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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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Old 10-09-2018, 09:06 AM
Buzzsaw Buzzsaw is offline
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Default Starting my search for a .44 Magnum...help

I will shoot the gun, mostly .44 Specials but will carry magnums for hunting, etc. I'm thinking 4" - 6" barrel. Prefer the 29 but will look at the 629's too
I was looking at the S&W catalog, I like the blue, full ejector rod shroud. With the wood grips, (Classic)? sorry , dont know much about all the models I saw on Gunbroker.

Wish I could find the deal at the Sherrifs auction !!! What am I looking for? I would like to stay around $700-$800. New or gently used.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:35 AM
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Look at the Model 69 w/4.25in. bbl. It is a 5 rd. L frame and there are many posts here on the forum.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:36 AM
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Sounds like you’re looking for a bargain. I’d suggest you start with a standard 6-1/2” barreled 29. That will get your feet on the ground with the .44 and give you the chance to build some experience.

You may decide later you’d like to try one of the full-lug models. I have a 6-1/2” 629 with the full-lug barrel that is a terrific revolver - very accurate with just about any load, and the full-lug barrel does seem to reduce felt recoil. If you’re concerned about recoil, you might consider that.

As to the new-production guns (with the “lock”), I wouldn’t rule them out. JMHO.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:52 AM
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Default Starting my search for a .44 Magnum...help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw View Post
I will shoot the gun, mostly .44 Specials but will carry magnums for hunting, etc. I'm thinking 4" - 6" barrel. Prefer the 29 but will look at the 629's too

I was looking at the S&W catalog, I like the blue, full ejector rod shroud. With the wood grips, (Classic)? sorry , dont know much about all the models I saw on Gunbroker.



Wish I could find the deal at the Sherrifs auction !!! What am I looking for? I would like to stay around $700-$800. New or gently used.


I don’t like full lug models on carry or hunting guns. The weight makes it less balanced.

I like the 29, too.

I have 3 44 Magnums. 3”, 7.5” and 9.5”.

Don’t forget to look in the preowned market. Most people try a few rounds and realize it’s too much gun for them.Starting my search for a .44 Magnum...helpStarting my search for a .44 Magnum...helpStarting my search for a .44 Magnum...help

That goes up in likelihood as the caliber gets even bigger.

If you don’t reload, I’d suggest that you start that, too.


Last edited by CDR_Glock; 10-09-2018 at 10:00 AM.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:53 AM
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In my area you can get a new classic for $800 or less.A nice used pre lock will start at around $900 and up.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:56 AM
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I have a S&W 629 with the 8 3/8" barrel and a Ruger Red Hawk with the 7.5" barrel. I handgun hunt with both, but prefer the S&W over the Ruger.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:56 AM
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A friend knows a guy that is ill and selling a few of his guns.
One of them is a 629-3. He asked me what I thought he should offer for it, and I told him a gun shop would probably offer around $400. We'll see what happens.
Same fellow is selling a 686 which is of interest to me. Waiting to find out the dash #.
Both are the 6" barrel variety.
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Old 10-09-2018, 10:06 AM
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I picked up a 629-4 5" a while back. If you can get your hands on one of those, you'll be in hog heaven. It has great balance, no MIM, no lock, and the has the endurance package.
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Old 10-09-2018, 11:37 AM
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My suggestion is to go to a local gun shop and look at what they have. Get a feel for what you like first. Then shop used. Local gun shops, armslist, classifieds, and the like. There are even a few bargains out there from those pirates on Gunbroker. I have had good luck with the newer models, and I like the 629's because they wear better. The blue ones are prettier. The actions on the new ones are kinda heavy, but a 13 pound rebound spring and a power rib mainspring makes them pretty nice. All of mine are very accurate out to 50 yards with handloads. Good luck, and I'm sure you'll find a nice one.
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Old 10-09-2018, 11:38 AM
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Another Vote for the S&W 69. I Bought mine as a Dedicated 44 Special gun, but it Handles 44 Magnums very well too
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Old 10-09-2018, 11:46 AM
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The S&W model 69 (44 Magnum on a K frame) fits me great. With 44 specials it is tame. As a carry gun while hunting it is just right. As Goldie Locks would say.
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Old 10-09-2018, 11:55 AM
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Well, if I were you, I would place an ad in the want to buy section of this forum. I have had good luck there. Met some nice people too. I would opt for the 629 if it is going in the elements, and less possibility of corrosion under rubber grips should you chose to use them.

