Any S&W Experts out there??

[mattbcnv]

I have a S&W 629-4, it is a .44 mag with a 3 inch Barrel, it was made for Lew Horton's back in the late 80's .... it was called the Backpacker... on line it can go for as much as 800.00 dollars... My question is will it continue to go up in value and is there a real collectable value to it..

Thanks,

mattbcnv

[Baba Louie]

Typically anything S&W puts a 3" barrel on, some people covet, for some strange reason. Lew Horton runs are usually small batches, which assures limited supply... another "covet" factor for some.

If its a pre-lock, N-Frame, 3" stainless steel, .44 mag and you've still got the box and paperwork, grips, etc., it should hold it's own value quite well as our dollar devalues.

Look at the sold prices on line tho', not the "asking" for a better picture of transacted value as opposed to desired value.

[NYECOGunsmith]

Originally Posted by Baba Louie

Typically anything S&W puts a 3" barrel on, some people covet, for some strange reason. Lew Horton runs are usually small batches, which assures limited supply... another "covet" factor for some.

If its a pre-lock, N-Frame, 3" stainless steel, .44 mag and you've still got the box and paperwork, grips, etc., it should hold it's own value quite well as our dollar devalues.

Look at the sold prices on line tho', not the "asking" for a better picture of transacted value as opposed to desired value.

Wow, Baba Louie was channeling me! Or I was channeling him, hard to tell. Nearly word for word what my thoughts were on the question. Wonder if we are twins separated at birth? If so, I'm the evil twin, I'm sure, just ask Mom!

Since it was made back in the late 80's its probably pre-security lock issue, that adds a bit to its value.
While its "collectible" value will rise, its also a great packing pistol, and kind of fun to shoot if you don't put too many full house .44 mags through it. They can be hard on the hands without well fitting grips and maybe a PAST recoil glove on to take the sting out of them.
With mild .44 specials its quite pleasant to shoot, at least mine is. I did switch out the grips years ago for a set of Herret stocks that fit my small paws a bit better.

[mattbcnv]

Originally Posted by NYECOGunsmith

Wow, Baba Louie was channeling me! Or I was channeling him, hard to tell. Nearly word for word what my thoughts were on the question. Wonder if we are twins separated at birth? If so, I'm the evil twin, I'm sure, just ask Mom!

Since it was made back in the late 80's its probably pre-security lock issue, that adds a bit to its value.
While its "collectible" value will rise, its also a great packing pistol, and kind of fun to shoot if you don't put too many full house .44 mags through it. They can be hard on the hands without well fitting grips and maybe a PAST recoil glove on to take the sting out of them.
With mild .44 specials its quite pleasant to shoot, at least mine is. I did switch out the grips years ago for a set of Herret stocks that fit my small paws a bit better.

Thanks Guys,

I was surprised to see the values on line, I will hold on to it but for me it is NOT a great shooter... I may swap it out for a nice FN tactical.45... I love the idea of the .44 mag , but I may have put 20 or so rounds through it..

Thanks again!!

mattbcnv

[NYECOGunsmith]

Originally Posted by mattbcnv

Thanks Guys,

I was surprised to see the values on line, I will hold on to it but for me it is NOT a great shooter... I may swap it out for a nice FN tactical.45... I love the idea of the .44 mag , but I may have put 20 or so rounds through it..

Thanks again!!

mattbcnv

You've peaked my curiosity, Sir!

Why isn't it a great shooter for you? Does the gun have a problem that is affecting its accuracy, or does it not fit your hands well, or is the recoil more than you find comfortable?

All three conditions are easily corrected. If you like the .44 mag (and the ability to shoot the .44 specials in it) we might be able to make that happen for you. They can be exceptionally accurate, and a lot of fun to shoot without making the hand sore.
For example, a load of a 200 grain cast wad cutter, moving at around 750 feet per second, is not only extremely pleasant to shoot in my version of your gun, but also very accurate. The same holds true for a 240 grainer, at around the same velocity.

There are a number of after market stocks that will make it more comfortable in the hand, help absorb the recoil, and position it better in the hand as well.
Don't get me wrong, if you want to trade it off, go for it, but if you'd like to see it shoot well and enjoy it, we can probably make it work for you.

[The Gun Nutt]

Hi,

I have the same gun, no flutes on the cylinder?

Mine is "mag-na-ported". That made a world of difference, I had one before that, that was blued w/o the Mag-na-port, and shooting 180 gr HPs the recoil would almost hit you in the forehead.

With the Mag-na-Port it recoils like a .357. Much better to shoot and with Hogue grips it's even better.


I don't shoot it much, trying to keep the value in the gun, I did see a asking price of $1,000.00 about 10 years ago, probabally wouldn't get that now because of the economy. But with the right buyer who knows?


I had a friend who had one too. He used to do gun shows back in Kalifornia in the 80's & 90's, and he called it "His Rhino Roller" he would carry it on the seat with him loaded with 250 gr FMJ in case someone tried to hijack or run him off the road and steal his guns.


He said that the bullets would go through anything including the engine, and stop about anything, man or truck.

Maybe we should ALL bring out these big bores (at the time, no so much anymore) to the Pahrump shoot? Any thoughts?

[mattbcnv]

Originally Posted by NYECOGunsmith

You've peaked my curiosity, Sir!

Why isn't it a great shooter for you? Does the gun have a problem that is affecting its accuracy, or does it not fit your hands well, or is the recoil more than you find comfortable?
All three conditions are easily corrected. If you like the .44 mag (and the ability to shoot the .44 specials in it) we might be able to make that happen for you. They can be exceptionally accurate, and a lot of fun to shoot without making the hand sore.
For example, a load of a 200 grain cast wad cutter, moving at around 750 feet per second, is not only extremely pleasant to shoot in my version of your gun, but also very accurate. The same holds true for a 240 grainer, at around the same velocity.

There are a number of after market stocks that will make it more comfortable in the hand, help absorb the recoil, and position it better in the hand as well.
Don't get me wrong, if you want to trade it off, go for it, but if you'd like to see it shoot well and enjoy it, we can probably make it work for you.

Yea I have not shot it in 5 or so years, and of course I was shooting Magnums out of it. Would empty out the range and felt kinda like a asshat shooting the damm thing. My hat, glasses and ear protection would have to be adjusted after every volly.... never did get it out to the desert, maybe I will try with some 44 specials and see how she shoots , the gun fits me well and the grips are pachmeyer so maybe i was shooting to hot of a load!!

Thanks for suggesting the fixes I will explore them..

mattbcnv