Price sounds fair, not a steal by any means. More important is, Is this the 629 version you want? I believe it was the 629-3 that included the 'endurance package', which I would insist on if I was buying. Starting in the late 90's, the round butt frame came out.

I'm sure you know about the Internal Lock. I won't rehash any past discussions about the IL.

BTW, the grip for the S&W 500 will fit K,L, and N round butt frames. I but one on my 686, Great for single action firing.

 

Guess I'm not sure of the difference in the models just wanted another .44 mag for a woods gun and I like the 629. I'm somewhat aware of the IL issue but I haven't known or heard of anyone that's had a problem keeping or removing it. I've read a few horror stories of it locking but nothing from friends or personal experience.

 

I will more than likely just remove the internal lock as I have no use for it so it's no big deal.

 

Does it have a full underlug or half? I believe the full underlugs cost more new and so this would probably be a better deal. However, I think the price for a 629 isn't half bad and if you like it, then go for it.

 

No the 629 classic has the full under lug this is the half.

 

It isn't a bad price, but it isn't a great one either. See if the owner will negotiate some. Many gun shop owners aren't really in a position where they have to negotiate right now, because guns are selling well now. So don't be surprised if he isn't super flexible on price. Sometimes when you find a peice you like, and you have the money for it, you just have to spring for it. I have never regretted a gun purchase years down the road. You tend to forget about the dollars you have wrapped up in the gun, and think about the niche it fills in your collection.

 

Only 629 I had was a pinned and recessed model. Nice gun but the frame is really too small for a steady diet of full power rounds. Recoil is stiff with anything hot. They beneft considerably from a pair of handfitted grips.

The Ruger Redhawk is the way to go if you want to use it a lot.

Not many folks shoot them very much although the 44 mag is no more expensive to load than a 45 Auto. Factory ammo is horrific to buy nowadays. A reloader would pay for itself in the first 1000 rds.

 

"If you want it, Get it" That's what my wife says when I ask about a gun.

I had the same hankering for one and purchased a 629-1, it was a beautiful gun with the best DA/SA trigger I had ever felt. However I could not hit anything with it! The grip did not feel right (tried multiple grips) and the frame and action did not seem like it would hold up to heavy loads long term. This was one built before the reliability package was put in, I think.

I sold it, and switched back to my Ruger Vaquero in 44mag with a 5.5" barrel. Awesome 44mag just the right size, weight and barrel length, for me.

 

Well I went back and handled it some more and I decided like many of you have said it just doesn't feel like it will hold up to years of hot loads. I don't have guns to collect and I don't have safe queens, all my firearms get used regularly and they all serve a specific purpose. The 629 is a beautiful gun and has a very nice smooth trigger but I just don't want to worry about it being "rugged" enough. I'm sure it is but I don't want to have to worry regardless. I had a Ruger Redhawk .44 that I sold years ago when I moved out of Maine because I needed cash and I miss it more than anything. I think I'm just going to get another redhawk and call it a day. Thanks for all the imput guys I appreciate it!

 

Those Ruger Redhawks are the strongest of all the commercially available .44's, I do think the S&W is a MUCH nicer gun, but they will eventually fall apart with a steady diet of full power magnum loads, where as the Ruger will hold up just fine. I think the only other guns that are stronger designs are the T/C encores and contenders.
I would also strongly suggest reloading for the .44 if you get one, I didn't reload at the time I had my Vaquero and a box of 50 .44 mag rounds was $30+, so now I have a reloader.

 

The 629 is a sweet, slick, sexy piece of hardware and I love mine. I second the thought on the Redhawk if you want a tank though. I have one in the Super RH Alaskan .454 config and it's the absolute most powerful and rugged thing I could imagine for its size.

These big-bores really grow on you too.

 

Ruger all the way!

I'm a Ruger guy myself, I started off with a blackhawk with a 7 1/2" barrel standard blue etc for my first .44 Loved the gun until I traded it in for a Redhawk with a 5.5" barrel and wooden grips, but that Redhawk never felt right so after awhile I went back and Sold that Redhawk for the Ruger Bisley Hunter Blackhawk with a 7 1/2" barrel and I doubt I will ever sell this gun, I'm only sixteen years old and I can see it lasting until my grandchildrens time. So after three Rugers I'd say my vote is a little biased but Man you just gotta love them Rugers!:thumb: