Description
Let’s cut to it—this isn’t just another .44 Magnum. This is the first of a very small run. The Smith & Wesson Model 629-3 (Serial AST0000) was built for the Alaskan State Troopers and kicked off a numbered run of just 15 revolvers. That rarity alone turns heads; the fact it’s a full-size, full-power N-frame .44 makes collectors salivate.
This one was made to work. All-stainless construction means it laughs at salt, rain, and rough weather—exactly what you want if you’re wearing a uniform in the backcountry. The long, full-length barrel steadies the sight picture and helps tame the bark of the .44, while the rubber grips give you a no-nonsense purchase when recoil tries to argue. It’s big, it hits hard, and it’s built like it matters—because it did.
Beyond the metal and wood (or rubber), provenance is everything—and this revolver has it. Being the first in a tiny, agency-issued run gives it a story most guns never earn. That connection to service use, limited production, and a clear serial pedigree makes this more than a revolver; it’s a documented piece of law-enforcement history.
In hand, it balances like a tool, not a toy. On the mantel or in a safe, it reads like a centerpiece. Whether you’re a collector chasing the rare and meaningful, or someone who respects purpose-built hardware, the Model 629-3 (AST0000) checks every box: scarcity, function, and story.
Want something with character and backbone? This is it.