I am old school, and like older guns. I just got a NIB 629 no dash for 870 shipped. recently, there were a couple nice early 629's that just sold on this site for about 850 I think. You have to be patient, and also ask on the WTB forum

As for barrel length I would go for 6". Better sighting radius over a longer distance. One of the replies you got said that there are lightly used models around because people do not like the recoil after they buy one. I agree

If you want full lug, 629 classic, but I think you will pay more. If you want blue, a model 29 up through dash 5 or 6, but before the lock and the MIM parts. Just my opinion

Hunting for a specific gun can be a lot of fun, and I would do it on this site before an auction site

My 629 below

Have fun looking!
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:12 PM
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I would say if you're going to hunt with it, go at least a 6 inch. Better sight radius and if you want to put a scope on it it won't look goofy.

Some of the fine gentlemen here will be able to tell you when they started tapping them for optics from the factory.

I have a 629-2 that I love in 8 3/8", bought it, put a scope on it, and love shooting it.

629-2-1.jpg
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:34 PM
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great replies guys.....
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:41 PM
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A pre lock 629 would be my suggestion.
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Old 10-09-2018, 12:43 PM
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All good replies and worth considering...
My thought, after having gone through the search several years ago, is to consider a mod 29-2. I know, it's a semi-old school suggestion, but after running through them all, including new offerings, I opted for the old pinned and recessed piece. Interesting as well is that the value of these have been going up a bit rather than down. There is a ton of them out there too, in about any condition you may wish to have.
Just my thoughts....
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Old 10-09-2018, 02:26 PM
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A 5" 29 or 629 Classic full lug gun. Or a 6" non-lugged gun. I would start with those.
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:19 PM
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Do you plan to shoot it a lot or just on occasion? If it's going to get a lot of use go for a 6" 629 without the full lug (pointless IMHO) but with the performance improvements and without the mim or lock. That means a -5 or -6 I think. IMHO the 6" is the best as it just feels right and shoots great with 5" probably next best. I'd kinda like a -5 myself as my 6" -1 is a bit tired but I'm spent out at the moment.

I love the shorter ones too, both the 3" 629 or 2.75" 69 but I'd start with a 6" 629.
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Old 10-09-2018, 04:53 PM
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As for barrel length with any magnum cartridge, consider a 6" or 6 1/2" only because of lessened muzzle blast and slightly reduced recoil over a gun with a 4" barrel. I've been shooting mostly 4" and 6" Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers for many years and can't buy into the alleged "longer sight radius" advantage in most practical situations with the popular-length barrels.

A longer sight radius probably has basis when comparing a snub nose Chief to a 4" K-frame or if you're shooting beyond 50 yards, something few do with a handgun.

The very short-barreled magnum revolvers using magnum ammunition have terrific muzzle blast and recoil and can be intimidating to someone that is not an experienced revolver shooter. For the less-than-skilled shooter, they may serve only as an introduction to flinching and poor shooting.

Many handguns with barrels longer than 6" or 6 1/2" can be unwieldy and the user may be better served with a rifle or carbine.

Just some points to mull over before purchase.
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Old 10-09-2018, 05:25 PM
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I’m of the opinion that 4 to 6.5” is the sweet spot for a 44 mag with general use between hunting, range and trail carry intended. Anything over 7” just seems to be too long and unweildy to my hand & eye, BUT i’m Not a competition sillouette shooter nor an avid, revolver-primary, distance hunter. Different preferences in barrel/lug design are going to be largely personal taste, in way of feel and aesthetic. I prefer the full underlug as on a 629 Classic. Choose what pleases you most. For hunting purposes specifically, and for outdoor use in even semi-inclement weather, I greatly prefer and recommend stainless steel satin-finish, for durability and ease of clean up. Throw some decent grips on a “working gun” in SS, and you can look good doing it.
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Old 10-09-2018, 06:10 PM
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The deals are out there if you hunt.

