I visited this forum trying to figure out if I should go 329 vs 629. I decided to go 329 and bought the Hogue rubber grips. Super light, with rubber grips I love shooting the 329. I actually am more accurate with it at 7 yards than my Kimber 45 4 inch barrel. I am not a huge guy. 5'11" 195#. I wanted to buy it for hiking / fishing in the mountains.
629 or 329 for backwoods carry
- Thread starter Racerg
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Well I think you'll have it with you all the time. It is so nice to carry. Glad to hear that you're getting acceptable accuracy as the lightweight makes it tough for some folks.
629classic3
Member
Abbynormal
Member
I'll acknowledge the fact that I am old fart school. When I needed a gun to carry in mountain hiking/high altitude, I chose the S&W M629-4 Mountain Gun. I grew up on 6 & 6-1/2" N frame .357's and .44's. So I figured a 4" ;44 Mag, N frame wouldn't be that much different. Unfortunately, the 4", is a different animal.
Recoil on a skinny barrel 4" .44 Magnum vs a 6" standard heavy barrel is like the difference of night and day.
I wouldn't even think about carrying or shooting a lighter weight .44!
I do have a 4" M28 as my "Indiana woods/comfort/plinking/kinda race gun /packin' gun" and I shoot it a lot and I am more comfortable with it than any of my 6'er's. However, the 4" Mtn Gun is a different beast. It kicks like a friggin' mule and I REALLY have to focus and concentrate hard to get a good grouping.
Please remember, this comes from a guy who has shot HOT handloaded 6" and 6-1/2".44 Mags for over 30 years!
I would never go to a lighter gun than the 629 Mtn Gun. I practice and carry locally with hot .44 Spl's (1000-1200 fps). I am as good with that combo as I am the M28 4", but with .higher velocity, heavy bullet 44 Mags, my accuracy diminishes. The recoil and the blast are horrendous!
After 2 or 3 rounds, I develop a flinch, but I work hard on trying to disregard it. I figure if I need to use the Mtg Gun in the field, hopefully being able to accurately put 1 or 2 shots of 260+ grain .44 Mags will do the trick.
I'd advise AGAINST the M-329.
Recoil on a skinny barrel 4" .44 Magnum vs a 6" standard heavy barrel is like the difference of night and day.
I wouldn't even think about carrying or shooting a lighter weight .44!
I do have a 4" M28 as my "Indiana woods/comfort/plinking/kinda race gun /packin' gun" and I shoot it a lot and I am more comfortable with it than any of my 6'er's. However, the 4" Mtn Gun is a different beast. It kicks like a friggin' mule and I REALLY have to focus and concentrate hard to get a good grouping.
Please remember, this comes from a guy who has shot HOT handloaded 6" and 6-1/2".44 Mags for over 30 years!
I would never go to a lighter gun than the 629 Mtn Gun. I practice and carry locally with hot .44 Spl's (1000-1200 fps). I am as good with that combo as I am the M28 4", but with .higher velocity, heavy bullet 44 Mags, my accuracy diminishes. The recoil and the blast are horrendous!
After 2 or 3 rounds, I develop a flinch, but I work hard on trying to disregard it. I figure if I need to use the Mtg Gun in the field, hopefully being able to accurately put 1 or 2 shots of 260+ grain .44 Mags will do the trick.
I'd advise AGAINST the M-329.
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Kilibreaux
Member
No less than 4" barrel in a .44 Magnum please!
SHORT barrels give up far to much in REAL, MEASURED velocity...and even the 4" isn't the ideal barrel length for the .44 mag unless one is handloading with the right powders.
If you want a "pocket blaster" that cares very little about barrel length to deliver velocity, then consider the S&W .500 magnum.
Not bashing...just sayin'
SHORT barrels give up far to much in REAL, MEASURED velocity...and even the 4" isn't the ideal barrel length for the .44 mag unless one is handloading with the right powders.
If you want a "pocket blaster" that cares very little about barrel length to deliver velocity, then consider the S&W .500 magnum.
Not bashing...just sayin'
jtcarm
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Yep. SA handles .44 magnum recoil better for me.
To me, a backwoods gun isn't just for protection, it's for targets of opportunity, maybe a feral hog, deer if in season, coyote, and the ever- dangerous rocks, stumps, and prickly-pears.
A 4 3/4 - 5 1/2" barrel is about perfect for that, IMO. I carried a 5 1/2" SBH for decades on the family ranch in a belt/holster combo. The 5 1/2" is the longest I can carry while driving. Having its own belt makes adjustment easier and easy to take the gun off if I need to roll up sleeves & do something. I didn't just wear this rig riding in a truck, the majority of the time I was humping it through solid thickets of greenbrier, often carrying a Stihl brush cutter .
On a pants belt, a 4 3/4" .45 Colt rode very nicely in a Threepersons cross-draw and was what I carried if hunting with a long gun for dove or quail. It also broke the monotony nicely on days the doves didn't cooperate
I guess if you're in the back country for a specific purpose like hiking or fishing where weight matters and big mean critters abode, a short, light DA makes sense since it is basically the same thing as an SD revolver, just for big four-legged animals. You don't want to have to cock when a moose is trampling you. I'd carry strong-side hip so as not to have to reach across my body in the event there's a 400-lb bear on my chest.
