Buying a 629 - need advice

[Boomie]

I've come into some good fortune and have decided to celebrate by buying a S&W 629 (something I've wanted for a long time). The problem is I'm on the fence about a few models. What I'm looking at is the 629 Classic (5"), the 629 4" or a used 629 V-Comp.

From 629 owners - which would you say has the best balance? Is the trigger hugely different between the V-Comp and others? Does the compensator on the V-comp help much? Is there anything else I need to be thinking about?

 

[Hammerdown77]

I have a 5" 629 Classic (a -4, before they went to the MIM hammer/trigger and later the lock) and I can say without a doubt it is one of the best handling sixguns I own. To me, the 5" is perfect.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of them, though. The 629 is an excellent platform for the 44 mag.

 

[Boomie]

Yeah, a 5" -4 has kind of been my dream gun. Congrats on your great shooter!

 

[CraigC]

The 5" Classic is a great general purpose sixgun! If I didn't already have a 4" 629MG and a 6" model 29, a nice 5" Classic would be a must-have.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I have the 4" Mountain Gun and a 5" Classic (-3). The 5" balances, handles, whatever you want to call it, like a dream.

In my opinion, the "compensator" is not necessary with the 629. To me, that's just a marketing tactic, though others may disagree.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

I would avoid a comp.

A .44 Mag is plenty loud enough already without directing more blast up in front of your face.

rc

 

[CraigC]

I agree with the others about the comp. Unnecessary with too many drawbacks. Not the least of which is more recoil projected back into your palm. A DA is already at a disadvantage in that regard.

 

[Sam1911]

Yup, no comp. The .44 Mag just doesn't need it.

I shoot a 4", mostly because that fits my competition needs, but a 5" just might be a hair more perfect. However, since I DON'T want a full underlug, the Classic would be off the table for me. And a 6" is just too danged long unless it's a dedicated hunting gun or range queen.

 

[56hawk]

It kind of depends what you are going to be using it for, and what ammo you will be shooting. I have a 629 Classic with a 6 1/2" barrel and a 629 Mountain Gun with a 4" barrel. The longer heavier barrel really soaks up recoil. You can shoot full power ammo all day without any problems. With the mountain gun after about one cylinder full you're done. From your choices though the 5" Classic is probably the best compromise.

 

[Scipio Africanus]

I carry a 4" 629 almost every day. The handling is wonderful and mine shoots like a laser. As others have said, the 5" might be even better and I am looking to get one soon myself. Avoid the compensated models. Too much noise and concussion for no significant benefit.

 

[hogshead]

I am with the majority onn this one avoid the comp. To loud and right in your face.

 

[Deaf Smith]

I'm quite satisfied with my 629-1 4 inch .44 and 629-2 4 inch Mountain gun.

240 gr half jacket SWHP at 1000 fps is plenty for just about anything.

And if I need more power there is always Buffalo Bore ammo!!

Deaf

 

[john wall]

My 5" 629 Classic is my favorite handgun.

 

[BYJO4]

I think the 5" barrel is the ideal length. I also would not want a compensator on the barrel.

 

[Sam1911]

I would like to see both a 5" pencil barrel (Mountain Gun) and a 5" standard without the underlug. I think one of those would be "it."