Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 629-1, .44 Magnum Stainless
Serial Number: AET3918
Year of Manufacture: 1983-1984 / Modern
Caliber: .44 Magnum & Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single And Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert, set on a ramped base that is integral to the rib. The rear sight is a square notched white outlined leaf in a click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation screwed to the top strap. The rib and rear sight base are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth walnut with extractor relief. There is light handling wear. There are two nicks on the rear bottom edge of the right grip. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun. The trigger is smooth, likely replaced and tuned.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.9/10 on a bore rating.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some little draglines and a few faint scuffs from use and storage. There are light handling marks. The cylinder has a turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. The cylinder lockup has minor side-to-side play on all chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver includes a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 629 brought the power and proportions of the celebrated Model 29 into an all-stainless-steel N-frame revolver, giving shooters greater resistance to weather, perspiration, and hard field use. Introduced near the end of the 1970s, the 629 retained the adjustable sights, ejector-rod shroud, and substantial six-shot cylinder associated with Smith & Wesson’s premier .44 Magnum. The 629-1 engineering change appeared in 1982 and eliminated the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers, placing this revolver among the early examples of Smith & Wesson’s transition to more modern production methods.
This 6" Model 629-1 comes from the collection of John Taffin, one of America’s foremost authorities on sixguns, big-bore revolvers, handgun hunting, and magnum cartridge development. It retains approximately 98% of its original stainless finish, with an excellent 9/10 bore, smooth double-action pull, crisp single-action release, and only minor handling and operational wear. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity provides meaningful provenance particularly well matched to a classic .44 Magnum revolver. Combining excellent condition, early 629-1 production, desirable 6" configuration, and direct association with a writer whose career was devoted to revolvers of this type, this is an especially fitting addition to an advanced Smith & Wesson or American sixgun collection.
