629 vs 29 - moving to alaska
- Thread starter LoneStarWings
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junglefighter
US Veteran
I still like my idea of the M69,4.25"bbl. and put it in a Bianchi UM84R holster and walk all day.
OP
LoneStarWings
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Of course I have flirted with the idea of a .460 or .500. I had a chance to shoot a .460 x-frame and found it pretty fun, recoil downright pleasant compared to say my Model 340 scandium with .357 mag!
The issue is I want my wife to be able to shoot the thing and there is the ammo availability factor.....am I wrong in thinking that .44 magnum will be super common in stores in AK whereas .500/.460 could be hit or miss?
Then again, whenever ammo shortage hit, it seems that the "common" calibers are first to sell out....9mm, 5.56, .38 special, .308, .45 acp, etc
The issue is I want my wife to be able to shoot the thing and there is the ammo availability factor.....am I wrong in thinking that .44 magnum will be super common in stores in AK whereas .500/.460 could be hit or miss?
Then again, whenever ammo shortage hit, it seems that the "common" calibers are first to sell out....9mm, 5.56, .38 special, .308, .45 acp, etc
junglefighter
US Veteran
Another reason for the M69 is that is an L frame and is a little smaller than the 29/629 N frames.This,for me,is easier to grip and the recoil I find the same.I recommend hold one and shoot if possible and you will see what I mean.Just trying to be helpful.
double-dipper
Member
My first choice would be Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in 454 Casull or 480 Ruger. My second choice would be the S&W 629 5" full lug barrel 44 mag.
Mike_Fontenot
Member
I think the OP should get a S&W500. Alaska is one of the few places where the 500 is actually needed, not just wanted. You can't have too much gun against those browns (or moose, for that matter). You can carry them comfortably (but not concealed) in a chest holster. And I wouldn't get one shorter than 6".
DB404
Member
Re ammo availability, yes, .44 magnum ammo is available darn near every where. Re finish choice, stainless is easier to maintain than blued, although I never had any trouble with any of my blued firearms rusting, because I cleaned them thoroughly, and as often as they needed it. August is generally the wettest/rainiest month; May is usually driest/sunniest. Periodically you'll need to remove the sideplate of your chosen piece and make sure the innards are free of rust or, as you head into winter, ice. Snow melt or rain can get into the workings of a revolver (or any firearm) and then freeze, so you'll want to keep it dry if possible and use a good quality lubricant which maintains its fluid state well below freezing. Most folks don't appreciate how cold it can get up there. Unless you've experienced it, it can help to think of the temperature this way - when you're out hiking on a clear winter day at 30 below, that is 62 degrees below the temp water freezes. (If you're a runner or cyclist, you'll need to learn how to protect important external parts of your anatomy from frost bite.) Alaskan gun shops are full of large caliber handguns and rifles; two shops in Anchorage I used to frequent were Great Northern Guns and Wild West Guns. Both had great folks behind the counter. Remember though, it's not the bore size or the foot-pounds that gets the job done, it's where you apply the power that's critical. Your target will be moving, light may be poor, and repeat hits are likely to be needed. The big boomers are powerful, but there are trade offs for that power, the biggest of which is recoil and hence a slower second and third shot, plus less pleasant shooting than is ideal, which too often leads to little or no practice with something you're betting your life on. When I carried my 29s, I generally had them stoked with 320grain LBTs over 22.0 grains of 296 (start 2 grains lower and watch for pressure signs & BTW, I'm not endorsing this load for you or anyone else, it's just what I used). Alaska is a wonderful place; enjoy!
junglefighter
US Veteran
The OP stated he wanted his wife to be able to shoot the gun.A heavy 460/500 or a long 29/629 will be a problem.A lighter/smaller revolver sounds like it would be a better choice.Just stay in 44 Mag.and it should stop anything??!!
Ackley1952
Member
You said price was factor so buy the 629 . Blue hasn't been produced in years and will be 200 bucks higher . Now for the black paint job put on model 29's you'll be ok if it doesn't rain Hoppes up there .
Citiboy289
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While only having been to Alaska once on a stop over But having resided in the far northern of NYS . I have to say a model 29 is better looking but in the cold wet snowy weather a 629 is the answer to your question
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shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Blue guns with wood stocks are beautiful. Worn blue guns have character, and I like that a lot. Both kinds have what many people call "soul".
I get that. I love blue steel and wood. Nearly all the guns I've owned over the years have been blued
But I'm really pragmatic in my old age. I carry a stainless steel gun, even though in retirement I very rarely find myself out in nasty weather. It just makes sense to me.
I live in the lower Midwest. If I was in Alaska (and I frequently wish I were) it would be stainless all the way.
I get that. I love blue steel and wood. Nearly all the guns I've owned over the years have been blued
But I'm really pragmatic in my old age. I carry a stainless steel gun, even though in retirement I very rarely find myself out in nasty weather. It just makes sense to me.
I live in the lower Midwest. If I was in Alaska (and I frequently wish I were) it would be stainless all the way.
kamloops67
Member
Definitely look at the 69 , its very manageable to shoot and the cylinder is smaller diameter than the N frame, so it packs well
I have both a 629 in 4 1/4 and a 69 in 4 1/4
Its a tough decision 5 shots and easier to carry or 6 shots and a bulky gun on your belt
I have both a 629 in 4 1/4 and a 69 in 4 1/4
Its a tough decision 5 shots and easier to carry or 6 shots and a bulky gun on your belt
S.B.
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The 460 has the ability to shoot 45 long Colt, which in the X-frame should be easy to manage - even more so than 44 Special in a 629. In either case, 460 or 500 ammo shouldn't be a problem in Alaska's major cities or you could always buy via online sales and have it shipped UPS or FedEx. Anything you buy in Alaska is going to cost more due to shipping costs, so you might consider stocking up now and hauling it up with you.
1sailor
Member
Not to insult anyone but do not rely on jingle bells or spray to keep you safe. The joke in bear country is that you can always tell when Californians have been there by the jingle bells in the bear poop.
^^^^******
This!
FWIW, when I worked/played in the Alaska bush I carried a 3" 629-1 or 4" .500, both we're back up to my .375 H&H.
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