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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 07-14-2010, 09:46 AM
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Model 29 four inch vs. six inch barrel. Model 29 four inch vs. six inch barrel. Model 29 four inch vs. six inch barrel. Model 29 four inch vs. six inch barrel. Model 29 four inch vs. six inch barrel.  
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Default Model 29 four inch vs. six inch barrel.

I am in process of getting a 29-3 with six inch barrel. I have a four inch Model 19 and like how it handles and carries in holster. Please give opinions on difference in shooting and carrying the 29 in four inch vs six inch. With proper belt holster for field carry will I notice the difference. How about recoil difference. I will not be shooting many full power loads.
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Old 07-14-2010, 10:21 AM
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Like most would expect, the carrying qualities of the 4 inch gun are the better of the two, while the shooting qualities of the 6 inch gun are better. With Magnum ammo, the recoil and muzzle blast differences are usually pretty apparent for most of us. Whether it would be heavy and tedious to carry around will depend on your holster choice and your physical build.
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Old 07-14-2010, 11:44 AM
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The 4" is great for carrying and shooting, the 6" not quite as good at carrying and is better at shooting. I think either will do you well in a field holster. If you plan on doing any hunting with it, the 6" wins. I would just get both.
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Old 07-14-2010, 12:04 PM
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The biggest difference for me is in carrying them. Nothing is more aggrovating to me that to get in my truck with a 6" gun and have to adjust it around so it's not trying to act like a kickstand on me. Kinda nit-pickie, but it's still bothersome. Not enough to keep me from using them from time to time, but unless your hunting, I would think the 4" would be the best bet. Unless you follow seneaap's advice and get both.
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Old 07-14-2010, 02:03 PM
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with the 6" go with a shoulder holster...best of both worlds
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Old 07-14-2010, 02:53 PM
brian45auto brian45auto is offline
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the only correct is answer, is to get both.
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Old 07-14-2010, 03:43 PM
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Hi:
In the past I have carried both barrel lengths for a service revolver.
Depending on the holster both can be comfortable to carry. My perferred service holster was a "Jordan Style" Border patrol holster. For this style carry a four inch barrel works some what better but I did not find a six inch barrel troublesome. I used a high ride Berns-Martin front break holster also which was great drawing sitting down. If not on duty a vertical shoulder holster or high ride belt holster would work.
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Old 07-14-2010, 08:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kennyb View Post
with the 6" go with a shoulder holster...best of both worlds
+1

The best way I have found to carry a 6" gun is with a shoulder holster. Then you can pack a 4" on the hip at the same time.
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Old 07-15-2010, 01:33 AM
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I have used both a 4" and a 6.5" Model 29 as a duty gun, an off duty gun, and a field/hunting gun. I have shot the 6" Mod 29 a bunch as well.

As others have said the 4" is an easier carry...

However, I find that with the same full power 44 Mag ammo, the 6 and 6.6" guns seem to kick less than half as much.

They are much more plesant to shoot. Much More IMHO.

Now "claiming" that, I carry a 4" all the time in the field, but I am considering starting to use my old original 29 dash 2 more...

I started carrying it the second half of my Rookie year, and it does have some fond memories.

It has been tuned up a couple of times but it is still a tack driver...

I think for your first 44 Mag a 6" S&W is a great choice.
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Old 07-15-2010, 11:02 AM
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To throw a monkey wrench in the works........

I have a 6.5 inch and a 4 inch and find the recoil about the same, with the same ammo.

Carrying...obviously the 4" is better for carry.
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Old 07-15-2010, 01:28 PM
Sixgun Southpaw Sixgun Southpaw is offline
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My only gun right now is a 29-10 4 inch. I ccw it a lot in a milt sparks ss2. I've also shot it at 200m and 250yrd ranges with great results. I don't think it kicks much more than the 29-2 8 3/8 I had. Hope that helps.
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Old 03-30-2012, 10:58 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidenorth View Post
Please give opinions on difference in shooting and carrying the 29 in four inch vs six inch. How about recoil difference. I will not be shooting many full power loads.

