S&W Model 629 Stealth Hunter

HammerLock · Feb 25, 2014

I just ordered my 1st revolver - the Stealth Hunter. I've not seen a lot of chatter in the form of reviews on YouTube and in depth performance reviews of this gun. What i'd like to know is for those who own one:

What's your overall impression? What do you typically use for your ammo at the range and hunting? What scope/red dot do you have (if any)? Also, how has the durability been - any trips back to the shop due to malfuctions?

Pictures are also very welcome - show em' if you got em'!

Thanks,
HL

Mule88 · Feb 26, 2014

I have the green and black version (Birdsong) finish. This gun is an absolute tack driver and I use it for deer hunting in Ohio and Kentucky. For whitetails I've used the speer 210 gold dot for years behind H110. Ive taken numerous deer with this gun and load its a pleasure to shoot. I use iron sights for now, till my eyes can't focus on them then ill probably use a red dot. Zero issues with this gun so far. Congrats on your gun hope you enjoy it.

series guy · Feb 26, 2014

I too have the Birdsong coated version. It's amazingly accurate. I mounted an Aimpoint 9000SC in camo and it's a great combination. Just remember that the barrel is ported so a short bodied or holographic sight would be a better choice as the ports tend to foul the front lens fairly often. I use a 240gr. Keith style bullet over 7.5gr. of Titegroup. Easy shooting and hits where I aim. You're going to love this gun.

HammerLock · Feb 26, 2014

The big day is near...

Just got word that my new Stealth Hunter has shipped and should be into my FFL by Friday. I also got word about my red dot and ammo. I bought the Burris FastFire 3 and Hornady 240gr Hollow Point XTP's. I'm going to need a reloading class so I can start the real fun. One curiosity is how I will find a holster that accommodates this howitzer! With a V barrel profile and a red dot, I'm just sure I'll have to find a reputable holster maker. Any ideas?

michaelnel · Feb 27, 2014

I have a "Guide's Choice" chest holster from Diamond D Leather for my Stealth Hunter. It is specifically made for this gun and fits it perfectly.

S&W357 · Feb 27, 2014

I was going to buy the one you got.last year i was Boar hunting and my buddy had the S&W 629 Competitor 44 mag. He let me shoot it and i killed a wild boar. One shot- Dead!!! It dropped as soon as it was hit. WOW-- It didn't even feel like a 44 mag. I when home and order the same gun.
Now with needing Knee surg. I never got to use the gun. I'm sure the gun you bought -you will be happy with it.
Lots of luck.....

michaelnel · Feb 27, 2014

One caution. I shoot lots of hot loads in mine, and I have found you have to pay close attention to the screws in this gun. There is a screw on top holding the rear sight in place, and the screw that holds the cylinder release, and the three side plate screws (one of which also retains the cylinder yoke).

They have all loosened up frequently for me. I tighten them with properly fitting gunsmithing screwdrivers, and they loosen again after each session.

Today I finally took each one out, degreased the threads (both male and female) and put a drop of Loctite 242 (blue) on all of them except the cylinder yoke screw, (because I take that one out and put it back in after every shooting session when I clean the gun).

I'm hoping the gun will stop trying to disassemble itself now. I do shoot it a lot, 1-2 times a week with 200-300 rounds of full power loads.

I know people will say "oh, you'll shoot it loose". Well, I am picking up a Ruger Bisley Hunter in .44 mag this coming Monday, and will likely move my heavy load shooting over to that one because of its stouter construction. I will shoot lighter stuff out of the Smith.

sw282 · Feb 28, 2014

Mich--Wanting more power,lt might be time to move up to an X Frame

michaelnel · Feb 28, 2014

I don't think so. I am already starting to develop some problems in my hands and elbows from shooting so much hot stuff.

S&W357 · Feb 28, 2014

michaelnel said:
I don't think so. I am already starting to develop some problems in my hands and elbows from shooting so much hot stuff.

I know what your saying. Those hot loads can give you wrist pain. That's is why i bought the S&W competitor. You need a XXX large frame when shooting a 44 mag. Even my Ruger 44 i feel it. But it is a lots of fun shooting a cannon.

michaelnel · Feb 28, 2014

S&W357 said:
But it is a lots of fun shooting a cannon.

It sure is. Most fun I have had with a firearm in years.

HammerLock · Mar 2, 2014

Update & Range Report

Appreciate the holster recommendation and the advice on the screws.

I went to the store to pick up my new gun and when I got into my jeep to look at it, I have to admit, I was awestruck. What an awesome gun. Its so unique looking and well made. I hadn't even shot it once and had a lot of appreciation for the weapon.

Then I went to the range. I shot .44 mag specials first and was surprised at how tame it was. Very pleasant target gun with the lighter loads. These were the Winchester 240 grain plain old solid lead bullets. The gun presented a level of accuracy that had previously been foreign to me. I have several other semi auto (polymer) pistols.
Then... I shot the regular Winchester .44 mag soft point loads.
KAPOW!! What a difference. I quickly got a lot of respect for the power involved here.

