Hey guys!
I am from NY. I am looking for my first gun. As you might have guessed by the title I am strongly considering 44 and not just any 44 a S&W 29-2 in 8 3/8. Just about the time i am going to get my first gun i will be starting to reload (got myself another rifle this time its a Marlin 1895 CB in 45-70 its a bit expensive to shoot but fun as hell so reloading is becoming a necessity). I was considering Colt Python but its might be too rich for my pocket right now. I was hoping to get some feedback as far as my choice for my first handgun. I should mentioned it will be the gun i take as back up hunting and a gun that will be taken to a range. Thanks in advance

Get Dirty Harry, 29-2, 6.5" Blue !!!!

original though was to go for Dirty Harry. How ever after watching First movie I believe he also uses 8 3/8. If i find one in 6.5 i wont let it go

Unless you are as tall as Paul Bunyan, you will quickly grow weary of that 8 3/8" tube for a hunting back up. The 6 1/2's are a little better, but for a good compromise between portability and shootability, you can't beat the 4" guns.

I may have been asleep but I never saw a 8 3/8" barrel come out from under that blazer !

I am wondering if you mean to say you will be getting your first handgun, as opposed to your first gun. Sounds like you already have a marlin. If I was looking for a first handgun it would be a k22 and then get the big gun. They are so cheap to shoot and that trigger time is invaluable. I have bigger guns that I wouldn't give up but I simply wouldn't be without a k22. Try one before you blow you wad on a 29-2.

Ultra12,

Buy the barrel length you want with your Mod. 29... Each length has its negatives and its benefits. I've hunted big game successfully (bear and elk) with long barreled S&W's for over three decades. With a quality shoulder holster, like a clam shell Bianchi X-15, Safariland or a Nelson "Untouchable" you won't know the extra barrel length of the 8 3/8 is there.

The benefits of a longer barrel are a noticeably more precise sight radius and a much more stable shooter sight picture, far less muzzle blast, better recover-ability and somewhat better ballistics. The negatives can be the 2 to 4" of additional length, slightly more weight and a hassle to carry in anything less than a good shoulder holster...

As a fairly new shooter, take them both to a local range and try them both. I believe you'll find the 8 3/8" infinitely more accurate for you, which is the most important consideration with a hunting/backup gun. You'll experience much less noise report and perceived recoil -- all in all -- a much more pleasant gun to practice with and shoot..

JMHO....Flame suit on......

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Terry

The NRA museum has the Dirty Harry gun and it has a 6.5" barrel.

I wouldn't buy any 44 as a first gun. Since you are an experienced shooter, I would buy a 357 for my first revolver or a 9mm as a first auto. Althought there's nothing better than a 22 to learn how to shoot a handgun. If you want a 22, you should consider a M17 or M41.

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Dick

Buy the .44 Mag. If you need some thing lighter shoot .44 Specials. The .44 Spl. is a fun and effective round.

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Wyoming on The Bear River

i'll chime in with the 45-70 is easy to reload for...i just bought my second 45-70...this one is the short barrel "guide gun" and its stainless steel...the 29-2 is indeed a classic the 6.5"was the one in the dirty harry series

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

A 44 Magnum as your first gun?

Odds are pretty good that after 6 shots you sell it and take up golf. Might want to try something with less recoil as a starting point. The 44 Magnum really isn't a beginner's gun.

I don't see a problem with a .44 as your first handgun, especially if you are going to reload. An 8 3/8" N frame is a heavy gun, it will soak up recoil very well. You can load up light target loads for the range and heavy stuff for hunting.

If strictly for a back up gun I would get a 4", the 8 3/8" would be perfect to hunt with.

I shot a lot of hand guns and bigger the bang bigger my smile. It's. It's crazy but I liked S&W 500 more than any 9 or 38. I have 3 rifles 3006 45-70 and 7.62 54r and a 12 gage benelli. I am not too sensitive to recoil. Although my friends 338 made me flinch first few times I shot it. It was significantly stronger recoil than my marlin in 45-70 The reason I am considering 44 as my first gun is due to gun control laws in my state and city. I can't buy as many guns as I want so I have to pick and choose the ones that has most practicality and personal preference goes with classic firearms. My list of guns to have re as follows : 44 29, colt python and colt 1911. There are plenty 1911 around. I understand it better to learn on a wheel gun so gun and unfortunately 1600+$ python is a bit more than I can spend right now. I don't think I would be compromising by getting a 44 mag. Am I wrong?

If you have a 44 there is no need to compromise

To me a Python makes for a better investment than shooter. The prices right now are astronomical. They are great guns but a 686/586 or GP100 can do everything a Python can but at a fraction of the cost.

1911's are awesome but are not ideal for a back up woods gun IMO. They can be temperamental with ammo and do not have the stopping power of the .44MAG. A 1911 in 10mm would be tempting...

For your intended purpose I think a M29 or M629 is a great choice. Now you just need to decide on barrel length.

I live in NYC so there aren't many gun shops. And our laws require us to purchase within state or send it to FFL. Sending it and FFL fees make gun almost 100 $ more. I will be visiting gun shops further out 1-2 hour drive from house as well as local Dicks cabellas and gander mnt. I am looking for 8 3/8 or 6.5. It's just a matter of funding one and price.

Wow you are deep behind enemy lines! I hope you find something nice in your price range.