Grabagun is generally the cheapest place to buy new-

4" M29 $797 shipped
29 .44 Mag 4 6 Round Blued Smith and Wesson 150254

5" 629 $779 shipped
629-6 Classic .44 Mag 5 6 Round Stainless Smith and Wesson 163636

I'm sure they have more. I have a 3" and 6" M629 and a 4" M29. The 4" is my fav and gets carried most of the time as my CCW. But I agree that firing full load 240gr magnums from the 6" is a bit less painful than it is from the 4" or 3". I stick mostly to light 180gr magnums and have no problem with the shorter barrels.
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Old 10-09-2018, 07:16 PM
Mr.Harry Mr.Harry is offline
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Nice price and find on the -6 Classic in 5”. I’d be all over that for a first .44 mag. Good luck.

I like to hold them before I ‘buy’ them. That’s just me. But that’s a nice price on a very well-configured gun.
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Old 10-09-2018, 07:29 PM
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I was looking at the 4" 629 on Grabagun just yesterday - $725.99 - wowza, a good deal.

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Originally Posted by dr. mordo View Post
The deals are out there if you hunt.

Grabagun is generally the cheapest place to buy new-

4" M29 $797 shipped
29 .44 Mag 4 6 Round Blued Smith and Wesson 150254

5" 629 $779 shipped
629-6 Classic .44 Mag 5 6 Round Stainless Smith and Wesson 163636

I'm sure they have more. I have a 3" and 6" M629 and a 4" M29. The 4" is my fav and gets carried most of the time as my CCW. But I agree that firing full load 240gr magnums from the 6" is a bit less painful than it is from the 4" or 3". I stick mostly to light 180gr magnums and have no problem with the shorter barrels.
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Old 10-09-2018, 08:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dr. mordo View Post
The deals are out there if you hunt.

Grabagun is generally the cheapest place to buy new-

4" M29 $797 shipped
29 .44 Mag 4 6 Round Blued Smith and Wesson 150254

5" 629 $779 shipped
629-6 Classic .44 Mag 5 6 Round Stainless Smith and Wesson 163636

I'm sure they have more. I have a 3" and 6" M629 and a 4" M29. The 4" is my fav and gets carried most of the time as my CCW. But I agree that firing full load 240gr magnums from the 6" is a bit less painful than it is from the 4" or 3". I stick mostly to light 180gr magnums and have no problem with the shorter barrels.
You posted some killer deals on new ones for sure! As to the emboldened... With svelte leather gloves, I'm good for 120 rounds with full house magnums in any of my 3" barreled .44's. They really make a difference. All of mine wear wood stocks. YMMV... They really are the only handguns I have that I care to shoot/exhilarate me anymore. I got my first one for Woods Carry about 2 years ago.
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Old 10-09-2018, 09:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Florida Guy View Post
A friend knows a guy that is ill and selling a few of his guns.
One of them is a 629-3. He asked me what I thought he should offer for it, and I told him a gun shop would probably offer around $400. We'll see what happens.
Same fellow is selling a 686 which is of interest to me. Waiting to find out the dash #.
Both are the 6" barrel variety.
keep me posted
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Old 10-10-2018, 12:35 AM
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If you look around at the local gun shops you can probably run across an older 629 Classic or 29 Classic in great shape. I personally rather the full lug Classic barrel over the traditional barrel as I find the extra mass on the barrel helps mitigate recoil a bit. I have a 629-3 Classic in 6 1/2" barrel I bought off GB around 3-4 years ago and just a few months ago ran across a 29-6 Classic in 5" barrel at a local gun shop. IIRC, I paid around $800 for the 629-3 Classic, which also came with the original box and unused tools and paperwork. The 29-6 Classic didn't come with the original packaging but did come with a decent plastic and foam case similar to what S&W ships guns in and that was $825 out the door at the LGS. The 5" barrel gun balances a little better in hand, but is a bit snappier in recoil with hot 44 Mag rounds than the 6 1/2" barrel 629. On both, I ditched the stock rubber grips and treated both of them with some nice premium Culina round to square "Coke" style target stocks and which I do use to shoot them with.
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Old 10-10-2018, 01:54 AM
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The 5" full lug Classics are a nice compromise between the pros and cons of 4" and 6" (6-1/2") barrel N-frames and are probably the most sought-after barrel length due to their great balance, among other things; a 6" half-lug has similar balance I think. The Classic models (both 29 and 629) come from the factory drilled and tapped for a scope/red dot sight, which is handy. There is also a Classic Hunter model with a non-fluted cylinder.