Recoil? The 29 just feels good in any length. The Ruger Alaskan with .454
caliber, that recoil is harsh.
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Old 03-30-2012, 02:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kennyb View Post
with the 6" go with a shoulder holster...best of both worlds
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj View Post
Hi:
In the past I have carried both barrel lengths for a service revolver.
Depending on the holster both can be comfortable to carry. My perferred service holster was a "Jordan Style" Border patrol holster. For this style carry a four inch barrel works some what better but I did not find a six inch barrel troublesome. I used a high ride Berns-Martin front break holster also which was great drawing sitting down. If not on duty a vertical shoulder holster or high ride belt holster would work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jubela#4 View Post
+1

The best way I have found to carry a 6" gun is with a shoulder holster. Then you can pack a 4" on the hip at the same time.
These three posts best reflect my own opinion. I've used and carried a 4", 6.5", and an 8 3/8" for different purposes over three decades. The holster choice for each length is the key to carry comfort and accessibility. Actually, shoulder holsters would be my choice for all three barrel lengths with the large N frames.

For me the muzzle blast from the shorter barrels is significant and of more concern than carry comfort or recoil. If only one 44 Mag is in your future I'd suggest the 6/6.5 barrel length would be my choice.
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Old 03-30-2012, 03:50 PM
fishcreekrim fishcreekrim is offline
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My choice with all those factors considered is to go 5", you might need to go to a 629 to get there. JMHO/YMMV
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Old 03-30-2012, 04:24 PM
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I think you have it right. 6" for the N frame and 4" for the K. That gives you the advantages of both; recoil in the 44, and carry for the 38/357.
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Old 03-30-2012, 04:44 PM
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No one has mentioned an across-the-chest holster,for hunting of course. I'm on a 4-wheeler a good bit and have found this type of holster very comfortable and out of my way when riding. Still,I employ an old Bianchi X-15 shoulder rig for the longer 8 3/8" bbl.
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Old 03-30-2012, 04:45 PM
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Nothing prettier than a 4 inch N frame, imo.
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Old 03-30-2012, 05:43 PM
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The obvious answer is to get a 5 incher.
Carries like a 4, shoots like a 6.
Wait a sec...
Maybe its "carries like a 6 and shoots like a 4"?
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Old 03-30-2012, 06:18 PM
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If I'm not mistaken the 4" 29 was the favorite of the Great Elmer Keith who reportedly made accurate "humane" kills with it at distances up to 400 yards. So if carry style is your only concern a nice field holster on the belt should be fine, and accuracy between barrel lengths is all up to the shooter in the long run.
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Old 03-30-2012, 07:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cornfed83 View Post
If I'm not mistaken the 4" 29 was the favorite of the Great Elmer Keith who reportedly made accurate "humane" kills with it at distances up to 400 yards. So if carry style is your only concern a nice field holster on the belt should be fine, and accuracy between barrel lengths is all up to the shooter in the long run.
I agree cornfed83. My favorite 629 is the Mountain Gun, which is a 4 incher. In a combat or adrenaline flooded hunting situation the muzzle blast and recoil of the weapon are hardly noticed. The ease of carry in the woods, or especially while seated in an auto, WILL be noticed every time you CCW or hunt...
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Old 03-30-2012, 10:28 PM
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My 4" 624 shoots better than the 6.5" 624. I have always had
the thought to make the latter into a 5" with other improvements
to help it's accuracy.

Having said that, the 6" 629 does shoot better than the 4"
Mountain Revolver. The 7.5" Redhawk shoots better than either
of those but is a beast to carry. I use a HUSH cross chest rig.

...Nemo...
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Old 03-30-2012, 11:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krehmkej View Post
The obvious answer is to get a 5 incher.
Carries like a 4, shoots like a 6.
Wait a sec...
Maybe its "carries like a 6 and shoots like a 4"?
What he said....I think.
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Old 03-30-2012, 11:42 PM
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4" for all-around shooting, carry, etc.
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Old 03-31-2012, 12:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colkid View Post
Recoil? The 29 just feels good in any length. The Ruger Alaskan with .454
caliber, that recoil is harsh.
I'm glad to read this. I left the range after sighting in my Ruger Alaskan 454 shaking my head and wondering if the feared grizzly attack might be the lesser evil. Actually, I was careful about shaking my head, because every time I would touch off a round (sissy two hand hold) the piece would come back and kiss my right temple, and there was nothing I could do about it. To the credit of the piece, however, the grizzly I saw while fly fishing in Ak must have been frightened by the holstered Alaskan, as he stayed well away. Might have been the aroma of fresh urine, can't be sure. Oh, sorry, to the thread, I have a 6.5 inch 29 and its recoil is ok.
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Old 03-31-2012, 03:10 AM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
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So David, which one did you get???
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Old 03-31-2012, 04:25 PM
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To me, the key is the davidenorth's last sentence - 'I will not be shooting many full power loads.'

