So I have been trying to decide between getting a 627 or 629 either one with the four inch barrel. This will be a catch all gun for me. Fun to shoot at range, long enough sight radius, just enough length to burn most of the powder, make a good BUG for hunting, not overly bulky beyond the ability to comfortably carry in a good holster, easy to throw in a backpack, in a holster, etc... I know longer barrel = more velocity and such... I have that and I want the four inch next. My only issue stopping me from snapping up a 627 is the Buck Rogers looking barrel they all come with now in the shorter barrels. I reload .38 / .357 and also .44 special / .44 magnum so that would cover fun or range ammo while still being a viable hunting backup and still useful for defense if needed. So what are highs or lows to a vote one or the other?

Between the two you listed, I'd go 629. You can never have too much gun when you are back packing.

Buck Rogers barrel and all, my 627 Pro is my favorite S&W at the moment. Havent had a 29/629 in years and don't really miss them.



Eight shots of .357. Moon clip ready. Interchangeable front sight. What's not to like?

The "carry" part of your needs makes me want to suggest a 627.

Personally, I like having a big N-Frame .44 Magnum with a long barrel (6" or more), but I don't carry it everyday either.

Probably a 627 for you.

I would opt for the 8 shot S&W627 Pro unless you were in grizzly bear country.

i own both and though i love my 629, my 627 pro is my favorite revolver 8-shots great trigger and alot of fun to shoot.

With the understanding that the mission would be to stop whatever you're shooting at, and the knowledge that bigger bullets make larger holes and penetrate further, I can not in good conscience recommend anything other than the .44.

Add to this the fact that you can download or outright buy factory .44spl, there's no reason other than economy to go with the .357 for light plinking and range time.

I have both, several of each actually, but in my case, I feel more at home shooting the .44 than the .357. Not to say I don't use the .357 as efficiently as the .44, it's more a case of just feeling better tossing mortar balls.

I have been using a 44 Mag as a "woods" gun since 1970.

Since you reload you can vary the ower/recoil of the load from mild to full ower 300+ grain bullets, deending on your need.

Also CCI shotshells work great in the 44 for small game and snakes.

I hate to try to "influence" anyone when discussing calibers - we ALL have different ideas and recoil tolerance.

That said, when push comes to shove, I MUCH prefer something starting with a "4". In this case it is the 629.

Dale53

The OP is in Jax, FL... I have to admit, a .357M would do for anything 4-legged there. For 2-legged, +P 158gr LHPSWC's would do - and you can carry 8 in a moonclip with the 627 Pro - with fast reloads, too. I still like my 4" & 6" 629's - but my 627's, that Pro and the UDR's, will be here when they are gone. Great fun to plink with, too - and frugal - and easy to keep fed when you are away from that home factory.

Now, travel into brown bear/moose areas, that 629 would be a comfort. Where do you plan on hunting - and what are the perils?

Stainz

As much as I like my 27's, if I carry a N-Frame it might as well be a .44

I'm taking the hunter safety class in a few days and would like to stay around the North Florida for deer. From what I am told it wouldn't be impossible to get mauled by feral hogs, get between a gator and the water, or find someone who thinks they want your gun more than you do in the woods. While the likelihood is minimal on all of the above it would still make me feel better to have something in case of catastrophic failure in the main gun. The Scouts molded me to be prepared so sue me if you think this is overkill. Right now I am thinking some red hot loads in a 627 would function for my needs, but there will always be something to be said for carrying a .44 on the hip. Not sure if there would be any difference in the Db on the ears even unless one were to downgrade to specials. I have found one good looking Model 28 that needs some new grips and a new home, but its a little much for a used gun. And stainless is so much easier to care for in the swamp.

Easy: The 8 Shot 627

Mule88...

Your avatar is why I sleep with a gun under my pillow at night. That is one freak-a-delic picture. What the heck is that from???

Since your going to carry this thing as protection from something that might want to harm you, reason would suggest the one that makes a bigger hole.

Well, I've already cast my vote for the .44 mag, but there's a lot to be said for 8 rounds of .357. Especially, if you stoke it with hot 200 gr. loads.

627 or 629?
Today you buy for the ammunition choice (bullet); caliber is almost irrelevant with the power and performance levels of today's engineered ammo when considering SD application. Hunting requires more penetration capability, therefore more bullet inertia, therefore more weight, therefore larger bore.
The .357 Remington Magnum is top of the heap for stopping BGs with limited hunting applications. The 41 & .44 Remington Magnums are hunting cartridges that are suitable for SD if loaded with the correct ammo (165 - 210 grain JHP).
CCW = 627
Hunting or woods gun = 629.
The .357, .41, & .44 magnums operate at about the same ANSI pressures (36,000 - 37,000 p.s.i.) so the real difference is bullet weight and energy transfer on target.
For BG: Complete (500 to 600 ft.lbs of) energy dump in 8.4 to 12.4 inches.
For Hunting: more than BGs with much more penetration.
Proper grips (stocks) are critical for good performance. Choose wisely.
Woodstock7

8 .357's are hard to beat IMHO. For your purposes, I'd be looking seriously at a 327. Big stainless guns get heavy to carry all day. Especially if you are already lugging a rifle around.

Guys...six year old thread....

__________________
No good deed goes unpunished.

Six years old and still relevant.
Smith is still offering 627s and 629s; ammo hasn't changed that much in 6 years; people are still considering the original question of what to buy with limited resources.
S&W revolvers are timeless.
Also, responses address the question or topic, not necessarily as a response to the original (person) question.
I come to this forum for learned opinion, information, and some entertainment. I found this posting interesting.
Woodstock7.

You can always start a new thread...

__________________
No good deed goes unpunished.