Help on purchasing a 629
- Thread starter Ruger007
- Start date
The ad says "Like new" - so it should look like new - or fairly close. Bore should be clear and shiny and the rifling should be crisp/sharp. There should be no marks on any surface of the gun, other than very light, superficial scratches - that look like they would buff out, easily.
#### the hammer and while holding the hammer cocked, squeeze the trigger and wiggle the cylinder on its rotational axis - do this on each chamber - there should be very little, to no play on "lock-up".
The dies and reloading components - and holsters, could add anywhere from $100 to $??? - depending on quality and quantity.
If you can, take someone with you, who has good knowledge about fire arms - and then you can ignore all of the preceeding "tips".
#### the hammer and while holding the hammer cocked, squeeze the trigger and wiggle the cylinder on its rotational axis - do this on each chamber - there should be very little, to no play on "lock-up".
The dies and reloading components - and holsters, could add anywhere from $100 to $??? - depending on quality and quantity.
If you can, take someone with you, who has good knowledge about fire arms - and then you can ignore all of the preceeding "tips".
As above, 5 7/8" is not a normal length. Hopefully the seller just took tape measure to it and it is actually a 6" gun, but definitely worth asking.
If it really is like new, that is a great price. Look to see the barrel is screwed on straight. I've seen a few Smiths with slightly off centered barrels.
Curious to know what model number it is. The 629-3 and 629-4 models have the full endurance package upgrades but no internal lock or mim parts, which mean they typically fetch a little extra. But reality is that all models are still nice. I have a -1, -3 and -6 and like them all. The -1 has the nicest finish and is just fine for range work with factory mag ammo but i would never feed it anything too hot.
If it really is like new, that is a great price. Look to see the barrel is screwed on straight. I've seen a few Smiths with slightly off centered barrels.
Curious to know what model number it is. The 629-3 and 629-4 models have the full endurance package upgrades but no internal lock or mim parts, which mean they typically fetch a little extra. But reality is that all models are still nice. I have a -1, -3 and -6 and like them all. The -1 has the nicest finish and is just fine for range work with factory mag ammo but i would never feed it anything too hot.
I have a pretty good knowledge of firearms. Just not this particular model. Going halfers with my step dad. He has always wanted one. I think we can share a 44. I have lots of brass from my Ruger Deerfield.
I am going to see it in the morning at the club. They guy sounds pretty honest.
Just wanted to check if there was something that could be obvious but might get over looked.
Thanks for all the info.
I am going to see it in the morning at the club. They guy sounds pretty honest.
Just wanted to check if there was something that could be obvious but might get over looked.
Thanks for all the info.
It does measures 5-7/8" with my calipers. 629-1. Tons of brass and bullets, 2 sets of dies. Its in decent shape not like new by any means.
I cocked the hammer and pulled the trigger to check the rotational play. There was alot. Maybe a 1/16 of an inch. The guy seemed in a big hurry to get rid of it. Said it only had maybe 400-500 rounds. Major grooving where the cylinder slides against the frame.
I passed.
I cocked the hammer and pulled the trigger to check the rotational play. There was alot. Maybe a 1/16 of an inch. The guy seemed in a big hurry to get rid of it. Said it only had maybe 400-500 rounds. Major grooving where the cylinder slides against the frame.
I passed.
stickhunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria, B.C.
Sounds like you did very good "due diligence" on a potential purchase. Interesting how some people define "Like New", eh?
I'm don't have the expertise in revolvers to comment on the 1/16 inch of play ( or if this is even and issue at All)
It would be nice if CGN members dirtybarry or harrycalahan could chime in and give thier insight, they are revolver specialists on this fourm lol, along with many others
Bottom line if he is in a hurry to sell and desperate, why not offer him 650$ which would be a steal
I was thinking the same honestly
And I wonder if its a pre lock ?
I paid 600$ for a used prelock SW 629-3 SS with unfluted cylinder 5 years ago at a gun show
But I know times have changed and now they are close to 1200 new
Hey OP, Wait for some more replies and members to chime in before you buy
Is the 1/16 movement that bad?
You could get lead shaving when you shoot. As mentioned above, it may be fixable but you’d need to find a gunsmith who knew revolvers enough to fix it, and even then you may end up spending more than it’s worth to fix. If you’re keen to try it anyway, offer him a lower price as Ironheart mentioned. .44 Mag revolvers are not crazy rare on the EE...I’d strongly suggest waiting.
I'm not sure 1/16th is a necessarily huge issue per se, but suggests it has seen more use or some heavy loads. Most S&Ws will have some play. If there is a problem though, the best Canadian S&W gunsmith, Murray Charlton, has sadly just retired.
As above I would agree it is probably not an $800 gun but the extras do add to it. If you don't value the extras, you can get an used new model (-6) off EE for 800. definitely the best and safer bet.
As above I would agree it is probably not an $800 gun but the extras do add to it. If you don't value the extras, you can get an used new model (-6) off EE for 800. definitely the best and safer bet.
Please do! Forget about this one for real, there are so many times all of us gunnutz, stumble across what we think is an amazing deal and it turns out not so much
Trust me, and many others, this site is a wealth of knowledge, I have posted about 5 amazing deals i think I had, then later to find out after I post on CGN it was not a good deal at all, CGN insite saved me over 10k + over the years
Think of it as you saved $800 today!
- look for corrosion in the barrel and wheel(cylinder)
- Look for cracks in the crane
- Examine the wheel carefully for play both rotational and longitudinal
When the hammer is cocked the wheel should be tight.
A new trigger on these is smooth as silk and around 4 pounds. (mine)
If the wheel and crane are stained dark, it has seen many boxes of ammo.
- Look for cracks in the crane
- Examine the wheel carefully for play both rotational and longitudinal
When the hammer is cocked the wheel should be tight.
A new trigger on these is smooth as silk and around 4 pounds. (mine)
If the wheel and crane are stained dark, it has seen many boxes of ammo.
