New to me 629-2e...... Did I do good?

[Tequila45]

I have been wanting a .44 mag for awhile but I wasn't in the market for one considering I purchased a sig 320 rx about a month ago. I went to the gun range and did the traditional walk around the used gun case after my session. I saw this 629 sitting there and it immediately caught my eye. I'm a sucker for un-fluted cylinders. The store was closing and I know the gun shop owner since I go there all the time so I had him hold it and I would come by the next day to check it out.

Based on my research, it is a 629-2e 3in barrel made in 89' and this is one of the 3200 made. This included the original box, original grips and all the goodies. It is ported so it could either hurt or increase value depending on the person. (I like it). So how desirable is this model? Any smith experts out there that can weigh in on my newly aquired piece? I paid $650 and it included 180rounds of ammo. It was on consignment as well. Condition wise I would rate it in excellent condition. It has a slight ring mark around the cylinder, locks up tight trigger is remarkable! No pits, scratches or gauges of any kind grips could use cleaning but that's expected. I have few read value could be as high as $1500 or as low as $500. Is this the run of the mill .44 or did I find a gem?

[Gunnar da Wolf]

Werewolf killing pistol. You are good to go from Buick to chipmunk. That's an awesome pistol you just found. Get a holster and a set of speed loaders and learn to use them.

[Black_Sheep]

I think $650 is a real good price, especially since you got almost 4 boxes of ammo too...

[Gunnar da Wolf]

I was drinking your name sake when I answered last night, sorry for the cryptic answer.
In my humble opinion you found a very desirable sample of S&W art and the price you paid was just over half of what the revolver is worth.
Nice find!

[Straight Shooter]

Brother- you did, indeed, do well! Ive always loved those revolvers...wanted one SO BAD back in the day!
If'n I aint mistaken...they cost that much, or close to it, back then. Great gun...enjoy!

[Lacos]

You did really good. Gun should shoot as good as it looks.

[Tequila45]

Mechanical condition ... in addition to what you checked, when you cock the hammer back very slowly, do you hear a click (cylinder bolt locking) before the hammer is all the way back? No observable cracks in the forcing cone?

I checked by pulling back slowly on the hammer and yes it locks up before the hammer locks back. Every cylinder, same spot. Like I said, It's in mint condition. Grips could use some cleaning but that's it. Forcing cone is in good condition and The cylinder gap is within speck as well.

This does share it's roots with a 29 but the 6 as you know designated it as a stain less steel model. This one was made In 89.i still need to email Lew Horton to see if it is one of his. it could increase in value maybe but still. I'll to know the history of this piece.

I'm on the fence as to if I should keep it or sell it for profit BUT I know I will regret it. And I know more than likely I will NEVER come across another in this condition let alone same price.

[PattonWasRight]

Great, glad all that checks out, and I stand corrected on my "misdiagnosis"

DO NOT SELL THAT!

[Gunnar da Wolf]

IMHO it's a very desirable variant. I shot one just like it several years ago at an IALEFI conference in a stage sponsored by Second Chance body armor, You were hustled up to a table where Richard Davis had you shoot a Tokarev at one target and then you had to shoot a second target with his own personal 629. I wanted one ever since.

I eventually found a 629 Mountain Gun with a broken rear sight in a pawn shop that needed a home and it has taken up the spot in my carry rotation when Werewolf season rolls around.

You can keep that little cannon and enjoy something that's not a Glock 19 like everyone else carries. Or you can sell if for twice what you paid and get a Roland Special. I'd vote keeping it and enjoying the expression on other shooter's faces when you touch off a Remington 180gr JHP load...

[williejc]

Pinned barrels and recessed cylinders were dropped by Smith before 1989, but that fact doesn't detract from your revolver. You have a fine gun in every respect. Yours was made recently enough to have benefitted from metallurgical advances making them better able to withstand a steady diet of magnum ammo. When I saw the price you paid, I was amazed. Current value of this Smith is at least $850 on the low side.