Congrats on the very nice snag, Dave. Between the 4: and 6", I tend to consider the 5 inch bbl the best of both worlds. They're not easy to find and even harder to find a good deal on one. Range report?

Jack

 

My local shop just got one in. It’s one fine feeling firearm.

 

Is it a 629-3 or a new one? They currently make the 5 inch Classic. The -3 and -4 are the tough ones to find in 5".

 

I envy you! I have a 3" 629 that is my everglades gun but 5" would sure be nice.

 

Hey Dave,

What a great SCORE!!

Later, Mark

 

Nice find. I see it is loaded. How did the target look once it was emptied?

 

The target hasn't arrived yet. And if they're smart they will keep their distance.

Just picked it up today so I haven't made it to the range yet.

 

If you see a target sneaking around be sure to dispatch it before others attack.

 

Nice find!:beer:

 

Sweet.

I’ve got a 6” 629-4 that I really like ...

... But, if I’m being honest, I like the 5” version better myself. Got tired of waiting to find one though.

 

^^^

Don’t know why the pic is upside down. If you click on it, it’s right side up.

 

Nice find. Congrats. I have a 629-3 with 6 1/2" barrel that I like real well.

 

Very nice Dave! As a fellow Smith collector, I know what it is and I would snatch one up in a minute at a fair price.

As long as most of us here are talking barrel lengths, I will throw in my two cents. A S&W with a 6 1/2" barrel is my favorite. Not great for concealed carry, but perfect for target work, hunting, and home defense. Next favorite is the 3" barrel. I could live with just these two on revolvers and be happy. I absolutely just despise 4" barrels. I know the mfg's thought this was a perfect length because is bridges a gap, but it's too long for ccw and too short for decent target work and hunting. The 5" is desirable to me because I tend to collect hard to find examples of certain models.

 

Very nice Smith! Congrats! :top:Been looking for an old Model 29 but they take a large chunk out of the pocket book---LOL!

 

Welcome to the club. I think the 5" strikes the right proportions and I like the full lug to help with muzzle jump. I've had mine several years but have yet to score hunting with it. Seems like my rifles get taken along first. Bianchi makes a wonderful belt holster specifically for the 5" barrel. I've tried a shoulder holster too but its a bit bulky under the arm and if you don't counterbalance it with speed loaders or quick strips it will kink your back with the weight hanging off the one side. 24 rounds is about right for weight to counterbalance for me. I think a 'tanker' style chest holster would work well for hunting because its closer in line with your spine and would not tweak your back as much. I ordered mine from a small local FFL and got it in about a week - not common to see hanging on the rack but should be easy to come by if you have patience.

 

I think I had a 5” blue full lug that was a Elmer Kieth. I didn’t keep it or shoot it. When young I bought all 83/8” S&Ws. I could shot them better than 4”. Then I got a 6.5” 29 and found I could shoot it as well as 83/8”. Later got a 5” m27 and could shoot it good as 6-6.5” guns. I think 5” tapered barrel would be the perfect N frame in any caliber. I never was fond of 4” guns in most models. I only keep P&Rs of 6” or better normally. Shorter and newer are trade pile guns in most cases.

 

I've had my 5" 629 for quite a while. Used to qualify with it, and full power factory loads on the police course. Right and left hand shooting, speed reloads with the speed loader, all double-action... It was a hoot. Did pretty well with it.

Shot a couple of mule deer does with it when I had a doe tag. Carried it in bear country a lot. It's a favorite gun for sure.

I think you'll like yours!

Regards, Guy

 

I used one to qualify at the police range years ago. The sergeant running the course was laughing because the muzzle blast ripped my target in half at the 3 yard line.

 

I don't believe I've ever fired a 29 in DA mode. That goes for most, except I have shot k22 and stubbies DA. A k22 with a stock on DA is like shooting a 10/22.

 

Ya - at the time I was a firearms instructor for the PD, and our reserve officers were still allowed to carry 357 magnum revolvers, so I knew the "manual of arms" for a revolver well. I just upsized things with the 44 and a couple of big speedloaders. Worked great. A little slow between shots - more recoil to deal with, etc.

At any rate, I do love a good S&W revolver and the OP's "new" 5" 629 should be great, either just as an addition to the collection, or as something to use.

Regards, Guy

 

The 80s saw PDs starting to go with semi auto pistols. This area is all small towns and most depts under 10 officers. The Chiefs weren't big on turning Barney loose with auto pistol. Not bad mouthing the officers but they had revolvers forever and small depts have limited budgets for training. The public thinks cops are all weapons experts and gun nuts. The opposite is closer to the truth. For many the only time they fire is qualification.

 

The Bianchi holster. Can't say enough about how I like this setup and the workmanship is first class. I carry mostly between 4 and 5 oclock and sometimes at 11. The cant built into the belt loop is about perfect for me. I have a rail for the 629 and have put on a red dot (Vortex) which really helps accuracy at a distance. Needless to say, the red dot does not fit into the holster. Lacking a good carry rig for the red dot setup is why its gotten left home during hunting season. The frankenholster was cobbled together with a surplus store semiauto rig and a nylon cheapie I had laying around. I've got 36 rounds on the off side to help balance things, but as I said before the wheelgun is a bit too bulky under the arm to be really comfortable there. At least I didn't have to spend big bux on a leather one to find out it does not work well for me. A chest holster that fits the pistol with red dot will be the next thing to try. I've thought about a scope too but I'm not sure that will solve anything that the red dot doesn't already accomplish. lastly I replaced the stock front sight with a fiber optic one in green. It improves the sight picture greatly but I think I prefer red. PS - the single action trigger is the most sensitive I've ever used, almost no weight is required to set it off. If you are shooting other guns and switch to the 629, it can surprise you.

 

I like the Bianchi 5BHL holsters. I didn't realize they made one for a 5 inch barrel. I have a Bianchi Cyclone for a 5 inch barrel and a custom pancake holster too. I'm a believer in good leather.

 

When I'm eventually elected Monarch Of All I Survey (still working on that) I'm going to decree that all revolver barrels be offered in 3", 5", and 7.5" lengths. Then the world will see just how wise I truly am. In the meantime I love my remaining three-inchers but REALLY lust after a five inch Smith, in whichever frame size. I have a Model 610 4" I really like, but it would be even better if it was a fiver! :bandit:

 

It might be personal preference but 27s & 24s with their tapered barrels feel better balanced to me than heavy barrel models. On range it’s nice to have extra weight to help soak up recoil. Now they market these type revolvers as mountain guns.

 

nice find, congrats

 

That is a very nice revolver. I got lucky and got one about 2 years ago for 519 dollars + tax. It was used but in 90% condition. 629 classic with the 5" barrel. Saw the price tag and asked the clerk if that was a typo and after checking he said no, that was the price. Although, he didn't know why they had it priced so low, he said it should have been priced higher. From that moment it became mine. Always wanted a 44 Smith. Enjoy your revolver, it is a nice one.

 

That pancake is something to flip over. What a work of art. I imagine the extra width works well with a heavy pistol - much less chance of sagging or twisting while carrying. My carry position of choice is specifically to avoid hangups while beating the brush. Kind of wish I was packing when I saw this big blackie the other day.