I've always coveted a 6.5" S&W 44 magnum, and am thinking of getting the new 629 classic one. I love Smith's Classics line. Anyone else gotten it? Like it? I love 357 too but life just doesn't seem complete without a s&w 44 mag.

I have a 5".

Recoil is sharp but nothing like, say, a 329PD. Of course, there are guys that will happily shoot .500 Mags all day long that won't touch a 329PD. But I digress.

Like most on here will advise, I'd personally hold out for a -3 or -4 revision, a 1990s gun, but if you can get a deal on a new one, go for it. They aren't that different.

Last month I got a 29-3 4". I also have a 686 6". Shooting the 44 Mags are a blast but I can't shoot too many of them. I mainly shoot 44 Spl in the 29.

It is worth having both a 357 and a 44 Mag.

I agree with hkcavalier, 5" 629-6. Haven't had any issues, I know people don't like the newer guns, but mine has been 100% trouble free since I bought it. I reload and have gone up and down the power factor/fun/comfort scale a couple of times trying to figure out what it liked and what I liked. It seems that we agreed on a mid magnum load that isn't trying to keep up with a 500, I have one of those as well. The 5" full lug is probably the best looking gun I own based purely on aesthetics.

My cousin has an older one that he broke out the other day in I think 6.5" I think from the late 80s or maybe 90s not sure because it's not pinned but beautiful gun. He said he hadn't fired it in years but he takes care of it I had been nagging him to look at it finally he got it out for me. I'm getting a 642 for pocket but have really been lusting over a 44 mag for sheer fun plus I am a huge fan of 44 spl. I hadn't known about the Smith Classics line until very recently so cool that they are making those again. I really don't like the locks but I still think Smith makes the best revolvers plus with a new one you get a warranty and I'm not entirely comfortable buying a used gun just me maybe. I've wanted a 44 mag for years ever since I saw Hickock's video on his original 1970s Model 29.

I had a recent 6.5 inch 629 Classic for a while. It shot wonderfully, but I just couldn't get over the round butt on a 6.5 inch barreled revolver.

If you don't mind a little MIM, internal lock, and a round butt on a longer barrel, then I don't think that you will have any problems enjoying a new 629 Classic. I have a sickness for slightly older 629s, so that is where my money goes.

I bought one in 6.5" a couple years ago. My first foray into revolvers. As a hunting and woods walking enthusiast, I figured if I was going to get a revolver, why not get THE revolver (the way I saw them) and call it good - check off that box so-to-speak. Like you, I felt more comfortable buying current production/NIB figuring something could slip past me in a used gun, and the extra money spent on new would be a prudent move. This was before I joined the forum. I was blissfully unaware of the raging debate & distaste over the internal lock, the MIM parts, Potential QC issues, canted barrels, etc etc etc. Quite happy (or lucky) to say that the gun I bought (in person, after close scrutiny at LGS) a -6, has zero manufacturing flaws and is truly in every way 'perfect'. Fast became my favorite gun. Now, I can't stop looking for my next, and would not hesitate to buy another current production model, provided it's one I can put my hands on and inspect first. On the round butt - if it doesn't suit you there are wonderful aftermarket grip makers, Ahrends, Culina, to name just 2, making round-to-square butt conversion grips. I had a pair of Ahrends made. Will post a pic. On barrel length, I agree the 5" is exceptionally pleasing to look at, but I find the 6.5" no less so, and I think that extra bit of barrel in Classic full-lug tames the recoil of .44 mag just that much more. Mine is a joy to shoot & I haven't put a single special through it yet. I don't write this to try to convince you NOT to buy vintage. Not at all. Just letting you know there isn't anything 'wrong' with buying new/current production, if it suits you to do so.

I have a classic 6 1/2 in 629 power port from 1999 and a 3 in 629 with factory porting. I love them both but I use the Hogue Monogrip for the 500 mag. Those grips have rubber behind the blackstrap and fit the L and N frame round butt. Those grips are longer from front to back and thus better for big hands.

I have a 629-6 Classic in 6.5, it's been flawless and I love it, my main go-to when hunting. I desperately want to add a 5" to the safe to accompany it. The 5" is a looker for sure.

Having said all that, don't confuse S&W's "Classic" line of formerly discontinued blued models like the 29, 57, and a few others with the 29 and 629 Classic. The "Classic" configuration of the m29 and 629 represents a full underlug and no tools required quick change front sight. I want to say that the 29/629 Classics came out in the mid-late 80's. The 29 Classic has been discontinued unfortunately, but the 629 Classic remain in production.

The "Classic line" currently offered by S&W is a whole group of models which most if not all were discontinued until they came out with that line. I know this is confusing and I wish S&W would have done something to make it easier to keep track of what is what... But the model 29 now offered in the Classic line is like the model 29 of olden days with the exception of the IL and MIM parts. It has a shrouded extractor (aka "half-lug") and a conventional front sight as opposed to the old model 29 Classic (now discontinued) with the full underlug and quick change front sight.

So basically I said all of that to say this: You can still get a model 629 Classic brand new today, and if you like you can get a pre IL and MIM model as they have been in production for quite a few years. You can also get the blued model 29 Classic in the same full underlug config but you will have to find a used one as they are discontinued. The new model 29 of the "Classic Line" will be blued and not have the full lug.

Oh, here's my 629-6 Classic with fiber optic front sight and an Altamont walnut grip.

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Thanks for clearing up a confused situation Ride Red.

This is my 6.5" classic. A 629-5 powerport. Far and away my favorite, hands down.

I have a new 629 Classic DX TALO with 6.5" barrel that I really like. I also have a 4" nickel 29. Both are fine guns, so I wouldn't hesitate to buy another new production S&W. I do prefer my older 29 and blued 6" 586 however.

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1SG, USA (Ret)

That would be a "classic deluxe" Talo. Not to be confused with a Classic DX which are no longer in production.

Yup, what he said.

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1SG, USA (Ret)