Picking a 4-inch 44Mag

[spaniel]

First post, lots of good info here.

Most years I backpack hunt in grizzly country. We cover a lot of miles on foot so weight is a real issue. I picked up a Taurus Tracker Titanium in 41Mag (21oz) as a belt gun for this purpose and have loved it. I also carry it in the midwest during deer season, though I have not had the opportunity to shoot a deer with it. With the porting it is ridiculously loud so I could not do so without muffs anyways.

I'm now considering adding a 44Mag to my stable, as I already reload for and hunt with a Ruger Deerhunter in that chambering.

The gun will need to be carryable for many miles and be able to be carried in a holster that can be easily moved between my pack belt and pants belt if I drop the pack to move on an animal fast. It will also see range work; a typical session is <1 box of ammo and it would probably see that under a dozen times per year.

I've eliminated Ruger for weight reasons. While I like my Taurus, the 44Mag Tracker is a) too similar to what I already have, b) I'd like to try a non-Taurus to see if they are more accurate, and c) I lose a lot of velocity with the Taurus porting. While I have had no issues with Taurus a lot have, and for this reason I am nervous with the scandium frame on their 444 Ultralite.

This leaves me with the 629, 629 Mountain Gun, and 329PD. I don't see the 2oz advantage of the MG being worth trying to find one used.

The only disadvantage of the 629 is weight (though I have not had one in my hands yet). I am actually not too concerned with 329PD recoil; I have shot full power 250gr handloads in my 21oz 41Mag and did not find it over the top. Whatever 44 I get will see more moderated loads on the range anyways.

What concerns me about the 329PD is basically durability and the potential for burning through the steel protector plate over the cylinder gap.

Any thoughts on my dilemma or 329PD durability are welcome. I'm used to seeing people knock Taurus but the amount of issues I have seen people reporting with Smiths since I started looking into these guns has been a bit of a shock to me and has me thinking longer on this.

[squidsix]

My first response to this is universally "29-2". But you seem to want stainless, so "629" and I do like the MG profile, but not enough to pay extra for it.

[dla]

Here is some info you might find helpful: S&W329pd Information

Have fun!

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by dla

Here is some info you might find helpful: S&W329pd Information

Have fun!

Thanks, I'd searched that out but picked up more on the re-read. I was worried about the blast shield erosion, but I missed that the steel forcing cone and titanium cylinder were being eaten to. I'm no expert on this but it seems to me if the gasses were eroding the edge of the forcing cone, they would have done the same to the steel frame of a 629 over the cylinder gap? So maybe it's a hot load or powder selection issue and not really the fault of the revolver?

I've got several hundred rounds through my titanium gun, all H110 loads, and I can't say I've heard of it causing erosion issues before.

[rburg]

Let me suggest you inquire about the 329 XL. I have no idea if its just one of those Vaporware guns or if they actually make them. If I see one, it'll be mine. Its just your garden variety 329s with a reasonable length tube (eXtra Long). Its not going to be as easy to carry as the 4", nor will it swing as fast. But it'll get that noise and blast out front where it belongs.

I wouldn't worry too much about burning out the blast shield. Those, as I understand it (and look at mine) appear to be replaceable, unlike my right hand. But I've also got 4" and 6" 629s, and I see, feel and hear a big difference between them. I'm just guessing we'd see the same difference on the 329s. You'd also get a velocity bonus with the slightly longer barrel.

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by rburg

But I've also got 4" and 6" 629s, and I see, feel and hear a big difference between them. I'm just guessing we'd see the same difference on the 329s. You'd also get a velocity bonus with the slightly longer barrel.

Thanks for this as it addresses another question I've had. I'm not as experienced with revolvers as other arms; I have never shot a big bore other than my 4" 41mag and a 2.5" 357 mag. So going to a 6" barrel makes a significant difference in noise? Not that I plan on shooting without hearing protection, but sometimes in a hunting situation it can happen. Right after I got my 41 I did take a shot at a mortally wounded buck on hit death run with it...without really thinking it through in retrospect...and with that 4" ported barrel my ears were ringing for 5 minutes. I now have a pair of quality amplifying/canceling muffs to deal with it but quieter would be nice.

