Contemplating a 629

[Nightcrawler]

First I had a .45 Colt revolver, then a .41 Mag, then a .45ACP, then a .357...

Folks, it's time Nightcrawler finally got with the program and got himself a .44 Magnum. A good "do all" gun.

I'm not really considering it for a concealed carry piece. Utah is too hot most of the year to wear enough clothing to conceal an N-Frame revolver.

So, I want a 629 .44 Magnum. I'll need to save up money, of course, and some guns that I don't use so much might go to the chopping block to provide funds, but...yeah. It's time I stepped up. I love my 625 and all, but it's weight inefficient for its power levels. The 686+ is a neat revolver, and I like it, but...well, I've always been a big bore guy. I think I'd rather have .357 in a snubby. I don't have much use for a 4" duty type gun in that cartridge.

So, yeah, Nightcrawler needs a 629. Question is...4" or 5"? I must say, I love the look and feel of the 5" full underlug N-Frames, and the 5" 629 Classic would fit the holster I've got for my 625 5".

But the 4" guns are lighter, easier to pack, maybe less easy to shoot well? Faster to draw? Faster on target? Talk to me.

Tell me what you prefer in a .44. Given the choice between the two, a 4" or a 5" tube, which would you choose and why?

Again, not really a CCW piece. A range and field gun mainly (assuming I ever have time to go afield). Don't hunt, but I might. .44 Mag is good for just about anything.

Mainly going to be shooting light loads through it. Those .44 Mag "cowboy" loads, a 240 grain LSWC at 1,100fps seem just about right. And they can be had in bulk for cheap.

So, sell me. 4" or 5", and why?

 

[Ala Dan]

The 4" S&W 629 Mountain Gun may be more popular; but the 5" 629
Classic is a great shooter~!

 

[CSA 357]

i have two 44 mags with 4 inch barrels, 1 44 spec 4 inch, i think you will be happy with the 4 or the 5, i have 2 27s with the 5 inch barrel they shoot so sweet,*csa*

 

[Nightcrawler]

"They're both great..."

Everyone says they're both great.

Okay...which one should I get FIRST then?

I'm leaning towards the 5", but I want to handle a 4" and see how I like it...

 

[Stainz]

When I was offered a replacement for my beloved 629MG earlier this year, I opted for a new 4" 629, as the 629MG's were then out of production. While the 629MG was fine with Ahrends stocks and .44 Russian to Magnum modest loads, it was downright rude with mediocre plus loads... enter those great Hogue .460/.500 Magnum grips. It was then fine even with those 'hot' 180gr UMC's - my standard for recoil pain. The standard 4" 629, so gripped, is even better. That additional 2.5oz over the MG buys you a larger hammer and trigger, as well as the heavier barrel. It looks like the 6" h-l I already had - down to the same Hogue's. It's recoil is a little more, but manageable - with those grips - and more easy to tote.

One downside to the regular 4" 629 - it just doesn't feel as good as the MG with the rounded non-f.g. Ahrends cocobolo stocks. Like the MG, the Hogue's feel fine on the stabdard 4" - but those smaller wood stock stocks that made the MG such a fast grab and feels-right pointer, don't seem to 'work' on the standard 4". I guess I'll watch the S&W site for 'new' MG's... that was a perfect .44 Special!

Stainz

 

[double0757]

What is an inch between friends?

I have a 629 6 1/2" that I used for hiking, camping and fishing for more than 15 years. I found my self thinking twice of taking it in long hikes and also for fishing. It felt heavy after extended use and more uncomfortable for moving around and sitting down on the trail.

A year ago I bought the 329pd 4" and now I don't think twice of taking it with me on all my expeditions. Shoots very well in 44 spl and in 44mag it hurts.

My opinion is that the 8" and 6" barrels are for hunting, the 4" and 5" are for hunting or personal defense in close quarters. Less than 4" is for personal defense only.

I don't think that 2.5 oz or 1" more or less is going to make much of a difference on comfort but will make more of a difference in shooting.

If the gun is going to see more city than country go with the 4". However if is going to be a woods gun go with the 5". I wish S&W would make their 329pd in 5".

Double O