Whats the deal with S&W 29/629

[CraigC]

In my opinion the Ruger is built stronger. But is the average shooter going to shoot enough to benifit?

I don't worry about the "average" shooter and just provide enough info for the individual to decide for themselves.

I always figured if I needed a heavier bullet than 240, I was using the wrong cartridge.

Actually, your biggest gains with these cartridges come with bullet weight. The .44Mag is capable of taking just about anything that walks with a simple change of loads. Load it with 240's for whitetail, 300's for elk and moose, or any of the myriad heavier cast or monometal bullets for larger game.

 

[BobWright]

Craig,

This may sound like a dumb question, but those two bullets with the small aperture, do they "whistle" in flight?

I've seen bullets with very small hollow points, and they do "whistle" in flight. Just wonderin'. I haven't heard them when I fire, but when another shooter near me lights one off I've heard the sound.

Bob Wright

 

[MaxP]

Craig,

This may sound like a dumb question, but those two bullets with the small aperture, do they "whistle" in flight?

I've seen bullets with very small hollow points, and they do "whistle" in flight. Just wonderin'. I haven't heard them when I fire, but when another shooter near me lights one off I've heard the sound.

Bob Wright

Not in my experience.

 

[Danoobie]

I've got a new 629. The SRH is a fine gun, but to carry, is just a little too heavy for my taste.
Also don't run the pistol to the point of wearing it out. Target practice, from time to time.
Probably haven't put two whole boxes of ammo thru it, yet.
Ratshot, pest control, it's the other half of my 1894 combo. Shoots very well to POA.

IMO, a .44 is a .44, do you REALLY NEED hot loads, for a caliber like this? For those of
you that do, enjoy the very capable (and somewhat heavy) Ruger SRH.

 

[CraigC]

Not in my experience.

He would know, he's probably had more opportunity to hear a $4 Punch bullet whistle than anybody.

I've got a new 629. The SRH is a fine gun, but to carry, is just a little too heavy for my taste.

There's a difference but in comparing similarly configured guns, it's not huge. The 629 Stealth Hunter is actually heavier.

IMO, a .44 is a .44, do you REALLY NEED hot loads, for a caliber like this? For those of
you that do, enjoy the very capable (and somewhat heavy) Ruger SRH.

It's not really about that. The ability to handle heavy loads is just evidence of its greater strength. The real point is that it will handle a lifetime of full pressure loads without shooting loose. They don't have to be babied.

 

[gspn]

I would most likely feed it 240 grain winchesters (cheapest around here for now).

If you don't reload, then I doubt you'll put enough rounds through a .44 to run into any mechanical problems. They're expensive to feed. I've got a few 29/629's.

I bought a 29-4 with no knowledge of how it was used prior, but it was in great shape and from a collection of great guns. I put a few hundred rounds per year through it and the only issue I've had is the roll pin holding the front site in came loose after the first few months of use. I lost the front site while shooting at the farm and it was crazy how difficult it was to get a replacement. S&W service is not great, but that's a story for another day.

Most of my revolvers are S&W's built from 1950's through the 90's. Occasionally one will have a screw come loose or some part that needs to be tightened up, but nothing major.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

The ability to handle heavy loads is just evidence of its greater strength. The real point is that it will handle a lifetime of full pressure loads without shooting loose. They don't have to be babied.

And that more than anything to me is why I plan to buy a Super Redhawk or Redhawk if I do decide to get a 44 mag. I want the ability to fire heavy nuclear loads. If I'm going to carry a gun that size, why would I not want the ability to fully utilize the cartridge's potential?

 

[CraigC]

...why would I not want the ability to fully utilize the cartridge's potential?

That's the big point. You're able to fully realize the cartridge's potential without fear of hurting the gun. The full menu is available to you, not just the salads.

 

[MidRoad]

I have the opportunity to pick up one of these brand new in box from my LGS. For $999. Msrp is 1399, and sticker said 1199. Thoughts? Rails are removable and stainless plug screws are included.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-629-1

 

[Charliefrank]

I say if you've got the spare cash, go for it. Sounds like a good deal.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I have the opportunity to pick up one of these brand new in box from my LGS. For $999. Msrp is 1399, and sticker said 1199. Thoughts? Rails are removable and stainless plug screws are included.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-629-1

Honestly, I just can't stomach that thing. Look at the 629 Competitor if you want a Smith Performance Center gun that isn't so ugly it could make its mother cry.

