Seen this at the lgs, older N frames do not show up often around here. Somebody got to the point of not wanting it anymore, really stood out in the display case next to little polymer guns. The price was decent too, out the door at $645. Sold off some swag real quick, got the gun and still have some boot money in my pocket for a shoulder holster. Serial # puts it around July of 85 for manufacture.
Excellent find, congrats! Looks to be in nice shape. 629-1's aren't exactly common these days, and they certainly do stand out in gun cases. I really dig those big bore N frames.
I bought this one in '95. An FFL friend had it on his table at a gunshow. He said that it had just been released from police evidence after a pawn shop burglary, and he picked it up. Lucky for me, because it was in almost perfect condition.
I just got through putting 500 rounds of reloads through it with 200 grain Nosler JHP's at 1400fps. Shoots like a dream and always gets attention at the range.
