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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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  #51  
Old 02-18-2012, 02:01 PM
spaniel spaniel is offline
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Originally Posted by toroflow1 View Post
Hey BITE ME! You're a joke Mr. Newbie! Go ahead and place your trust in an alloy gun shooting 40,000 PSI + loads!
I don't overload my guns...so whether the one in question or not is alloy doesn't really matter. If you feel the need to do so that is your personal choice, but I'd renew your life insurance and up your disability coverage while you're at it.
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  #52  
Old 02-18-2012, 07:16 PM
smokey04 smokey04 is offline
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This topic can go on forever.One will say "man up,and take your girlie panties off" another will say,"lightweights are hard for recovery shots", on and on.
Well, it seems to me that this is a personal choice between jocky shorts or boxers. Whatever fits you the best.
Several posters sighted comfort of carry, comfort of recoil etc. etc. etc.
I know one thing is for certain and that is comfort ,at the end of the day,is NOT being the victim.
So, if limited to a handgun in dangerous territory,I would carry the hardest hitting caliber in the size and weight I could handle the best. Other than that the weight of the gun is not important.
If your hunting style and tactics require you to be HOPING what you carry is going to be sufficient maybe you need to re-think your hunting style.Gunning down a bear charging at you is an extremely difficult task,confidence in your choice and ability is paramont. Nick
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  #53  
Old 02-18-2012, 09:33 PM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
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The wife and I have carried 4 " S&W Mod 29's and 629's for over 30 years when in the field.

Several years ago I bought her a 649 Mountain Gun, and like it so much I goe me one too. That is what we carry when in the field.
They are a little lighter than a standard 629.

I have a couple of friends that have/had the 329's and I have shot them a fair amount.

They are fairly brutal with standard 44 Mag loads.
With warmish 44 Special loads they are not bad.
You probably would not notice the recoil when shooting some animal off of you, but I wonder about hand/wrist damage if you have to shoot it from a bad hand/wrist position. Same as I do if I shot my 475L from an awkward position.

However they are very light and easy to carry.
The best factory ammo for bear protection I have shot in them is the 300gr Federal Cast Core. It kicks less than the standard 240gr factory loads, or the Buffalo Bore Low Recoil load. Not near as much hand slap.
The 270 Speer has less recoil than the 240's as well.

Another thing about these super light Magnum handguns is with their high recoil you must be sure that your loads, factory or reloads, do not jump crimp, causing the bullet to stick out the front of the cylinder, and lock up the revolver.
The 300gr Cast Core are seated deeper than most other 300gr factory cast bullet loads, reducing the chance of a bullet sticking out the front of the cylinder. They have a pretty good crimp, as I have never had one even creep forward.

If you buy one try the Federal 300gr Cast Core.

With reloads, I would shoot 240gr bullets at @1050 to 1100fps.
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  #54  
Old 02-21-2012, 11:45 PM
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Thanks for all the replies, it is a great way to welcome a new member.

Today was my second day carrying my new 329PD. Definitely happy that I went with the lighter revolver. I picked up a CrossfireGear.com Alaskan shoulder holster for it, in it was very easy to carry all day long under my coat during some very high movement dog sledding. I barely noticed it at all.

So far all I have shot out of it are some 240g Hornady XTP rounds that were "manageable" at 25 yards. I picked up some of the Federal CastCore that I have been carrying but have yet to fire. Glad to hear that should be a little easier to shoot. I'll probably try to test them tomorrow morning.
I would probably never even try the +P+ Mega super Buffalo bore cartridge out of it. Buffalo bore does make a cartridge specifically for the 329PD Lower Recoil .44 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition that I may try in the future, but since I can find the Federal CastCore locally I may just continue to use it.

DLA's info page has more info on it than I could understand, but i will definitely come back to it in the future. New grips will be ordered shortly. The rubber grips that came with it were a better version that what his came with. The frame was not exposed along the backstrap, it had a tiny amount of padding, but nowhere near as much as the X frame grips or the Ruger SBH.
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  #55  
Old 02-22-2012, 07:21 PM
spaniel spaniel is offline
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Quote:
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The rubber grips that came with it were a better version that what his came with. The frame was not exposed along the backstrap, it had a tiny amount of padding, but nowhere near as much as the X frame grips or the Ruger SBH.
This is interesting. I bought mine used so I have no idea the original purchase date, but my rubber grips definitely left the entire backstrap exposed.

