S&W 629 Backpacker

[Ruger44mag]

Hey guys Iv got a question. A friend of mine bought a Smith and Wesson 629 Backpacker 44 mag for bear protection when hiking. He asked me the other day I he could shoot big buffalo bore ammo though it. On the Buffalo Bore web sight they say for there biggest loads which are (340gr +p) you definitely CANNOT use that load in S&W revolvers. The lower pressure loads just say that the gun has to be steel. S&W doesn’t have a listing on there web sight for the 629 backpacker since it is an older model (I guess) so I can’t find out what the frame material is. I have looked all over the internet but couldn’t find anything on it. So my question is, does anyone know if it is a steel frame gun?

Thanks for the help.

Ps. Here is a picture of what it looks like.

http://picturearchive.auctionarms.com/1215111138/8864542/shgsp7ptrd79.jpg_thumbnail1.jpg

 

[Baba Louie]

629 will be steel (stainless of course). The 329 is the super lightweight stuff. I'd contact ammo mfg and ask them directly, but you should be good to go.

 

[Zundfolge]

Its steel. In S&W numbering a number starting in "6" means stainless steel. If it was alloy it would start with a "3".

 

[Ruger44mag]

Ok thanks guys that answers my question!

 

[MachIVshooter]

On the Buffalo Bore web sight they say for there biggest loads which are (340gr +p) you definitely CANNOT use that load in S&W revolvers.

The N frame can take the pressure. It's the shorter cylinder that makes them unable to use BB's super heavy loads. The Redhawk/SRH have a longer cylinder.

 

[Burt Blade]

I am quoting the Buffalo Bore web site:

We get hundreds of emails asking if this load can be fired in S&W revolvers or some firearm other than what is in the above list. The answer is NO.

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=54

Please do not ignore the manufacturer's statement NOT to use this ammunition in a Smith & Wesson. It is NOT safe to do so.

 

[BCRider]

I seriously doubt it's the cylinder LENGTH that governs the ability to use the Buffalo Bore loads. The wall thickness of the cylinder and the strength of the frame to contain the energy is far more important.