I have been looking at both of these revolvers. The 29, 6.5 inch, is about $200.00 more than the 629, 5 inch. I have been reading some articles that talk about the SW 44 not being the best with regards to being able to handle stout loads. I could always reduce my loads to suite the gun, but if you buy a hand cannon, you want to shoot the "big boy" stuff. Can anyone offer some advice on this topic?

Kind regards...Craig

If you want to shoot a steady diet of nuclear loads buy a Ruger Super Redhawk.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

To each his own. My .357 Magnum Smiths rarely eat anything other than 38 Specials. They are just used at the range. But I can use magnums all day long in my L's, or N frame. I do like blue guns better looks wise. 629 in 5" would be very tempting. Good luck making your decision! Bob

I own 29's & 629's starting in 1974........All they eat is my cast 250 pushed by 20 grs of #2400....They all still work fine.......If you want a "wimpier" 44 get a special.........

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S&W Accumulator

You can shoot all the stout loads you like,the gun will just wear faster is all.Stainless or blue is a toss up,I've owned both and I'm currently in the blue camp.If you obsess over a clean cylinder face,get stainless

Either will shoot full power 44 magnum loads and thousands of them. Probably hold up as well as your hand and wrist. The cylinder would put up with it indefinitely. The rest of it might get a little loose and need some attention. But, even reloading your going to spend a lot of money wearing out a 29 or 629. The heavy bullets in the 300 gr range would be worst. But, unless you doing something like metal silhouettes, whats the point? 44 specials will put holes in paper, no need for such a huge round count of full blown magnums to prep for a hunt. Anything shot at reasonable handgun ranges isn't going too fall down any more dead with another 100 or so fps. Even a charging grizzly bear the need for good bullet construction and shot placement far exceeds the need for more velocity.

If you want more power than a regular 44 mag, I suggest a 460 or 500.

Maybe a Ruger Redhawk might put up with very heavy loads longer, but, I don't think the line between a blown up S&W and a blown up Ruger is far enough apart to be worth any advantage of such loads. Nothing really against Rugers. Had some. Rather have a S&W myself.

Thanks for the reply's. I too like the look of the 29...being blue. I am not really looking for more power than that of a 44, just concerned about some of the comments I have read. I will probably be long buried before the 44 wears out!

Kind regards...Craig

Get the full lug 6.5"! (S&W)

I had Rugers before. You want the Smith!

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A 240 grain LSWC over 10-12 grains of of Unique is an "adequate" 44 Mag load for my needs, and "entertaining" to shoot. No issues with either gun you mentioned using these-even long term.

I have the 629 8 3/8 and love it, what a blast to shoot,,,,,really!
Back when I bought the thing I had to change the grips out to smooth one since the original diamond cut grips that came with were cutting my hands!
Don't remember what I was shooting back then but they were actually cutting my hands open!

For a "working gun" I prefer stainless due to the corrosion resistance and the ease of getting rid of scratches and such, if I so desire. With blued you're going to have to just learn to love those imperfections.

I have only two 629s, mostly for collector value. One is a 4" no-dash (very hard to find - it's pinned and recessed). The other is a 629-1, 8 3/8" with the barrel rib slotted for scope mounts, which were provided in the box with the gun.





But for overall pride of ownership and just plain shootin', I way prefer the 29-2 with the 6 1/2" barrel. A 240-grain lead SWC and 10 grains of Unique is perfect for the gun, me, and whatever it hits.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

The SS IMO has the longest lasting finish and durability. Buy the magnum gun then shoot the specials. Now you have a range gun and a ready for the BG all in one.

21 gr of 2400?
Shot an awful lot of those in a ruger SBH way back when lol

Stick around a while and get both! I've been shooting S&W .44's for 20 years and haven't shot one loose yet. My oldest is a 44 year old 29-2.

Stainless versus blue? Depends on you. Blues take more time caring for, and stainless is for bad weather, sweat, and less upkeep. Unless, you take care of both the same and have somewhere dry and safe to keep both.
My choice? First, a 29-2 in blue. Second, a 629-1 in stainless. I like six inch best(6 1/2, 6). Now you're set for your next one.

If you're going to hunt it, pack it while hunting, or in general ride it hard and put it away wet, my choice would be stainless. I like the idea of having a mixed bag of blue and SS guns. Blued would be more for range use, bed side, and show n tell or BBQ strutting.

I can get the full lug in 5 inch.

Craig

The 6.5 might help a little more with the recoil. Even my 6" 629 has noticeably more of a recoil. (Half lug) If i had to keep just one, it'd be the 6.5. Plus the menacing looks


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Buy it without another second's hesitation.

Ruger or Smith&Wesson 44? Like choosing a Ruger Rosie Odonnell

or Melania Smith&Wesson Trump. Both can do the same job..

l just prefer a Smith&Wesson for the task.. Dressed in Blue or Stainless..

The Smith & Wesson N-Frame .44 Magnums will handle SAAMi pressure level loads using bullets of 250 grains or less just fine. That said, if your looking for a gun to shoot 300 grain Bronto-Blasters or overpressure custom or boutique loads, a different guns may be wiser. Personally, Instead of shooting the later .44 magnum loads I would look to a guns chambered for a more powerful round.

Bruce