What do you know about......

[VeryOldDog]

I went into an independent gun shop today where I live in Albuquerque and my intent was to look for very small semi-automatic pocket carry. I already carry a S&W model 60 but I like variety. Anyway, I saw a very different Smith & Wesson laying in the display case and I was amazed at this firearm. I called Smith & Wesson Customer Service technical support right there,and discussed what I saw in order to get a history on this product. The fellow I spoke with told me that this model was made over two years ago in limited quantities. The dealer told me that he just received it from his distributer about a week ago. I decided to purchase this firearm. So let me describe it to you until I can figure out how to load a picture. By the way, I did try a search on this site but it really did not turn up in the exact model that I possess.

Here is a description. It is a model 629-6. The barrel which I have measured is 2 1/2 inches long. The color is very similar to what Ruger uses for their model 454 and 480 in a satin finish stainless steel barrel lengths 7.5 inches only a little lighter. A Grizzly bear's face/head is etched on the side of the firearm right side just below the hammer. The cylinder is unfluted with various size etchings of bear tracks surrounding the entire cylinder. The barrel is ported and it has HiViz sites in red. On the right hand side of the barrel, it is printed, "Backpacker". The grips are Hogue rubber.

When I first saw this piece, I thought that it was a Ruger Alaskan in 44 magnum which I have been looking for since I do a lot of wilderness camping, fly-fishing and hiking.

If you have any information and knowledge about this firearm, I would appreciate it very much if you would share this with me. I have seen many postings with respect to S&W 629-4 "Alaskan Backpacker" but nothing like this and a 629-6.

In addition, the S&W customer service technician advised that I stick to "SAMMI" approved ammunition and really said that 240 grain would be the most for target shooting. However, he did say that I could use "SAMMI" approved Corbon 280 grain for hiking as long as this ammunition was not utilized as a steady diet. I would appreciate your feedback on this as well.

Thanks fella's, I appreciate your patience with me until I can get some pictures, and I appreciate your help with the information.

Ed

 

[Steve H]

I'm sorry I can't help with any info but I can tell you that is is a VERY NICE looking gun. I would have a hard time not buying it if I came across it.

p.s. WELCOME to THR

 

[hit or miss]

What a cool looking gun. I'd say you found a real eye catcher, functional on the streets and in the woods.

 

[Old Fuff]

For some reason Smith & Wesson chose to run a zillion short-run/distributor specials on the 629 platform. The only thing I find that's close is:

Product Code 170135: 2 5/8" barrel; 300 made in Performance Center for Lew Horton (Distributor) in 1999. This might or might not be the gun you were looking at. Because so many short runs were made I suspect that you will have to call Smith & Wesson's customer service department for more information.

 

[MCgunner]

Pretty neat lookin' gun there for carry. For outdoor use, I'd prefer a 4" Mountain Gun, but hey, this is pretty unique and should do the job. Be easier to carry for self defense CCW, too, could double for that.

 

[VeryOldDog]

Good morning!,

I just got off of the phone with Smith & Wesson customer service. Here is what they shared with me.

The firearm was a special run requested by a company in Montana. Only 350 were made. The manufacture date of my specific firearm is December 2006. All the specifications were special requested by the Montana company including the two and half inch barrel, all stainless steel, porting, HiViz sites, gray color, etchings, and unfluted barrel.

The primary purpose is to have a backcountry gun. The representative advised that only SAAMI approved 240 grain ammunition from Federal, Remington, Hornady, et. alia., be approved for these firearms with limitations between 1100fps and 1300fps. This is the same specification for all other S & W manufactured 629 type firearms. So, in reality, ammunition like the Corbon 280 grain cartridge with 1450fps out the door would not be healthy for this firearm even though it is SAAMI approved.

Thanks for sharing with me your thoughts.

Ed

 

[rolltide]

Ed, thanks for sharing the info and pic. That is a great looking gun.

I don't think I am man enough to fire anything more than standard 240gr ammo out of that gun.

A 4" Mod 29 can put a hurtin' on you with heavy loads, not to mention what it does to the gun. I will stick with my Dan Wessons cause I'm such a wimp, but that sure is a beautiful gun.

Roll Tide

 

[tinygnat219]

One of 350? NICE.

Get yourself a collector's letter from Roy Jinks, their Historian, for 30 bucks so you have it documented and keep the gun in the safe, although it looks like it could be used anywhere. I have attached the PDF File so you can use it at your leisure.

Enjoy and NICE find.

 

[Gator]

Very nice find! I recently found a similar model, a 629-5 "Mountain Backpacker". 500 were made and it has a three inch barrel. Smith made so many different 629s that even the SCSW doesn't list them all.

 

[sansone]

I just took your pic to the bathroom

 

[george29]

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230048&page
look for post by rxrick

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php?t=9912


Seems like S&W made a few different runs with the name backpacker, yours may be the only one made with a 2.5" bbl. I assume you bought it (Los Rancho's?)

 

[VeryOldDog]

Hello George,

Actually, I purchased the firearm at Shooter's Den on San Mateo north of Menaul. It was pricey but, I think that it was well worth it.

Just for everyone's information, I do intend to carry the firearm when up in the woods fly fishing. I have ordered and received: Buffalo Bore low recoil 255 grain Keith Hard Cast ammunition and also Garrett 310 Low Recoil Defender Hard Cast ammunition. Both are approved for the S & W 329 and all steel framed 44 magnum revolvers and below SAAMI pressures.

The firearm target shoots with Winchester, Magtech, and Hornady 240 grain ammunition without any problem. Because it is ported and a full steel frame and cylinder, the muzzel rise is very much under control. Out of the box, it is extremely accurate with old eyes at 15 yards. No adjustments were required. The HiViz site is also useful and brings the site on the target picture more quickly. Nice features.

Have a great day gentlemen!

Ed

 

[george29]

I like the owner of Shooters Den, I feel he is on the up & up.