I would respectfully suggest the 4" configuration, having both lengths mentioned. Second, the grips are important; and there are so many choices. With smaller hands, I prefer magnas, or slender targets [found only by trying out a few].

Holster? Depends on use[s], apparel, body mass.

Good luck!

Dyson
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Old 03-31-2012, 10:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DGNY View Post
To me, the key is the davidenorth's last sentence - 'I will not be shooting many full power loads.'

I would respectfully suggest the 4" configuration, having both lengths mentioned. Second, the grips are important; and there are so many choices. With smaller hands, I prefer magnas, or slender targets [found only by trying out a few].

Holster? Depends on use[s], apparel, body mass.

Good luck!

Dyson
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Old 04-01-2012, 08:22 AM
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I can't remember the recoil difference between a 6.5" Classic and my new 4" 629, but I do remember THE DIFFERENCE in carrying them on my hip, the 4" wins that contest hands down.

I've been using a Simply Rugged Pancake it works well and I can easily conceal with a cover shirt or jacket. Loaded with 280 grain LBT Hard Cast, it's a nice rig for when large animals are around, recoil is stout but manageable.

Loaded at 900-1000 fps with a 240 grain lead semi wadcutter it's a pleasant all day shooter.

I can live with the 100 fps velocity loss with the 4".

At first I didn't like the feel of the latest S&W grips on the 629's the new rubber grips that cover the backstrap, and I was going to immediately change them out for the older style open backstrap Houge's, but after firing some heavy loads I changed my mind and decided they are a good choice after all.

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Old 10-12-2012, 11:02 PM
smith 29-2 smith 29-2 is offline
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I carry appendix every day the 29-2 6 inch barrel in a Dale Fricke archangel kydex holster.
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Old 10-12-2012, 11:06 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidenorth View Post
I am in process of getting a 29-3 with six inch barrel. I have a four inch Model 19 and like how it handles and carries in holster. Please give opinions on difference in shooting and carrying the 29 in four inch vs six inch. With proper belt holster for field carry will I notice the difference. How about recoil difference. I will not be shooting many full power loads.
Since I am not "Dirty Harry," I vote for 4 inch. Better carrying, and for all practical purposes, it shoots just as good.

I take it from your statement that you will not be shooting many full power loads that you will not be regularly hunting, so the 4 inch seems more versatile.
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Old 10-12-2012, 11:44 PM
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I carry daily and when not on duty 95% of the time i carry a 4 inch 29 stoked with Federal 240gr hydra-shoks. I have also carried one of my 6inch 29s here and there. With my simply rugged sourdoughs i can effectively and comfortably conceal carry either barrel lengh all day. To me the longer the barrel the easier the gun seems to shoot. But i do most of my shooting with the 4inchers as in my opinion they handle best. I have hunted with my 4 inch 29s and they hold there own in that arena as well. I think you would be hard pressed to do better than a 4 inch 29. They are a fine tool!
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Old 10-13-2012, 01:29 PM
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A 4" would be easier to carry.
But for many years my main everyday carry is one of my 29-2 6.5".
Authough I have also carried my 629 3".



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Old 10-13-2012, 02:00 PM
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The 4 inch 29 is VERY versatile.

With good leather and grips You can carry it comfortably concealed in any weather.

With .44 special its very nice gun to take to the range for some target shooting .

With some good JHP's in 44 special its a great Self defense or home defense revolver.

With factory magnum ammo it can be accurate out to 50 yards w/o a problem.
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Old 10-13-2012, 06:51 PM
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I have owned both a 4" and a 6 1/2" and to me the recoil was only slighly more with the 4". Not enough to make me shy of the 4".

What's this remark about a "sissy two hand hold"? Some guns demand a firm and proper grip. The fact that you keep getting hit in the temple tells be you are doing something wrong.

I've fired a lot of hard recoiling handguns and have never been hit in the head. Bloddy webbing of my hand yes.

I fired an Remington XP in .7MM/.308 that was quite an experince but did not get hit in the head.

Some folks actually would buy a Smith and Wesson Ladysmith and have Ladysmith rubbed off the side.

Dave
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Any reason not to rebarrel a 4-inch 686 with a 3-inch barrel? jeffrey S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 13 01-14-2014 08:53 PM
Aside from barrel length are the 629 2.5 inch and 3 inch identical in size? LSUDVM S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 4 01-05-2014 03:26 AM
!!3 INCH 357 MAG BARREL AND CYLINDER!!SIG 226 10 RD 17,617 6 INCH 22 CAL.TOOL KIT twomoons Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 14 11-27-2010 02:01 AM

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