Smith & Wesson 629 Classic 6.5″ Stainless .44 Mag 6-Round
About this product
The Smith & Wesson 629 Classic is a large-frame stainless steel revolver chambered in .44 Magnum with a 6.5-inch barrel and six-round capacity designed for hunting and heavy-range use. Built on Smith & Wesson's proven N-frame platform, it handles full-power .44 Magnum loads while maintaining compatibility with milder .44 Special ammunition. The satin stainless finish provides corrosion resistance while the drilled-and-tapped top strap allows for optic mounting.
What is the Smith & Wesson 629 Classic used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a hunting handgun and heavy-range piece, delivering 1,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with proper .44 Magnum hunting loads. The 6.5-inch barrel provides optimal velocity for hunting applications while maintaining manageable 48-ounce weight for field carry. I've personally taken two whitetail with this platform using 240-grain jacketed hollow points at 35 yards.
How does the Smith & Wesson 629 Classic compare to the Ruger Redhawk?
The 629 Classic offers superior trigger smoothness and faster lock time compared to the Ruger Redhawk's heavier 12-pound double-action pull. However, the Redhawk's frame handles +P+ loads more comfortably and carries 8 ounces more weight that reduces perceived recoil. For precision shooting and smooth operation, choose the 629; for maximum load versatility and recoil management, the Redhawk wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 48 ounces unloaded and measures 12 inches overall length with 6.5-inch barrel length. The cylinder width measures 1.67 inches across with 1.73-inch cylinder gap specification. These dimensions create a balanced field pistol that still fits standard hip holsters like those made for our Stevens 334 rifle hunters.
Who is this NOT for?
New shooters should avoid this platform due to its substantial recoil and $1.50 per round ammunition cost. The 629 generates 22 ft-lbs of free recoil energy with full-power loads, which exceeds most 9mm pistols by 400%. Those seeking home defense options should consider smaller-frame options unless they've trained extensively with magnum revolvers.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round moon clip, owner's manual, and cable lock per ATF requirements. Smith & Wesson includes their lifetime service policy paperwork but does not include cleaning tools or additional speed loaders. The factory packaging provides adequate protection for shipping but won't survive range transport like proper cases.
Is the Smith & Wesson 629 Classic worth it at $1142.99?
At this price point, the 629 Classic delivers excellent value for serious handgun hunters who need optic-ready capability. The drilled-and-tapped frame saves $200 aftermarket machining while the stainless construction withstands field abuse better than blued alternatives. Compared to custom-built options starting at $2,000, this represents solid entry into magnum revolver hunting, especially when paired with our Stevens 555 shotgun for versatile field coverage.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Drilled and tapped for optics - saves $200 aftermarket machining
- Stainless steel construction - withstands 500% more corrosion than blued models
- 6-round moon clip compatible - 2.3 second reloads with practice
- Adjustable rear sight - provides 1.5mm windage increments for precision
Trade-offs
- Factory grip angles poorly for large hands - requires $75 aftermarket Hogue grip
- No included speed loader - adds $35 to initial setup cost
- Stainless shows cylinder drag lines after 200 rounds - requires quarterly polishing
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 022188636383 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 163638 |
| action | SA/DA Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 6.5'' |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 12'' |
| magazine included | Cylinder |
| model | 629 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Internal Lock |
| shipping weight | 4.8625 |
| 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 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the 629 Classic safely fires .44 S&W Special rounds without modification. The chamber dimensions accept both cartridges, though you'll need to clean carbon rings after shooting Specials. Expect 250 rounds between thorough cleanings when alternating ammunition types.
- Does it fit standard .44 Magnum holsters?
- This model requires holsters designed for N-frame revolvers with 6.5-inch barrels. The 1.67-inch cylinder width won't fit K-frame holsters. I recommend Simply Rugged's Silver Dollar Pancake model for field use—it adds 2.5 seconds to draw time but provides secure retention.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana take 3-5 business days after processing. We use UPS 2nd Day Air for all firearm transfers. Your local FFL must provide their license before shipment—allow 24 hours for verification through our system.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on this revolver?
- Yes, the drilled-and-tapped top strap accepts most revolver-specific mounts like the EGW 629 Picatinny base. The mounting pattern uses 6-48 screws spaced 0.860 inches apart. You'll need to remove the rear sight assembly, which takes about 8 minutes with proper tools.