I'm thinking about buying a used S&W 629?

Question

It seems that the 629 classic is more expensive than the 629-1, and I was wondering why. Is there some performance difference, or is the classic just more desirable because of its style? I'm looking to get one with the 8 3/8" barrel to use for hunting.

Answer 1

No offense, but the 629 has seen so many inprovements, its hard to decide which one to buy . . . some of the improvements were not actually improvements. the major problem seems  to be the play in the cylinder lock-up. I ended up shying away from my purchase. Do some reading on other models and think it over carefully. Heres a good place to start . . . . . . . .  

Answer 2

i like the old model 29 w/8/3/8 best hand gun i ever shot

Answer 3

I own a 629 4" and it is a great pistol. Although I dont hunt with it I would recommend a longer barreled one for such. Mine is a pre-lock model with the hammer mounted firing pin.

Answer 4

You need to be very careful when buying a used 44mag.  Many, many people have nearly blown these things up with hot loads - then simply sell them to an unsuspecting person.

Buying a used revolver is allot like buying a used car.  Best to bring your mechanic in to look it over.  If you are buying it from a reputable gunsmith - ask if he will warranty it at all.  Soon as you buy it, run out to the range and drop some factory 240gr round through all the cylinders one at a time - and be sure the brass comes out easy and on it's own for each cylinder and all are identical.  Having one fetch up is the sign of a warped cylinder.  Bad ju ju.

Hope this helps