Value of a SW model 629-1 nickel revolver

[leadcounsel]

I'm moving into the .44 magnum world and looking at a used good condition square butt SW 629-1 nickel plated revolver. Seller wants $500. Fair price? Can't find any for sale on GB or elsewhere...

 

[Oro]

Something's amiss here as there should be no 629-1 nickel. "629" defines it as stainless. Perhaps the seller can't tell the difference?

If the gun is in good shape, in a barrel length you like, and has the original grips, $500 is still a very good price for a 629.

 

[Warner]

Be careful it it was polished up.
It may of had other "gunsmithing" done to it too.

W

 

[harmonic]

The numeral '6' before a Smith & Wesson designates stainless. '629.' '66.' '617.'

If it looks like nickel, then somebody polished the stainless steel. Make sure they haven't change any of the tolerances with their polishing.

 

[leadcounsel]

The seller sent me cellphone pics. Seller stated it was nickel. I suspected it was SS, and that was confirmed by yall here. Appears to be square butt.

What era were the -1 made? Quality? Issues?

 

[Oro]

the 629-1 was made from about '81/2 (first non-pinned/non recessed, though the 629-0 was very short lived) to about '86/7. This coincided with S&W really improving quality from the bad '70s era and their first generation CNC equipment. Most 629-1's I have seen are of superb quality (I own one, a 3"). Any of them would have come stock with wood grips. Most would have had walnut checkered target stocks (4" and up). Price goes from $1k (3" with GA wood combat grips) down to $600 for a 8 3/8" with walnut targets. If the gun is good, the price is cheap no matter the other details (barrel length, grips, etc).

The only marginal criticism of them, is that if you intend to shoot a large number of full-powered .44 mag loads, they won't last as long as the larger/clumsier Rugers, or the latter (-3 and above) versions with the "endurance" features of a deepened locking notch/bolt, and redesigned ratchet and hand. This point is really unimportant unless you are looking at extensive competition with full-pressure ammuntion or desire to use overpressure .44mag ammunition. If those two things are important to you, then I would recommend a different model/maker.

Quality is on average very good or better, grips are quality (if original), handling is good, and condition can be little diminished because of the SS construction. It's a buy unless something is wrong when checking it out.

 

[harmonic]

if you intend to shoot a large number of full-powered .44 mag loads, they won't last as long

Actually, I shot about 1000 rounds of 240 grain SWC ahead of 7.0 grains Unique before my 629-1 significantly loosened up. And that's more a 44 special load.

 

[leadcounsel]

It looks to be a 4 or 5" barrel, and the grips are square butt and appear rubber, with no finger grooves. I think he'll sell for $450.

Conversely I could pick up a nice Ruger GP100 blued with finger grooved aftermarket grips for around $400... (I already have a GP100 and love it).

 

[harmonic]

If it's a -1 then it's a four inch barrel as they didn't make them in 5 inch. Unless somebody had the barrel cut down.

With all the above, I'd definitely want to examine this gun in person, using the sticky re checking out a used revolver.

 

[leadcounsel]

Assuming I examine it, and find it to be in 90%+ condition, what value would you place on it (I don't have the blue book of guns handy and Gunbroker is not a very reliable resource)...?

 

[rd2007]

How do you find out the dates for this model? The latest is the 629-9, unless they changed it this month. Mine was born on Cinco de Mayo of this year and it is a 629-8. I also think they call the finish something besides stainless steel now. Mine isn't as shiny as my SP101 is.
and if it helps the OP any, mine was $681 shipped ($655 for cash).

 

[teumessian_fox]

what value would you place on it

Go to gunbroker.com and click on "revolvers." Then type in "629-1" in their search engine. Look for guns currently being bid on. That will tell you their approximate value in today's market. I never really cared for "bluebooks."

 

[Oro]

Assuming I examine it, and find it to be in 90%+ condition, what value would you place on it

A 90% stainless steel gun would be in pretty rough shape comparatively. That implies 10% of the original finish is pitted, rusted, scratched away, etc. Stainless guns are rarely affected by wear and normal aging like blue guns.

I think it's more likely you'll find it in 98% condition or better. The grips (missing) are worth $65 or $70 roughly. I think about $550 for the gun is a good price in this weak market, so after deducting for the grips, I'd suggest $475 as my upper limit.

 

[leadcounsel]

Anyone else wanna weigh in?

 

[leadcounsel]

How has the quality or designed changed, for better or worse, for the 629 models?

 

[Action_Can_Do]

That's a tricky question. There are those who like the older guns (like the one you're talking about) and feel they are nicer to look at with finer features. These folks will tell you they hate the lock and won't buy one of the newer guns. The newer guns don't have the handwork put into them that the older guns did and truth be told just aren't as nice looking. The newer guns do have advantages over the older guns. They are stronger, and often times more accurate. For someone like me, who will put thousands of rounds through a 44 magnum in a few years time, the newer guns are for shooting while the older guns are for holding and looking at.

 

[leadcounsel]

Picked it up. I was wrong. The pics were a weird angle. It's a 6" barrel. Looks to be in great condition. Looking forward to shooting it!

 

[Confederate]

If it's in good condition, it's a great price. S&W still makes decent guns, but they don't make 'em like that, anymore. Most .44 mags don't get shot that much, and I know many hunters who have put several thousand "full throttle" magnum loads through theirs with no loosening. When you get the gun, check headspace, b/c gap and the other stuff. If it seems tight and in good condition, you've found yourself a good deal.

Of course, you have to watch what you put in it.

 

[leadcounsel]

Yikes! What was the ammo that damaged that .44?

 

[Walkalong]

Classic double charge most likely. That pic has been floating around for a while.

Congrats on your 629.

 

[leadcounsel]

Well if that's a double charge, assuming that means a reloader mistakenly put twice the power in the shell, it's a prime example why I don't reload. Math wasn't my best subject and I don't wanna lose a finger or an eye for a miscalculation!