If you or anyone with the apparently newer factory rubber grips that cover the backstrap could post a pic, I would find that very interesting.

Glad you like your new revolver. Let us know your thoughts when you have some more rounds through it.
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  #56  
Old 02-24-2012, 11:12 PM
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Here are some pics of the "new" stock rubber grips. Manufactured Sept. 2011.
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  #57  
Old 02-25-2012, 02:32 AM
dla dla is offline
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That grip looks like what S&W should've been shipping with the 329pd from the beginning. The wood grips they shipped were criminal.
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  #58  
Old 02-25-2012, 11:03 AM
enidpd804 enidpd804 is offline
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When I had the choice, I went with the 629. I wasn't afraid to spend the money, but I wanted something I could use for defense AND recreational shooting. In that case, steel beats hurturhandium anyday.
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  #59  
Old 02-25-2012, 06:44 PM
spaniel spaniel is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Racerg View Post
Here are some pics of the "new" stock rubber grips. Manufactured Sept. 2011.
Nice to see they finally put appropriate grips on the 329...this is NOT what they used to ship with. I would need to see a side by side pic as I've not seen enough of them to know, but that looks a lot like the 500SW grip I installed on mine. I do not have the gun handy to compare to the pic.
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  #60  
Old 02-25-2012, 08:24 PM
Jimmymac46 Jimmymac46 is offline
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Can't help myself, sorry....backwoods .44 mag = SA Ruger.
While I have three 44 magnum Ruger SA's, all flattops, and two Flattop 44 specials, all of which I enjoy them immensely, for carrying high on the hip, out of the way, my 629 5inch Classic or 629 Mountain Gun are hard to beat. Add a few speed loaders in a coat pocket or back pack, and you will be more than equipped to handle any issues........two or four legged. Admittedly, I have been carrying my Flattop 44 Specials recently on outings, but they don't function as comfortably as my MG. However, performance wise, the Rugers take no second to anything. My second and lastest Ruger Flattop Special 5 1/2inch, which I just acquired a few weeks ago, shot 12 round 2inch groups with cast KT #429421 SWC's beginning with the first few cylinders, at 25 yards.......great for my very poor eyesight. You younger members could improve on that with this remarkable firearm. Enough Ruger stuff!
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  #61  
Old 03-13-2014, 09:35 PM
JDOANE JDOANE is offline
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I visited this forum trying to figure out if I should go 329 vs 629. I decided to go 329 and bought the Hogue rubber grips. Super light, with rubber grips I love shooting the 329. I actually am more accurate with it at 7 yards than my Kimber 45 4 inch barrel. I am not a huge guy. 5'11" 195#. I wanted to buy it for hiking / fishing in the mountains.
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  #62  
Old 03-13-2014, 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by JDOANE View Post
I visited this forum trying to figure out if I should go 329 vs 629. I decided to go 329 and bought the Hogue rubber grips. Super light, with rubber grips I love shooting the 329. I actually am more accurate with it at 7 yards than my Kimber 45 4 inch barrel. I am not a huge guy. 5'11" 195#. I wanted to buy it for hiking / fishing in the mountains.
Well I think you'll have it with you all the time. It is so nice to carry. Glad to hear that you're getting acceptable accuracy as the lightweight makes it tough for some folks.
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  #63  
Old 03-13-2014, 10:37 PM
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Ahh I would get a 629 here is my rig.
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  #64  
Old 03-13-2014, 11:04 PM
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I'll acknowledge the fact that I am old fart school. When I needed a gun to carry in mountain hiking/high altitude, I chose the S&W M629-4 Mountain Gun. I grew up on 6 & 6-1/2" N frame .357's and .44's. So I figured a 4" ;44 Mag, N frame wouldn't be that much different. Unfortunately, the 4", is a different animal.

Recoil on a skinny barrel 4" .44 Magnum vs a 6" standard heavy barrel is like the difference of night and day.

I wouldn't even think about carrying or shooting a lighter weight .44!

