S&W 629 Question

[Jackal]

I have just gotten a used 629 for a great price. Its model number inside the frame says only 629 : no -2,-3,-4, etc. My question is, what improvments has there been since this one was made?? Inside the origional grips, the date says 1981. Is it safe to fire heavy loads ? It appears to be in mint condition, practically new.

 

[Nightcrawler]

It pre-dates the Endurance Package of the 1990s, so I'd stay away from Buffalo Bore and such. N-Frames aren't the best guns for the super-heavy-hitter .44 Magnums anyway. A Super Blackhawk, Redhawk, or Dan Wesson large frame is a better choice.

But for standard .44 Magnum loads, I doubt you'll see a problem in thousands of rounds.

 

[Croyance]

No 300 grain loads in your future. When the super heavy loads came out, the beating caused cylinders to unlock under recoil. More on it here

 

[BluesBear]

Congratulations!

You now own one of the few pinned and recessed Model 629 revolvers.
Well at least recessed. There were some that were transition models that were recessed but not pinned. They are even more uncommon.

I too have a no dash P&R 629. I bought it new. Back then stainless was the exception and not the rule.
I have fired 40 of the 300gr Garrett loads out of mine. I've also shot about 80 Buffalo Bore rounds.
I just don't have much need for that much power and recoil but the gun will handle them. Just not a lot of them. Consider them to be +P loads and only for occasional use.

 

[Jackal]

Yes, Bluesbear, it is pinned and recessed. Serial #N8672xx . It also has the smoothest/lightest single action trigger ive ever felt. Trigger breaks at 2 3/4 lbs. Its also quite accurate. ( Im not best best handgun shot around, and i can put 6 shots into 1 or 2 holes and 25 yds.) Im happy

 

[BluesBear]

My old 6" transition model was #N8811xx and my 6" P&R one is #N8380xx so yours is right in the middle.

They were made at a time when S&W was allocating all of their production and only a select few distributors had them. Most went to their police distributors who at that time had first choice. I ordered mine on Department Letterhead and recieved only the second one I'd ever seen.