Some of us are just contrary. I first bought a new 629MG for .44 Specials - then both a new 296 & 696 - nearly six years ago. I had a 6.5" 24-3 - horrid. I bought a closeout Heritage 6.5" 24 - too pretty to shoot. The blued guns are gone - in their place, a new 6" 629. And, a new 4" 629 replaced my 629MG. Now I have revolvers capable of 'real' Keith loads, should the need arise. Clean those chambers well, put on the .500 Magnum grips, and they revert back to .44 Magnums, too. I'm happy.

Here are my .44 Specials:



Oh yeah - the 696 is fun, but what a dimunitive forcing cone. The standard 4" 629, SKU 163603, and at a whopping six ounces more, has a longer barrel, another round, larger hammer & trigger, and is certainly Keith-level plus ready. It balances even better in my hand than the 696 - and will be here when the 696 is long gone. A 629MG is only four ounces heavier. Choices... YMMV.

Stainz