Smith & Wesson Model 629-3 Stainless - Number 1

The 629-3 is the version that ironed out the worst of the .44 Magnum endurance problems that plagued earlier 629 revolvers, and that alone makes it the one experienced N-frame shooters look for. This is a clean example wearing the classic 4-inch configuration. The barrel carries a full underlug, which puts weight forward and settles the muzzle when you touch off full-house .44 loads. That matters more on this caliber than almost any other.

The finish is satin stainless, soft and even across the frame, barrel, and fluted cylinder. You can read the SMITH & WESSON roll mark down the left side of the barrel and the 44 MAGNUM stamp on the right, both crisp. The Springfield, Mass. address and Made in USA markings sit clean on the frame. Up top is a fully adjustable rear sight paired with a pinned ramp front, the setup that lets you dial this revolver in for whatever load you settle on.

It wears Hogue black rubber grips with the pebbled finger-groove pattern. They fill the hand and soak up recoil, which is exactly what you want behind a short-barreled .44 Magnum. The double-action mechanism cycles the way a well-kept Smith should, and the cylinder locks up tight. Light handling marks show here and there on the high spots, nothing that detracts from a revolver that has clearly been cared for.

The package includes the original blue Smith & Wesson plastic case with the factory revolvers manual. For a collector building out the 629 family, the third-engineering-change guns hold a particular place, and a 4-inch satin stainless example in the original box is the kind you hold onto. This is a working .44 Magnum with the manners to be shot and the presentation to be displayed.