Smith and Wesson Model 29 Concerns

lucasfilmfan · Nov 4, 2015

I have been looking at buying a Model 29 with a 6.5 inch barrel but I am concerned about the recoil with magnum loads. I have a Model 686 with a 6 inch barrel and rubber grips and full power .357 magnum loads in it do not bother me at all and I thoroughly enjoy them. I also have shot a .45 acp 1911 and the recoil wasnt much to worry about. Can anyone tell me how the Model 29s recoil compares to the other guns I have mentioned?

Rule3 · Nov 4, 2015

Felt recoil is kind of subjective. But with full load 44 Mags it is indeed more that the guns you mentioned.

If you do not like the recoil with factory grips buy some Pachmyer Decelerator grips

gmborkovic · Nov 4, 2015

My only suggestion, go try it with full house loads. Its not that punishing.
Its the ultimate shooting experience.

arjay · Nov 4, 2015

You can adapt to it pretty quickly assuming your joints are still young.Wood grips that fit your hand and spread the load will help as will rubber.Its also a great reason to take up reloading.Save a ton of money on ammo and you can tailor the loads to whatever you like.

ImprovedModel56Fan · Nov 4, 2015

You will probably find most .44 magnum loads anywhere from moderate to intolerable, DEPENDING ON THE GRIPS. If your hand is small to medium-sized, it may be that Pachmayr Presentation Small (SN-S) grips will be the best. Hogue grips also stand some chance of being best. If your hand is larger, the potential selection of grips will be larger. This is probably because the N frame is a slightly large frame to start with.

Based on your stated experience with the 686 and 1911, and my experience with those guns and a 4" 29, I am pretty sure that you will not have a problem with the 29 and appropriate grips.

lucasfilmfan · Nov 4, 2015

I was planning on just keeping the factory grips on it just to keep the dirty harry look. If I change the grips I feel I might as well go with a 629.

CScott · Nov 4, 2015

If that wimp Callahan could shoot 5 rounds in a row (or was it six, I really don't remember myself ) you should have nothing but fun with it. I've been using the factory stocks on mine since 1972 with full power loads. "Light, special loads" are available too. Enjoy that great revolver!
Scott

Rule3 · Nov 4, 2015

JMHO and I reload from mild to wild if need be. Full house 44 Mags are not a shoot all day at the range kinda fun. Maybe for younger folks.

But for shooting I take of the wood and use Pachs, Wood is for show and tell and looks purty, Especially down here. Another record breaking heat wave over 100 heat index so when sweating, I like rubber grips to hold on to. Plus wood grips (stocks

) on the big guns are to wide for me.

A 45 auto bleeds off gas and recoil unlike a revolver so is not a good example.

Learn to reload, 44 Mag factory ammo will cost you a bundle!

Engine49guy · Nov 4, 2015

The longer 6.5" barrel aids in reducing recoil compared to a 4" or shorter versions but you are comparing 3 different guns and calibers.

AS stated rubber stocks that cover the backstrap will reduce fealt recoil as will firing lighter bullets at slower speeds, A Model 29 will also chamber and fire .44 Special which IMO is similar to the .45 ACP in recoil.

Aticus · Nov 4, 2015

gmborkovic said:
My only suggestion, go try it with full house loads. Its not that punishing.
Its the ultimate shooting experience.

I had a 6" 29 last year and with full house loads and Pachmayr Grippers it HURT. My 20 YO Grandson "loved it." I made some 240 SWCs at about 800 fps and they were fun.

You want the ultimate shooting experience? Try an SW 500. Out of the box that gun kills at one end and maims at the other. It is loud, recoils like a cannon, and shakes everything within 20 feet with its concussion when fired. I should have NOT tried it a second time.

By the by, I've had four 44 mag guns: a Ruger Super Blackhawk, T/C Contender (10 inch octagon barrel). a Dan Wesson, and the afore mentioned 29. I won't have another. Yes that T/C was a real hand full. The pain started in the center of my palm and stopped at my elbow.

Laketime · Nov 4, 2015

If your shooting will be primarily for target shooting,or even self defense loads, you will never really need full house loads.

Jack Flash · Nov 4, 2015

Rule3 said:
... Full house 44 Mags are not a shoot all day at the range kinda fun. ...

Some folks like to go to the range with hi-cap 9mms and blaze away at a target then look to see if they hit anything. Don't try this with full power .44 Magnum loads.

model70hunter · Nov 4, 2015

I've owned 3 or 4 29-2s, a 629 no dash and a 29-3. All in 6 or 6.5. full house was ok for me. I did sell all of them and bought a 629 MIM with a lock in 4", it does what I want in a 44 Mag, carries easy, sort of weather proof and has managable recoil. For target shooting light loads I might consider a 44 special. A Ruger even......

Art Doc · Nov 4, 2015

The last time I shot full power loads through a 29 I stopped after 12 rounds. This was a 4" gun and at an indoor range. All the other shooters hated me.

grover99 · Nov 4, 2015

You have to try it. I was shooting a M29 and the fellow I was with could not deal with it. His younger sister came out and wanted to try it. She had a great time shooting it. Every person deals with recoil different.

lucasfilmfan · Nov 4, 2015

I only plan on shooting a cylinder of .44 magnums out of it per trip to the range. I know it wont be something I will want to shoot all day. I just want to know if I can handle a cylinder.

Mblhopo · Nov 4, 2015

You might try a shooting glove, I have had one for years and they take all the bite out of the .44 it has a padded palm and the trigger finger is omitted so it doesn't get in the way of the trigger. I have not worn mine in a long time. must have gotten use to the recoil and so will you after a time.....................M*

arjay · Nov 4, 2015

I found that shooting +p loads out of a model 60 was worse than a model 29,it isn't a sharp recoil,more of a thud like 45 acp or 45 Colt

RKmesa · Nov 4, 2015

Honest Thoughts...

Take away my man card if you like, but the older I get, the less I like punishing myself. When I stuff a cylinder with full-house 44 Mag's, I shoot one shot well... the 1st shot. All other shots are typically sprayed all over the target as I am anticipating that punishing recoil.

I hear that the 500's and 460's about rip you shoulders out of their sockets.

So, when I shoot my 44's I treat them "special" and shoot much lighter loads that seem to punch the same size holes in my paper targets.

I have even gotten to the point that my 357's are on a "low cal" diet of almost exclusively 38 specials (once again - same size holes as the 357's).

Snapping Twig · Nov 4, 2015

lucasfilmfan said:
I only plan on shooting a cylinder of .44 magnums out of it per trip to the range. I know it wont be something I will want to shoot all day. I just want to know if I can handle a cylinder.

Seriously?!

Only YOU can possibly know this.

Rent one if you don't want to commit to buying one. Only way you'll know.

I will say this, I am one of many that bought a 29-2 6.5" Dirty Harry special back in the early 80's. Mine came with a 50 round box with 44 left in the box.

Recoil is subjective, 44 recoils - of this there is no doubt. You may or may not like it.

Grip fit, wood or rubber, is imperative! I like Hogue smooth wood with finger profile for all my magnums, they fit me right.

Wrong grip makes it painful.

Smith and Wesson Model 29 Concerns

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