I mean no offense. Beauty is in the eye of..... whatever. It's just a damned ugly gun to my eye.

Even though I want a Ruger in 44, I would like a S&W Competitor as a companion to my 686 Competitor.

 

[MidRoad]

Honestly, I just can't stomach that thing. Look at the 629 Competitor if you want a Smith Performance Center gun that isn't so ugly it could make its mother cry.

I mean no offense. Beauty is in the eye of..... whatever. It's just s damned ugly gun to my eye.

Even though I want a Ruger in 44, I would like a S&W Competitor as a companion to my 686 Competitor.

Much slicker without the rails

 

[Charliefrank]

Ruger super Redhawks aren't exactly beauty queens either, but they're still damn nice revolvers. Same with this Smith I suspect

 

[Charliefrank]

I don't worry about the "average" shooter and just provide enough info for the individual to decide for themselves.



Actually, your biggest gains with these cartridges come with bullet weight. The .44Mag is capable of taking just about anything that walks with a simple change of loads. Load it with 240's for whitetail, 300's for elk and moose, or any of the myriad heavier cast or monometal bullets for larger game.

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View attachment 772088

If hunting these monsters I would probably still opt for a 480 or 500. Necessary, perhaps not. But I would feel better

 

[MidRoad]

If hunting these monsters I would probably still opt for a 480 or 500. Necessary, perhaps not. But I would feel better

Idk. Every pic I've seen on this forum of Craig with a critter he has had that same look on his face. Pretty sure he could carry a .22 handgun,give that buffalo (or whatever it's is) "the look" and It would probably just keel over dead for him.

 

[Intox]

I have the opportunity to pick up one of these brand new in box from my LGS. For $999. Msrp is 1399, and sticker said 1199. Thoughts? Rails are removable and stainless plug screws are included.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-629-1

It's a good deal, and worse case you can always flip it to someone at $100 under MSRP to give them a deal and make you a quick bill on top.

You're mainly wanting this gun for hunting, correct? Not to sound like a pompous ass who knows everything, because I don't...but if I may?

I've got rifles with optics, red dots, optic/dot combos. ARs, bolt action, semi-auto hunting rifles, ect. But I have one AR that is a straight carrying handle peep sight with an A2 front sight aperture, and any rifle I would actually hunt with are all iron sights. The reason is based on something y Grandaddy told me when I was a kid. And that was, "The more bells and whistles you put on something, the more things that can go wrong or break at the worst time". Point being, and this is purely me and my personal opinion (so feel free to tell me to go fornicate myself...lol), if you want it for hunting....keep it as simple as you can.

 

[MidRoad]

It's a good deal, and worse case you can always flip it to someone at $100 under MSRP to give them a deal and make you a quick bill on top.

You're mainly wanting this gun for hunting, correct? Not to sound like a pompous ass who knows everything, because I don't...but if I may?

I've got rifles with optics, red dots, optic/dot combos. ARs, bolt action, semi-auto hunting rifles, ect. But I have one AR that is a straight carrying handle peep sight with an A2 front sight aperture, and any rifle I would actually hunt with are all iron sights. The reason is based on something y Grandaddy told me when I was a kid. And that was, "The more bells and whistles you put on something, the more things that can go wrong or break at the worst time". Point being, and this is purely me and my personal opinion (so feel free to tell me to go fornicate myself...lol), if you want it for hunting....keep it as simple as you can.

KISS , is always a good thing to live by. The reason I was interested in the PC model is the rail let's easy mounting of a scope (low power such as 2x in my case),without having to remove the rear sights completely like on the standard 629 or 29. So for me it's between the PC 629 and a super Redhawk. I may just pick up the PC and reserve the SRH for a .480 or .454 in the future

 

[Blkhrt13]

I love my trail boss. I don’t shoot it as much as I’d like because it costs too much to burn lead. But I’ve had no complaints.

