Looking for a .44 to pack.

[LostintheOzone]

I have a few revolvers but I really don't know a lot about S&W models. I have a 19-6 that I really like and I'm looking for a .44 now. I've decided to sell my .45 Sig and go with a revolver. I just purchased the 3rd addition of the Standard Catalog and I'm slowly coming up to speed so bare with me here.

I don't need anything to conceal as I aready have a 2" J frame 38. I want something to carry in the back country when I hike and camp. I also like to target shoot. It doesn't need to be a mag and a 3-4" barrel would be prefered. Eventually I will reload all of my ammo. I'm already reloading for trap so pistol won't be a problem.

My question to those who own and shoot .44's. Can the .44 mag be tamed by loading it lighter than factory ammo? I ask this because there seems to be more mags around than anything else but I just don't need that kind of horse power. I'm considering a 44 special but the models don't seem to be as common. What should I be looking for here in the used market in the 500-750 range?

Thanks

Jim

 

[jake m29]

Congratulations on your quest for a revolver of the proper caliber.. ;-). The .44 Magnum is my favorite handgun caliber. I carry a S&W 29 with a 4 inch. Barrel concealed on a daily basis. The cool thing about the magnum pistol Vs the Special chambering is the ability to shoot either loading. Handloading really brings out the possibilities of this caliber. You can load them light for plinking or hot for serious work. My advise to you would cruise the pawn shops until you find a good used 29-2 or 29-3 with a 4inch barrel. If you want to go new than the new 29-10 is a fine shooting pistol. You could even find a good 629 for a fair price as well.

 

[glenncal1]

For the back country I would go with a 629 (stainless) in whatever version floats your boat. If you dont want to use full house magnums, either download some .44 mags or shoot .44 specials. Lots of versatility that way.

 

[Magnum-Krazy]

Very good advice already given above.
I also carry the S&W .44 Magum model 29-2 in the 6 1/2" barrel.
Other options to consider in the S&W .44 Magnum lines are the model 629 Mountain Gun introduced in 1993 with a 4" barrel and model 629 Backpacker introduced in 1994 with a 3" barrel.
Other good gun for carry thats not a .44 Magnum is the S&W .41 Magmum model 57 origionally introduced in 1964 with 4" barrel but also models 57-1 1982, 57-2 1988, 57-3 1990 and 57-4 1993.
The .41 Magnum has good knock down power but less recoil than the .44 Magnum.



Ernie

 

[Sebago Son]

Packin' .44s...

I suggest that you look around for a 4" 29-3. These are not pinned and recessed, but are fine guns nonetheless. Collectors look down their noses at them and they bring less money because of that fact, yet they still have most all the classic features of the earlier 29's. I own 29's & 629's from all eras between 1956-2000 and THIS 29-3 is the best shooter in the stable.

I bought it from a Bowhunter pal of mine, who had already broken it in... paid less than $400.

With the smaller "Magna" style stocks the bulk is considerably reduced, improving the guns portability, but you pay a price in shootablility as the larger stocks help most shooters manage recoil better. Many fellas mount rubber stocks on their sidearms during times of rough usage, me included.

Stainless steel is nice, but it will add to the cost of your Smith .44. I have found two things about Stainless Steel and firearms.... First it's "Stain-LESS", not "Stain-PROOF" and will still rust if neglected for long periods. Second I don't really need it. A little wear on my work guns is okay with me.

With regard to lower powered loads, the .44 Magnum is very flexible and lends itself well to this idea. This is one of my packin' .44's a Model 58 converted to .44 Magnum. The load is 7.8 grains of Unique and a Tennessee Valley Bullet Company 243 grain Cast Lead round Nosed Flat Point. Very Mild to shoot and pretty accurate here shown at 20 paces. I would guess that the velocity is something like 900 fps or so...

Good Luck!

Drew

 

[squidsix]

^ this is a great revolver. I love the fixed sight n-frame for packing. Great choice.
As for 29s, I find that carrying the mountain gun version of the 629 was just fine, but I really, REALLY like the "bounty hunter" which is a 29-10 in 3" full underlug trim. Nice packing piece, but exactly the same weight as the 629MG. Food for thought.

 

[jspick]

I have the 629-3 in a Classic 5", my favorite barrel length, and a 629-3 in 4". Both have the endurance package and carry well. I do have to admit the 4" does carry better.

I handload for all my guns and the 44 mag is the most versitile cart. I have loaded for in a handgun. I carry top end loads for woods and a unique load for fun. I do not like recoil. The 44 mag is where I quit with handguns and go to a slug gun for woods protection if I feel I need more.

I like the stainless because the finish.

John

 

[Sebago Son]

.... but I really, REALLY like the "bounty hunter" which is a 29-10 in 3" full underlug trim.

Squidsix, I guess if I want to go "Bounty Hunting" my 58-44 will do just fine...

 

[papajohn428]

If the 44 Magnum is more than you need/want and you can find a deal on one, a 696 would make an awesome companion. Small enough to pack easily, mild-mannered, yet will still handle stout Special loads if you want to make it bellow and roar a bit. Shown here with my DAO 65-5, it shows what a sucker I am for three-inch barrels. Oh well!

 

[PA Reb]

If you don't mind the IL, here's another good choice.

 

[fyimo]

I'd get one of these

or this

 

[crsides]

I second the 696 recommendation. 6 oz lighter than comparable 44, and you say you don't need the mag power. 6 oz hiking around in the back country can get to be a load. You may have to go $800 or so for the 696.


