SS Backpacker 44 mag

[45north]

  This summer I bought this 629-5 44 mag. it has a 2.5 inch brl. It has laser eching on the cylinder of several grizzly paw prints, a griz head of the frame and the name backpacker on the barrel. The sights are hi-vis type with a v-groove in the rear. Can someone tell me if this is a custom shop item, a special run or just a standard production item.

  Thanks for the help

[gunblade]

Might be worth a call to Smith & Wesson...they can tell you all about your gun from the serial number. 

[teamnelson]

You could also swing over to http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php and ask around. Good luck, sounds like a nice gun!

[45north]

Thanks for the replies,

  Good advice, that's what I did. S&W said it was a special run. I was hoping someone might have personal experience on this weapon, but maybe not.

  Thanks

[rawhidekid]

S&W used to sell a three inch mag-na-ported .44 Mag as the Backpacker.  It was SS, had a unfluted cylinder and a Bears head on the right sidepanel.  I used to tease customers and tell them it was a true suvival gun, hold a hotdog over the vents and cook it with one shot.   It was a sweet shooting handgun with full power loads.  Only the price kept me from owning one.