Smith & Wesson 629 N-Frame .44 Magnum 6-Round Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in all weather conditions - weighs 41 oz unloaded
- Drilled and tapped frame saves $75-150 in aftermarket optics mounting costs
- 6-round cylinder handles full-power .44 Magnum with consistent lockup across all chambers
- Adjustable white-outline rear sight provides precise windage and elevation control
Trade-offs
- Hogue synthetic grip lacks palm swell - aftermarket replacement costs $35-75 for better ergonomics
- No included speed loader or additional front sight inserts - adds $40-60 to fully equip
- Standard trigger return spring creates heavier double-action pull than custom-tuned revolvers
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Smith & Wesson 629 is a large-frame N-frame revolver chambered in .44 Magnum that accepts .44 S&W Special cartridges, built with a stainless steel barrel, frame, and cylinder and featuring an adjustable rear sight and optics-ready drilling. It's designed for heavy-duty service, precision shooting, and handgun hunting where durability and sighting features are critical. The 6-round capacity and single/double action mechanism make it suitable for both controlled target work and rapid defensive use.
What is the Smith & Wesson 629 used for?
The Smith & Wesson 629 is primarily used for handgun hunting, target shooting, and as a backup firearm in bear country. Its 6-round cylinder handles full-power .44 Magnum loads capable of taking medium game at distances up to 75 yards, while the drilled and tapped frame allows for optic mounting to improve accuracy. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion during extended outdoor use in wet conditions.
How does the Smith & Wesson 629 compare to the Ruger Redhawk?
The Smith & Wesson 629 offers better out-of-the-box trigger feel and smoother double-action pull compared to the Ruger Redhawk, which typically requires breaking in or aftermarket work. However, the Redhawk's frame is overbuilt for extreme handloads and has a reputation for handling pressures beyond SAAMI spec, making it the choice for handloaders pushing limits. The 629's 41-ounce weight makes it more manageable for extended range sessions than the Redhawk's 48-ounce bulk.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Smith & Wesson 629 weighs 41 ounces unloaded and measures 11.1 inches in overall length with a 6.5-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.73 inches at its widest point, and the grip circumference measures 5.25 inches around the Hogue synthetic panels. These dimensions place it squarely in the full-size revolver category, requiring a proper holster like those used for our Stevens 334 .308 hunting rifles.
Who is this NOT for?
The Smith & Wesson 629 is not for concealed carry beginners or shooters sensitive to recoil. The .44 Magnum generates significant muzzle flip and requires proper grip technique to manage, while the N-frame size makes concealment impractical without specialized oversized garments. New shooters would be better served starting with a mid-frame .357 Magnum or considering a compact option like our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun for general use.
What's in the box?
The Smith & Wesson 629 comes with one 6-round cylinder, the installed Hogue synthetic grip, and a factory-supplied cable lock measuring 36 inches in length. Unlike some competitors, it does not include speed loaders or additional front sight blades, though the factory provides a standard 1/8-inch hex key for sight adjustments. The packaging includes a limited lifetime warranty card and basic cleaning instructions.
Is the Smith & Wesson 629 worth it at $1,094.99?
At $1,094.99, the Smith & Wesson 629 represents solid value for shooters needing a durable, optics-ready .44 Magnum with proven reliability. The stainless construction eliminates finishing concerns in harsh environments, while the drilled and tapped frame saves $75-150 in aftersmithing costs. Compared to custom-tuned alternatives costing $1,500+, the 629 delivers 90% of the performance for hunters and recreational shooters who don't require competition-level trigger work.
Key attributes
| upc | 022188636031 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 163603 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 4'' |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 9.63'' |
| magazine included | 1 x 6-Round |
| model | N Frame |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 3.9 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Smith & Wesson 629 is fully compatible with .44 S&W Special ammunition, which generates approximately 40% less recoil than standard .44 Magnum loads. The chamber dimensions accommodate both cartridges without modification, though you'll need to clean the cylinder chambers thoroughly after shooting Specials to prevent carbon buildup. I recommend using a .44 caliber bore brush for 2-3 passes between ammunition switches.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on this revolver?
- Absolutely, the frame is drilled and tapped with standard 6-48 threads spaced 0.860 inches apart, compatible with most Smith & Wesson N-frame mounting bases. Popular options include the Weigand Combat base and the EGW HD mount, both requiring zero gunsmithing for installation. The sight plane sits 0.375 inches above the barrel, maintaining a consistent cheek weld for optic use.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Firearms shipping typically takes 3-5 business days after FFL verification is complete, with expedited 2-day air available for an additional $45. All shipments require signature confirmation and transfer through a licensed FFL dealer, with tracking information provided within 24 hours of order processing. We partner with UPS and FedEx for all firearm logistics to ensure chain-of-custody compliance.
- Is the hammer suitable for single-action shooting?
- The target-style exposed hammer provides a clean, crisp single-action break averaging 3.5 pounds with minimal creep, ideal for precision work. The wide spur allows positive thumb purchase even with gloved hands, though some competition shooters may prefer a narrower profile for faster manipulation. For pure double-action work, the hammer can be lowered safely using proper decocking procedure.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, but we offer a 30-day warranty exchange for mechanical defects. The Hogue grip can be replaced with aftermarket options from manufacturers like Pachmayr or Altamont if the factory configuration doesn't suit your hand size. We recommend handling an N-frame revolver at a local dealer before purchasing to confirm ergonomic compatibility.