 

[Intox]

KISS , is always a good thing to live by. The reason I was interested in the PC model is the rail let's easy mounting of a scope (low power such as 2x in my case),without having to remove the rear sights completely like on the standard 629 or 29. So for me it's between the PC 629 and a super Redhawk. I may just pick up the PC and reserve the SRH for a .480 or .454 in the future

I got you.

Honestly, my main reason for following and trying to be involved with the conversation is because I've never hunted with a pistol before, nor do I know anything relating to it. So my comments are best taken as something with a bit of a curious tone if that makes sense. I grew up in North Mississippi, and the only times I knew of people taking a pistol hunting was people hog hunting and having a large caliber pistol as a backup to their rifle in case things unexpectedly got up close and personal.

Are there specific seasons for certain game with pistol only? Or is it more of a 'test of skill" thing? I can make a 100 yard shot with my 686 6", but that is with a bench rest and taking a very patient shot. So I can definitely see where it'd be a test of one's shooting ability. I'm sorry for the newbish clatter...but I'm honestly curious.

 

[MidRoad]

I got you.

Honestly, my main reason for following and trying to be involved with the conversation is because I've never hunted with a pistol before, nor do I know anything relating to it. So my comments are best taken as something with a bit of a curious tone if that makes sense. I grew up in North Mississippi, and the only times I knew of people taking a pistol hunting was people hog hunting and having a large caliber pistol as a backup to their rifle in case things unexpectedly got up close and personal.

Are there specific seasons for certain game with pistol only? Or is it more of a 'test of skill" thing? I can make a 100 yard shot with my 686 6", but that is with a bench rest and taking a very patient shot. So I can definitely see where it'd be a test of one's shooting ability. I'm sorry for the newbish clatter...but I'm honestly curious.

I'm just getting into handgun hunting myself. My reason being is the area I hunt. It is extremely thick with second growth. It's a 1200 area land lease that was logged a few years back. Some spots selective cut,while other clear cut. Lots of briars hemlock swamps , heavy cover, and lots of elevation change to boot. Most shots are bow range. My one tree stand has a 100 yard shooting lane, but the deer tend to skirt around it lately.the few big clearings (150 yards across) that we're open 3 years ago have grown in and you can't see more than 50 yards in them. When not in the stand and stalking through the heavy stuff, even my Tikka which is light but isn't very long can be cumbersome. So I have decided to get more into handgun hunting because it makes it much easier to get around and most shots are relatively close, so a rifle is not needed if I do my part.

As for seasons here in NY you can use a handgun whenever rifle season is open. Not during bow or muzzle loader. I'm not even allowed to carry any centerfire handgun in the woods during bow/muzzle loader season. But each state is different . Some states require a minimum barrel length or muzzle energy. Would have to check your local regulations.

 

[Intox]

I'm just getting into handgun hunting myself. My reason being is the area I hunt. It is extremely thick with second growth. It's a 1200 area land lease that was logged a few years back. Some spots selective cut,while other clear cut. Lots of briars hemlock swamps , heavy cover, and lots of elevation change to boot. Most shots are bow range. My one tree stand has a 100 yard shooting lane, but the deer tend to skirt around it lately.the few big clearings (150 yards across) that we're open 3 years ago have grown in and you can't see more than 50 yards in them. When not in the stand and stalking through the heavy stuff, even my Tikka which is light but isn't very long can be cumbersome. So I have decided to get more into handgun hunting because it makes it much easier to get around and most shots are relatively close, so a rifle is not needed if I do my part.

As for seasons here in NY you can use a handgun whenever rifle season is open. Not during bow or muzzle loader. I'm not even allowed to carry any centerfire handgun in the woods during bow/muzzle loader season. But each state is different . Some states require a minimum barrel length or muzzle energy. Would have to check your local regulations.

Ahhh.

I'll tell you an old redneck trick to hunting cut over land like that. Take you an empty milk jug and fill it about 1/3 with gravel, tie a rope to it and the other end to your belt loop. Run it over your shoulder so it bangs on your back with your steps. That and a good shotgun with buckshot makes that kind of land a lot easier to hunt. I imagine you can do it with a pistol to, which if you do...and you get one...that is major man points.

