629 5" Classic vs 329PD

[groundpounder17]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum but not new to shooting or handguns. As my username implies I'm a former Marine infantryman. I have typically always been a 1911 man, but for the past several months I've found myself wanting to venture into revolvers...specifically the .44 magnum.
I've found myself torn between 3 models and could really use some opinions. I've narrowed my search down to the 629 5" classic full lug, the 329PD, and the 629 V-comp. I will admit that the V-comp is my least favorite of the three by far, but I could easily be swayed that way with sound logic.
I really like the 329PD and if I had this gun I would immediately sent it off for double trap porting and a trigger job. The 5" classic is my other option which just says .44 magnum all over it to me. I feel they the 5" is probably an excellent compromise between the 4" and 6/6.5" lengths. The major benefit of the 329PD is obviously the weight, but after reading a few horror stories about the guns being weak I'm a little scared off on this one. The recoil doesn't intimidate me at all as I said I would have it ported so I figure the recoil will end up being comparable to the 5" classic.
Does anyone know if S&W has made any corrections to the 329PD to prevent it from dissentigrating?
Will the 5" classic hold up much better? I would carry the gun when camping, backpacking, hunting, and occasionally for concealed carry to change the pace from my typical automatic. I would imagine the 5" classic as not being as easily suited for this option, but with the right setup it could be done occasionally.
The only other gun that really catches my eye is the model 29 in 6.5 or 4". I do like the blued finish but prefer the compromise of the 5" barrel as well as the full lug.
So what's everyone's thoughts? Btw, this isn't something my LGS has for me to handle. Any of these would need to be ordered.
Thanks

 

[JAFO]

if you are going to shoot it, the 629 is the choice, to carry and not shoot much, go with the 329.

 

[CH4]

Of the three models and uses you mention, I'd lean forward the 329. I have a 5" 629 classic that's the bomb for hunting, fishing and camping, but IMO it's too big and heavy for serious backpacking or concealed carry - I also have a 3" 629 that is borderline for backpacking and CCW.

 

[ken158]

Two guns designs for different reasons. Carry the 329 with minimal shooting (recommend to NOT port it) and shoot the 629.

 

[groundpounder17]

Two guns designs for different reasons. Carry the 329 with minimal shooting (recommend to NOT port it) and shoot the 629.

Why not port? Too much flash?

 

[groundpounder17]

Of the three models and uses you mention, I'd lean forward the 329. I have a 5" 629 classic that's the bomb for hunting, fishing and camping, but IMO it's too big and heavy for serious backpacking or concealed carry - I also have a 3" 629 that is borderline for backpacking and CCW.

Concealed carry is not really a must. I have automatics for that. I just thought it would be a good change to try to carry it but not a must by any means.

I guess I really need both...

 

[ken158]

Why not port? Too much flash?

Lots of muzzle flash with minimal effect, costly and reduces value of gun. Firing a ported CCW in different scenarios is distracting and could be harmful to the shooter.

 

[hkcavalier]

I carry a 629 Classic 5" in a shoulder holster while backpacking. Sure it's heavier than a smaller gun, but that's always going to be true. 300gr bear loads are just bearable (har har) with this gun. An alloy framed snub? In the heat of the moment it might not be an issue but I'll stick with the big all steel gun.

When I was looking for a .44 I also considered the Mountain Guns but never saw one in the flesh. My requirements were all steel and pre lock.

I too was an infantryman...after lugging around all that gear, 50oz of handgun is no big deal

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Why not port?

You're a Marine. Do the Marines port their guns? There's a reason why they don't. There's a reason why no police or LE agencies issue ported guns. If there was any net advantage, they would all do it. Wouldn't they?

 

[groundpounder17]

I've been looking and I think I'd like to just find an older 5" classic. Preferably a blued gun as opposed to stainless. If I keep looking I'd like to find a 29-5. I found one but $1100 plus he won't ship it. Patience is a virtue I suppose.

 

[Squarebutt]

Consider a 4" 29 or 629, especially an earlier model without the full lug. They carry pretty well in a pancake belt holster, and the weight isn't as big an issue as a longer, full-lug gun. An alloy .44 has a mighty recoil.
I like the look of the 5" N-frames, too, but for general carry, hunting and camping the 4" guns are just a lot handier than you would think a 1" difference would make. Holsters are more plentiful, too.
Welcome to the forum. You've landed on a friendly shore.

 

[groundpounder17]

I think I'd like to handle a 4" and a 5" to see what I really like best. Thanks

 

[CH4]

I carry a 629 Classic 5" in a shoulder holster while backpacking. Sure it's heavier than a smaller gun, but that's always going to be true. 300gr bear loads are just bearable (har har) with this gun. An alloy framed snub? In the heat of the moment it might not be an issue but I'll stick with the big all steel gun.

When I was looking for a .44 I also considered the Mountain Guns but never saw one in the flesh. My requirements were all steel and pre lock.

I too was an infantryman...after lugging around all that gear, 50oz of handgun is no big deal

Backpacking with a 50 oz revolver, 35-40 lbs pack is more than this 50 year old wants haul - I go out for 1-3 weeks at a time. Moreover, for me a shoulder rig under a shoulder strap would be uncomfortable, especially after a full day of packing. Thigh rig is also annoying after 100 yds. If you're in bear country and need to pack a 44, the 329 is a good option.

 

[Damol]

You should look hard at a 4 inch 29-629. They don't give up much to a 5 inch gun and are nice to pack around all day.
I can even sit in my car and not kill the seat or my kidney. Some states have a barrel length requirement for hunting so
you might look at that if you want to use it. This might kill a 4 inch gun.

 

[hkcavalier]

Backpacking with a 50 oz revolver, 35-40 lbs pack is more than this 50 year old wants haul - I go out for 1-3 weeks at a time. Moreover, for me a shoulder rig under a shoulder strap would be uncomfortable, especially after a full day of packing. Thigh rig is also annoying after 100 yds. If you're in bear country and need to pack a 44, the 329 is a good option.

I had no issues with a nylon holster. Leather is thicker of course. I haven't done a 1 week trip in a while though...mostly the 1-3 day variety.

 

[Stevewins]

I have a 4" mountain gun and it's not bad to carry all day on a belt holster with a good belt. I also have a Kramer horsehide IWB holster that is surprisingly comfortable and makes it easy to conceal, easier than my Glock 19, although obviously not lighter. It holds the gun tight against the body. I see them for sale now and then on Gunbroker. There was one a couple of weeks ago and the price was good, I was tempted. I think it was around $6-700.

 

[Stevewins]

Judging by the absurd prices on Gunbroker now, in hindsight I should have bought this one in June.

Smith & Wesson 629-5 Mountain Gun 44 Mag 4" Box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Why not port?

I question whether porting the 2 (& 3) piece assembly barrel guns, like the 329PD, is wise in the long run.

This was already ported, by Mag-Na-Port, by it's original owner when I got it. I wonder whether the gases can get in between the shroud & the barrel & cause troubles down the road, possibly when removing them?

I suspect the way it's done probably makes a difference. With the larger opening cut in the shroud, than in the barrel, that may reduce, or eliminate, that concern. I don't know, just a thought.

.

.

 

[300whispertc]

Take a look at the 4.25 inch 69 on the L frame you will be surprised.

 

[ken158]

Take a look at the 4.25 inch 69 on the L frame you will be surprised.

This is the best idea to solve your carry problem.