Description

Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum

The Smith & Wesson Model 629 is one of the most recognizable large-frame stainless-steel revolvers in American firearms history. Chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge, the Model 629 combines the classic design of Smith & Wesson’s N-frame revolvers with stainless-steel construction, creating a revolver that has become well known among collectors, hunters, and recreational shooters.

The Model 629 is the stainless-steel version of Smith & Wesson’s famous Model 29. The Model 29 was introduced in .44 Magnum during the 1950s and became one of the company’s best-known revolvers. The .44 Magnum itself was introduced commercially in 1956 following development work involving Smith & Wesson and Remington. The Model 29 received its official model designation in 1957.

The Model 629 followed this established design in stainless steel. The “6” in the Model 629 designation is associated with Smith & Wesson’s stainless-steel revolver line. The result was a large-frame revolver retaining the familiar characteristics of the N-frame platform while providing the corrosion-resistant qualities associated with stainless-steel construction.

The .44 Magnum cartridge has an important place in American firearms history. Developed from the .44 Special, the cartridge was designed to provide substantially greater performance while remaining suitable for use in a large-frame revolver. The introduction of the .44 Magnum helped establish the modern large-caliber hunting revolver and contributed significantly to the popularity of handgun hunting and outdoor shooting.

The Model 629 is built around Smith & Wesson’s large N-frame design. Standard Model 629 configurations have traditionally used a six-shot cylinder and a double-action/single-action operating system. Depending on the particular production period and configuration, Model 629 revolvers have been manufactured with different barrel lengths, sights, grips, finishes, and other features. Smith & Wesson’s catalogs document configurations ranging from compact barrels to longer hunting-oriented versions.

This particular example is described as being in great overall condition. It is accompanied by the original factory box and paperwork, as well as a holster. The original packaging and documentation provide additional information associated with the individual firearm and make the package more complete than an example accompanied only by the revolver itself.

Model 629 Design

The Model 629 retains the traditional Smith & Wesson revolver operating system. It can be operated in both double-action and single-action modes. The six-shot cylinder provides the traditional capacity associated with the standard Model 629 configuration.

Smith & Wesson has produced the Model 629 in numerous configurations over the years. Factory catalog information documents versions with 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, 6½-inch, and longer barrels, depending on the specific model and production period. Consequently, the exact barrel length and model variation are important details when documenting an individual Model 629.

The stainless-steel construction is one of the defining characteristics of the 629. It gives the revolver its distinctive appearance while offering greater resistance to surface corrosion than traditional blued finishes. Many Model 629 examples feature a satin stainless finish, although Smith & Wesson has also produced specialized and Performance Center versions with different finishes and configurations.

Historical Significance

The Model 629 is closely connected to the history of the .44 Magnum. Smith & Wesson’s original .44 Magnum revolver, later designated the Model 29, became internationally recognized following its appearance in the 1971 film Dirty Harry. That cultural association helped make the .44 Magnum revolver one of the most recognizable handguns of the twentieth century.

The stainless-steel Model 629 continued that lineage while offering a different material and appearance. Over the years, the 629 has been offered in configurations intended for a variety of applications, including hunting, sport shooting, and collecting. Smith & Wesson has also produced specialized Performance Center versions of the Model 629 with features intended for particular applications.

Condition and Included Items

This example is described as being in great overall condition.

Included with the revolver are:

• Original factory box
• Original factory paperwork
• Holster

The original factory box and paperwork are particularly useful when documenting a previously owned firearm because they can help establish the configuration and provide information specific to the individual example.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 629
Caliber: .44 Magnum / .44 S&W Special
Frame: N-Frame
Action: Double Action / Single Action
Capacity: 6 rounds
Construction: Stainless steel
Condition: Great overall condition
Included: Original factory box, paperwork, and holster

The Smith & Wesson Model 629 remains an important member of the company’s large-frame revolver family. Its combination of the established N-frame design, stainless-steel construction, and .44 Magnum chambering gives it a distinctive place in Smith & Wesson’s history. From the development of the original .44 Magnum revolver in the 1950s through the many Model 629 configurations produced in subsequent decades, the platform has remained closely associated with the development and popularity of powerful American sporting revolvers.

This particular example is presented in great overall condition and is accompanied by its original factory box and paperwork along with a holster, providing a complete set of associated items for documentation and presentation.