S&W 629 and some Q's...

[Glock Hoss]

Hello all. I was hoping I could get some advice.

I spotted a LNIB 629-? 3 inch barrel w/out lock and wood S&W grips in my local gun shop. I have lately become a 3inch revolver nut and have been grabbing them up when I see them. I have never owned a .44 magnum and was wondering what I could expect? It would see range time once a month or so and my be taken on our private land every now and then. You all have any pictures?

What do you guys think of your 629's? How rare are these 3 inch .44 mags? Lastly, the shop wants $540 for this beast which I think is a little steep, but wanted to hear your opinions on the price before I go haggle. Thanks all, and I look forward to your opinions.

Hoss

 

[LHB1]

Hoss,
I currently have four S&W M629 Classic guns. Does that tell you how much I like them? My taste runs to the 5" and 6.5" barrels but the 629 series guns are great! Two of my guns are scoped for hunting. A pic is posted at thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=188381

Two guns I will never be without:
a) Wilson Classic 1911 in .45 ACP
b) S&W M629 Classic in .44 Mag.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[Hutch]

I've got a 3" 629 Trail Boss, fluted cylinder and magna-ported. It's a great shooter. I thought I might tote it CCW, but it seems a bit over the top for that. OTOH, with shot loads, mid-range cast bullet loads, and some hot magnum HP's, it's about as versatile a firearm as can be found, perfect for carry afield. Sez me.

 

[johnny blaze]

I have owned many 29's and 629's in all the barrel lenghts.
I owned the short barrel once. I brought it home and shot about a box of ammo through it. It had a problem with throwing stuff in my face. It was hot and did not appeal to me. I got rid of the gun. The longer barrel models are great. I like the 6 or 6 1/2 models. The 8 inch is great for distance. They are my favorite pistol.
That was my experience with the short barrel. Not sure if this is typical.

 

[No Quarter]

Having just gotten a Lew Horton 3" model 29, I can say without heistation "BUY IT"!

It is quite a handfull with full house mags, but man it is fun to shoot. .44 Specials have virtually no recoil in this gun. The short barrel big bores seem to hold resale value very very well anmd actually seem to appreciate very well in case you don't keep it.

GREAT GUNS!

NQ

 

[Standing Wolf]

Quiet? No. Easy on the recoil? No. Easy to carry? Yes. Would it be enough gun if I ever needed to clear leather P.D.Q.? Yes.

I just realized this isn't a current picture: I've since thrown away the Smith & Wesson rear sight and replaced it with a better sight from http://www.millettsights.com