Pre-lock, Post Endurance package S&W 629 .44 mag pistols?

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I'm getting the hankering to shoot a deer with a .44 mag revolver and also have a pistol as a backup when bear hunting. I've always like the Smith & Wesson revolvers. I've read a little bit and seen that the older SW's were a bit weaker framed apparently and an endurance package (whatever that is) was later added to beef them up and strengthen them. Awhile after that the frame lock was installed. I do not like the frame lock and would like a pistol without it.

I'm looking for a post Endurance package, pre-lock S&W 629 with 4" or 5" barrel.



What years would these be?


Is there a serial number series I could look for?

I know this is also a rarer firearm, so what would one pay for a used and NIB one?
 
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My 629 "No Dash" is doing fine with normal factory spec 240 gr and the occasional 300 gr loads at lower velocity. I don't hot rod it with either reloads or factory (Buffalo Bore, Garrett, etc.) production ammo.

It's a 4", and is fitted with night sights, Pachmayr Presentation grips, and serves as a primary home defense/property open carry gun.
 
My 629-4 is of the ilk you speak.

The so called, Endurance Package, is much hyped and by some accounts, not a solution to the fact that that the 29 and 629 N-Frames are just not up to the task of higher volume full power 44 Mag shooting. Many will say to never use any heavier bullet than 240 gr.

IMO, the 29/629 is not the best hunting revolver you can get. Pretty, yes. RedHawks, Super RedHawks, and Blackhawks as well as the Taurus Raging Bull are a bit better for heavier serious hunting loads from handguns.

Certainly, the 629 will work fine on deer with 240 gr ammo. I would not be afraid of shooting the occasional 270, 280, or 300 in one either.

Don’t worry about the serial number range and just look for 629-3, -4, and -5. The -5 is the version has the frame mounted firing pin and uses more MIM parts. I would not worry about this tidbit though if I found one. Some folks claim this era was the best of all S&W revolvers so take that for what it’s worth.

I would expect to pay $900 on up for a decent condition pre-lock 629. It is possible the 4-5” barrel examples carry a premium because they are less common.

Here is mine.

A3470C09-37D3-46AC-96D4-75C3666D969E.jpeg
 
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243winxb said:
Should be able to? Ruger list years. But i dont know where to look for S&W? This may help? https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-date-of-manufacture-of-s-w-revolvers.372213/
Click to expand...

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson is the usual go to for times of manufacture. Yes, they can be dated by serial number. Unfortunately they did not use handy prefixes like Ruger does and Marlin used to.

As I stated before though, the serial numbers are inconsequential for the purposes of determining which guns have the Endurance Package when a dash number will do just as well and is much easier to decipher.
 
earlthegoat2 said:
The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson is the usual go to for times of manufacture. Yes, they can be dated by serial number. Unfortunately they did not use handy prefixes like Ruger does and Marlin used to.

As I stated before though, the serial numbers are inconsequential for the purposes of determining which guns have the Endurance Package when a dash number will do just as well and is much easier to decipher.
Click to expand...

So, 629-5 is the best?


Is that number in the frame when you open the cylinder?


What would you pay for this? Hes asking $1,250.00

Screenshot_20191229-123751_Chrome.jpg

https://www.gunsamerica.com/Listings/ItemDescriptionPage.aspx?ListingID=996894435
 
earlthegoat2 said:
Here is one you can probably get for a few bucks less

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/835427606

Here is another which is not a PC for less yet. Has the half lug too which can be desirable because of less weight.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/847548618

Here is what I consider to be the ultimate 629. The 4” barrel Mountain Gun. Don’t know what it will end up going for but they are fairly desirable.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/850134198
Click to expand...


Not to sound stupid but what is "not a PC" mean?
 
50D08B5B-A295-400A-B190-E743129BDE6F.jpeg This ones a heck of a shooter but I’m kind of old school and prefer simpler , preferably older revolvers so this ones going down the pike.
 
It is the number under the cylinder crane.

No I would not pay that for that particular gun. I prefer a simpler and non compensated design. The Mountain Gun or a 5” half lug would be I wanted and I would pay 1250 for one if I ran across one in a store.

If you like that one I would say to wait until the similar one I linked on GB sells and see what it sells for. That will tell you what it is worth.
 
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