What kind of Tikka are you hunting with if you don't mind me asking? I'm not familiar with the brand (meaning you just educated me on something. Thanks) and had to google it. I only ask because the land you're describing seems best fit for either a shotgun or a "brush" rifle (.30-.30, .44 magnum, .45-.70). I have to be honest though, back when I hunted pretty religiously had someone put the notion to use a handgun for cut over land in my head I can see where I'd come to the same conclusion as you have.

 

[MidRoad]

Ahhh.

I'll tell you an old redneck trick to hunting cut over land like that. Take you an empty milk jug and fill it about 1/3 with gravel, tie a rope to it and the other end to your belt loop. Run it over your shoulder so it bangs on your back with your steps. That and a good shotgun with buckshot makes that kind of land a lot easier to hunt. I imagine you can do it with a pistol to, which if you do...and you get one...that is major man points.

What kind of Tikka are you hunting with if you don't mind me asking? I'm not familiar with the brand (meaning you just educated me on something. Thanks) and had to google it. I only ask because the land you're describing seems best fit for either a shotgun or a "brush" rifle (.30-.30, .44 magnum, .45-.70). I have to be honest though, back when I hunted pretty religiously had someone put the notion to use a handgun for cut over land in my head I can see where I'd come to the same conclusion as you have.

Tikka t3x chambered in 7mm-08,topped with a Leupold 2.5-8x scope. Barrel is 22.5", so longer than I'd like for where I hunt. Great rifles ,light,accurate, reliable. Owned by sako or the same people that own sako. Barrels supposedly made in the same factory as sako too. Pretty much a budget sako rifle.

I have a marlin 30-30 but she's been giving me issues so I haven't been taking it in the woods. If the handgun hunting doesn't work out the way I want. I'm going to grab a Ruger American compact in .308. I have a spare Weaver 1-3x scope I took off the 30-30 that I could stick on it. The american compacts are really short and great handling rifles for what you pay. Had a 45-70 trapper length (16.25" barrel) a few years back but sold it to fund an ar15 project. The lever guns are nice. But new bolt actions are lighter ,and the compact/ youth model bolts handle just as slick as a lever gun in thick stuff. As far as shooting through brush yea the .45-70 MAY deflect less than my 7mm-08, but I do try to take clear shots and not hammer through a bush or branches.but it's hunting and crap happens like unseen branches. But still prefer the bolt action.

 

[Intox]

Tikka t3x chambered in 7mm-08,topped with a Leupold 2.5-8x scope. Barrel is 22.5", so longer than I'd like for where I hunt. Great rifles ,light,accurate, reliable. Owned by sako or the same people that own sako. Barrels supposedly made in the same factory as sako too. Pretty much a budget sako rifle.

I have a marlin 30-30 but she's been giving me issues so I haven't been taking it in the woods. If the handgun hunting doesn't work out the way I want. I'm going to grab a Ruger American compact in .308. I have a spare Weaver 1-3x scope I took off the 30-30 that I could stick on it. The american compacts are really short and great handling rifles for what you pay. Had a 45-70 trapper length (16.25" barrel) a few years back but sold it to fund an ar15 project. The lever guns are nice. But new bolt actions are lighter ,and the compact/ youth model bolts handle just as slick as a lever gun in thick stuff. As far as shooting through brush yea the .45-70 MAY deflect less than my 7mm-08, but I do try to take clear shots and not hammer through a bush or branches.but it's hunting and crap happens like unseen branches. But still prefer the bolt action.

Do you have or have access to a 12 gauge shotgun? We always used shotguns for cut over land like you're describing. More so sing the milk jug because you'll jump them up while walking it. I've just seen more deer killed with shotguns than rifles, that's why I ask.

That a nice rifle. I'm going to have to ask my local dealer if he has one...got me curious.

LOL....if you were closer, I'd glady offer you your pick of which firearm to use in exchange for one of the tenderloins. And I understand the bolt action affair, and can respect the skill they take to use. Especially after the first shot. I've got a .30-.30, .44 mag, and .45-.70 all by Marlin and am hoping to get a .357 magnum Marlin sometime this coming year. And honestly? If I was hunting the land you're describing and was using a rifle, I'd take the .44 mag. I say that because I find it ironic that while I say it's just odd/different to me thinking of trying to hunt cut over with a pistol, the irony comes in with the fact that you're talking about using the exact same caliber I would...lol.

