Model 625 vs Models 29/629 and LGS pricing

S&WForty · Dec 18, 2013

In terms of firing/power, etc, how does a .45 ACP Model 625 compare to a .44 Magnum? I have a 1911, so sharing ammo between two firearms is tempting, but I think going that route would cheat myself from the .44 Magnum experience.

Overall, I think I should stick to a .44 Magnum, but if there is any other reason I should consider the .45 ACP model, I'd appreciate the input.

The intent for it is purely fun. Not competition, EDC, or even home defense.

I just printed the product description page of every new S&W .44 Magnum model. Do they command MSRP at LGS's or should they be a little lower? When I bought my Model 67 a few months ago, I paid about $100 below MSRP, and about $40 below MSRP on my 638.

Any comments on which new 29s or 629s are everyone's preferred models is appreciated, too.

caryg · Dec 18, 2013

I for one have had both guns. I had to give the 44 mag up because of the recoil factor for me. I could have shot 44 special but with the cost of ammo now days the 45 acp just makes more sense to me. I have the 625, Governor and Taurus 455 and all are a pleasure to shoot.

Cal44 · Dec 18, 2013

Around here (Northern Cal) you can get either for $100 or so below MSRP -- but you have to search for them.

I have both and like both.

Right now I like shooting 45ACP better.

Dave

*chris* · Dec 18, 2013

A 625 is a mildly interesting experience, the 629 is a "what the heck is that guy shooting?" experience. From what I have heard, the 500 is way above that.

If you want pure recoil the 44Mag is the way to go. For everyday shooting I prefer the 45ACP revolver.

Chris

rwsutley · Dec 18, 2013

For me less recoil equals more control, faster target acquisition and smaller shot groupings. .45 acp being less expensive is also a factor as I am on a fixed income. I like my 1911 colt and it is one of the most accurate pistols I own but like many on this forum my M625 has become my favorite to take to the range followed by my M686 using 38 special.

SweetMK · Dec 18, 2013

I passed many times on a 625, sticking with 629's.

I let people shoot my 629 all the time, WOW they shot a 44 Magnum!!

I do not tell them they are shooting reloads that are less powerful than a 45ACP.

I like the capability of the 629, even though I have never fired full power rounds.

ptgarcia · Dec 18, 2013

In my local shops those revolvers rarely show themselves, and when they do they usually sell for MSRP or very close to it and they sell very quickly. I had to pay $20 over MSRP for my 627 Pro. That said, if I see either one in a shop I will do my best to buy it, even at MSRP. And if I had a choice, the 625 would get the nod over the 629 as, like you, I also shoot .45 out of a 1911.

steamloco76 · Dec 18, 2013

I have 44 Mags and .45 ACP revolvers. The 45 ACP is a fun cartridge out of a big N frame revolver. Enough recoil to let you know its not a .38 Special with a voice that is a little more boom than crack. If you don't reload, the 45 ACP is the only way to go as all 44 Mag and 44 Special ammo is very expensive.

It is nice to pound a few hot 44's down range every now and then, but most of my 44 loads are mid range stuff.

As for revolver pricing, the 629's are usually about $50 less than a 625 with either one selling very quickly in PA.

jfremder · Dec 18, 2013

ptgarcia said:
In my local shops those revolvers rarely show themselves, and when they do they usually sell for MSRP or very close to it. I had to pay $20 over MSRP for my 627 Pro. That said, if I see either one in a shop I will do my best to buy it, even at MSRP. And if I had a choice, the 625 would get the nod over the 629 as, like you, I also shoot .45 out of a 1911.

Here's a NIB Performance Center 629 for $150 UNDER MSRP...
S+W 629 Performance Center 2.625" .44 MAG 170135 : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

and a regular one for $80 under http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=382515954

ptgarcia · Dec 18, 2013

jfremder said:
Here's a NIB Performance Center 629 for $150 UNDER MSRP...
S+W 629 Performance Center 2.625" .44 MAG 170135 : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

and a regular one for $80 under S+W 629 Performance Center 2.625" .44 MAG 170135 : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Those guns aren't in my local shops, and to get them here adds shipping and out of state transfer fees which basically brings them up to MSRP. Not to mention neither are on California's Roster of Handguns Certified for sale. Those guns would end up costing me well over MSRP.

jfremder · Dec 18, 2013

ptgarcia said:
Those guns aren't in my local shops, and to get them here adds shipping and out of state transfer fees which basically brings them up to MSRP. Not to mention neither are on California's Roster of Handguns Certified for sale. Those guns would end up costing me well over MSRP.