This is all theoretical for me , as I've never spent time in true dangerous game country.
Pepper spray would likely do the trick, but never waste an excuse to buy a new gun
chaparrito
Member
i have a 629 and love it. I carry it fishing. We have lions here but not bears to speak of or moose, tweakers are more of an issue. I am pretty sure bear spray would be my first line of defense. It works on moose as well- not to mention meth-heads.
Kid44
Member
I use a 4" Model 29 for shooting standard factory loads, if I want to move up a level or two I go to a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk. 99% of the time regardless of what I am carrying, it is loaded with factory loads. Just not any big dangerous
threats around here to warrant anything more potent than factory stuff. I use mostly 240 gr. SP or JHP, maybe a 240 gr.
hard cast LSWC from Double Tap.
threats around here to warrant anything more potent than factory stuff. I use mostly 240 gr. SP or JHP, maybe a 240 gr.
hard cast LSWC from Double Tap.
BearBio
Member
Most of the moose I've seen in Utah have been Shiras. However, that being said, I hunted elk up by Henefer in 89 or 90 and we had a young bull, a cow, and a calf coming through almost very night. The night before I arrived, he decided he didn't like where our camp was located, so he moved the tents and tried to move the trailers. They were still setting things up when I got there the night before season opened. Got a nice bull opening morning and the smell of the blood kept the moose out after that.
I fear moose more than grizzly.
I fear moose more than grizzly.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
During hunting season or its just my choice of carry in the wilds my redhawk with my 1400fps of my 44 magnum reloads should stop anything.
Or
My 357 snubbie when the family is with me out of sight so no one gets nervious. I don't want to upset my kids.
I just purchased some Cor-Non ammo in 44 mag 300grs. & in 45 long colt also in 300grs too. I have some 41 mag in cor bon ammo too.
I have tracks bigger than my size 12 sorrel insulated boots about five minutes from my camp in the pines. I think there bear but I been told that bear paws don't get that big. I couldn't make out the tracks that we'll in the fresh falling light snow. But there longer and wider than my boots were. There is one way into these buttons and one way out. These tracks aren't found outside the bottom. So it's not an nba player hunting.
Or
My 357 snubbie when the family is with me out of sight so no one gets nervious. I don't want to upset my kids.
I just purchased some Cor-Non ammo in 44 mag 300grs. & in 45 long colt also in 300grs too. I have some 41 mag in cor bon ammo too.
I have tracks bigger than my size 12 sorrel insulated boots about five minutes from my camp in the pines. I think there bear but I been told that bear paws don't get that big. I couldn't make out the tracks that we'll in the fresh falling light snow. But there longer and wider than my boots were. There is one way into these buttons and one way out. These tracks aren't found outside the bottom. So it's not an nba player hunting.
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I would go with a 629 carry comp. the fixed sights and nice with no snag points. The power port also helps with follow up shots.
Damn nice grips. Custom or?
Groo01
Member
Groo here
I was in the revolver school for years and have 3in in 357/41/44/45acp.
But if you want a balance of size, weight, power , and shootabelty.
I suggest a 10mm auto.
Glocks are light, Smiths are strong,1911's just are, and then there
are the witness's.
Max barrel for length, high shot count, action reduces kick.
Federal has a new hunting load [true 10mm] and
there is Double tap,Buffelo bore,Corbond , and Underwood.
I was in the revolver school for years and have 3in in 357/41/44/45acp.
But if you want a balance of size, weight, power , and shootabelty.
I suggest a 10mm auto.
Glocks are light, Smiths are strong,1911's just are, and then there
are the witness's.
Max barrel for length, high shot count, action reduces kick.
Federal has a new hunting load [true 10mm] and
there is Double tap,Buffelo bore,Corbond , and Underwood.
Just to add my two cents: I'm not to be understood as any kind of expert shooter, but I found my 329 to be different than what is usually described here. Understand that I have been in construction all my life and that may be a contributing factor, but I have yet to shoot a pistol that I would describe as hurting my hand. I will admit that my 329 feels like someone grabbed the barrel and twisted it up and out away from my grip. I was able to hang on but each shot seemed to require a reset of my grip. Of course using 44 special ammo needs no comment nor concern. I love the practicality of such an easy to carry 44 magnum tool.
Ditto this. I wouldn't go shorter than 4". And I would go 629. 5" might be perfect, but I like 6". I think 8 plus becomes unwieldy.Contrary to what many seem to believe the shorter barreled guns (less than 4") are much more difficult to shoot well than longer barreled guns. I challenge the assertion 99% of us can shoot a 2 1/2 or 3" gun as accurately as a 5, 6, or 8 3/8".
The short barreled guns require more practice to master and their lighter weight with its accompanying recoil and muzzle blast makes practice a much less enjoyable thing.
