Where are S&W 44 magnums made these days?

Big Caliber · August 13, 2015, 01:53 AM

Iv'e been out of the gun scene for a while now. I'm thinking of buying some version or variation of the Smith and Wesson model 29 or 629. The last bit of news I heard was that S&W was manufacturing their handguns overseas in Turkey. Can someone please bring me up to date on S&W and the quality of their new guns. I have no interest in alternative revolvers or calibers at this time, so facts are preferred to lobbying. Thanks!

jglsprings · August 13, 2015, 03:34 AM

Well the website says made in USA since 1852. And facilities are listed in Massachusetts and Maine...

I've had good luck with my Model 69 and 60. (New purchases).

The rest will argue about the new build quality.

CajunBass · August 13, 2015, 06:21 AM

If they're made in Turkey, it will be a surprise to the folks in Springfield I'm sure.

I haven't bought a NIB Smith & Wesson in quite some time, but I have bought some of recent vintage. I can't see a thing wrong with them for all the weeping, moaning and gnashing of teeth that goes on. I'm not too crazy about stainless steel which is what most of them are made of these days, but I am being tempted by the new Model 69, and a beautiful new Model 27.

spacecoast · August 13, 2015, 06:39 AM

A friend of mine handled the new models and said the triggers are awful, not up to the older guns at all.

**4V50 Gary** · August 13, 2015, 08:09 AM

Aren't they still made in Springfield, MA?

TimSr · August 13, 2015, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Aren't they still made in Springfield, MA?

I think so, because last i heard, they wee one of those gun companies looking at the possibility of moving to a more gun friendly state.

KEYBEAR · August 13, 2015, 12:35 PM

Son bought a 69 a month ago .
Took less than a week for him to sell it .
Cheap Cheap If you're going to shoot it save your money

old bear · August 13, 2015, 02:28 PM

Smith and Wesson handguns are still made in the good old USA

Sadly their Q.C. is not up to the standards of years gone by. 99% of the guns made today are fine serviceable firearms, but some models do inherent problems, and the hand fitting S&W was famous for is a thing of the past.

On the plus side Smith and Wesson does have excellent customer service, and problems are generally handled fairly and quickly.

Nick_C_S · August 13, 2015, 03:01 PM

I bought all my S&W's new and in the following years: 1983 (629); 1984 (686); 1984 (60); 1986 (686); 2013 (686); 2014 (67); & 2015 (629 - still in my Ca 10-day wait period, so It's only been in my hand once).

I can tell you without doubt that the old ones are better made and with smoother triggers than the new ones.

My 686 from 2013 has a heavy and gritty trigger. But it's still a smooth enough piece to carry - and I do.

My 67 from 2014 had a pretty decent trigger. I say "had" because it has since had trigger work done. It's a sport/play gun and I love it. 11,000 rounds in just 17 months.

My 629 that's sitting at my LGS going through its 10-day wait, seems to have a very heavy, but not gritty trigger. I dry fired it quite a few times at the store. I went real slow and didn't feel grit.

As a side note: it has been my experience that most triggers smooth out with use.

highpower3006 · August 13, 2015, 05:32 PM

Just look for a decent used one. I have a few S&W's and I have yet to buy a new one. If you look around you can find a nice 29 or 629 at a decent price. While the new guns are nice enough, I find I prefer the fit and finish of the older ones.

These are just a few of the previously owned N frame Smiths I have bought over the last couple years. All purchased for much less than the price of a new one.

Driftwood Johnson · August 13, 2015, 07:44 PM

Howdy

Let's see, the last time I bought a brand, spanky new Smith was in 1975.

Model 17-3

Model 19-3

The oldest Smith I own was made in 1863. No. 2 Old Army.

The newest Smith I own was made in 2003. Model 617-6.

I have quite a few made in between too. Are the modern guns as good as the old ones? Define 'old'. I'll bet a donut that with every generation the old guys were saying the current production was not as good as the 'old ones'. Are the triggers on the modern guns 'awful'? Not really, try them yourself, don't rely on what a friend said. That 617 is the only MIM gun I own, and I was surprised how good the trigger is.

Would I buy a current production Smith? Nope. I really do enjoy the craftsmanship involved in the older ones. To me 'older' means pre-1975. I buy 'old' Smiths all the time. Yup, you can probably find a nice 'old' Model 29 for less than a brand, spanky new one and it will probably be nicer.

Are they still made in Springfield? Of course they are.

Duster340 · August 13, 2015, 10:25 PM

Love my new 4" 629 picked it up a few months ago and only have a bit over 1000 rounds through it. If the quality is poor, I sure am not seeing it. It's tight, great trigger and a heck of a shooter. I will buy new again without reservation.

SVTCobra306 · August 13, 2015, 11:09 PM

I've picked up a 629-6 and a 686-6 both in the past year, both TALO models, both shoot and feel great, both made in Springfield, MA. Also have a 66-2 and a 63 no dash, aside from the "Hillary hole" I can't see a big quality difference between the four.