Stainless is easier to maintain, especially for a gun that will be carried outdoors. A blued finish will show wear if you carry it in a holster. However, if you don't mind the holster wear, a blued gun can still serve as a "user" even in a humid environment with the proper maintenance.

Expect to pay in excess of $800 (and more like $900+) for a pre-lock gun in excellent condition. Such revolvers are fairly common at local gun shops and on auction sites for reasons mentioned above. The fit and finish of the S&W revolvers produced in the late 80s/early 90s is outstanding; IMO, a 629-3 or -4 in great condition is worth the premium over a new gun. But you can probably find a 29/629 under $800 if you don't mind some visible wear and tear.

The comment in post 4 above regarding reloading is spot on. 44 caliber ammo is pricey and 44 special is just as expensive as 44 magnum. Plus, if you reload, you can experiment until you figure out what shoots best in your gun - in particular in the 950-1150 fps range, which is a sweet spot for the caliber and virtually non-existent in off-the-shelf ammo.
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Old 10-11-2018, 08:22 PM
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Don’t see alot wrong with a new gun. If you HAVE to HAVE a pin in hammer gun in good condition you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pocket to get one

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Old 10-19-2018, 10:17 PM
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Love the full under lug, maybe the 5" would have been better though.

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Old 10-20-2018, 07:50 PM
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If you've got a range(s) in your area with rental guns, check them out and try as many .44's you can find and go from there as to what you like and want.
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Old 10-20-2018, 09:46 PM
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I ordered a new 629 with 6" barrel, the one that was is not full lug , from gallery of guns earlier this year. All said and done it ran me right at $800. Quality was spot on. While the grips dont look all that in photos, ( black combat) they actually feel great in the hand.
I have a couple 686's, a couple model 60's, and a 617. The 629 instantly became my favorite. The balance , the point ability, the sight radius, all just blend perfect with this model. My 686 6" is full underlug and feels nose heavy, I'm glad I went with the traditional style barrel. And the way the crown is rounded makes it look way cooler from the business end as well.
That's my rambling about my 629, I hope you get one and enjoy it as much as I do. 44 mag made me loose interest in .357,
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  #32  
Old 10-21-2018, 10:47 PM
Qc Pistolero Qc Pistolero is offline
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Looks like you will be carrying it a lot in the woods.In your situation,I'd opt for the 5''full underlog stainless.I know the 4'' is shorter but not that much easier to carry and the extra 1'' helps a lot practical accuracy.
It makes a nice compromise between portability and ease of target acquisition when we compare the 4'' vs 6''.
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Old 10-22-2018, 09:07 AM
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I'm still searching...

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Old 10-22-2018, 09:45 AM
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If this is for shooting and hunting and not going to be carried all the time I would look for an older 5" Classic with the full underlug barrel.

I've had about a half dozen 29s and 629s and the 5" just balanced and shot the best of all of them.

If you are planning on carrying the gun a lot then I would go the Mountain Gun with slim 4" barrel...

...or find one of each....

