I've always owned Ruger 44 magnums but I want a 629, love the balance and action on the couple I've held. Keep hearing durability issues. Is there something to it or is the issue over blown. I would be shooting a couple of hundred rounds of factory ammo per year, nothing too hot.

I have an early Model 29 (8 3/8" barrel) as well as a 4" 629. The 4" has not been shot all that much but the 8" has over ten thousand rounds of "full" cast bullet reloads through it (250 gr. Keith ahead of 23-24 grs. of H110). I practice with 23 grs and hunt with 24 grs. That's a bit easier on the handgun (and shooter). The gun is still as tight as when it was new.

23 grs chronographs at 1200 fps and 24 chronographs at 1300fps.

I, personally can state that even 1200 fps will shoot lengthwise through a large deer. I have never recovered a cast bullet from a deer.

If you don't abuse the revolver, it will last for several generations of use. On the other hand if you MUST shoot 300+gr. Bullets at maximum loads, get a Ruger.

Just a thought or two.

Dale53

If you are concerned about durability, and I doubt you should be, then a 629-3 or -4 would fill the bill.
The durability issues surfaced when metallic silhouette was in vogue, with competitors shooting lots maximum loads with 300 grain bullets. Cylinder stops would sometimes come undone, and the cylinder would turn backwards. In the early 90s Smith addressed these issues with some upgrades with the -2E version and later versions incorporated these enhancements.
I have had a 29 since 1968 and fired several thousand rounds of 240 grain cast bullets over 20 grains of 2400 powder and it has not harmed the gun at all.
Given your use, I would think that any 29 or 629 in good shape would work for you.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

A couple of hundred rounds per year the 629 will outlive you by a LONG time. Unless you live to be 200-300 years old.

Look at it this way.
A modern 629 will easily last 5 thousand full power loads.
American plinking grade ammo is around $1 per round.
It will cost you 5 grand to get a 1 thousand dollar revolver to the point it may need a tune up(which is free).
Try a 629,
You won't be disappointed.

I have shot the heck out of my magna ported 4" 629-1. Shoot it regularly. No issues at all.
I do load only mag brass. Spl or mag specs.

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"from my cold dead hands" C.H.

Good to hear, now the 6.5 classic or 6 inch w/o full lug!
Dale53 good to hear about the cast bullets. I shot a good sized doe last year with my Ruger SBH. She jumped and ran about 40yds into a swamp. No blood trail what so ever, I was lucky to find her. 240SP no exit wound. I need to try hardcast.

Like Nightowl, Dale53 and CWH44300 I have been shooting Mod 29's and 629's for many years -- several decades actually. I have early ones and the newest ones.

Much of the "strength" issues began when people started pushing their guns in an attempt to determine how much pressure their 44 Mags could take. Silhouette shooters were especially focused on that issue.

I can remember a few posts on this forum that challenged people to test their guns to determine "what is the maximum load your gun can handle." It was a clear formula for obvious disaster if any ignorant people were to take the posters up on the challenge, especially those who reload and know better. I suspect more than a few handguns blew up in the quest.

Most experienced shooters and handgun hunters are aware that accuracy and velocity go hand-in-hand in achieving the the perfect compromise for the desired shooting activity. The hottest loads rarely, if ever, provide a satisfactory performance or accuracy result, and those extremely hot loads are what unnecessarily will cause the loosening problems.

I can load for and shoot ANY gun loose in short order. I can also blow any 44 Mag gun up, whether it be S&W, Ruger or any other brand if I wish to. With any mechanical object common sense as well as experience tells us their are limits and 44 Mags are no exception.

Go with whichever 29 or 629 you like. For me the older guns have proven to be no less durable than the newer guns if reasonable ammo is used. If "pushing the envelope" is what you desire buy an X frame 475 or a 500 built and intended for that purpose...

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Terry

Ordered a 4inch 629 today, just had to get it. Waiting patiently for it to be delivered to my ffl.

Congrats! You won't be disappointed. Shoot the snot out of it. Got my 4" 629 earlier this year already at nearly 1000 rds. All reloads, about 50/50 split max-near max charges of H110 and mid level loads of Unique. Along with a variety of 800X, Blue Dot and Red Dot. I have no need to exceed max level published load data and expect the 629 will easily outlast me (My 14 yo daughters will certainly continue to enjoy it long after I'm pushing up daisies. )

And again, Congrats on your new 629 Granite Stater.

Be well all

Thank you, the 4 inch wasn't even a thought until I held one, couldn't resist.

My redhawks shoot stout Magnum loads. My m29-10 will shoot lead cast and standard Magnum loads. My suiper Blackhawk shoots cor bon 300grs. I don't abuse my smiths

Congrats,you will love it. Had my 4" for little over a month now. It feels right at home with a set of X-Frame grips from the mother ship. Shoot and enjoy!