Full disclosure though, I know some people use the term brush gun to mean you can shoot through tree branches and bushes. But I use it to mean a somewhat heavy round fired from a shortened lever action for hunting in short range foliage terrain. Not meaning to imply shooting through high brush areas where you can't see, but more of any wayward growth that might be between you and your target won't have as much chance to affect the round's flight. Mostly because I think you're like me, in that I don't shoot at something in the hopes I'll hit it. When I was about 5 I took my pellet gun "bird hunting", and killed several random birds. I showed them to my dad who promptly put his belt to my ass, and explained the concept of shooting for food and never for entertainment. I've never fired a round at anything since that I either planned to eat or it was a continuing detriment to something of value (garden, other animals, ect). As well as never firing unless I knew I was going to kill it. Can't stand the thought of wounding the hell out of some animal because I was lazy.

 

[If1HitU]

This is simply untrue. The N-frame was designed mild cartridges over 100yrs ago. They could not fathom what the gun would eventually be asked to do. It was only later adapted to the .44Mag cartridge and they still had no idea what the guns would be put through or if they'd even sell. Luckily, not that many shooters put too many rounds through them because it's not exactly a pleasant experience at first. However, there are still a good many shooters that took to it and do a lot more shooting than they might have anticipated. Handgun hunters and silhouette shooters are the two biggest groups. The silhouette shooters in particular discovered the S&W's shortcomings. They found that after a few thousand full power loads, they started loosening up. Enter Bill Ruger. When the .44Mag was introduced, he had already designed a new single action revolver that completely eliminated all of the Colt SAA's flaws. All they had to do is scale it up. S&W just adapted a 60yr old design. When Ruger decided to design a double action, he had over 70yrs of accumulated wisdom and set out to eliminate all the known weaknesses in the existing designs. That's exactly what he did. So to state that "they're the same" is to ignore a whole bunch of facts.

For all intents and purposes, the Redhawk and Super Redhawk are the same as far as strength. They use the same cylinders and are equally strong. So I'm going to refer to them interchangeably.

In reality, the Ruger is significantly stronger than the S&W. Yes, the frame is beefore and it is cast but it is also stronger. Heard any reports of Rugers stretching? My gunsmith has rebuilt several of his own 29's and countless others. Fact is, the S&W frame is left soft to be slapped back into shape with a lead babbitt. The Ruger is beefier in the crane and at the frame where the crane interfaces it. S&W weaknesses. The Ruger has no sideplate, probably the biggest S&W flaw they eliminated. The Ruger has a larger barrel shank, another S&W weakness. The Ruger has a larger cylinder, which is why we have 50,000psi loads for the .45's, while S&W is limited to less than half that. The Ruger design was also adapted to the .454 and .480 cartridges with SIX SHOT cylinders, with a simple change of the alloy used. The Ruger has been converted to cartridges like the .454Casull, .475Linebaugh, .500Linebaugh and .500JRH. Not possible in the S&W. The Ruger's bolt notches are between the chambers, where S&W's are directly over them. This is the weakest point in any revolver cylinder, another S&W weakness eliminated. Ruger DA's have been "triple locks" since their inception. S&W eliminated that feature a long time ago. The Ruger lockwork is also much more robust. I've had to sell S&W's that were too worn out to fix. Ever hear of a Ruger in that shape?

Yes, the length plays a part and that is an important advantage to the Ruger. These loads don't have a prayer of fitting a S&W cylinder. The Buffalo Bore load on the left is a 340gr at nearly 1500fps. You don't get there without 50,000psi and that load would never be safe in a S&W. The Ruger eats them like candy.

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I loves me some S&W's but I also accept their limitations.

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Those three S&W's are some beautiful revolvers CraigC. And I love the grips too.

 

[hq]

Interesting thread. So, what would be the verdict? We're in a somewhat similar situation as OP, choosing a hunting revolver for my son and while a Colt Anaconda like mine would be ideal, they've become virtually impossible to find locally and they're rare even on egun.de. 629 is a top contender because of ergonomics and personal preference and the accumulating round count won't be substantial, but possibility of shooting hotter (not crazy, Redhawk-hot, though) loads without damaging the gun is a consideration. The biggest game it'll be taking is in eland/elk -category and it'll also double as a sidearm in DG hunts.