Like any good gun guy, one potential to this problem is to (eventually) buy both a 329PD and a 629. Now you have me thinking get the 329PD, then a longer barreled 629 (6") so one gun excels for carry and the other for general shooting and perhaps still-hunting deer in the woods as a primary weapon.

[Stainz]

The 4" 629, even a current 629-6 SKU #163603 like mine, is a fine and utilitarian revolver. Change the grips to some comfortable wood grips and you have a great .44 S&W Special plinker. Put on some rubber Hogue/S&W .500 Magnum monogrip and you have an all-weather .44 magnum protector for woods excursions. It's larger hammer and trigger and OR front & w/o rear sights are worth the 2 oz premium over the 629MG (The MG's blk/blk sights are not rapidly acquired in any light!) - I like my production 4" 629 far better than my previous MG.

My first production 629 was a similarly equipped 6" 629-6, SKU #163606. I bought it to replace 6.5" 24 revolvers - as a .44 Special. Fantastic. But - clean those chambers, mount a Weigand rail on the pre-drilled/tapped top frame, after removing the rear sight, add a 2x28mm Weaver H2 handgun scope, and that .500 Magnum monogrip, and you have a great hunting combo. I equip my 6" 629 like that every fall... still awaits it's first hunting trip!



You can't go wrong with a 629!

Stainz

[batmann]

As much as I love my Mountain Gun in .44M, I have to agree with Stainz, a 4" 629 is hard to beat. FWIW----Those couple of ounces are closer to 4 and will make a difference if you do a lot of hiking.

[BSA]

Just a thought.

Is your issue the weight of the gun OR the way you are carrying it? Your comment about shifting the gun from your belt to your backpack is puzzling. There are a lot of carry options out there.

[Shuz]

FWIW I have a 629-1 and 629-5 both with 4" bbls, and a 329PD and a 629-4 Mtn gun also with 4" bbls. If I had to go with only 1ea 4" bbl'd Smith .44 mag., it would be the Mtn Gun. I just like the feel of the lighter weight bbl, but the Patridge front sight and the 32 ounce trigger also help in the choice. The gun I carry the most is the 329PD because of it's extreme light weight. 18g of 2400 and a 429421 in a 329PD with set of 500X frame Hogues is really tolerable for about 25 rounds or so, and I don't ever expect to fire more than a couple in either self defense or in a hunting situation. Just my .03 cents(inflation)

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by BSA

Just a thought.

Is your issue the weight of the gun OR the way you are carrying it? Your comment about shifting the gun from your belt to your backpack is puzzling. There are a lot of carry options out there.

Weight. I hunt with guys who carry standard weight guns and they all wish they had other options. They've tried a variety of carry techniques. Most of the options I've seen to carry heavier guns comfortably require either taking the gun off when you add/subtract layers of clothing (a frequent occurrence when you are alternating hiking with glassing in cool Oct/Nov weather), or do not go well with wearing a pack.

I really like the system I use now, if we need to drop packs to chase elk I can move the revolver from the pack belt to my hip in just a few seconds.

A bit of weight can really make a difference the way we hunt. It is not unusual for us to cover 70 miles on foot in a week. The last elk I shot with a gun was 10 miles from the truck and we had to hump it over a 2500ft pass.

[CWH44300]

There is only one choice - if a 40 oz gun is too much - the 329, I have a pair of them, one has close to 1500 rounds - mostly mid range (250 at 950) but a few hundred magnums as well (250 at 1250) - no problems yet - they are great guns.

[Deacon KC]

This is an all weather gun, so stainless or scandium is the way to go. A kydex holster will serve you well, very tough and very light weight. Hogue or Pachmayr stocks are weather resistant, and I would offer one other suggestion, if you can find a pair of the Jordan grips that Pachmayr used to make, they are very comfortable to shoot and are even lighter.

[Sportsterguy]

Your .41 mag is an excellent caliber and with today selection of bullets will do everything a .44 mag will do. I'd go with a 6" 57. Excellent accuracy and balistics from the extra 2" barrel. Mines on deer # 45 and I'd shoot any 4 legged animal on North America with it, but would have a back up for bears. You probably already load for it so you don't have another caliber to worry about.

