Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 629-3, The .44 Magnum Stainless, Carpenter Technology Corp. Centennial Commemorative

Serial Number: BER7638, 1124 of 2060

Year of Manufacture: 1989

Caliber: .44 Magnum

Action Type: Single / Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with an orange insert integral to a rise in the serrated wide rib. The rear sight is a white-outlined square notch S&W micrometer click adjustable sight mounted to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with speedloader cut and S&W medallions. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered scuffs and small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel (supplied by Carpenter Technology Corp.)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks and faint scuffs. The cylinder has a thin, light turn line. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a serial-matching S&W box with manual, cleaning rod, bore brush, mop and sight adjustment tool.

Our Assessment: Popularized by Dirty Harry movies, the N-frame long barrel S&W revolvers had already been on the shelf in America for a few decades; after the movie, the Model 29 was revered by target shooters and law enforcement alike. The 629 is the stainless steel version and has been made in a variety of configurations since 1979 filling just about any role that could be asked of a .44 Magnum revolver. When Smith & Wesson introduced stainless steel revolvers to their line, there was an obvious choice for the source of the material, Carpenter Technology Corp. Based in Reading, PA, Car-Tech has played a pivotal role in American steel production and development. They produced the first American armor-piercing shells that would defeat improved naval armor plate. Their steel was used in the Wright brothers' engine for the first powered flight, some components of Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis", and a wild variety of products for the war effort during WWII. They were also material suppliers for both Smith & Wesson as well as Ruger, providing the steel necessary for Ruger to fit six rounds of .454 Casull into a Super Redhawk frame.

For their centennial, Car-Tech ordered 2,060 revolvers from their customer Smith & Wesson, decorated with a steel worker on the sideplate and between each cylinder flute with their logo and the years 1891, 1907, 1914, 1935, 1939 and 1955. We have not been able to find the significance of these years with respect to Car-Tech, but that would make a neat research project for the lucky winner. The revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition and comes with its original box. It will make a neat addition for a S&W collector, steel worker, or Reading, PA resident. Please see our photos and good luck!