629 vs 629 Classic

[KnotRight]

I have been looking for a 29 or 629 Classic 6 inch barrel. I found a 629 6" and not sure if I really like the stainless model with out the full lug.

Does anybody have both the 629 and 629 Classic. If so, is there much difference in shooting the 2.

I have the 686 and like the full lug.

Thanks,

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Just a FYI. All 629 "Classic" series are on round butt frames. The regular 629 pre 96' are on square butt frames.

James

[series guy]

I have had both and like the classic much better. The round butt on the classic is not an issue with the number of round to square butt grips available. I like the extra weight of the full lug better but most importantly the cylinder throats on the classic are much tighter resulting in much better accuracy in my experience.

[jaymoore]

Not all of the Classic Series have the smaller throats, not that its a huge deal if you do you own bullets... If you think the 686 is a little on the light side, then the the full lugged barrel is for you. I have both, but shoot the heavy ones much more, even with lighter loads, just 'cuz they hold steadier for me.

[AveragEd]

I have a 629-3 Classic DX with a 5" barrel, a 629-4 with a 6-1/2" barrel and a 629-1 with a standard 6" barrel.



The 6" 629-1 seems better balanced and is my most-used 629 when it comes to target shooting. The 5" Classic DX also feels good in the hand and is my hunting handgun while my son hunts with the 6-1/2" Classic. He has to use a shoulder holster while a belt holster works well for the 5" gun.

They're all good but the 629-1 just hangs in my hand better than the 6-1/2" -4 Classic.

Ed

[Kernel Crittenden]

The vast majority of the 629 "Classic" (so marked on the barrel) are full lug. They're pretty common. I've seen only three 629's half-lug's marked "Classic" all made in 1999. A 5", a 6 1/2", and a 8 3/8".

[Doubless]

Truth be told, my 629 Classic 6-1/2" feels pretty muzzle heavy. But darn, it shoots!

[grip frame]

I own/shoot both

5" 629 classic
6" 629 (standard half lug)


The weight of both is pretty much the same but the classic has more weight towards the front on the barrel so it has a little less whip/recoil.

The 5" classic is a little easier to carry and a little faster out of a holster.

The balance of the standard 6" is better in the hand.

I like the looks of both.

The 29 and 629 classic models had 6.5" barrels not 6".

I have never shot the 6.5 classic but hope to own one soon as a shooter/range gun only as I do not hunt with handguns and its to heavy for a packing sidearm.

There are also 629 "classic hunter" models out there with 6" full lug barrels and non fluted cylinders. Bet they are pretty sweet for shooters.

Also there was the 629 power port models with 6.5" full lug barrels with integral muzzle brake.

The last two mentioned are no longer in production but merit consideration.

[ironhead7544]

The Classic with changeable front sights appeals to me. Other than that, weight is the difference and neither is objectionable to me.