Is $399 good for a used S&W 629 in VG+ Cond?

[Handgun]

Hi,

I was looking at used 629s today at the local shop. It seems to be 629 week there.

Anyway, the two most interesting to me were a 6" w/o full underlug in VG condition for $399 and a Backpacker (ported barrel) in VG to Excellent condition for $475.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[Wanderer]

Go and buy it, now.

 

[Handgun]

They are not open now.

Care to elaborate on your reasons for the buy recommendation? Which "it", the 6" or the Backpacker?

Thanks.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I haven't kept up, but is the backpacker with a full underlug?

If I was backpacking, weight is a major consideration. I'd go with the $399 model.

 

[C.R.Sam]

The six incher here would be a decent price but no steal.
Darn sho want to use Jim March's check list and pick it over carefully.

Sam

 

[Wanderer]

I've been looking around online at various revolvers and most 629's are going for 500-600 new. I'd get the regular gun (w/o ports) due to a personal preference not to set myself on fire if I gotta use the retention position.

 

[WT]

When was it made? What version was it? Does the frame say something like "629-1" or something like that?

If it is an early model 629, the cyclinder will periodically unlock while firing heavy magnum rounds. The next shot will just go "click". Gets annoying.

 

[popeye]

I had a Backpacker. VERY LOUD cause of porting. I sold mine for $600. $475 is good price but I'd go with the 6". Offer them $375 cash, who knows maybe they'll take it.

 

[Handgun]

WT wrote:

When was it made? What version was it? Does the frame say something like "629-1" or something like that?

If it is an early model 629, the cyclinder will periodically unlock while firing heavy magnum rounds. The next shot will just go "click". Gets annoying.

It is a 629-2. Is the cylinder lockup problem common in this revision?

popeye wrote:

Offer them $375 cash, who knows maybe they'll take it.

I buy a lot from them and they always give me their bottom line on price. I'll check and see if there is room in the price.

 

[Preacherman]

629-2 does NOT have the revised lockwork that eliminated the cylinder problems with heavy loads. It's fine with normal factory ammo., but heavy use and/or use of heavier loads will blast it into reverse rotation, sooner or later...

 

[WT]

Okay, a 629-2 is on the "bummer" list. If you want to fire standard 240 gr. magnum or heavier loads the gun will need some modifications WHICH WILL COST MONEY.

When S&W fixed mine they installed a few new parts. These included:

New cylinder - $104
New hand - $14
New cylinder stop - $11
New cylinder stop spring - $2
Labor - $50
Total = $191 if my math is right.

So, if you buy that revolver and want it to work right, you can expect to spend about another $200 on top of the purchase price.

I had to send it back to them twice to get it fixed right. Throw in some $ for shipping and handling.

 

[Handgun]

How often is this a problem with the 629-2?

 

[WT]

It's a certainty if you fire .44 magnum rounds weighing 240 gr or more. For more info, see

"The Original .44 Magnum" , John Taffin, AMERICAN HANDGUNNER, Nov/Dec 1997. The article gives the entire story.

 

[Handgun]

I have found out that it is marked with the "M" next to the "629-2" so it has been back to S&W for modifications. I am told that this means this 629-2 has been upgraded for these problems. Is this correct?

Thanks.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Correct.

(Unless some nutcase thief did it just to get a better price.)

Sam