Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver Review
Part 2 - What's In The Box
July 8, 2012

The Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver comes boxed as shown below.  When the guy at the gun store handed me the box, I was amazed at how big the box was and how few external markings were on the outside of the box.  None.

 

Figure 1

Actually, the only marking on the box was the standard label showing the critical information related to this firearm such as:

• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
• Model: 629
• Caliber: 44 REM MAG
• Type: Revolver
• Barrel: 7.5"
• SKU: 170318
• Serial Number: CTC9767

Figure 2

After opening the box, it was quickly apparent why the box was so large.  The .44 Magnum Hunter comes with an Allen padded gun case which is probably the standard size case for all the longer barrel lengths for the Performance Center revolvers.  For this revolver, the .44 Magnum Hunter has a 7.5" length barrel and the gun case could probably handle a revolver with a 12" barrel.

Figure 3

The photo below shows the items removed from the box which were:

• .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver still inside the Allen Gun Case
• UTG New Gen 4" Red/Green Dot Sight with Integral Picatinny Mounting Deck
• Gun Lock
• Two Internal Lock Keys
• Fired Case
• Safety & Instruction Manual
• Registration Card
• NRA Pamphlet

Figure 4

Unzipping the case, you can see that the revolver is wrapped in a brown paper wrapper and is tucked into a pocket inside the case.

Figure 5

The photo below give you an idea of the extra length you may have with the case.  I don't see this extra length as an issue and actually the added width you get with the length is needed when you insert the revolver with the red dot sight installed.

Figure 6

These next four photos are intended to document the "as received" condition of the .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver.  Clicking on a photo will bring up a high resolution photo allow you to see the finer details in the photos.   I did find one minor dent in the bottom right side of the third rail slot counting from the rear.  You can see it in Figures 7 & 8 below.  Other than that, it looks in perfect condition.  In the next part of this review I will go over the details and features of the revolver.

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

One thing I want to note on the fired case is that the date of test firing was 6/21/12.  My paperwork shows a ship date of  6/22/12.  Today is 7/8/12.  I don't have any idea on how long it take for S&W to make a Performance Center Revolver, but basically this revolver is about as new as it can get.

Figure 11

Since the UTG sight was packed inside its own box, I thought it prudent to show the "what's in the box" details for this product also.

Figure 12

Inside the UTG Tactical Dot Sight box were:

• UTG SCP-RD40RGW-A 1x30 Red/Green Dot Sight
• Front and Rear Flip Up Lens Caps (on sight)
• Two CR2032 Batteries
• Allen Wrench
• User Manual
• Battery Life Instructions

Figure 13

After doing a quick search on the internet, the sight appears to run for about $38 plus free shipping from Amazon.com.  It was nice for S&W to give you an "out of the box" red dot solution, but my guess is that this sight has a high potential to be replaced with a higher quality optic that may include some magnification.  Ultimately, the sight solution will depend on your use for the revolver.  Those doing longer range still hunting may prefer some zoom, while those planning for close quarters hog hunting may choose the red dot or iron sights.

Figure 14

This next photo gives you a look at the Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver with the UTG red/green dot sight installed.

Figure 15

 

First Impressions

I had high some pretty high expectations for this S&W Performance Center Revolver and my first impressions are that my expectations will be met.  The Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and they have done a nice job with the two tone combination of black and silver finishes.  It comes with a well padded case and a value UTG red dot sight.  All that is needed is a box of cartridges and some range time and you could be ready to hunt for most situations.

For more detailed photos and commentary, make sure you check out the other parts of this review and feel free to leave comments on my Reader's Comments page.  The following links are provided to help you see other parts of this review. 

• Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver Review: Part 1 - Introduction, Specifications and Summary
• Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver Review: Part 2 - What's in the Box (this page)
• Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver Review: Part 3 - External and Operational Features
• UTG 1x30 Tactical Dot Sight
• Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver Review: Part 4 - Range Test

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