Working at a LGS, I have noticed that some of the stainless S&W's have a tendency to come in with the finish looking sub-par, maybe 1 in 5 end up this way, and we send them back. The non stainless models have been flawless, and the distributor exclusive versions and especially the Performance Center versions always look and work great.

FrankenMauser · August 13, 2015, 11:41 PM

Buy used.

Current production (the last 10+ years) is not up to par. Some years were worse than others....

JERRYS. · August 14, 2015, 09:20 AM

my 629-6 mountain gun is decent but not as nice as my old school 66-2 or 681. the trigger is the main "feel" difference, but it also sounds quite different when opening and closing the cylinder, like a hollow sounding close....

TfflHndn · August 14, 2015, 03:19 PM

I recently bought a Model 57-6 NIB. N-frame, very similar to my old 29-2. Fit seems as good. Finish is not quite as deep and glossy, but is still very good and even. Trigger on the 57 is not quite as glassy smooth, but I only have about 400 rounds thru it so far, and the 29 has a lot more. I really have no complaints about the quality of the new revolver and it shoots great, so what more could I ask?

Nanuk · August 15, 2015, 07:15 PM

Quote:

A friend of mine handled the new models and said the triggers are awful, not up to the older guns at all.

I remember the triggers on the old Smiths from the factory. They sucked then too.

CajunBass · August 17, 2015, 06:11 AM

Quote:

I remember the triggers on the old Smiths from the factory. They sucked then too

.

Well, I don't know if they "sucked" or not, but the old timers said they did compared to their version of the "old stuff." They told me to "get an old ones, the new ones suck" back then too. Now, I didn't know a good trigger from a bad one back then, so I didn't listen.

If you get a new one, shoot it for ten, twenty years, you'll swear the gunsmithing gods touched it and it's always been that way.

And the "new ones" then will suck too.

Jeff #111 · August 31, 2015, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Well, I don't know if they "sucked" or not, but the old timers said they did compared to their version of the "old stuff." They told me to "get an old ones, the new ones suck" back then too. Now, I didn't know a good trigger from a bad one back then, so I didn't listen.

If you get a new one, shoot it for ten, twenty years, you'll swear the gunsmithing gods touched it and it's always been that way.

And the "new ones" then will suck too.

Yes indeed. A perfect bullseye.

jehu · August 31, 2015, 09:12 AM

The most recent one I got is a PC Stealth Hunter and it is pretty much perfect in every way.

sw282 · August 31, 2015, 09:56 PM

l bought a 629 PC HUNTER a couple of years ago with ALL the BAD stuff in it.MIM trigger/hammer.. Hillary hole on the side...lt had the PC tuned action too. After 3500+ rds thru it the trigger is ''ammo tuned'' and is really smooth now.. None of the UGLY MIM parts have failed and that Hillary Hole is yet to be plugged..

BTW... right on the frame it says''Made ln USA''... Same thing as on my 1947 K22

August 13, 2015, 03:34 AM	#2
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	Well the website says made in USA since 1852. And facilities are listed in Massachusetts and Maine... I've had good luck with my Model 69 and 60. (New purchases). The rest will argue about the new build quality. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

August 13, 2015, 06:21 AM	#3
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	If they're made in Turkey, it will be a surprise to the folks in Springfield I'm sure. I haven't bought a NIB Smith & Wesson in quite some time, but I have bought some of recent vintage. I can't see a thing wrong with them for all the weeping, moaning and gnashing of teeth that goes on. I'm not too crazy about stainless steel which is what most of them are made of these days, but I am being tempted by the new Model 69, and a beautiful new Model 27. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

August 13, 2015, 08:09 AM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Aren't they still made in Springfield, MA? __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

August 13, 2015, 03:01 PM	#9
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	I bought all my S&W's new and in the following years: 1983 (629); 1984 (686); 1984 (60); 1986 (686); 2013 (686); 2014 (67); & 2015 (629 - still in my Ca 10-day wait period, so It's only been in my hand once). I can tell you without doubt that the old ones are better made and with smoother triggers than the new ones. My 686 from 2013 has a heavy and gritty trigger. But it's still a smooth enough piece to carry - and I do. My 67 from 2014 had a pretty decent trigger. I say "had" because it has since had trigger work done. It's a sport/play gun and I love it. 11,000 rounds in just 17 months. My 629 that's sitting at my LGS going through its 10-day wait, seems to have a very heavy, but not gritty trigger. I dry fired it quite a few times at the store. I went real slow and didn't feel grit. As a side note: it has been my experience that most triggers smooth out with use. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

August 13, 2015, 11:09 PM	#13
SVTCobra306 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Posts: 434	I've picked up a 629-6 and a 686-6 both in the past year, both TALO models, both shoot and feel great, both made in Springfield, MA. Also have a 66-2 and a 63 no dash, aside from the "Hillary hole" I can't see a big quality difference between the four. Working at a LGS, I have noticed that some of the stainless S&W's have a tendency to come in with the finish looking sub-par, maybe 1 in 5 end up this way, and we send them back. The non stainless models have been flawless, and the distributor exclusive versions and especially the Performance Center versions always look and work great. __________________ Former US Army Paratrooper (1/509th PIR and 2nd BCT 82nd ABN DIV) 2 time OIF Veteran NRA Certified RSO/CRSO NRA Certified Pistol Instructor

