Smith & Wesson's 629: A Top-Selling Revolver

by
posted on August 5, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
629.jpg

The Smith & Wesson 629 comes from an enviable, purebred lineage. The revolver is a direct descendant of the N-Frame handguns the company began producing in 1955, shortly after famed gun writer Elmer Keith worked with manufacturers to alter the .44 Spl. cartridge into something more appropriate for large and dangerous game—the .44 Mag. In 1957, the company’s heavy-frame gun, then the world’s most powerful production handgun, was officially designated the Model 29. 

It was popular with enthusiasts, but 14 years later, the revolver went mainstream when Clint Eastwood wielded one on the silver screen as he played San Francisco detective “Dirty Harry” Callahan. Subsequent demand was so high that retailers ran out of stock, and Smith & Wesson couldn’t make enough.

A variety of versions have appeared through the years in slightly different configurations. That heavy N-Frame, though, has played a key role in keeping the gun popular.

Then in 1978, the company introduced a stainless-steel version known at the 629. In 2019, it was the fourth-best-selling revolver among retailers using the services of GunBroker.com. In the last five years its been a steady performer, remaining in either fourth or fifth place in the standings.

Today there a wide number of new models are available in .44 Mag., with various barrel lengths and configurations. The Model 629 Classic, for example, comes with a 6.5" barrel and it has an overall length of 12". Capacity is six cartridges and the revolver weighs 48.4 ozs. The frame, barrel and cylinder are all stainless steel and the gun comes with recoil-mitigating synthetic grips. MSRP is $989.

The 629 4" Barrel model has a commensurately shorter overall length and tips the scales at 41.5 ozs. MSRP also drops to $949. Smith & Wesson also offers a .44 Mag. Hunter variant, a competition model with weighted barrel, another fine-tuned from its Performance Center and more.

Latest

Weatherby 307 New Models F
Weatherby 307 New Models F

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.