Smith & Wesson Model 629
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 1979
Also known as: 629, Stainless Model 29, N-Frame .44
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1213 g (42.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1334 g (47.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 245 mm (9.65") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Width | 43 mm (1.69") |
| Sight Radius | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 60 N (13.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1129 J (833 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
Calibers
- .44 Remington Magnum · primary — also known as .44 Mag, 44 Mag, .44 Rem Mag, 10.9x33mmR
- .44 Special — also known as .44 Spl, .44 S&W Special, 10.9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block Safety, Internal Lock
- Features: N Frame, Adjustable Rear Sight, Red Ramp Front Sight, White Outline Rear Sight, Stainless Steel Construction, Six Shot Cylinder, Dual Caliber Capability, Rubber Combat Grip, Drilled And Tapped
Variants
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 Classic (6.5") — Barrel Length
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 Deluxe — Deluxe
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 Stealth Hunter — Performance Center
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 V-Comp — Performance Center
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 Competitor — Performance Center
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter — Performance Center
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 (3") — Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Various Departments) · as Authorized Duty / Trail Revolver
- Alaska State Troopers · as Bear Protection Sidearm
- Civilian Hunters & Sport Shooters
- Wilderness Guides & Outdoorsmen · as Bear Defense Sidearm
Production
Production years: 1979-present
Continuous production since 1979; the 629 has been the primary S&W .44 Magnum production model, outselling the blued Model 29 since introduction
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
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.
Background
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.