I believe the 4" is on the roster:

S+W 629 .44 MAGNUM SA/DA 4" Bbl 163603 NEW NR : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/safeguns_resp.asp

ptgarcia · Dec 18, 2013

jfremder said:
I believe the 4" is on the roster:

S+W 629 .44 MAGNUM SA/DA 4" Bbl 163603 NEW NR : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/safeguns_resp.asp

That one sure is, but again, with shipping and the out of state transfer fee it will be MSRP or more. The local shops to me that accept out of state transfers charge anywhere from $50 (about the cheapest I have seen) to $100 (about the most I have seen) on top of the normal CA DROS fees ($25).

CWH44300 · Dec 18, 2013

I like the 44's
The versatility is hard to beat. Page's of load data for the handloader, with loads from wild to mild. Of course if you're stuck with factory loads, you have special's and magnums to choose from.
They don't call the 44 magnum, the king of sixguns for nothing.
IMO

S&WForty · Dec 18, 2013

I appreciate all of the replies! The M625 is really tempting. I didn't expect so much praise for it.

I called my closest LGS. It has two .44 Mags. The guy was quite grouchy - common complaint at this store - so I didn't ask him to repeat the model names again. I think he said one has a 5.5" barrel. I prefer a blue one. Barrel length 4" or longer is preferred. I just asked what time he opens Saturday morning. I didn't ask for specifics due to the grouchiness.

CWH44300 · Dec 18, 2013

If it where me, I'd bite the bullet.
And find a different gun shop!

steelslaver · Dec 19, 2013

If you want the best of both words get a 25 0r 625 in 45LC and either get another long N frame cylinder and have it redone into a 45 ACP or have the LC cylinder machined to take both with clips. Then you have the easy to obtain lower cost 45ACP or go to some warm loaded 45LC. The 45 LC when properly loaded is a respectable round. No I don't mean as hot as the loads listed for the Rugers, but you can step them up quite a bit from normal factory loads which are made so some guy with a 100 year old Colt don't blow it up.

rwsutley · Dec 19, 2013

S&WForty, do not look at this as an either or proposition, rather, look at it as which do I want to own first. Smith & Wesson revolvers can and do become very addictive even for people with limited budgets. Since you already have a 1911 the most economical path would be a 625 may be a good choice for now.

If I were undecide as to which one to buy my first step would be to come here and tap into the experience of others who own and shoot both guns you are considering. Done. Next I would seek to find an opportunity to try out both guns at a range. 45ACP is less expensive to shoot than 44 Magnum so you can shoot more and more often on the same budget. However you may find you enjoy the 44 far more even if it means less range time soon cost per round may not be the deciding factor for you.

If I may, one more piece of advise. Find the finest revolver that fits your budget, you may have it for a long time and in the long run it will not be so important if you paid more or less than MSRP after a few thousand rounds.

Rick_A · Dec 19, 2013

My .44 Magnum was good for bragging rights at 100 yards and blasting appliances. I could fire one or two boxes of ammo before I'd had enough.

My 45 ACP I can shoot all day, and there's Buffalo Bore, +p ammo, or handloads if I want something stiffer.

S&WForty · Dec 20, 2013

Hey everyone. I let my frugal side twist my thoughts toward the 625 since I have a 1911. I swung back to the .44 Magnum because I wanted a blue steel finish. I called that LGS back and got one of their friendlier guys. One of the two .44 Magnums was a Model 29, Blue Steel, 4" barrel. I asked how long it would take to get a 6", and the answer was "who knows - it could take a while." I checked with two other stores. My friend has always wanted a 4" Blue Steel Model 29, so he confirmed he'd buy this one from me if I find a 6".

So, I snatched that sucker up last night! It's a beauty! MSRP is $969 (#150254), and I paid $839 and NO tax. This store sometimes won't charge tax at Christmas time.

I am quite thrilled. I can't wait to shoot it!

Thanks for all the replies the last few days!

ptgarcia · Dec 20, 2013

S&WForty said:
Hey everyone. I let my frugal side twist my thoughts toward the 625 since I have a 1911. I swung back to the .44 Magnum because I wanted a blue steel finish. I called that LGS back and got one of their friendlier guys. One of the two .44 Magnums was a Model 29, Blue Steel, 4" barrel. I asked how long it would take to get a 6", and the answer was "who knows - it could take a while." I checked with two other stores. My friend has always wanted a 4" Blue Steel Model 29, so he confirmed he'd buy this one from me if I find a 6".

So, I snatched that sucker up last night! It's a beauty! MSRP is $969 (#150254), and I paid $839 and NO tax. This store sometimes won't charge tax at Christmas time.

I am quite thrilled. I can't wait to shoot it!

Thanks for all the replies the last few days!

Awesome, I'd love to have one of those! Congratulations on the find!

Model 625 vs Models 29/629 and LGS pricing

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