Ok, I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I found Winchester 210 gr. Silvertips to be extremely accurate (cloverleaf) in my new 629-6 5".

Yes, it has all the "bad things" the purist don't like, but I'm a shooter, not a collector. With Hogue grips and this ammo, it's superb! I also believe its so accurate and controllable because of the "ultimate balance."

I never shot any 4" or 6" half lug Classic and achieved those results. And I'm talking free hand, no rest of any kind.

If anyone has an older NIB 5", they want to sell or swap for a 98% 6" blue (29-3), just let me know.

The 5" Classics are hard to beat!

Now I know the meaning of envy :-)

My 629-6 5" is so easy to shoot, I occasionally use one hand and I'm deadly accurate. What a joy to shoot.

If recoil is an issue the lugged guns are easier to shoot no doubt. Here's my 5" P&R'd nickel one.

I have a 629-4, 5 inch Classic and from my point of view, it doesn't get any better.

I have a 29, 5 inch DX as well a 5 inch 629 DX. these would be the last 2 guns id ever get rid of. They are almost perfect in every way.

Want!! The 5" Classic is a great shooter. Even my wife likes shooting them.

__________________
NRA Certified Instructor

I'm looking for a 629 as I type this response!!

Question: Mine will be used for hunting. What does the 5" give up in the way of performance to the 6" or longer barrels?

I couldn't agree more. I never cared for 5" guns, always thought they were too long. Then I got my 629-3. It is the perfect balance. Get one, you won't regret it!

So in your opinion, the 5" gun will work on Whitetail out to... let's say... 50 yards or so?

Mine has worked on whitetail out to 50 yards or so.

I have fired the 6.5" as well (or perhaps 6"?) and liked the full lug as well, but the 5" feels like a glove. 44 mag Mooder.jpg

A few years ago I took some .44MAGS to the range and did an extensive testing. Varrious lengths from snubies to LONG barreled Smiths. Off a bag with different handloads the spread between a snub COMP and an 8 1/2 incher was about 3/4". A 5 inch was in the group. ( I believe I took 8 guns, all the Mags I had at the time.)

Oh, and as I'm a .44SPL Geek, they all grouped about the same--SMALL !....Dan

__________________
HIS Trains 'a LEAVIN

Love my 629-3 5"! Easily 2" groups at 50 yds with the right load. I too use this one for whitetail deer. The "loss" of barrel length won't concern those thin skinned deer much at all...

I *might* argue that my 625-3 might be the more perfect revolver for target work though...

WFR the one on the right looks just like mine.

__________________
Kevin
NRA Benefactor Member

I'm not so sure about all you guys with the shinny guns but you've got the rest right! I've got a 6.5" 29 DX and the 5" 29 Classic along with several other assorted S&W 44's and its the 5" that I always grab first.

I was at the range late the other day after everyone else had left and found my self sitting with my back up against a post and rolling pop cans around on the 50 berm with hardly a miss.

It shoots very easy and it's just fun to shoot!

ward

I own two 29 Classics; a 6 1/2" blued 29 w/ scope and a 5" 629. The 6 1/2" gun loves the now obsolete Remington 210 gr hp. From a rest it shoots 1 1/4" three shot groups at 100 yds. The second is my favorite field carry; a 5" 629-4 Classic. I load Missouri 240 gr SWC behind 21.3 gr AA9 and get 1+" three shot groups at 25 yds. These bullets are sized at .430 and are more accurate than any .431 bullet in my gun. Nosler 200 gr jhp shoot to a 1 1/8" group. The recoil is tamed by the added muzzle weight of the full rib and is not at all unpleasant to shoot. My vote to the 5" full ribs for the ideal field gun.

I wanted a 5" with a full underlug barrel for a long time but could never find one so I ended up ordering a Performance Center V-Comp with the 4.35" barrel. I can't wait for it to come in so I can tell you how it shoots. I still really like the look and balance of the 5" guns though.

Okay, I give in. How did that one come about? 5" full lug P&R?

Nice, however it was born!

I saw that too... Wondered how/who assembled it? It sure does look nice! Explanation please.

ward

Sounds kinda of in between. 4 inch models are easier to carry while 6-6 1/2 inch models are better for hunting.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder

Not willing to part with this Classic. Shoots too nicely.

Looks a lot like YOURS doesn't it?
I hope it's working out well for you.

one of my favorite guns.

__________________
Kevin
NRA Benefactor Member