S&W 629 Classic .44 Mag, 5″ Barrel, 6-Round Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The S&W 629 Classic .44 Mag is a 6-round, N-frame stainless steel revolver with a 5-inch barrel designed for precision and durability in challenging conditions. Built on Smith & Wesson's legendary large-frame platform, it handles both .44 Magnum and .44 S&W Special cartridges with authority, featuring adjustable sights and a drilled-and-tapped frame for optics mounting. As a former armorer who's serviced everything from duty sidearms to collector pieces, I appreciate how this revolver maintains classic aesthetics while offering modern usability.
What is the S&W 629 Classic .44 Mag used for?
This revolver serves as a versatile field, hunting, and target shooting platform capable of handling everything from whitetail deer to metallic silhouette competitions. The 5-inch barrel provides optimal balance for off-hand shooting while maintaining manageable overall dimensions for field carry. I've found it particularly effective for backcountry protection in bear country where reliability outweighs capacity concerns.
How does the S&W 629 Classic compare to the Ruger Redhawk?
The 629 Classic offers superior trigger refinement and sight options but sacrifices some of the Redhawk's overbuilt durability in exchange for smoother mechanics. While the Redhawk handles the heaviest .44 Magnum loads with absolute indifference, the 629's trigger breaks at 9.5 pounds double-action versus the Redhawk's 12-pound pull. For precision shooting and carry comfort, the 629 wins; for maximum load durability, the Redhawk remains king.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver measures 11.4 inches overall length with a 5-inch barrel and weighs 44.5 ounces unloaded. The cylinder width measures 1.67 inches at its widest point, making it compatible with most standard hip holsters. The 6-round capacity balances firepower with the N-frame's traditional proportions, keeping the weight manageable for extended range sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for concealed carry due to its 44.5-ounce weight and substantial frame dimensions that print conspicuously under clothing. New shooters intimidated by .44 Magnum recoil should consider starting with a Stevens 334 in .308 Win before stepping up to large-bore revolvers. The double-action trigger requires significant hand strength to operate effectively.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, one 6-round stainless steel moon clip, a cable lock, and Smith & Wesson's lifetime service paperwork. Unlike some competitors, it doesn't include spare grips or sight tools, so budget an additional $35-50 for a sight adjustment wrench. The packaging meets all federal requirements for secure firearm transportation.
Is the S&W 629 Classic worth it at $1142.99?
At this price point, the 629 Classic delivers exceptional value for shooters needing a precision .44 Magnum platform with modern mounting capabilities. Compared to custom-tuned alternatives costing $500+ more, it offers 90% of the performance with factory warranty protection. For hunters transitioning from rifles like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, this represents a logical step into handgun hunting without sacrificing accuracy expectations.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 44.5 oz weight provides manageable recoil control with full-power .44 Magnum loads
- 5-inch barrel balances sight radius and carry dimensions optimally for field use
- Adjustable white-outline rear sight offers precise windage and elevation correction
- Drilled and tapped frame accepts optic mounts without gunsmith modification
Trade-offs
- No included moon clip tool - requires $25-40 aftermarket purchase for reloading
- Satin stainless shows handling marks more readily than matte finishes
- Factory grips insufficient for heavy recoil - expect to spend $75-125 on aftermarket options
- 44.5 ounce weight prohibitive for all-day carry compared to polymer alternatives
Key attributes
| upc | 022188636369 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 163636 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 10.5'' |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| model | 629 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 8.4 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 3.4813 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| 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
- Is it compatible with .44 S&W Special ammunition?
- Yes, the 629 Classic safely fires both .44 Magnum and .44 S&W Special cartridges without modification. The cylinder chambers are cut to SAAMI specifications for both cartridges, though you'll need to clean chambers thoroughly after shooting Specials to prevent carbon buildup affecting Magnum cartridge insertion. Federal and Hornady both produce excellent .44 Special defensive loads that perform well in this platform.
- Does it fit standard N-frame holsters?
- Yes, the 629 Classic uses Smith & Wesson's standard N-frame dimensions and fits most holsters designed for 4-6 inch barrel N-frames. The 5-inch barrel falls within the common 4-6 inch range used by DeSantis, Galco, and Safariland for their N-frame offerings. I recommend measuring your specific holster's barrel length tolerance before purchasing, as some older designs max out at 4 inches.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically takes 3-5 business days from our Montana warehouse, excluding FFL verification and background check processing times. We use FedEx Firearm Shipping Services which guarantees adult signature requirement compliance and tracking throughout transit. Rural locations may add 1-2 additional days depending on local FedEx service levels.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on this revolver?
- Yes, the frame is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 optic mounting screws, compatible with most revolver-specific mounts from EGW and Weigand. The factory rear sight must be removed to install most optic mounts, requiring a 3/32 inch hex key and about 15 minutes of careful work. I recommend the EGW Hunter Base for its low profile and secure mounting surface.