If you are set on a .44 a 6" 629 Classic would be my one and only choice but it's all steel. The way I like em made! JMO

[Mule88]

I have a 329, 629 and 629 mountain gun, with the stipulations you've mentioned Id pick the mountain gun if it was me. Even though its only a few ounces lighter than the standard 629 I think after a few miles in the woods you would start noticing the difference in the weight. I do like the 329 for what it is and not saying it wouldnt be a good choice but id still pick the mountain gun personally.

[FTG-05]

Since I sold my 629-3 to fund my 329PD, it should be obvious what I'd recommend.

I OC while hunting hogs and deer and either OC or CC it when I can elsewhere, even in Pittsburgh over the holidays.

The first time I took it out for range time, I cracked the frame. About two weeks later, I had it back from S&W. My point being that if you do see gas erosion or flame cutting I believe S&W will make good.

Quite frankly, I doubt you'll be shooting enough full power .44 mag loads in it anyway. I developed a terrible flinch during my first range session and it was only 25-35 rounds! With .44 Specials, it's a pussy cat.

And every time I read dla's site, I learn something new.

Good luck!

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by FTG-05

Since I sold my 629-3 to fund my 329PD, it should be obvious what I'd recommend.

...
The first time I took it out for range time, I cracked the frame. About two weeks later, I had it back from S&W. My point being that if you do see gas erosion or flame cutting I believe S&W will make good.

Wow....Another cracked frame and on the first range session...that does not instill confidence to me...

Obviously you did not have time for frame damage so it had to be a flaw from the factory. I'm curious how you kept faith in the gun when it was returned after that kind of initial experience? How many rounds do you have through the replacement now?

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by Deacon KC

This is an all weather gun, so stainless or scandium is the way to go. A kydex holster will serve you well, very tough and very light weight. Hogue or Pachmayr stocks are weather resistant, and I would offer one other suggestion, if you can find a pair of the Jordan grips that Pachmayr used to make, they are very comfortable to shoot and are even lighter.

So far I've stuck with all kydex holsters and yup, you guessed why I'm sticking with the stainless offerings. A couple years ago we spent 10 days afield in snow and rain (depending on elevation we were at that day), no oil in sight. I'm sure a blued gun would have seen some damage from that, the blued steel scope mount on my rifle required some TLC when that was over.

[22shtur]

I have shot 6 black bears with my 6" 629 from 20 yds to 50 yds. They each ran a minimum of 20 yards before dying, with a slug in or through the heart. That tells me in grizzly country to carry a rifle. Crazy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I'm not crazy, when in grizzly country I carry a rifle.

[CWH44300]

Originally Posted by 22shtur

I have shot 6 black bears with my 6" 629 from 20 yds to 50 yds. They each ran a minimum of 20 yards before dying, with a slug in or through the heart. That tells me in grizzly country to carry a rifle. Crazy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I'm not crazy, when in grizzly country I carry a rifle.

That's very common with a heart shot - the last bear I shot with a 44 handgun dropped at the shot (250 keith at 950,
spine then heart,I was above him) the last rifle kill the bear went 50 or so yards (300WBY , 180 gr hornaday at 3000) when I opened him up his chest cavity was filled with purple mush. Point being the heart shot is poor one to use on game that can bite back.

[FTG-05]

Originally Posted by spaniel

Wow....Another cracked frame and on the first range session...that does not instill confidence to me...

Obviously you did not have time for frame damage so it had to be a flaw from the factory. I'm curious how you kept faith in the gun when it was returned after that kind of initial experience? How many rounds do you have through the replacement now?

I bought it used, so take what you want from that.

I have about 24 full power .44 mag and about 50 .44 Specials through it now. I replaced the wood grips with the Pachy Gripper rubber grips, much better on full power loads, a pussy cat with specials.

S&W replaced the frame without blinking an eye, so I'm not too worried about it. I won't be using it for a IDPA/IPSC match with full power loads, although I will with specials - after hog hunting season.