I do have a 4" M28 as my "Indiana woods/comfort/plinking/kinda race gun /packin' gun" and I shoot it a lot and I am more comfortable with it than any of my 6'er's. However, the 4" Mtn Gun is a different beast. It kicks like a friggin' mule and I REALLY have to focus and concentrate hard to get a good grouping.

Please remember, this comes from a guy who has shot HOT handloaded 6" and 6-1/2".44 Mags for over 30 years!

I would never go to a lighter gun than the 629 Mtn Gun. I practice and carry locally with hot .44 Spl's (1000-1200 fps). I am as good with that combo as I am the M28 4", but with .higher velocity, heavy bullet 44 Mags, my accuracy diminishes. The recoil and the blast are horrendous!

After 2 or 3 rounds, I develop a flinch, but I work hard on trying to disregard it. I figure if I need to use the Mtg Gun in the field, hopefully being able to accurately put 1 or 2 shots of 260+ grain .44 Mags will do the trick.

I'd advise AGAINST the M-329.

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  #65  
Old 03-14-2014, 05:27 AM
Kilibreaux Kilibreaux is offline
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No less than 4" barrel in a .44 Magnum please!
SHORT barrels give up far to much in REAL, MEASURED velocity...and even the 4" isn't the ideal barrel length for the .44 mag unless one is handloading with the right powders.
If you want a "pocket blaster" that cares very little about barrel length to deliver velocity, then consider the S&W .500 magnum.

Not bashing...just sayin'
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  #66  
Old 03-14-2014, 08:31 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ltxi View Post
Can't help myself, sorry....backwoods .44 mag = SA Ruger.

Yep. SA handles .44 magnum recoil better for me.

To me, a backwoods gun isn't just for protection, it's for targets of opportunity, maybe a feral hog, deer if in season, coyote, and the ever- dangerous rocks, stumps, and prickly-pears.
A 4 3/4 - 5 1/2" barrel is about perfect for that, IMO. I carried a 5 1/2" SBH for decades on the family ranch in a belt/holster combo. The 5 1/2" is the longest I can carry while driving. Having its own belt makes adjustment easier and easy to take the gun off if I need to roll up sleeves & do something. I didn't just wear this rig riding in a truck, the majority of the time I was humping it through solid thickets of greenbrier, often carrying a Stihl brush cutter .

On a pants belt, a 4 3/4" .45 Colt rode very nicely in a Threepersons cross-draw and was what I carried if hunting with a long gun for dove or quail. It also broke the monotony nicely on days the doves didn't cooperate:-)

I guess if you're in the back country for a specific purpose like hiking or fishing where weight matters and big mean critters abode, a short, light DA makes sense since it is basically the same thing as an SD revolver, just for big four-legged animals. You don't want to have to cock when a moose is trampling you. I'd carry strong-side hip so as not to have to reach across my body in the event there's a 400-lb bear on my chest.

This is all theoretical for me , as I've never spent time in true dangerous game country.

Pepper spray would likely do the trick, but never waste an excuse to buy a new gun:-)
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  #67  
Old 03-14-2014, 10:15 AM
chaparrito chaparrito is offline
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i have a 629 and love it. I carry it fishing. We have lions here but not bears to speak of or moose, tweakers are more of an issue. I am pretty sure bear spray would be my first line of defense. It works on moose as well- not to mention meth-heads.
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  #68  
Old 03-14-2014, 11:02 AM
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I use a 4" Model 29 for shooting standard factory loads, if I want to move up a level or two I go to a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk. 99% of the time regardless of what I am carrying, it is loaded with factory loads. Just not any big dangerous
threats around here to warrant anything more potent than factory stuff. I use mostly 240 gr. SP or JHP, maybe a 240 gr.
hard cast LSWC from Double Tap.
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Old 03-14-2014, 11:35 AM
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Most of the moose I've seen in Utah have been Shiras. However, that being said, I hunted elk up by Henefer in 89 or 90 and we had a young bull, a cow, and a calf coming through almost very night. The night before I arrived, he decided he didn't like where our camp was located, so he moved the tents and tried to move the trailers. They were still setting things up when I got there the night before season opened. Got a nice bull opening morning and the smell of the blood kept the moose out after that.