Seriuos question = Do they even allow you to "possess" a handgun "in the City"?? I actually thought you were forbidden to possess ANY handgun inside NYC.

Sounds like you have experience with big guns and know what you want.

I would try to get the feel of a 6-1/2" vs a 8-3/8" barrel, the balance of the shorter barrel is much better. I agree with Sebago Son on this one, shorter may be better.

That would be great. Now if I can only find a store that has both guns in stock

One must have a license ( rifles and shutguns need a separate and a bit easier to get license, which I already have). I am going through handgun licensing right now and already had an interview with a officer who was doing investigation for my permit. Now it's just a waiting game to actually get one. It's a premises license that will allow me to keep it inside cities 5 boroughs and transport it to and from range. Also to have it on me at any state land designated for hunting. So it's by no means CC but it's the only thing I as law abiding citizen can have.
I should also mention we are allowed one purchase every 3 month and we must ask permission every time to get a new gun. You request city to allow you to purchase another hand gun 90 days after you made previous purchase and had gun inspected by police department. NYPD will issue you a purchase form that gives you 30 day window to get yor next gun. These laws might make most of your guys blood boil but it's the reality here and we have to pay to play(license fees are North of $400) and are non refundable If you are denied. But this is not about NYC this is about me getting my first gun. And I appreciate your help fellas.

I'm in agreement. I bought a nockel 29-2 with a 4" barrel a few years back, I was still a novice with hand guns & I found out pretty quickly that the need for a .44 mag/spcl comes up seldomly. The ammo is expensive and recoil is a b----.
You should be asking yourself, what is the purpose for this gun?
90% of the time there are one of two answers given to that question:
1. Home defense
2. Self defense.
If your answer matches one of these you can save some money and buy one gun that will serve two purposes. I CC a Kimber Ultra CDP w/CT laser grips and, at night, it sits on my night stand.
You don't have to rush this decision, take your time. Talk to people that own a .44 Magnum and ask them.

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Life Mbr:DAV-USMC-DAV-NRA-MOPH

I'm not lol.Bought a Ruger super blackhawk as my first center fire handgun.Shot at least 1,000 full power reloads through it.The only thing I would do differently is start with 44 special loads.When you start to flinch,unload the gun and practice dryfiring while aiming at a target.

i can understand your point(s) here however...ammo does not have to be expensive if you reload...you get what you want , when you want it...target,hunting,self defense...i can do 50 rounds of 44 for about six dollars....as to recoil...this seems to vary greatly...it just does not bother me and a lot of this is simply getting used to the gun/ammo....i do agree however make a smart gun buy and try them out if possible...

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

You know, I believe most people contributing to this thread, and others that have focused on the question of barrel length, have well thought out opinions and experiences that make for a cordial and good debate. That's the beauty of a website like this with so much diverse knowledge about S&W handguns.

A case can be made for any barrel length, frame size, caliber and finish as being the perfect selection from the posters point of view. All are valid. All can make perfect sense. IMO, none should be dismissed as an inappropriate or invalid choice. My expectation for threads like this one is to see some points of view become based on personal bias rather than actual experience and fact. It has become increasingly rare to find people who have actually shot an N frame 8 3/8" barreled .357, .41, or 44 Mag and that is the rub. The current trend toward shorter barreled guns also influences some people to seek affirmation for their own choice. The tendency can be to criticize what they don't have based on what they have read or others have said. Thankfully, there is no evidence of that on this thread...

I see several names posting here that are long term members who are highly respected for their opinions and conclusions, and deservedly so. To me that's what websites are all about. That interaction serves so many people looking for answers, or an affirmation, to what can be a very difficult personal decision.

So from my POV, buy what you want and what "turns your crank." You can always buy others or sell what you decide doesn't work for you. It seems that's how many of us got hooked on collecting these guns in the first place... It's the never ending and elusive "Don Quixote" type quest for the perfect all-around handgun... It never ends because it doesn't exist....

Just sayin'

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Terry

All of the above are good info. One more from me. If you get the 29-2 6.5" in VG+ and don't like it, You will get your money back in re-sell if you paid fair price for your region.

If you plan on hunting with it then the 8 3/8 but is perfect and it's bit heavy and more tiring at the range. The 4 inch is a great defensive revolver and the 6 inch is a great range revolver.

4 inch

6 inch

629 8 3/8 inch for comparison as I don't have a picture of my 29-2 in 8 3/8 inch barrel.
My 629 no dash 8 3/8 for comparison as I don't have picture of my 29-2 with 8 3/8 inch barrel

How are 629 diff from 29-2 besides P&R?

the six in 629 indicates its a stainless rather than a blued 44 mag.

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

In the mid-1970, I was making the same decision. Python was my first choice, however, the price was a factor, then I decided to by a Model 29, however, Dirty Harry made that model hard to come by. Finally I purchased a Colt Trooper. With in two years, I found a Model 29 and from that point, I never turned away from S&W. I sold my Colt and purchased a Model 19, followed by many other S&W. The 29-2 I purchased was an 8 3/8 inch barrel. The action was smooth, finish high and I could hit my targets with hand loads. Although I never purchased a Python, I never regreted buying the Mod-29.

Thanks!!! I appreciate the info.

Any problems with 29-2 as far a cylinder unlocking with hot loads ?