It's interesting to me that the discussion seems to involve issues of shooter comfort rather than optimum effectiveness in a life threatening situation.
Ranges in the outdoors can require a longer sight radius to achieve adequate accuracy. A charging sow black bear with cubs, even fifty or sixty yards away, can be on top of a hiker in a second or two. The sooner a person can cap off effective and accurate rounds the better their chance of survival.
The fact is when you reduce the effectiveness of your firearm you also diminish its usefulness in the field...
I hunt black bear and I'm often in bear country for other reasons. I always carry in the remote and rugged Pacific NW woods -- but optimum comfort is among the lower considerations on my priority list.
If you believe a serious threat could be a possibility keep a 4" plus on your hip. I often carry a 5" 629 when fishing or hiking or a 500 when I'm hunting. Don't even notice them with the right holster gear...
JMHO
A little off topic but agreed on the above post. Moose encounters can be as bad or worse than ones involving fanged & clawed predators. I know of two people who have lost great upland bird dogs due to them. Back on topic, I carry a 629 for this reason among others, but haven't ever shot a 329.
There is a couple of other options. I carry a 396. L frame 44 special. Not as powerful as a 44 mag, but at biting range it would be very effective. Also there is the 325. Again not in the power range of the big 44, but a heavy 45 caliber bullet isn't going to bounce of something made of flesh.
But, the big thing in YOUR decision is now YOU tolerate the recoil and handle which ever you chose. To me the perfect light gun with the most umpha would be a 325 in 45 Colt. Biggest bullet, decent power and I am a 45 colt lover.
But, the big thing in YOUR decision is now YOU tolerate the recoil and handle which ever you chose. To me the perfect light gun with the most umpha would be a 325 in 45 Colt. Biggest bullet, decent power and I am a 45 colt lover.
cowboy4evr
Member
I have had both and shot revolvers for quite a few years. I simply couldn't shoot my 329PD well , loaded heavy or light . I'm not knocking the gun , it just wasn't a good fit for me . I'm a pretty tall guy , 6'5" , 235#'s . I was the 3rd owner . The first 2 owners shot one cylinder each of factory 44 mag and sold it .
I became concerned about the fact that it had a stainless steel blast shield on the underside of the top strap so you didn't flame cut the top strap . Several people posting at the time had burnt through it and into the top strap . The factory had to replace the entire frame they said . Some claimed they got about 1500 rounds before it was cut , others said only about 500 . If I remember correctly , one owner was on his 3rd factory fix . They had pictures showing the damage , not pretty .
The frame is made of scandium , not aluminum . It made me wonder how long the factory was going to warrant these as that is an expensive repair . Mine had the stainless steel blast shield , just like the ones I saw pictures of . I took a loss but was glad to move it on .
I awhile back picked up a real nice 629-4 in 4" . it has the endurance package but no key lock and the firing pin is mounted on the hammer . It is a real sweet heart to carry and shoot . That was my experience with a 329Pd , yours may vary .
I became concerned about the fact that it had a stainless steel blast shield on the underside of the top strap so you didn't flame cut the top strap . Several people posting at the time had burnt through it and into the top strap . The factory had to replace the entire frame they said . Some claimed they got about 1500 rounds before it was cut , others said only about 500 . If I remember correctly , one owner was on his 3rd factory fix . They had pictures showing the damage , not pretty .
The frame is made of scandium , not aluminum . It made me wonder how long the factory was going to warrant these as that is an expensive repair . Mine had the stainless steel blast shield , just like the ones I saw pictures of . I took a loss but was glad to move it on .
I awhile back picked up a real nice 629-4 in 4" . it has the endurance package but no key lock and the firing pin is mounted on the hammer . It is a real sweet heart to carry and shoot . That was my experience with a 329Pd , yours may vary .
My 2 cents. I do trail clearing 2-5 times a year in the high S. San Juans. I used to take my 4inch 66 on my belt, but with the rumor of more moose in the area I decided to upgrade to my new to me 629 3inch. It rides in a Simply Rugged pancake with the chesty-puller harness. Even though it's a bit heavier than the 66, having it ride on my chest makes it a non-issue.
I try to play the weight game, but with a chainsaw,gas, oil, axe, etc. on my back I always loose. I haven't had any issues with it taking off and putting on my pack.
I've stumbled on lot's of elk over the years, and I've heard some pretty loud critters crashing through the aspens trying to escape my presence. Last year a shepard shot 2 black bears up there messing with his sheep. I feel a little safer with the .44 just in case I stumble upon a momma moose or the ghost grizzly of the San Juans
I try to play the weight game, but with a chainsaw,gas, oil, axe, etc. on my back I always loose. I haven't had any issues with it taking off and putting on my pack.
I've stumbled on lot's of elk over the years, and I've heard some pretty loud critters crashing through the aspens trying to escape my presence. Last year a shepard shot 2 black bears up there messing with his sheep. I feel a little safer with the .44 just in case I stumble upon a momma moose or the ghost grizzly of the San Juans