I fear moose more than grizzly.
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Old 03-14-2014, 11:35 AM
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During hunting season or its just my choice of carry in the wilds my redhawk with my 1400fps of my 44 magnum reloads should stop anything.
Or
My 357 snubbie when the family is with me out of sight so no one gets nervious. I don't want to upset my kids.

I just purchased some Cor-Non ammo in 44 mag 300grs. & in 45 long colt also in 300grs too. I have some 41 mag in cor bon ammo too.

I have tracks bigger than my size 12 sorrel insulated boots about five minutes from my camp in the pines. I think there bear but I been told that bear paws don't get that big. I couldn't make out the tracks that we'll in the fresh falling light snow. But there longer and wider than my boots were. There is one way into these buttons and one way out. These tracks aren't found outside the bottom. So it's not an nba player hunting.

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  #71  
Old 03-14-2014, 11:24 PM
JimWest JimWest is offline
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Quote:
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I would go with a 629 carry comp. the fixed sights and nice with no snag points. The power port also helps with follow up shots.
Damn nice grips. Custom or?
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  #72  
Old 03-15-2014, 11:16 AM
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Groo here
I was in the revolver school for years and have 3in in 357/41/44/45acp.
But if you want a balance of size, weight, power , and shootabelty.
I suggest a 10mm auto.
Glocks are light, Smiths are strong,1911's just are, and then there
are the witness's.
Max barrel for length, high shot count, action reduces kick.
Federal has a new hunting load [true 10mm] and
there is Double tap,Buffelo bore,Corbond , and Underwood.
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  #73  
Old 06-29-2016, 09:31 PM
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Just to add my two cents: I'm not to be understood as any kind of expert shooter, but I found my 329 to be different than what is usually described here. Understand that I have been in construction all my life and that may be a contributing factor, but I have yet to shoot a pistol that I would describe as hurting my hand. I will admit that my 329 feels like someone grabbed the barrel and twisted it up and out away from my grip. I was able to hang on but each shot seemed to require a reset of my grip. Of course using 44 special ammo needs no comment nor concern. I love the practicality of such an easy to carry 44 magnum tool.
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  #74  
Old 06-29-2016, 10:36 PM
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A plain Jane 4" 629 is all you need for plinking and woods walking. You don't need anything fancier than that.
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Old 06-29-2016, 11:18 PM
Mr.Harry Mr.Harry is offline
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Quote:
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Contrary to what many seem to believe the shorter barreled guns (less than 4") are much more difficult to shoot well than longer barreled guns. I challenge the assertion 99% of us can shoot a 2 1/2 or 3" gun as accurately as a 5, 6, or 8 3/8".

The short barreled guns require more practice to master and their lighter weight with its accompanying recoil and muzzle blast makes practice a much less enjoyable thing.

It's interesting to me that the discussion seems to involve issues of shooter comfort rather than optimum effectiveness in a life threatening situation.

Ranges in the outdoors can require a longer sight radius to achieve adequate accuracy. A charging sow black bear with cubs, even fifty or sixty yards away, can be on top of a hiker in a second or two. The sooner a person can cap off effective and accurate rounds the better their chance of survival.

The fact is when you reduce the effectiveness of your firearm you also diminish its usefulness in the field...

I hunt black bear and I'm often in bear country for other reasons. I always carry in the remote and rugged Pacific NW woods -- but optimum comfort is among the lower considerations on my priority list.

If you believe a serious threat could be a possibility keep a 4" plus on your hip. I often carry a 5" 629 when fishing or hiking or a 500 when I'm hunting. Don't even notice them with the right holster gear...

JMHO
Ditto this. I wouldn't go shorter than 4". And I would go 629. 5" might be perfect, but I like 6". I think 8 plus becomes unwieldy.
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Old 06-30-2016, 09:34 AM
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I carried a 4 inch 629 all over Alaska. I can testify that an angry moose is no joke!! We got between mom and her calf and could not get out of the way quick enough. Lots of shots in the air and we set a speed record getting away. I kept 3 loaded in the chamber in case we had to take it to the next level. Lucky for us, momma figured we were far enough away and we learned valuable lessons, pay attention to the surroundings and momma moose always wins!!.
A little off topic but agreed on the above post. Moose encounters can be as bad or worse than ones involving fanged & clawed predators. I know of two people who have lost great upland bird dogs due to them. Back on topic, I carry a 629 for this reason among others, but haven't ever shot a 329.
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Old 06-30-2016, 09:55 AM
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There is a couple of other options. I carry a 396. L frame 44 special. Not as powerful as a 44 mag, but at biting range it would be very effective. Also there is the 325. Again not in the power range of the big 44, but a heavy 45 caliber bullet isn't going to bounce of something made of flesh.

