $575 with a soft case, two speed loaders and 50 rounds of ammo, some of it black talons:eek::mad:

I really wanted to buy it as well, but I couldn't get the motion to pass the finance committee (wife). I guess Smiths are sometimes like playing the stockmarket, hard to know when to buy and when to wait!!

And really, all that said to say this: I like the upgrades in the -4 and I like them in the -5. I couldn't say there was a "best" between them, just personal likes and dislikes. In fact, I've never seen a "terrible" 629 in any generation from no-dash up.
 
629-5 shortcomings

My 629-5 falls a little short of usual expectations. S&W skimped on the manufacturing costs and made the barrel too short. As if that wasn't bad enough, they forgot to put the adjustable sight on.

390177500.jpg
 
My 629-5 falls a little short of usual expectations. S&W skimped on the manufacturing costs and made the barrel too short. As if that wasn't bad enough, they forgot to put the adjustable sight on.

That's a shame they let something like that slip past quality control.
Being the great guy I am I'll give you $50.00 for your factory defect.
 
I'll take any of your fixed sighted 629-5's. Wtb. Wts. I'll trade , buy. Whatever. If you hate that 629-5. Email me.
 
I have a 629-6. What is the difference? Mine has the lock. I would hope that isn't the only difference. I can say that it is crazy smooth in the action. And it now wears a plug.
According to the book that is the only difference but like other have said I would rather have -4 or less just to get away from the MIM and IL
 
My 629-5 falls a little short of usual expectations. S&W skimped on the manufacturing costs and made the barrel too short. As if that wasn't bad enough, they forgot to put the adjustable sight on.

390177500.jpg

Well, they DID skimp, in that they put cast (MIM) parts in it instead of FORGED like on the -4 and lower dash # guns. ;)
 
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