Smith & Wesson Model 629

About the Smith & Wesson Model 629

The Smith & Wesson Model 629 is a six-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .44 Remington Magnum, built on Smith & Wesson's large N-frame in stainless steel. Introduced in 1979 as the stainless steel counterpart to the legendary blued Model 29, the 629 quickly became the more popular production variant due to its superior corrosion resistance and lower maintenance requirements for field use. The standard Model 629 features a 4-inch barrel with a full underlug, satin stainless finish, adjustable micrometer-click white-outline rear sight, red ramp front sight, and Hogue rubber monogrip. The double-action trigger pull is approximately 13.5 pounds (60 N), while the crisp single-action pull breaks at approximately 3.75 pounds (17 N). The cylinder chambers accept both .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges interchangeably, providing flexibility from full-power hunting loads to mild target and practice ammunition. At 42.8 ounces (1213g) with the 4-inch barrel, the 629 provides enough heft to tame the .44 Magnum's considerable recoil while remaining practical for belt carry. Rifling is right-hand twist at 1:18.75 inches (476mm) with 5 grooves. The 629 is available in multiple barrel lengths including 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6.5-inch configurations, with Performance Center variants offering competition-tuned actions and ported barrels.

While the blued Model 29 earned its fame in Hollywood as Dirty Harry's sidearm, the stainless Model 629 earned its reputation in the field. It became the go-to .44 Magnum for hunters, guides, and outdoorsmen who needed a powerful revolver that could withstand rain, sweat, and blood without rusting. In Alaska and bear country throughout North America, the 629 is considered essential wilderness equipment, carried as a last-resort defense against aggressive bears when rifle carry is impractical.

Smith & Wesson Model 629 specifications

The Model 629 was introduced in 1979 in response to overwhelming demand for a stainless steel version of the iconic Model 29. The timing was perfect: the 'Dirty Harry effect' had created insatiable demand for .44 Magnum revolvers, and stainless steel better suited the revolver's primary use cases of hunting, trail carry, and wilderness protection. The 629 rapidly outsold its blued predecessor and has been the primary production .44 Magnum revolver from Smith & Wesson ever since. The standard 4-inch barrel version listed here produces somewhat lower muzzle velocities than the longer-barreled Classic (6.5-inch), with typical 240-grain (15.55g) factory loads achieving approximately 1250 fps (381 m/s) from the 4-inch barrel compared to 1350 fps from the 6.5-inch. The current production model incorporates the internal lock mechanism above the cylinder release, which is controversial among some shooters. The N-frame's size makes the 629 a substantial handgun that is primarily carried in belt holsters or chest rigs rather than concealed. Performance Center variants include the V-Comp with integral compensator, the Stealth Hunter with unfluted cylinder and matte black finish, and the Competitor with weighted 6-inch barrel. MSRP for the standard 4-inch model is approximately $949-999. The loaded weight estimate includes six .44 Magnum cartridges at approximately 20.2g each.