Thanks,

[fyimo]

Having hunted and been a Sportsman for quite a while I will say if you are talking Grizzly bears the outcome is not usually good even with the 44 Magnum. In fact about 10 years ago one of the hunting magazines had an article about grizzlies written by a conservation officer in Alaska who stated that in all the cases that he knew of being investigated where a person had a handgun that the bear always killed the person and about 70% of the bears died after the attack.

[spaniel]

Guys, I did not start this thread to beat the dead horse(s) on what is the right caliber for a bear sidearm or whether I am stupid for not wanting to bowhunt in griz country with a .338 Winchester Magnum strapped to my back. You may resurrect one of the many tired comet threads on these topics if you wish to discuss them.

I sincerely appreciate all the on-topic comments. These thoughts have been of great help to me.

MTA: After a load development session with the 41 tonight I'm leaning towards a full underlug 5" 629 in order to get some more range time...comfortably...and determine whether the slightly disappointing accuracy I'm getting is me or Taurus. It's not bad, but based on my smaller guns I expected better. So I'm thinking of diversifying by adding the heavier gun before adding a second lightweight bigbore to the stable. Perhaps give S&W another year to work on those scandium frames.

[NE450No2]

The wife and I both carry S&W 44 Mag Mountain guns when in the woods.

I think they are the best combination of size, weight, power and shootability.

A 5 " underlug S&W will be heavy on your belt. It will be a good shooter for sure, however.

[spaniel]

I was all set to order a 5" 629 Classic within the next couple weeks...get used to the platform with a gun I can shoot a lot with any load I want, and use for a primary deer weapon in the woods...

Then a deal came up on a lightly used 329PD within driving distance. So I ended up with the 329PD after all!

The only 44Mag ammo I had on hand was very stiff handloads (IIRC 23.5gr H110/240XTP) for my Ruger carbine. I fired 3 rounds with the factory rubber grips...wow...you could feel the recoil get stouter as the cylinder got lighter! The recoil itself did not turn me off as much as the unnecessarily exposed metal on the back of the frame smacking into the web of my hand.

SW 500 grips on the way...they are fools for even shipping the gun with grips they do. Taurus equips with FAR better grips than SW provides.

Also loading up some lighter ammo. I'm looking forward to seeing how this works with ammo across the spectrum with reasonable grips on it.

[m657]

Between these 3 : 3" & 4" 629; 4" 657 Mtn Gun, it continually amazes me the nuances in handling and comfort.

Each has magnificent qualities. For belt carry in the woods, I prefer the 41 mag 4" Mtn Gun. Accurate, stout enough to take on anything I can foresee, I prefer it to the 4" 44 mag...although that one is as accurate as I can be out to 50 yards.

I love the 3" but the additional muzzle blast can be distracting. It alone mounts RB wood grips with large finger grooves. When I find just what I'm after, I will change them to match the others, which have the Hogue soft rubber SB which serve my needs very well.

Without the expectation of miles of hunting trail to consider, just my own rather limited woodsie walkabouts, any serve me well.

I'd like to try the 329 but they don't turn up often on the used market in my area.

[Jitterbug]

I hemmed and hawed over the same decision and finally went with a 4" 629-6, it carries well in a Simply Rugged holster, although the cylinder does tend to wear on me after 5 or 6 hours or so of scrambling around on a trout stream...and I don't know if the lighter gun would make any difference in that regard.

With a 250/260 grain BTB WFNGC running in the 1225 fps range it's a handful and unpleasant to shoot for more then a dozen such rounds, same thing can be said for the 280 gr. BTB WFNGC in the 1150 fps range. I can do it, but not what I consider to be pleasant shooting.

Under 1000 fps it's an all day fun shooter.

I would like to try out the 329 PD, since lighter is almost always better for carry, but with the recoil of the above loads I don't know...I went with the heavier gun since I only have one .44 at the moment.

Zeroing, getting used to and gaining a practical level of proficiency with the above loads requires a bit of trigger time, at least for me.

I haven't ruled out the 329 PD and after I feel comfortable with the 629 and heavy loads, (pretty much there) I would like to try one out.