Charlie

 

[feralmerril]

I like my .44 specials. Somehow I have 7 of em. I like my s&w 24-3 in 4" barrel. I lately bought a ruger flat top in 5 1/2". For price and availability I belive the ruger a fine choice. You can get them in stainless too. They also make them in the shorter 4 5/8" barrel. This one was available at about a $100 under list so I bought it.

 

[TDC]

Confused enough yet? As you can see everyone has preferences and they all fit their needs and intended usage -- but not necessarily yours.

It would be easy to make choices if S&W only made about 10 handguns. When we find that there are hundreds if not thousands of revolver variations available in different calibers, frames, barrel lengths, finishes we quickly learn others can't make the final decision for us.

Like many others here I have a large collection of pre 1980's S&W's in all the frames and finishes. Lots of choices and opportunities to shoot many variations through the years. I currently am shooting 7 different guns in several calibers. From what you describe as your wants and needs, one, IMHO, would ideally fit with the compromises you'd need to accept to make a difficult decision.

1. A 44 Mag/Special is the most versatile and adaptable caliber ranging from light to heavy magnum loads. The 41 Mag is my favorite caliber but if you don't hand-load factory ammo can be very difficult to find and expensive when you do.

2. I'd opt for a 5" barrel length both for better sight radius and balance. The additional barrel length also helps diminish muzzle blast, flip and perceived recoil. Some "Classic" models have quick change varied color front sight blades to adapt the sight picture to different light conditions.

3. An option not often considered for a back woods trail gun is a laser sight. I'd place a Crimson Trace Laser on any gun I chose. The extremely low or non-existent light conditions at night are where you would most likely be confronted by dangerous critters. Accurate shot placement in those conditions could be difficult but crucial. The grips located placement of the laser keeps your regular open sights available should you choose them.

4. If I were choosing a frequent shooter handgun and a "work horse" I'd probably surprise some people by selectinging a new gun rather than an older model. The S&W lifetime warranty is a good one and should you ever have a problem requiring repair they even pay the freight both ways...something to consider for a gun you'll want to practice with frequently.

I'd suggest a current production Mod. 629-6 5" "Classic" with the front sight blade color package option and equip it with a Crimson Trace Laser. You should be able to have all the items mentioned at close to your budget.

Good luck and welcome to the never ending search for the non-existent perfect handgun.....

 

[Sportsterguy]

Very good advice already given above.
I also carry the S&W .44 Magum model 29-2 in the 6 1/2" barrel.
Other options to consider in the S&W .44 Magnum lines are the model 629 Mountain Gun introduced in 1993 with a 4" barrel and model 629 Backpacker introduced in 1994 with a 3" barrel.
Other good gun for carry thats not a .44 Magnum is the S&W .41 Magmum model 57 origionally introduced in 1964 with 4" barrel but also models 57-1 1982, 57-2 1988, 57-3 1990 and 57-4 1993.
The .41 Magnum has good knock down power but less recoil than the .44 Magnum.



Ernie

Excellent advice Ernie! Had 3 .44 mags and now have 4 .41 mags. Little easier on the hand, shoot flat and has great knockdown power with the right load. Easily a 100+ yd deer gun with a scope and 50+ without. I've taken 44 deer with my .41 mag and 3 years ago with the .44. Deer did not know the difference. Reloading is the way to go with both rounds, and I'll second going stainless for an outdoor weapon. JMO

 

[feralmerril]

Yup! There has been all types of .44 specials with different features that have been made that can be recomended. The problem is finding one before we even talk price!
I have been lucky as I nailed most of mine 40 years ago. Like I said in my last post, the best gun for the money that is easily available has to be that ruger flat top I showed. I see I paid $450 for it last year while they were listed at $575s. They are available and at sane prices. Not only that, they are everything good. Very strong, all reports are they are very accurate, have adjustable sights and well made. Sure I like my colt saa`s, triplelock, 1950 target and 24-3. I wouldnt pay the going $1,200s apiece for them today though. The ruger is the very best sane priced, available gun out there today, and as you can see, I have most of em.
Sorry, I am aware this is a smith & wesson site.

 

[Dennis The B]

For reloading, you can make up .44 special-type loads in .44 Magnum brass. The longer brass makes the revolver easier to clean, and you have the advantage of shooting with a lower-recoil load.

I also load for shotgun, but metallic cartridge reloading is a different beast altogether. My MEC 9000 will load just about any hull that isn't worn out. You won't have that luxury with metallic. Tolerances are much tighter, and you can screw up much easier if you're not paying close attention to the job at hand. However, you can reload much less expensively, and you can generally get better accuracy from your own efforts.

When you get into centerfire reloading, there are lots of books and equipment from which to choose. One idea would be to get the RCBS Rock Chucker press which comes solo, or in a kit. The kit contains everything you need to get started, except for the dies. Add brass, powder, primers, and bullets, and you're set to go.

 

[mooshoo]

I have a 3'' model 24-6 44 spl that I shoot a load of 14.0 gr of 2400 with a 240 gr. bullit. The chrony reads a honest 800 fps! its a hand full,drop it in your pocket and your ready for anything!!!

 

[Retired W4]

I love carrying my 4" M-29-2 when quail hunting. It was there for security for my boss and her friends, but if a bird decided to light in a tree and would not come down the CCI 44 shot shell usually inspired them to cooperate. Not exactly sporting, but it would be one more for the grill. I sometimes carried the Ruger Super Blackhawk, but I prefer the more natural feel of the Smith.

 

[gaijin]

Favorite "packing" .44's:

629-4 "MG":

629-6:

Not a .44, but mod 58: