Model 629-3 S&W - Endurance Package?

[g_gunter]

I just purchased a used 29/629-3 .44 Mag with a 6" Barrell (no underlug) in Stainless. Its beautiful but hurts like crap when I fire the PMC 240 grainers (1300 fps). I've got to replace those stock wooden grips. Any suggestions? It'll be used for close range deer hunting (approx. 50 yds.).

More importantly, can anyone tell me if it has the endurance package? Also can anyone tell me when it was made? I could provide the serial number but wasn't sure if it is a good idea to do so online?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Lone Star]

I'm a writer and attended an S&W press conference at the SHOT show in the mid-'90's, where I specifically asked if the M629 was yet fitted with the "endurance package". The company reps said that this began with the M629-3; the -3 suffix denotes inclusion of the improvements. So, it does have them.

The .44 Magnum is known for brisk recoil. You may not be able to shoot it well; many can't. However, a pal of mine once had Herrett's Jordan Trooper grips fitted to his M29, and I was amazed at how much Bill Jordan's grip design cut the effects of recoil. However, these grips aren't cheap today...

You might try Pachmayr Presentation or Gripper rubber grips. I find them to assist with magnum control, and one version is called the Decelerator or something like that. It is specifically designed to soften recoil.

If you shoot it well enough, the .44 Magnum is plenty for deer at 50 yards.
Whichever 240 grain JHP load shoots best in your gun should do the job.
If you feel you need deeper penetration, softpoint loads are available. If all full power rounds kick too much, look for some of the lead "medium" load that Remington made until recently. (240 grains at some 1,050 FPS.) That will probably also suffice with proper placement. Deer have been taken with .45 ACP and .45 Colt standard loads, which are substantially less robust. However, check the game and fish laws where you live. They may specify a minimum level of power.

Lone Star

 

[g_gunter]

Lone Star, thanks for the response.

I'm pretty experienced with recoil and have no problems with the .44 mag type of recoil. I expect it with the 629 considering it is relatively light compared to other makes. However, these particular stock grips are shaped just so to where when the gun rolls back during recoil the combination of the hump at the top of the grip/frame and the "squarish" edge does a number on my thumb joint (right where my thumb joins my hand). Anything to neutralize that particular problem will take care of my recoil issues.

Thanks for the help.

Greg

 

[g_gunter]

Square or round butt frame?

I was just wondering, I was looking at the Pachmayer site for the Decelerator grips and they indicate grips for both the N-frame "square butt" and the N-frame "round butt." I'm assuming there is a difference in the actual shape of the frame where the grips attach on some 29/629s. I'm assuming that mine is the square butt since it is definitely flaired out at the bottom of the frame. I don't have a photo to show what I have but does it sound like I do have the square butt frame?

Please bear with me as I try to work this out?

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Old Fuff]

g_gunter:

People post serial numbers on this forum all the time, but for reasons of security they don't post a complete number. For example rather then post a complete number such as: N 744521 the post it as N7445xx. By changing the last two or three numbers to the letter "x" they can get the information they seek, such as what year a particular gun was made without revealing its exact identity.

 

[g_gunter]

Nevermind...I got it figured out.

I was able to find the answer to my question. Please disregard.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Ala Dan]

From My Experience-

I find that on the round butt model 629's, a nice
set of smooth walnut stocks allows the gun to
roll back (and upwards) when firing the heavy
hitter's such as the 240 grain loads.

Or, you may want to consider a set of grips that
cover the back strap?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Majic]

The Endurance Package actually began during the -2 run. In 1989 they were stamped -2E to catalogue the change.

 

[jdkelly]

S&W 626 Rubber Grips

g_gunter,

I've got a set of Hogue Rubber grips, # 25002, on a PC S&W 629 with a round but. I'm pretty happy with them.


Respectfully,

jdkelly

 

[g_gunter]

jdkelly,

Thanks for that. I've got a set of Hogues on order from CDNN (14.95). I can't wait to try them out.

Greg

 

[Onty]

Greg, as far as I know, the easiest way to recognize “Endurance Package†N-frame is if you look at bolt notches. Those revolvers have bolt notch longer on front side than on aft, using as a reference bolt dimple/ramp that’s leading bolt into the notch. Pre “Endurance Package†models have same lengths on both sides.

Here is the link (click on picture to open larger frame):

http://firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293546&item=838767&sw_activeTab=1


Regards, Onty.

 

[edwardyoung]

Thanks for an answer that even I can understand. I just got a 629-3 and wasn't completely sure.

 

[g_gunter]

Thanks Onty!

Sorry so late in responding. I appreciate the good info.

Greg