III. Firearm Information by Type

B. Revolvers

2. Models and Manufacturers

e. Smith & Wesson

7. Models 29 & 629

Courtesy of R. Moore and A. R. Campbell (71441.2447@compuserve.com)

Frequently answered questions file for
Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Revolvers

SUMMARY

Manufacturer:  Smith & Wesson

Basic Models:
  Model 29..............blue or nickel finish
  Model 629.............stainless finish

Type:          Double-action revolver with swing-out cylinder
Caliber:       .44 Magnum
Capacity:      6 round cylinder
Barrel:        Several lengths are available from 4" to 8-3/8".

Sights:
  Rear.........windage adjustable notch
  Front........vertical ramp with red insert on standard models

Dimensions:    (for 6-1/2" model)
  Length.......11-7/8"
  Weight.......47 ounces (empty)

GENERAL

Smith & Wesson produces a wide range of firearms, including many different sizes and types of revolvers. This FAQ deals specifically with the .44 Magnum models.

The .44 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1955 by Remington for use in the [then] new Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver. In years following, other manufacturers added .44 Magnum revolvers to their lineups. In addition, there are several rifles that chamber the .44 Magnum cartridge. Today, the .44 Magnum is still considered to be one of the most powerful handgun cartridges available commercially.

From 1955 to 1957, S&W's big revolver was simply called the "The .44 Magnum." In 1957, when S&W standardized the model numbering of their products, the .44 Magnum was continued as the S&W model 29.

Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum revolvers have heavyweight steel frames, and have been available with blued, nickel, or stainless steel finishes. The nickel finish is no longer available on newly manufactured models. The blued and nickel models are called the model 29. The stainless model is called the model 629, and is identical in all respects to the model 29 except for the finish. There have been several specialized versions of the 629, such as the "629 Classic", "629 DX", "629 Classic Hunter", etc., with features such as interchangable front sights, full lug barrels, special grips, etc. For purposes of this document, we will refer to all of these revolvers collectively as the "29" except where noted below.

CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION

The S&W 29 follows the same pattern as the majority of other S&W "hand ejector" revolvers. It uses the N-type frame, S&W's heaviest.

The hinged cylinder swings out of the left side of the frame for loading and unloading. The cylinder is released by the cylinder latch button located just behind the cylinder on the left side of the frame. When the cylinder is swung out, any empty cases may be ejected by pushing the spring loaded ejector rod located at the front of the cylinder. Normal cylinder rotation is clockwise when viewed from the rear.

The revolver may be operated in either double or single action mode. For single action, the operator manually pulls back (cocks) the hammer before pulling the trigger. For double action, the operator simply pulls the trigger. Substantially less effort is required to pull the trigger in single action mode.

As with most other S&W products, the model 29 revolvers have fairly well finished parts, are hard to break, and will last a lifetime when properly maintained. One minor complaint is that the hammers and triggers during some years of manufacture are bare unfinished metal, not properly case hardened, and thus will rust readily if not cared for.

Over the years, several different types of grips have been standard equipment on these revolvers. The current style is a contoured soft rubber grip by Hogue that absorbs more of the recoil than some past attempts. Earlier models were usually equipped with square-butt checkered walnut grips or Pachmayer round-butt hard rubber grips.

The rear sight is a square notch, adjustable for windage using a small allen-head wrench. On more recent 29s, the notch is outlined with a bright white line, for easier sighting.

The standard front sight is a vertical ramp. On more recent 29s, a bright red insert on the ramp makes for easier sighting. Additional front sights are also available, and a selection of five interchangable front sights are standard equipment with the 629 DX model.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Smith & Wesson revolvers of all types are readily available from most major gun dealers across the United States and several other countries. Since large quantities of these revolvers have been manufactured since their introduction, they are also readily available on the used market and/or at gun shows and auctions.

