I can only speak for the 629 but I love my 629 5" but sometimes wish I would have got the 4" just for the fact I think I could get the 4" out of the holster faster in an bear encounter situation. But like you mention the velocity is better out of the longer barrels. You should check out Garrett Defender ammo no matter what your 44 choice. Big animals take big heavy cast bullets and the Defender is lighter recoil but 310gr cast bullets. Read Garretts thoughts on heavy bullets construction and penetration.

You are right on the moose. They scare the **** out of me as they are so unpredictable. Had one chase me on my X-country skis one year and if it hadn't been for me swinging and banging my ski poles together she would have stomped me good. It was after I had already gone past her and had my back turned that she came after me. She didn't have a calf with her either so don't know what her problem was besides me just being there.

BTW. Welcome to the S&W forum

__________________
44 Garrett Defender Ammo 4 me.