S&W Model 629 8 3/4" barrel(transitional model).....

[slick6]

After S&W had discontinued their pinned and recessed revolvers in 1982, regarding the 629, they started replacing the barrel without the pin in it and without the cylinder being recessed....however this resulted in creating two possible transitional models because some of the M629's either got the pinned barrel without having the recessed cylinder or else got the unpinned barrel with the recessed cylinder.....which brings me to this gun which came without the pinned barrel but having the recessed cylinder. These transitional models were stamped 629- to indicate this. NOTE: I made a typo error in the above heading as the barrel length actually is 8 3/8" NOT 8 3/4"! Here are some pictures to share with you:

 

[243winxb]

Nice 44 mag. I prefer the 8 3/8" barrels.

Wasn't the first early stainless 629 models in 6" ?? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_29

The first 629 from my distributor was a 6" and i had to pay list price to get it back then.
This was back in the days when M29 sold for more then list price.

About the same time the 629 came out, 44 mag production was increased, prices dropped and quality control was poor.

Just how i remember it. At 73, i may not remember so well now.