Bob
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Old 10-22-2018, 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by apollo99 View Post
I picked up a 629-4 5" a while back. If you can get your hands on one of those, you'll be in hog heaven. It has great balance, no MIM, no lock, and the has the endurance package.
Might I ask, what is an endurance package?
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Old 10-22-2018, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Harry View Post
I’m of the opinion that 4 to 6.5” is the sweet spot for a 44 mag with general use between hunting, range and trail carry intended. Anything over 7” just seems to be too long and unweildy to my hand & eye, BUT i’m Not a competition sillouette shooter nor an avid, revolver-primary, distance hunter. Different preferences in barrel/lug design are going to be largely personal taste, in way of feel and aesthetic. I prefer the full underlug as on a 629 Classic. Choose what pleases you most. For hunting purposes specifically, and for outdoor use in even semi-inclement weather, I greatly prefer and recommend stainless steel satin-finish, for durability and ease of clean up. Throw some decent grips on a “working gun” in SS, and you can look good doing it.


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  #37  
Old 10-22-2018, 12:06 PM
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My general rule of thumb is to look for 29-2 through 29-6 and 629 no dash through 629-4. These are older (pre 1997/98) style pre-lock, pre-MIM models with hammer-mounted firing pin and round cylinder stop stud.

I like 4" Mountain guns for lighter weight and really like my 6-1/2" 29-6 Classic full lug for long range target shooting. For hunting or general purpose you'll never go wrong with a 6-1/2" Model 29 or 629 tapped for scope.

As with all pre-owned revolvers make sure to check timing, endshake, and push-off. Avoid guns that have been abused or improperly modified.

and...have fun!
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Old 10-23-2018, 12:14 AM
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Hunting? Go all in with the 8 3/8 barrel.
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  #39  
Old 10-23-2018, 12:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw View Post
I will shoot the gun, mostly .44 Specials but will carry magnums for hunting, etc. I'm thinking 4" - 6" barrel. Prefer the 29 but will look at the 629's too
I was looking at the S&W catalog, I like the blue, full ejector rod shroud. With the wood grips, (Classic)? sorry , dont know much about all the models I saw on Gunbroker.

Wish I could find the deal at the Sherrifs auction !!! What am I looking for? I would like to stay around $700-$800. New or gently used.
JUDICIOUS SHOPPING, AND SOME PATIENCE OOULD GET YOU INTO A VERY DESIRABLE, AND VERSATILE , LIGHTLY USED 4" M629----ESP, IF YOU ARE NOT CONCERNED, THAT IT HAS AN IL......

KEEP SEARCHING ON GUNBROKER, THIS FORUM, AND IN PERSON AT GUN SHOWS AND LOCAL DEALERS.....

REMEMBER THAT READY CASH IN HAND TALKS, IN FACE TO FACE TRANSACTIONS....
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Old 10-23-2018, 09:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CDR_Glock View Post
I don’t like full lug models on carry or hunting guns. The weight makes it less balanced.

I like the 29, too.

I have 3 44 Magnums. 3”, 7.5” and 9.5”.

Don’t forget to look in the preowned market. Most people try a few rounds and realize it’s too much gun for them.Starting my search for a .44 Magnum...helpStarting my search for a .44 Magnum...helpStarting my search for a .44 Magnum...help

That goes up in likelihood as the caliber gets even bigger.

If you don’t reload, I’d suggest that you start that, too.

Now that's a great collection, nice!
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Old 10-23-2018, 12:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw View Post
I will shoot the gun, mostly .44 Specials but will carry magnums for hunting, etc. I'm thinking 4" - 6" barrel. Prefer the 29 but will look at the 629's too
I was looking at the S&W catalog, I like the blue, full ejector rod shroud. With the wood grips, (Classic)? sorry , dont know much about all the models I saw on Gunbroker.

Wish I could find the deal at the Sherrifs auction !!! What am I looking for? I would like to stay around $700-$800. New or gently used.
You'd love the M329pd for carry and I usually see them for sale in your price range. Often they have few rounds through them. If you reload, (or buy Cowboy Action loads), you'll find 240-250gr @900-1000fps something you can "shoot all day". And when you're having nightmares of armor-plated grizzlies you can stoke it with full-up 44mag.

A lot of folks are liking the heavier 5shot M69 because it is built on the smaller K-frame.
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  #42  
Old 10-23-2018, 08:00 PM
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Just as a point of information,the M69 is an L frame.It is a round butt that uses,as all round butt L frames use, a k/L frame round butt grip.This is for both bbl. lengths.
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