See my YouTube Vid here.. http://youtu.be/BsbUTOhvBSo

Finally, I have to say this gun makes me smile. I can't believe I haven't tried a revolver like this before - it really is a lot of fun just punching holes with it. I get my Burris FastFinder III tomorrow in the mail. I will dial it in with that next to get myself ready for hunting with it.

sw282 · Mar 2, 2014

Hammer-l just hope all the auto lovers dont 'discover' revolvers like you did ....Then there would be none left for us wheel gun guys

S&W357 · Mar 2, 2014

Hammer- Did you put gloves on when shooting 240 ammo?
You have a steady hand. Nice !!!!

HammerLock · Mar 3, 2014

Range Info

Yes - I was using some new Mechanix gloves (non-velcro strap) that I really like for shooting. The palm is decently thick and dampens the shock a bit, but it also seems to keep the burnt powder dust off your hands.

Yeah, I try to control my breathing and do my part with visualization and body mechanics, but as i've said before - this gun isn't all that heavy for me. I would also attribute the steadiness to how well this gun is balanced. This is a well engineered piece of equipment and it displays its quality no matter where you look.

I will say that with my off-hand, non-rested grip and the way i'm centering things up, it shoots a little high. This could be the trajectory of the bullet rising a bit before it falls I guess (not a ballistics guru)? It was only 7-25 yard shooting... I'm going to do a follow up equipment review on YouTube where I really iron this thing out on the fine details which will include bench rested shots to squeeze out the accuracy with/without a red-dot.

Stay Tuned!

HL

S&W357 · Mar 3, 2014

HammerLock said:
Yes - I was using some new Mechanix gloves (non-velcro strap) that I really like for shooting. The palm is decently thick and dampens the shock a bit, but it also seems to keep the burnt powder dust off your hands.

Yeah, I try to control my breathing and do my part with visualization and body mechanics, but as i've said before - this gun isn't all that heavy for me. I would also attribute the steadiness to how well this gun is balanced. This is a well engineered piece of equipment and it displays its quality no matter where you look.

I will say that with my off-hand, non-rested grip and the way i'm centering things up, it shoots a little high. This could be the trajectory of the bullet rising a bit before it falls I guess (not a ballistics guru)? It was only 7-25 yard shooting... I'm going to do a follow up equipment review on YouTube where I really iron this thing out on the fine details which will include bench rested shots to squeeze out the accuracy with/without a red-dot.

Stay Tuned!

HL

I had a red dot on one of my rev. I didn't do that good shooting it. When you hold the dot on target -it's all over the place. I took it off and sold it. That was me. I use to have a good hand but at 60 you shake. I would love to shoot that gun you have and you have to shoot my cannon. What state do you live in ? I'm south east De.
That shooting range is real nice -I saw just place for two shooters. Mine place has 7. It's loud....... I hate....

HammerLock · Mar 10, 2014

The testing goes on...

Thought i'd log in and give an update. I've shot the gun 2x now and put 90 rounds through. 70 without and 20 with my new Burris Fastfire III. I was a little iffy on the red dot at first when looking through it because it seemed to be hard to aquire. However, once sighted in, it seemed to be a little easier to find the dot. Also, muscle memory started kicking in and i'd put it in the same plane repeatedly so seeing it became more consistant.
I like the red dot from Burris. Good price, good quality. The gun is a beast. Its just a real nice accurate war machine for hunting! I can NOT wait until deer hunting firearms season to put it into commission for my 50yard or less game from the tree stands. I might (if I can find a good place in TN) try to take it hog hunting as well.

I will say this, 50 yards is my max for a red dot. 25 yards is my max with iron sights. You could take the gun out to the 100yard range but for me it'd have to be equipped with a nice 2x scope for that work. To put in 2-3" groups at 50yards I had to employ ALL of my shooting technique/tricks for steadiness with the red dot. With a revolver at these ranges, it certainly is a new and fun prospective challenge but you have got to be a rock when you pull up on a target and put it all together for that shot!

Any ideas / comments?

sw282 · Mar 15, 2014

Thanks for the update Hammer..l totally agree with your range limits on deer...

However.. l want to try my PC Hunter on prairie dogs..l have decided on a Leupold 2x scope sighted in @100yds and limit my range to 150..Wanting the best possible P O P on the dogs l believe Speer 200gr Gold Dots will do nicely

michaelnel · Mar 16, 2014

I have an Aimpoint Micro H1 for my Stealth Hunter. I think when you use a red dot you have to get used to the fact that it moves around with your body shake. The iron sights move just as much, you just can't really SEE that they are moving that much, but they are. If you go ahead and relax about the red dot moving around some, increasing trigger squeeze when it is heading toward the target and not increasing it when it's moving away, you can shoot very accurately with it.

We were shooting at an MGM AR500 dueling tree with it and hitting those 6" targets about 80% of the time at 100 yards (from sandbags).

S&W Model 629 Stealth Hunter

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