More is better with the big bores, I'd really like a 5"-6.5" Classic as a shooter, and I'd also like to try out a 4" 45 Colt, I wouldn't pass on a Mountain Gun, Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk in .45 Colt if given the chance.

Good luck with your 329 PD I'd be interested on what you settle on for a carry load while in Grizz country.

[spaniel]

I finally got a chance to shoot off a couple cylinders with the 500SW grip installed. I loaded up some 240gr XTPs over 9gr Unique (~1000-1050 fps?). Recoil was not bad at all, the only shot that bordered on something I would not want to shoot a whole box of was the last one...it really does start to kick harder as the cylinder empties.

I must say though, also having a very lightweight 41Mag Taurus I have to admit that Taurus has a better grip design. It is more rounded and fills my hand better, so my whole palm is absorbing the recoil vs basically just the webbing area with the SW grip.

The only full power mags I have on hand have H110 in them, which I don't want to run through this gun, so testing full power loads will have to wait until I get some 2400 loads made up.

Accuracy at 20 yds was superb, likely one of the best revolver groups I've shot. It took the Taurus in that area.

[CWH44300]

Glad you like your new sixgun - I agree on 2400 , its all I use now for full power loads , you might find a charge of around 19 gr and a 240 gr bullet to be just about good enough for anything - have fun with it and let us know what you decide on

[TDC]

When I read a thread like this one about all the concern for a couple of ounces of gun weight I have to smile.

It seems to me a few people need to consider some basic personal weight training for themselves rather than suit the firearm to their strength or endurance level.

I've hunted successfully for 35+ years with 8 3/8" N frames - all day long - for weeks on end and never suffered the fatigue some others declare. I now hunt with a 500 and they are a bit heavier.

The sacrifices and compromises people seek to lighten their load could better be served not by handgun weight but by reducing other non-essential "do-dads" people tend to carry. I know one hunter who carries a lightweight 44 Mag -- negating its purpose by carrying a whole box of ammo "in case he needs it."

If your hide depends on the selection or use of the tool... pick the best one suited to accuracy, recover-ability and delivered energy...

JMHO

[K1500]

The 329pd hurts and can be problematic, but it is the lightest thing out there. You could get it, or you could save some coin by buying a 629, go on a diet for a week and lose the same amount of weight that you gained by going for the 629 (not saying you are fat, just saying there are lots of places to trim weight). I have a 329 and carried it when I was overweight. Yes, my hypocrisy knows no bounds. Now that I have lost weight, I don't carry it near as much, mostly because I find it uncomfortable to shoot and I have less than 100% confidence in it.

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by TDC

When I read a thread like this one about all the concern for a couple of ounces of gun weight I have to smile.

It seems to me a few people need to consider some basic personal weight training for themselves rather than suit the firearm to their strength or endurance level.

I've hunted successfully for 35+ years with 8 3/8" N frames

The sacrifices and compromises people seek to lighten their load could better be served not by handgun weight but by reducing other non-essential "do-dads" people tend to carry. I know one hunter who carries a lightweight 44 Mag -- negating its purpose by carrying a whole box of ammo "in case he needs it."

If your hide depends on the selection or use of the tool... pick the best one suited to accuracy, recover-ability and delivered energy...

JMHO

Thank you for your concern about my conditioning. I will consider that this weekend while I am doing a moderate workout of running 6:15 per mile for 18 miles.

When I see a thread like this where someone has to brag about their toughness for carrying an unnecessary three pound block of steel I have to smile. It makes it pretty clear they are likely full of it or don't hunt nearly as hard as they think they do. Seriously, you chastise about follow up and you use a 500?

I already own the gun. Thanks for contributing absolutely nothing to the content of the thread.

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by K1500

The 329pd hurts and can be problematic, but it is the lightest thing out there. You could get it, or you could save some coin by buying a 629, go on a diet for a week and lose the same amount of weight that you gained by going for the 629 (not saying you are fat, just saying there are lots of places to trim weight). I have a 329 and carried it when I was overweight. Yes, my hypocrisy knows no bounds. Now that I have lost weight, I don't carry it near as much, mostly because I find it uncomfortable to shoot and I have less than 100% confidence in it.

