I love big bore revolvers and I really love my Model 29 with a 4 inch barrel. However, I have been sort of out of the gun scene for about a year now due to other interests. I was in Cabella's last week-end and saw an article on the revolver as I noted in my title. John Taffin did the article and review of this Performance Center Model 629 revolver. I must say that I was really smitten by it. I can't stop thinking about the revolver now and would like to add one to my collection.

However, that brings up a question for you purists out there. I must say that shooting a 4 inch or even a 6 inch barrel 44 mag is a lot to take some times at the range. My hands can only take so much torture. What can be said of a 2.5 inch barrel on a 44 mag? That would really have to have some kick?!?!

Who here can add their input to this revolver having owned one or shot one? I would really like to know your opinion.

Thank you for your time.
-matt

With full power magnum loads the 2 1/2 inch WILL rock your world. You'll find that after so many rounds you'll either want to shoot specials or reduced mags. This gun is designed more as a self defense type gun anyway and full power loads arnt really needed for its intended purpose. I settled on the speer short bbl magnum 200 gn Gold dots in mine and it seems to be the best of both worlds in this set up. (For me anyway)

I own the 629PC 2 5/8" gun. There have been at least a couple of fairly recent threads (past 2 months or so) discussing it and other short-barreled 44 Mags, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding them.

Many do not like the factory stocks on this gun, they are so-called boot-grips. I have left mine on the gun, like keeping it as compact as possible, but suspect that most people will change them out for something a little more substantial. The gun definitely kicks and with those factory grips it can smart a bit when it goes off if you don't adopt the correct grip. Keep your thumb away from the rear edge of the cylinder and also from the cylinder release latch..... I wear a glove on my right hand when shooting more than 10 or so rounds at the range.

I like the gun a lot.

So far, I've only shot heavy .44 Special loads out of mine. I think these guns need to be treated a little differently than their longer barreled siblings. There is a point of diminishing returns with every gun & load combination, and these reach that much faster.

Thank you for the insight and opinions. I do appreciate that.

I had a 2 1/2 inch model. It would spit lead and powder all over my face when shooting it with factory 44 mag loads. The 44 special loads were better.
I have a 3 inch model now. It is not as bad as the 2 1/2 inch.
The recoil does not bother me that much. I like the rubber grips.
I still like the 44 special loads the best.

Matt,

S&W came out with a new grip which fits the newer N-Frame Performance Center 627, 629, & 657 guns. It is a lot better than those small "boot grips" which come with it. Those were just too small for my hand. They have S&W Product Code: 414170000, and run $48.00 plus shipping. The grips are not shown on the S&W website, but you can order them by calling Sales/Customer Service. Here is a pic on the grips on my 627. All the best.
Carl

I have a pre-lock 2.5" 629-5 and shoot it often. Here's a pic with Spegel grips on it...not bad with easy moving handloads but not going to try hot Factory or handloads with these grips.

I've never shot anything but 240 grain .44 mags in it...some factory and some with XTP's and SWC's over a healthy dose of 2400. Night Guard grips work good for those.

240 grain SWC's and 9.0 grains of Unique are tolerable with the Spegels.



These S&W factory grips ain't too bad either. The gun came new with rubber Hogues...never shot it with the Hogues.

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C & L

I have a S&W 629 with a three inch barrel. After sixty rounds qualifying with full magnum loads it was about thirty minutes before I could write anything down lol lol. It was a blast but way to much for everyday carry. I carry a 200 grain midrange load. It will do the job and is much more user friendly. If I ever venture in to the woods in bear country you can bet it will be loaded with the full magnum loads.

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No Fear is lack of experience.

If your going to shoot 44 special are you not just as well off with 357 magnum? I have a snub mod 19 and I can shoot 357 with reasonable comfort. I'll defer to the "ballistics" guys but my guess is that the 357 mag can hold it's own with the 44 sp.

Those are really nice looking grips C&L.
Carl

The 357 is a very fine cartridge. It may hold it's own with the 44 special, but I just like the 44, in either magnum or special. I carry with the 44 special most of the time. I also have 44 magnum cartridge that I load that will not kick the snot out of a person. The grips that are pictured above look like they would probably be comfortable. (I like them).
Right now I have a set of combat grips on the 629 3 inch. They are not bad for recoil.

I would prefer A 325 ng or 325 pd, but hard to find pappy45

Does anyone have a 325 pd or 325ng pappy45

You might want to check the internet firearms auction sites - I just looked at one that I frequent sometimes and there were three 325s for sale.

Hi pappy45
I have a lead on a 325PD. If you would like e-mail me @
[email protected]
Scott

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AF&AM #129