Model 29 or 24

[LostintheOzone]

I'm gearing up to shoot 44 Spl. Don't have a revolver yet but will soon enough. I'm just trying to decide on a 44 Mag or a 44 Spl. I'm not shooting any 44 mag in this revolver. It's just a range gun. I don't even shoot 357 anymore. I have a 4" 625 that I shoot and like the barrel length so whatever I end up with it will be 4" or possibly 3". Not real crazy about stainless and would rather have a blued pistol.

Looking around on the internet it seems that there weren't a lot of 24's made and 3-4'' isn't common. When I look at 29's there seems to be a lot more to choose from probably because 44 mag is very popular and 44 Spl. isn't anymore.

What is the difference between the 24 and 29? I know the cylinder is longer so there must be some weight difference. The mag is a much higher pressure cartridge so is the frame heavier?

Am I going to pay more for a model 24 or is the fact that 44 Spl isn't popular going to be an advantage here?

I'm not looking for a collector in 99% condition. I just want to put some lead down range. I'll be loading my ammo also.

The only N frame I own is a 625 so not real savvy on those 2 models.

Any input is appreciated. Hope I got this in the right place.

 

[bigggbbruce]

29 just in case..

I shoot 44spl+p using Magnum brass.. no where near full house 44Mag..just a little more zip..

 

[murphydog]

You have a few options in later .44 Specials, the mid-'80s model 24-3 with Target sights (4 and 6") and the early 2000s fixed sight 21-4 (4"). These have light barrels and shorter cylinders so will weigh less than the equivalent length model 29. They are all N frames.

A nice example of either will cost about the same. Due to the longer charge holes .44 Specials fired in a Magnum cylinder may be a little less accurate than in a dedicated Special but it probably won't be significant. Good luck in your search.

 

[Jack Flash]

"I'll be loading my ammo also."

Given that, what BigggBBruce said makes a lot of sense for you.

 

[WILDPIG]

I think you will like the weight and balance of a 24-3 four inch.

WILDPIG

 

[huntandfishguy63]

My vote is a model 24, or 624.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Find a 24-3 4" or a 696 3" for what you are planning to do and you will be good.

 

[BigMuddy]

I like to shoot 44 Specials (my favorite cartridge) in 44 Special guns. The 4" 24-3 will be pricey but they are out there and they are excellent revolvers.

Dan

 

[notsofast]

You need only to know if you'll regret not being able to shoot a magnum, if you're not sure get a 29.

 

[JohnRippert]

I prefer the heavy barrel of the 4inch Model 29. I shoot 90% specials and 10% mags through mine.

 

[LostintheOzone]

You need only to know if you'll regret not being able to shoot a magnum, if you're not sure get a 29.

I'm sure I won't shoot any mags. To begin with they require a lot more powder and 800 fps is more my speed anyway. All I ever shoot anymore in my model 19's is 38 spl.

 

[Krogen]

There's quite a difference between the 24 and 29. The balance is different due to the 24's tapered barrel vs. the 29's bull barrel. Cylinder length also plays into the balance, IMHO. I have both and to me, they're very different.

Where are you in WA? We might be able to meet up and you could have a look first hand.

 

[Vilkus]

I don't require magnum power, so the special works for me.
I do like the lighter barrel/cylinder.
I also prefer square butt to round, even with conversion grips.

Here is my 624.

 

[rockquarry]

Some shooters find heavier handguns are more forgiving of less-than-perfect shooting technique in comparison with lighter guns. For this reason, some might find a 4" 29 easier to shoot well than a 4" 24-3. The more skillful among us would likely see no difference at all.

Another point to consider is felt recoil. Stouter .44 Special loads will have somewhat more noticeable recoil in a 24-3 than the same loads in a 29. Probably no real difference in recoil with mild loads in either gun.

 

[StrawHat]

I'm sure I won't shoot any mags. To begin with they require a lot more powder and 800 fps is more my speed anyway. All I ever shoot anymore in my model 19's is 38 spl.

Far be it from me to discourage you from buying another revolver but the 625 you already have is a good choice for launching 200 - 270 grain bullets at 800 FPS.

Decades ago, I had revolvers in 7 different chamberings from 32 Long to 45 long Colt. The magnums are long gone. I have one 38 Special. The 45 ACP has become my revolver chambering of choice. It does everything I need it to do and does it well.

To speak to your question. The 24 will balance and feel different in hand than the heavier 29. The same if you compare round butt to square butt and both are available in those models. If you can handle them prior to purchase you will know which is right for you.

You can always reload the magnum cases with the Special recipe.

Kevin

 

[22hipower]

Other than not being blue steel the 696 should be just the ticket to meet your requirements. On the other hand I also have a 629-6 three inch and the weight difference (unloaded) is only about four ounces. Really not much difference at the range. The 629 holsters well, almost as good as the 696 and offers one more round which for your purposes probably doesn't matter. The 24-3 four inch is the best choice if you insist on blue. You might also find (I did) a pre-24 with the barrel cut to four inches for about the same price of a 24-3. You'll likely be happy with any of them and, as StrawHat said above, you've already got just about the perfect solution to your need, a 625. Of course, to be sure you should have one of each. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Vilkus]

There is one indisputable fact. We all need at least one more gun.

 

[Doc44]

A Model 29-2 with a 4-inch barrel will probably be the easiest to locate and purchase. However, if you shoot predominantly 44 Specials in the revolver you must diligently clean the charge holes or fouling will build up and it will be difficult to impossible to load 44 Magnum cartridges (should you ever want to). I haven't looked for a Model 24-3 with a 4-inch barrel in some time, but you don't see them for sale that often any more.

Bill

 

[H Richard]

From a cost standpoint, and availability, a shooter grade 29-2 will be easier to find, and probably less expensive than a 24 4".

I have had a 29-3 6" which shot great, and currently still shoot a 24-3 3", which is easier to carry than you would think, and within short barrel range (15 yards) just as accurate. I do still use a TC Contender in 44 mag for longer range and if I ever decide to go deer hunting again.

 

[jebstuart]

I have a 24-3 3" in nickel that handles, carries and shoots great. It's my favorite.

24-3 nickel, 24-3 blue and 629-1: