My S&W experience started with a new 625-7 MG in .45 Colt - a gift from my wife ($529 then - new.) 9/02. My second S&W was later that month - a 4" 625-8 in .45 ACP (My first with an IL!). My third S&W was a 629MG, it followed my entry into reloading - for .45 Colt. Both MGs were gripped with Ahrends grips, the 629MG getting it's own .500 Magnum grips several years later - when it finally graduated to 'real' Magnums. I replaced it 4/06 with a standard new current production 4" 629-6 and have been much happier. Days later, I swapped a Ruger for another MG - a 625-6 MG - in .45 Colt.

I prefer the standard production 629 to the 629 MG for several reasons. It's OR front and white outline rear sight beat the MG's black/black, according to my 'mature' peepers. Then there is the larger hammer and trigger - I just like them better. The nearly two additional ounces of mass in the production 4" 629 is mostly at the muzzle due to it's non-tapered barrel. The muzzle seems to stay down better - but I never A-B'ed it and the 629MG at the same session. I would prefer a similar stock 625 in .45 Colt - if such existed. It doesn't. I had an opportunity to trade for a used LN 625-6 MG - in .45 Colt - within days of acquiring the production 629 - and did so happily. I love the 625MG in .45 Colt... obviously! It would be my choice in MGs. If I decided that I needed a .44 Magnum 4"-er, however, it'd be a standard production model - easier to find used and available new.

Stainz