I'm contemplating getting a 4" 629 for hiking, deer stand building, etc. I've got a nice 629 (no dash) with a 6" barrel, but am thinking a 4" would carry a little nicer in those situations.

I love the old P&Rs, but not sure it's worth spending the extra for this role. I'd like to stay pre-MIM, and pre-lock if possible. In fact, I would sell my 629-6 to fund this project.

Given that, which of the models from -() to -4 is generally the best deal and fits the usage?

I am a BIG FAN of a 4" S&W 44 Mag for a field gun. The wife and I most often carry one when hunting, especially in bear country.
Also I used a 4" Mod 29 as a work gun for several years in the Mid 1970's to the mid 1980's.

Our current favorite field handgun is the 629 Mountian revolver.

It is just enough lighte than the standard Mod 29 to be felt on the holster.

They have been proven to be very accurate and recoil with full power ammo is not that bad.

I can say that the S&W Scandium framed 44 Mag is most unplesant to shoot with full power 44 mag ammo.

So I would recommend a standard Mod 29/629, or a Mountain revolver...

You cannot go wrong with either one.

IMHO of course.

If you can get a 629-4, that is the one to own, based on engineering revisions and pre-MIM/IL. Mine is a great revolver:

I carry a 357 magnum snubbie with my stout loads when I'm with my kids hiking in the past. I do carry two speed loaders.

I do prefer 5 1/2" barreled redhawk for a 44 mag. With my very stout 300gr loads(Cor-Bon)

At night for the privy visits it's my 1911 with a few mags of 45acp. The Yotes are known to circle the privy at night. Not a good thing to get caught in the privy with a pack of Yotes. It can make grown men scream. I figure the 1911 should get a few.

But the animals are much smarter today too. A nearby gun shot means a nearby gut pile it's din-din time. We never know who will show up for an easy meal. One must be on a 360 degree alert because some predators can come running in once they hear the bang and smell blood. I also notice the 180/200lb mountainlions have lost there fear of man. This is like your kitty cat at home but it's 200lbs and were the toy mouse not a good day. If one jumps on you I feel safer with a snubbie magnum in my pocket for a few up close personal shots.

I have a first aid kit that can handle up to big cuts like chainsaw cuts. Being an ex logger be prepared to handle anything.

I know a guy who got a 329 for a bear gun. A huge handful with full house magnums. Likewise, a coworker has a 4" 29. Much easier to shoot & not too heavy. I'd suggest a steel revolver too. The scandium/Ti guns are nice on paper but not in practice.

Deer stand building?
If you're going to hammer nails with it I'd advise against one with Hogue rubbers.

couldn't resist, sorry!