I am wanting a 629 but not sure what barrel length would best suite me. I am looking for general purpose, possible hunting, backpacking carry, target.

I am leaning toward either a 4" or a 5" Classic with a possible 6.5" Classic. Is the 4" enough length to balance comfort, useability and target re-acquisition.

I currently own a 6" 686 wishing I went with a 4" so I am wanting to think this through a little more this time. I am sure the longer I go the more comfortable a shooter but the less general purpose.

How is the felt recoil, is the 4" manageable? I am about 5'11", 200 pounds and generally run and gun with either a Glock 23 or a FNX45 so I am used to a good amount of recoil.

I am sure this has been asked before, I did read a lot of forums responses but opinions change, please help. Thanks.

IMO the 4" is the easiest to holster carry (excluding the snubs and L frame version)

I have a Mountain gun which is slightly lighter, slightly more punishing with full house .44 Mag ammo.

The 5" full underlug is probably a great compromise, extra heft to tame recoil slightly shorter than the 6" versions.

The 6" standard barrel has a slightly better sight picture but that longer barrel requires a slightly longer holster ....depends what floats you boat.....in the end you need 1 of each.

Sounds to me like you want a 4”. You are listing a lot of activities. I don’t think one size fits all. As far as recoil goes I have a 3” and a couple 6”. I wouldn’t worry about the difference. But if you are shooting full house 240 magnum rounds it’s going to be a fair amount different than your Glock 23.

I have carried a 4" and a 6" .44's extensively in the field while hunting. Either will do, but I slightly prefer the 4" as it gets in the way less.

4" 629-4


6" 29-3

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No good deed goes unpunished.

I am sure the .44 is a much harsher recoil than a 23, just using as an example, I also have a 2.5" 686, which again I wish I had just bought the 4" 686 and been done with it.

I honestly like the feel of the 4" and unfortunately don't have a 5" local to compare it to... May just go with the 4" can call it a day.

Actually I will probably end up buying more than one. I really like the wheel guns and they are more of a collector item to me. I love shooting my 686's though.

Very nice, how does the 4" shoot in comparison, manageable in double action using .44 loads? I have a pretty good deal lined up on a new in box 4" locally and strongly considering it.

Elmer Keith considered the 4" barrel the ideal barrel for the .44, and I agree. I doubt a 6" barrel has anything over a 4", and yet a 4" barrel shines much better in several areas that a similar .44 with a longer barrel. Just thinking of sitting down, you'll appreciate a 4" when it's on your belt.

Ok a little comparison gun porn...

I prefer the 4 inch model.

Of the three lengths you mention...anything but the 6. It'll be in the way. For the combined activities you listed, I'd go with the 4 inch.

I have 3", 4", 5" and 6" in either M29 or M629. The most "shootable" barrel length is 5". It has a little extra weight, good sight picture, and less recoil than the 3" or 4" but doesn't get in the way like a 6".

My over valued opinion is that you will be satisfied with 5" for your intended task.

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S&WHF 366

Thanks for the comparison, I am going to flip a coin between the 4&5" I think. The price for the 4" locally is about $100 cheaper for me.

Thank you man, I honestly am going to flip a coin, can't decide.

I fully concur! I have a LH 3" I use for backpacking and occasional CCW, but the 5" really shines in the field - not too long. Not too short.

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Yep! Like several long time shooters on this thread who actually owned all the barrel lengths the 5"
is recognized as the best overall compromise for an N frame.

Like many of these posters I have been fortunate to have a large collection of S&W handguns.
When hunting, backpacking or just plain plinking the handgun I most often pick
is the 5" 629 Classic. Put on a set of X frame grips and you'll never look back.

FMPOV, the appearance of a 5" N frame is very similar to that of a 4" K frame.
Size for size they just look and feel right!

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Terry

I opted for the 4"629. Carries well,in the field/woods shoots great (they all do!) Recoil is not a big deal assuming you're not new to magnums.

Be well

First of three coin tosses says 4"

Is the recoil much greater than a 4" 686 .357? Just would like opinions. My first choice was the 6.5" but realize the 4 or 5 offer greater useability!

Two more coin tosses today. Also I can get the 4" for $60 cheaper and the shop owner offered to through in a free holster. 5" I have to have shipped in.

If the 5" Classic is a dash 3 or 4 I would probably get that one first as the 4" versions are a bit easier to find (Sounds like your gonna get the other one in a while anyways).

The 5" is also easier to shoot and will hold its value a bit better IMO.

The 629-2 E, 629-3 and 629-4 are my favorites, Forged parts with the desirable "Endurance package", the dash 3 and 4 will be pre drilled for a scope mount as well. 629 dash 1 and 2 are good guns just not as good as the 3 and 4 IMO,
The dash 5 and up have MIM parts and the IL, they are good guns and you get the lifetime warranty but wont be worth as much as the pre MIM/IL guns down the road .

The extra bonus in the classic is the interchangeable front site system .

I appreciate the posts and comments. I ended up ordering a 5" classic and I am actually looking to possibly pick up a 3" not as well. Shot one at my local range, now I think I have the .44 bug.

The .44 bug isn't a bad thing, it just gets expensive.

Enjoy your 5"er.

Depending on your needs you might want to consider and compare the 4" Mountain Gun and 4" 329 PD to the 3" snub.

They are all RB frames, The Mountain Gun has a tapered barrel so probably weighs the same as the 3", the 4" 329 PD is a scandium frame with a barrel shroud so is much lighter than both, Probably a bit too light for practical shooting, perfect for backpacking.

I had a 3" 29-3 and found it too large for practical CCW and too short for the range especially when compared to a 4" , 5" or 6".

I'm really happy with my 69. It may be worth consideration, especially if you ever go to Canada.

If you can find it, 5" is the best all-round, IMO.

It's the longest I can carry comfortably in a hip holster.

I have a 629-1 that's 4". I would have liked a 5" like some of the lucky guys above, but I'm very happy. I had it magna ported which helped considerably for 48 round competition target acquisition.