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world class S&W 629 gunsmith
- Thread starter jp_over
- Start date
No gunsmith recommendations but when I was trying to figure out which 629 I wanted to buy, the 629-3 kept popping up as the lowest number I would really want and the 629-5 as the highest. I pulled this off another forum:
Mod 629: introduced in 1979.
Mod 629-1: Eliminated the recessed cylinder and the pinned barrel (1982).
Mod 629-2: Changed the yoke retention, made internal changes to the action, including a floating hand, and added integral scope mounts on the 8 3/8 inch barrel (1988).
Mod 629-3: Internal changes - fixed hand, longer stop notch and added bolt block (1989).
Mod 629-4: Extractor changes, different sight leaf; frame drilled and tapped for scope mounting (1993).
Mod 629-5: Internal changes to the lockwork, new trigger and hammer systems, eliminate cylinder stop stud, smooth tangs replaced serrated tangs (1997).
Mod 629-6: Internal key lock system (2001).
Mod 629-7: 2-piece barrel (2005).
Mod 629-8: Introduced flat sided barrel (2006).
The Model 629 Classic Stainless with the full under-lug barrel followed these same design changes, but wasn't introduced until 1990 with the dash 3 changes already in place.
Mod 629: introduced in 1979.
Mod 629-1: Eliminated the recessed cylinder and the pinned barrel (1982).
Mod 629-2: Changed the yoke retention, made internal changes to the action, including a floating hand, and added integral scope mounts on the 8 3/8 inch barrel (1988).
Mod 629-3: Internal changes - fixed hand, longer stop notch and added bolt block (1989).
Mod 629-4: Extractor changes, different sight leaf; frame drilled and tapped for scope mounting (1993).
Mod 629-5: Internal changes to the lockwork, new trigger and hammer systems, eliminate cylinder stop stud, smooth tangs replaced serrated tangs (1997).
Mod 629-6: Internal key lock system (2001).
Mod 629-7: 2-piece barrel (2005).
Mod 629-8: Introduced flat sided barrel (2006).
The Model 629 Classic Stainless with the full under-lug barrel followed these same design changes, but wasn't introduced until 1990 with the dash 3 changes already in place.
I've owned several 629-1's and 29-2's. Even owned a 29-8 with the lock and mim parts. To be honest the 29-8 MG is a great one, better trigger than any of the others.
When I bought the early models the gunsmith gave me some good advice. They were designed to shoot a 240 gr bullet, do not shoot the 300 gr bullet or you'll beat them to death. I've followed that advice shooting 250 gr bullets. All have held up for over 12 years now.
I prefer the 6" and 4" barrels to any other size. Maybe I'm old fashioned but for my use they suit me better.
When I bought the early models the gunsmith gave me some good advice. They were designed to shoot a 240 gr bullet, do not shoot the 300 gr bullet or you'll beat them to death. I've followed that advice shooting 250 gr bullets. All have held up for over 12 years now.
I prefer the 6" and 4" barrels to any other size. Maybe I'm old fashioned but for my use they suit me better.
Hunter Customs
New member
Mark Hartshorne of Pinnacle High Performance is a top notch revolver smith.