See, if you had actually read the thread you'd know I already own one, and if you had read my prior post or had any experience with the gun wearing proper grips you would know all the whining over recoil is overblown.

[spaniel]

Originally Posted by CWH44300

Glad you like your new sixgun - I agree on 2400 , its all I use now for full power loads , you might find a charge of around 19 gr and a 240 gr bullet to be just about good enough for anything - have fun with it and let us know what you decide on

Thank you. I will try that. I need to check the velocity of the loads I shoot through my ruger carbine, i had to loctite the sights on it so if I want to share ammo I will need to match that velocity...we'll see if I end up going that high.

For mountain carry I am thinking hard cast in the 270 range should be sufficient. I do care about follow up

[amazingflapjack]

for bears-bear spray, for holster-something accross the chest that the alaskan guides use, they move their gear around too. Look at changing your approach to the clothing you wear. For hand gun, along with what has been suggested-Taurus makes some very powerful compact revolvers. If you like your 41 mag-considder a 1000 series 3rd gen S&W auto.

[DesertFox]

Originally Posted by 22shtur

I have shot 6 black bears with my 6" 629 from 20 yds to 50 yds. They each ran a minimum of 20 yards before dying, with a slug in or through the heart. That tells me in grizzly country to carry a rifle. Crazy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I'm not crazy, when in grizzly country I carry a rifle.

The is the most well-put comment I've heard in a long, long time.

[DesertFox]

Originally Posted by spaniel

Thank you for your concern about my conditioning. I will consider that this weekend while I am doing a moderate workout of running 6:15 per mile for 18 miles.

Which does nothing for your strength...

[DesertFox]

Concerning the OP, my preference is a 629PC 2 5/8" w/ Hogue monogrips. 325gr on top of plenty of H-110.

[TDC]

Originally Posted by spaniel

Thank you for your concern about my conditioning. I will consider that this weekend while I am doing a moderate workout of running 6:15 per mile for 18 miles.

When I see a thread like this where someone has to brag about their toughness for carrying an unnecessary three pound block of steel I have to smile. It makes it pretty clear they are likely full of it or don't hunt nearly as hard as they think they do. Seriously, you chastise about follow up and you use a 500?

I already own the gun. Thanks for contributing absolutely nothing to the content of the thread.

<snip>

Gee! No offense intended. You asked.... I responded..... You're welcome. Sorry you didn't get an answer you wanted.

[toroflow1]

There is but one to consider...a 629-4....last dash # with forged hammer & trigger, and with firing pin on hammer. It does NOT get any better than this!

[K1500]

Well, excuse the hell out of me! Enjoy your pd and your long 6:15 minute miles.

[K1500]

Originally Posted by toroflow1

There is but one to consider...a 629-4....last dash # with forged hammer & trigger, and with firing pin on hammer. It does NOT get any better than this!

Watch it, he already has a pd. Didn't you read the entire long and rambling thread? Now you simply need to validate the choice made.

[toroflow1]

Originally Posted by K1500

Watch it, he already has a pd. Didn't you read the entire long and rambling thread? Now you simply need to validate the choice made.

Nah, 329s are not made of steel, therefore IMHO are prone to cracking in the yoke area like model 37 airweights do! If alloy frames crack with .38 special, imagine what a life of .44 magnums will do to one! NO THANK YOU! I'll haul around another 10 ounces or so, and be lock-less, so as to have piece of mind!

Check this....not a lock or an airweight amoung these...and also no MIM cast parts!......

[team sidewinder]

WOW!!!! Very nice collection of fine guns. Thanks for sharing the picture.

Originally Posted by toroflow1

Nah, 329s are not made of steel, therefore IMHO are prone to cracking in the yoke area like model 37 airweights do! If alloy frames crack with .38 special, imagine what a life of .44 magnums will do to one! NO THANK YOU! I'll haul around another 10 ounces or so, and be lock-less, so as to have piece of mind!

Check this....not a lock or an airweight amoung these...and also no MIM cast parts!......