But, the big thing in YOUR decision is now YOU tolerate the recoil and handle which ever you chose. To me the perfect light gun with the most umpha would be a 325 in 45 Colt. Biggest bullet, decent power and I am a 45 colt lover.
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Old 06-30-2016, 09:14 PM
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My everyday carry. 2 1/2" 629 or 3" 29.

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  #79  
Old 06-30-2016, 11:32 PM
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I have had both and shot revolvers for quite a few years. I simply couldn't shoot my 329PD well , loaded heavy or light . I'm not knocking the gun , it just wasn't a good fit for me . I'm a pretty tall guy , 6'5" , 235#'s . I was the 3rd owner . The first 2 owners shot one cylinder each of factory 44 mag and sold it .
I became concerned about the fact that it had a stainless steel blast shield on the underside of the top strap so you didn't flame cut the top strap . Several people posting at the time had burnt through it and into the top strap . The factory had to replace the entire frame they said . Some claimed they got about 1500 rounds before it was cut , others said only about 500 . If I remember correctly , one owner was on his 3rd factory fix . They had pictures showing the damage , not pretty .
The frame is made of scandium , not aluminum . It made me wonder how long the factory was going to warrant these as that is an expensive repair . Mine had the stainless steel blast shield , just like the ones I saw pictures of . I took a loss but was glad to move it on .
I awhile back picked up a real nice 629-4 in 4" . it has the endurance package but no key lock and the firing pin is mounted on the hammer . It is a real sweet heart to carry and shoot . That was my experience with a 329Pd , yours may vary .
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Old 07-01-2016, 01:33 PM
DESERT ED DESERT ED is offline
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629 or 329 for backwoods carry 629 or 329 for backwoods carry 629 or 329 for backwoods carry 629 or 329 for backwoods carry 629 or 329 for backwoods carry  
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My 2 cents. I do trail clearing 2-5 times a year in the high S. San Juans. I used to take my 4inch 66 on my belt, but with the rumor of more moose in the area I decided to upgrade to my new to me 629 3inch. It rides in a Simply Rugged pancake with the chesty-puller harness. Even though it's a bit heavier than the 66, having it ride on my chest makes it a non-issue.
I try to play the weight game, but with a chainsaw,gas, oil, axe, etc. on my back I always loose. I haven't had any issues with it taking off and putting on my pack.
I've stumbled on lot's of elk over the years, and I've heard some pretty loud critters crashing through the aspens trying to escape my presence. Last year a shepard shot 2 black bears up there messing with his sheep. I feel a little safer with the .44 just in case I stumble upon a momma moose or the ghost grizzly of the San Juans
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Old 07-01-2016, 03:53 PM
jspick jspick is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DESERT ED View Post
My 2 cents. I do trail clearing 2-5 times a year in the high S. San Juans. I used to take my 4inch 66 on my belt, but with the rumor of more moose in the area I decided to upgrade to my new to me 629 3inch. It rides in a Simply Rugged pancake with the chesty-puller harness. Even though it's a bit heavier than the 66, having it ride on my chest makes it a non-issue.
I try to play the weight game, but with a chainsaw,gas, oil, axe, etc. on my back I always loose. I haven't had any issues with it taking off and putting on my pack.
I've stumbled on lot's of elk over the years, and I've heard some pretty loud critters crashing through the aspens trying to escape my presence. Last year a shepard shot 2 black bears up there messing with his sheep. I feel a little safer with the .44 just in case I stumble upon a momma moose or the ghost grizzly of the San Juans
A moose is more of a real threat than a grizzly, even in grizzly country.
But I have seen grizzly tracks in the San Juans back in the 80's. There may not be many but they are there. Keep your eyes open. A mountain biker was pulled off his bike and killed by a grizzly in Galcier Nat'l Park on Wed. You can't trust a grizzly.
John
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