Smith
& Wesson Model 29 / Model 629:
The
Smith & Wesson Model 29 and Model 629 are N-Frame double action revolvers
from Smith & Wesson and are chambered in the .44 Magnum Cartridge and can fire
.44 special rounds as well.
The
Smith & Wesson Model 29 is blue steel and the Model 629 is stainless steel.
The revolvers are available with a variety of barrel length. The Model 29 is
available with a 6 inch or 8 3/8 inch barrels. The Model 629 is available with
a 4 inch, 6 inch, or 8 3/8 inch barrels. The grips and stock on the revolvers
is Hogue Rubber Combat. Both revolvers have 6 shot cylinders. The Revolvers had
red ramp front sights and rear adjustable sights. Revolver is also drilled and
tapped for a scope.
|
Weight: |
2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) empty with 4 inch barrel. |
|
Caliber: |
.44 Magnum (Can fire .44 Special as well) |
|
Barrel Length: |
4 inch (10.2 cm) [629 only], 6 inch (15.2), 8 3/8
(21/3 cm) |
|
Action: |
Double Action. |
|
Range: |
150 ft (45.7 m). |
|
Cylinder: |
6 rounds . |
|
Cost: |
! |
|
Made in: |
|
|
Special: |
Very strong and dependable. It is made in powerful
caliber. |
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 line-ups. In addition, there
are several rifles that chamber the .44 Magnum cartridges. 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 interchangeable 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 is standard
equipment with the 629 DX model.
The picture below is not just any old model 29 this
one belonged to me
