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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #1  
Old 12-18-2010, 04:13 AM
fighter62 fighter62 is offline
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Default 57 VS 29-2

I saw some posts on 41 vs 44 magnum.

In this one I would like to compare them in two specific revolvers. Four inch 29-2 ( late 70's) and four inch 57 no dash.

Also ammo used is only factory. No reloading.
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Old 12-18-2010, 04:30 AM
Gun 4 Fun Gun 4 Fun is offline
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The results in this one will be even more in favor of the .41 due to the lighter weight of both guns.
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Old 12-18-2010, 08:41 AM
Fkimble Fkimble is offline
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A 57 will always be a little heavier than a 29 of same barrel link. But when you start talking factory ammo only, it becames a win for the 44mag. I am a 41 fan, going back to a 57 no dash bought new way back when, plus a few others over the years. Either one is great if you handload.
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Old 12-18-2010, 11:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fkimble View Post
A 57 will always be a little heavier than a 29 of same barrel link. But when you start talking factory ammo only, it becames a win for the 44mag. I am a 41 fan, going back to a 57 no dash bought new way back when, plus a few others over the years. Either one is great if you handload.

I believe he is still asking about durability issues between the two that he asked in his other thread.

If I misunderstood the question this time, then yes, availability of .44 ammo makes it the clear winner.
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Old 12-18-2010, 12:30 PM
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In my opinion, they are very close so either would be a good choice. As you don't reload, the .44 is a better choice due to the wide choice of compatible ammunition.
I have a 29-2 I bought new and have put probably 10,000 rounds through it. Later, I fired a friend's new 57. Very impressive. If I had a do-over, I believe Id choose a 57, but I DO reload.
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Old 12-18-2010, 02:42 PM
fighter62 fighter62 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gun 4 Fun View Post
I believe he is still asking about durability issues between the two that he asked in his other thread.

If I misunderstood the question this time, then yes, availability of .44 ammo makes it the clear winner.
You are very close.
I am asking how they compare as a self defense carry gun .

In the woods , on the street , at home etc.

WIN 175 STHP is VERY easy to shoot in a 57 with a 4 inch barrel and yet is a great load for protection.
Is there a great defense 44 mag factory load that is JUST as easy to shoot in a four inch 29?
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Old 12-18-2010, 03:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fighter62 View Post
You are very close.
I am asking how they compare as a self defense carry gun .

In the woods , on the street , at home etc.

WIN 175 STHP is VERY easy to shoot in a 57 with a 4 inch barrel and yet is a great load for protection.
Is there a great defense 44 mag factory load that is JUST as easy to shoot in a four inch 29?
Yep.
That would be the equivalent 210 grain Silvertip loading for the .44 mag.
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Old 12-18-2010, 03:11 PM
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I suggest the .44 because of the larger selection of off the shelf ammunition choices. It is easier to find a mid-range load in .44, (.44 special) which will be better suited to self defense. Remember, the main reason the .41 never caught on with the police, was the lack of a mid range self defense load.

If I were looking for a large bore self defense revolver I would look at a model 625 (.45 ACP). They can be had in barrel lengths of 3, 4, and 5 inches, and the .45ACP is specifically a self defense round. Lots of good self defense choices out there, Hornady TAP, or Speer Gold Dots, and many others. If you ever had to use the .41 or .44 with magnum loads in a self defense situation the muzzle blast and noise would be a major drawback. If that self defense situation took place indoors, the noise and blast would be much worse. Unless you are in big bear country, the 625 would also work well as a woods gun.
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Old 12-18-2010, 03:52 PM
GF1 GF1 is offline
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Model 57 all the way - the .41 is the perfect size for the N frame; .44 (.429 actually) is somewhat small for a steady diet of .44 Magnum ammunition.

Get a 57, then go all the way and load for it. You'll be part of a happy cult. You might also be inclined toward that best of all shotgun gauges, the 16, and the 7x57 in rifle calibers, once you step down the road in caliber cults.
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Old 12-19-2010, 03:23 AM
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Since you ask, my opinion would be for the 29. I'd be happy with a 57, but would prefer a 29. You specified factory ammo, and the choices in .44 Mag are much greater than .41. Also, as far as durability goes, you probably aren't going to be able to afford to wear any revolver out shooting factory ammo. And if you can, you can probably afford a new gun.
Chris
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  #11  
Old 12-19-2010, 03:59 AM
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no contest...the 29. Betcha you can go anywhere in the world (almost) and find 44 ammo. I know a LOT of local shops that dont have any 41.
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Old 12-19-2010, 03:23 PM
Smithboomer Smithboomer is offline
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I love my Model 57, but I reload. For a non-reloader the Model 29 is the only way to go.
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Old 12-20-2010, 09:22 AM
4inch357 4inch357 is offline
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I'm a 41 fan myself, but if you aren't reloading I'll go with the 44 as well.
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  #14  
Old 12-21-2010, 07:30 PM
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I carry a 3" 657 loaded with Speer Gold Dot's in 210 grains in the winter (for large or heavily clothed criminals) and it was my outdoor revolver for years. I have seen the results from taking a few deer down with that round and a 4" and 6" 57 and was/am thoroughly impressed. An average sized deer is close to the same body weight as a man so that is the extent of my scientific data as I have luckily never had to shoot another human being. Recoil is stout but is manageable with a good grip and practice. I want my rounds to penetrate so I can put two holes to speed up the bleeding process, both on an animal and someone intent on doing me harm. Recoil is very similar to the short barreled 240 grain .44 loads. I feel very well armed with the round and weapon.

To clarify the overpenetration subject just about any premium SD ammo will penetrate clear through and then some on a human on a frontal shot. You are not always afforded that luxury of that perfect shot when defending yourself and that .41 mag Gold Dot will do its job.

I'll keep on buying .41 ammo (for self defense) which is avialable online and in some gun shops and keep reloading till my fingers fall off for my .41 mags. Been down the .44 road and enjoy the .41 much more so looks like I'm in the minority here. It's all in the right bullet and load to do everything you need a large bore revolver to do in North America.

Even if you don't reload you need some deep pockets to shoot em both. A good supply of 210 gr, LSWC's and a can of Unique will keep you shooting at the range and in the woods for a long time.


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Last edited by Sportsterguy; 12-21-2010 at 08:19 PM.
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  #15  
Old 12-22-2010, 05:15 AM
Jimmymac46 Jimmymac46 is offline
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It you find yourself reloading at some point, which I expect you will given the cost of factory ammo, the 44 will still be the better choice in my view. The range of bullets....from 180 grain to over 300......provides you a far greater variety of loads. While I totally agree with others here that the 41 is a great choice, the lack of available components, brass, and bullet choices will only get worse as time passes. That alone makes the 44 magnum the most practically choice.
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44 magnum, 45acp, 657, cartridge, hornady, model 29, model 57, model 625

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