Smith & Wesson list prices, summer 1995:

Model 29, 6"............................................$554
Model 29, 8-3/8"........................................$566
Model 629, 4" or 6".....................................$587
Model 629, 8-3/8".......................................$606
Model 629 Classic, 5" or 6-1/2".........................$629
Model 629 Classic, 8-3/8"...............................$650
Model 629 Classic DX, 6-1/2"............................$811
Model 629 Classic DX, 8-3/8"............................$838

Typical asking prices, from unscientific research in summer 1995:

Model 29, used....................................about $300
Model 629, used...................................about $350
Model 629 Classic, used...........................about $375
Model 629 Classic DX, used........................about $450

(NOTE: Above figures are in US dollars)

There are also some commemorative issue models and specialty models that are beyond the scope of this document. These are generally priced substantially higher than the standard models.

MISCELLANEOUS Q & A

Q: Are different styles of grips available for my 29?

A: Replacement grips for the 29 are available from most of the major grip makers such as Hogue, Pachmayer, and others. Attempting to list all of the possible replacements here would be futile. Depending on the specific model and date of manufacture, some 29s come with Hogue or Pachmayer grips as factory standard equipment.

Q: Can I mount a scope on my 29?

A: The barrel is grooved to facilitate the attachment of an S&W-specific scope mount, which can be done in a few minutes with common hand tools. Some 29s are also drilled and tapped for standard scope mounts on the topstrap. Be sure to select a mount and scope that are robust enough to handle the punishing jolt of the .44 Magnum. Some lower cost units may come loose or be damaged as a result of the heavy recoil.

Q: Will I be asked to leave an indoor shooting range if I use a .44 Magnum?

A: It's been known to happen at certain establishments. The noise and the shock wave of the .44 tends to drive other paying customers out of indoor ranges, so it is not surprising to find that .44s are not especially popular with indoor range operators.

Q: Is the 29 really the world's most powerful handgun?

A: This falacy was popularized by movie cop Dirty Harry, as portrayed by Clint Eastwood. While there is no doubt that the .44 Magnum revolver is quite powerful, it has never technically been the "most" powerful handgun. Specialized handguns that shoot powerful wildcat cartridges or rifle cartridges have been around almost as long as handguns have been around, and these will certainly out-power anything that shoots conventional handgun cartridges. (Random trivia: The handgun that was actually used for the filming of Dirty Harry was a .41 Magnum, not a .44 Magnum, but the difference is not obvious on the movie screen).

Q: I need a handgun to defend myself from bear attacks on my next expedition. Would a .44 Magnum be the best choice?

A: This question is invariably asked every few months in the rec.guns or rec.hunting newsgroups. The common wisdom seems to be that, unless you are very very sure about being able to hit the skull of a charging bear with your handgun, you are much better off with a heavy rifle. Even if you are sure of your targeting skills under pressure, some bear skulls are tough enough to completely deflect handgun bullets, even the .44 Magnum. [Other popular advice suggests that you file the front sight off of your handgun, so it will hurt less when the injured and pissed-off bear shoves it up your a**]

Q: Can I use .44 Special ammunition in my 29?

A: Yes. Many shooters find that the lighter recoil of the .44 Special is more conducive to extended recreational shooting than the .44 Magnum. The .44 Special is a shorter, less powerful cartridge that may be fired in most .44 Magnum revolvers, including the S&W 29s. (Historical note: The .44 Special predates the .44 Magnum by about fifty years, and was the starting point from which the .44 Magnum was eventually developed).

Q: Can I use .44 S&W Russian ammunition in my 29?

A: Yes. However, since the .44 S&W Russian cartridges are now considered to be collector's items, this practice is not recommended.

Q: How can I tell if I have one of the somewhat rare 1955-1957 models that were made prior to the adoption of the model 29 moniker?

A: The serial number would be between S130000 and S179000.

HOW TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER

Mailing Address:
    Smith & Wesson
    2100 Roosevelt Avenue
    Box 2208
    Springfield, MA  01102-2208

Smith & Wesson supplies replacement instruction pamphlets free of charge. If you have a Smith & Wesson firearm and don't have the instructions for it, you are strongly encouraged to acquire them, as the instructions contain important information regarding the safe and enjoyable operation of the firearm.

WARNING!

Use this information at your own risk. There may be errors or omissions in this article of which the authors are not aware. Firearms can be dangerous and deadly if not operated properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's and other firearm safety guidelines.