August 13, 2015, 01:53 AM	#1
Big Caliber Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2006 Location: S. CA Posts: 421	Where are S&W 44 magnums made these days? Iv'e been out of the gun scene for a while now. I'm thinking of buying some version or variation of the Smith and Wesson model 29 or 629. The last bit of news I heard was that S&W was manufacturing their handguns overseas in Turkey. Can someone please bring me up to date on S&W and the quality of their new guns. I have no interest in alternative revolvers or calibers at this time, so facts are preferred to lobbying. Thanks!

August 13, 2015, 06:39 AM	#4
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	A friend of mine handled the new models and said the triggers are awful, not up to the older guns at all.

August 13, 2015, 12:35 PM	#7
KEYBEAR Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,059	Son bought a 69 a month ago . Took less than a week for him to sell it . Cheap Cheap If you're going to shoot it save your money

August 13, 2015, 02:28 PM	#8
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	Smith and Wesson handguns are still made in the good old USA Sadly their Q.C. is not up to the standards of years gone by. 99% of the guns made today are fine serviceable firearms, but some models do inherent problems, and the hand fitting S&W was famous for is a thing of the past. On the plus side Smith and Wesson does have excellent customer service, and problems are generally handled fairly and quickly.

August 13, 2015, 05:32 PM	#10
highpower3006 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Location: Savannah TN Posts: 1,220	Just look for a decent used one. I have a few S&W's and I have yet to buy a new one. If you look around you can find a nice 29 or 629 at a decent price. While the new guns are nice enough, I find I prefer the fit and finish of the older ones. These are just a few of the previously owned N frame Smiths I have bought over the last couple years. All purchased for much less than the price of a new one.

August 13, 2015, 07:44 PM	#11
Driftwood Johnson Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2014 Location: Land of the Pilgrims Posts: 2,033	Howdy Let's see, the last time I bought a brand, spanky new Smith was in 1975. Model 17-3 Model 19-3 The oldest Smith I own was made in 1863. No. 2 Old Army. The newest Smith I own was made in 2003. Model 617-6. I have quite a few made in between too. Are the modern guns as good as the old ones? Define 'old'. I'll bet a donut that with every generation the old guys were saying the current production was not as good as the 'old ones'. Are the triggers on the modern guns 'awful'? Not really, try them yourself, don't rely on what a friend said. That 617 is the only MIM gun I own, and I was surprised how good the trigger is. Would I buy a current production Smith? Nope. I really do enjoy the craftsmanship involved in the older ones. To me 'older' means pre-1975. I buy 'old' Smiths all the time. Yup, you can probably find a nice 'old' Model 29 for less than a brand, spanky new one and it will probably be nicer. Are they still made in Springfield? Of course they are.

August 13, 2015, 10:25 PM	#12
Duster340 Member Join Date: December 27, 2014 Location: Illinois Posts: 92	Love my new 4" 629 picked it up a few months ago and only have a bit over 1000 rounds through it. If the quality is poor, I sure am not seeing it. It's tight, great trigger and a heck of a shooter. I will buy new again without reservation.

August 13, 2015, 11:41 PM	#14
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Buy used. Current production (the last 10+ years) is not up to par. Some years were worse than others.... __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

August 14, 2015, 09:20 AM	#15
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,968	my 629-6 mountain gun is decent but not as nice as my old school 66-2 or 681. the trigger is the main "feel" difference, but it also sounds quite different when opening and closing the cylinder, like a hollow sounding close....

August 14, 2015, 03:19 PM	#16
TfflHndn Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2013 Location: Gig Harbor WA Posts: 160	I recently bought a Model 57-6 NIB. N-frame, very similar to my old 29-2. Fit seems as good. Finish is not quite as deep and glossy, but is still very good and even. Trigger on the 57 is not quite as glassy smooth, but I only have about 400 rounds thru it so far, and the 29 has a lot more. I really have no complaints about the quality of the new revolver and it shoots great, so what more could I ask?

August 31, 2015, 09:12 AM	#20
jehu Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Posts: 433	The most recent one I got is a PC Stealth Hunter and it is pretty much perfect in every way.

August 31, 2015, 09:56 PM	#21
sw282 Member Join Date: July 19, 2009 Posts: 88	l bought a 629 PC HUNTER a couple of years ago with ALL the BAD stuff in it.MIM trigger/hammer.. Hillary hole on the side...lt had the PC tuned action too. After 3500+ rds thru it the trigger is ''ammo tuned'' and is really smooth now.. None of the UGLY MIM parts have failed and that Hillary Hole is yet to be plugged.. BTW... right on the frame it says''Made ln USA''... Same thing as on my 1947 K22