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Offline jaybird

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629 classic?
« on: March 15, 2009, 04:51:02 AM »
Greetings,

I have been thinking of purchasing a 629 classic for a while now. During that time I've read a lot of negative comments on the internet about the durability of this gun. I have never owned a S&W, so I thought I would ask people who have experience with this gun: Will the 629 stand up to a steady supply of 240 gr factory ammo? I do reload, and would shoot reloads the majority of the time. However, I also shoot factory ammo from time to time and don't want to stress the gun.

Thanks in advance,
Jaybird
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Offline efremtags

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Re: 629 classic?
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2009, 01:25:48 PM »
629 will hold its own to reasonable loads and a lot of shooting. I have about 500 rounds of 275Gr hardcast over 20.5gr fof H110 with-out any issues. Factory 240gr is no prob.

Smith has with out a doubt the best trigger out of the box.

You can push ammo about 10% hotter in ruger or similar revolvers without issue. The smith will loose timing when pushed too hard, but it is by no means a cream puff. The lockup is not as ruggedly designed. I think a lot of what is written about it is more word of mouth info than actual experiences.
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Offline Davemuzz

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Re: 629 classic?
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2009, 03:41:50 PM »
Quote from: efremtags on March 15, 2009, 01:25:48 PM
I think a lot of what is written about it is more word of mouth info than actual experiences.

I would agree with that statement.

I purchased a new 629 DX Classic about 4 years ago. I would say I have shot at least 3000 rounds of Hornady XTP either 200 grain or 240 over N-110 VV powder. 20 grains for the 240 and 24.4 for the 200 grain. There are heavier loads, but these will group very well at 100 yards when shot from a bench.

The gun is a tight as the day it came out of the box. And if i ever shoot it "loose", I'll just send it back and get it fixed.

Dave
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Offline buck460XVR

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Re: 629 classic?
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2009, 05:40:00 AM »
some of the older 29s had a problem when shooting with big boom loads but were rectified with an "endurance package",  newer models(since the 90s I believe) have been upgraded. Shoot loads within SAAMI specs and the gun will outlive you.
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: 629 classic?
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2009, 09:20:15 AM »
Your 629 will do fine on the factory fodder.
The only problem is with the really big heavy cast 300 + grain bullets.
As long as you stay with 270 or smaller the S&W is perfect.
Mine is a 29 and has been great for the 17 years I have owned it. 
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Offline Ken ONeill

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Re: 629 classic?
« Reply #5 on: March 27, 2009, 04:14:35 PM »
The 629 Classics, which have the post 1990 "Endurance Package" upgrades are outstanding. I have owned a 6 1/2" since late 1990 and a 5" since early 1991.
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