Can anyone compare the two? I realize the Competitor is 8+ oz heavier but with the adjustable weights. Does the shorter barrel feel balanced or muzzle heavy compared to the Classic? How is the quality of the Classic compared to the PC Competitor? I’ve only owned one S & W rev and it was a PC gun. I gravitate toward quality IF the price difference warrants it. This purchase is for hog hunting 25-75 yards. Hope to hear from the experts. Please take me to school. BTW: the Classic is $786 delivered and the 629-6 Comp is $1,150 delivered.

You haven't given up on your new Magnum Hunter already have you? That's a perfect hog hunting gun. The UTG red dot will get you out far enough to make a pig squeal. I shot beside sw282 this past Sat & watched him nail the 100 yard rams SEVERAL times.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

Vette: kinda yes. I don't like the 7.5" + brake. Just doesn't feel right. My longest semi has a 6". I guess that is the issue as I've been shooting much shorter barrels. I especially don't like the bulky UTG. I have a Nikon Spur on its way. It will go on the Hunter if I don't sell it locally. Back to the question: do you have any opinion?

Just get the standard 6.5” Classic. Trust me. Save your money, wash your hands in swine blood

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Oui Chef!

l don't have a 629 Competitor. l do own a 686 Competitor.. l prefer it over

a 686 Classic... Handles better too.. l don't use any of the weights in mine..

Both Competitors remind my of the old slab side Hunter models in various calibers

I appreciate the comparison.

Personaly I didn't like the feel of the 629 competitor I handled and fired a few rounds out of but the feel of a gun is subjective .I must admit it was very accurate and the DA trigger was very nice but for field work I would go with the classic you can always smooth the action yourself if needed which it won't need it . I have been hunting with my 629-1 since the late 80s so my thinking on this may be a little tainted but for the difference in cost I feel you will be better off going with the classic and spend the money on either ammunition or a great carry rig .One thing for sure though which ever way you go the hogs best beware in your area.

I LOVE my 629 Competitor. It is my only locking S&W, but has the best trigger out of the box. If the extra cost is not an issue, that is the one to go for, IMO. Now, if I had to keep it or the one on the right side of the photo, I would sell the Competitor, but in no way for a difference in performance (I just adore the barrel on the Light Hunter).

Just because it's a PC, doesn't necessarily mean the quality is any better than stock. Highly suggest whichever one you pick, inspect it before buying. The competitor does have the advantage of weight adjustment and most have the more expensive rear sight. They also have the option to mount a scope/red dot if that is your desire. Given that, the front sight is what it is and for the most part non-replaceable. One of the complaints I have with my 629 PCs is not being able to replace the front sight. I have a 629 RSR 1-500, similar to what's pictured above. Quality firearm all around. Took it hunting one season and have since switched to my 5" simply for ease of carry and if it gets beat up a little, so what. The RSR gets beat up some, I care a whole lot.

If you're set on the 6.5", I'd hand pick one, throw a spring kit in it, and pick/chose whatever rear/front sight you want for it. The nice thing about a smith is it doesn't take much to smooth the action out.

1) I won’t be able to hand pick my selection as it will be purchased online.
2) I purchased the 629 Raptor Mount for a Nikon Spur
3) I like the red ramp front but given I’ll be using the Spur I guess it doesn’t matter.
4. I assumed the 6.5” was best 25-75 yards?
5) Should a 5 or 6” be considered for my allocation?

It’s obvious how little I understand with this purchase. Thoughts?

l have an 0pinion... l can take silhouettes out to 200meters with

my Magnum Hunter and its cheap UTG red dot from the factory.

I have other revolvers, Contenders, EVEN a few Bottom Feeder

autos from Colt, Beretta, Browning, and a glock a lok...

0pen sights, scopes, RMRs l have... That cheap $35 Leapers on

the Magnum Hunter l like BEST.

Try shining its Brake kwesi.. You might like your Magnum Hunter too

I can't wait to see pics of how you mounted the Spur and what you think. It is on my list for 3 different firearms including a Redhawk that will require a modification for the Spur to work.

Sometimes you just have to build up a relationship with a gun. You made a comparison between the Magnum Hunter & a 6" semi auto. Apples & oranges. Take that gun to the range & shoot it. Then take it to the range & shoot it some more. It's very rare that I get a new gun and shoot clover leafs first time out. And every gun is going to shoot different. Each Magnum Hunter is going to have it's own "personality". I took one of mine out for a spin this morning. The guns are dead nuts accurate as long as the shooter does his job.

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That's OK shooten grasshopper.. That brake could do with a little LUSTRE tho;-)

Vette:I hear ya. My Hunter is dead on at 25 yards but have not had a chance to test at longer distance. To be clear: if I was sitting in a blind the Hunter with the UTG would be fine but we walk and stalk mostly. So IF the Hunter goes bye bye is either a 6 or 6.5" M629 better for the application vs 5"? I would assume so.

If you're set on ditching the MH I'd have to toss a coin between the 6" standard barrel or the 6 1/2" Classic. My 629-4 6 1/2" PowerPort Classic has become my go to gun for the range & silhouette shooting. (And the factory is still making them) That being said my 6" 29-6 gun runs a close second. I guess you're shooting some hard hitting/recoiling loads if you're aiming to take down Porky. I'd go with the Classic with the full underlug to help absorb the recoil. I've never felt that the extra 1 1/2" over the 5" gun made it muzzle heavy. A chest holster should make woods carry easy. Good luck.

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Vette: Your PowerPort Classic isn't on S&W's home page.

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Thanks to Vette I am now the owner of a 629-4 Classic Power Port. Can't wait to put the Nikon Spur on her.

I'm glad I could help spend your money! All said & done I think you saved yourself a few hundred by passing on the Competitor. I never wanted one because it created too many variables with all the weights. There are already enough variables with bullets & powder. What weight bullet, what kind of powder and how much, etc. I hope the PowerPort does as well for you as mine has for me. Looking forward to the pics & a range report.

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Aaah, it’s a darn good feelin helping someone spend their money ain’t it?!!! I’m back on the hunt for that elusive 4” -2 or -3 and the barrel om my newest 6” - 3 isn’t even cold yet.

P.S. Kwesi , you couldn’t have picked a better advisor.

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I reckon so

[QUOTE=RSBH44

P.S. Kwesi , you couldn’t have picked a better advisor.[/QUOTE]

I'm fortunate he took me under his wing!

Does the port really make a noticeable difference in muzzle flip? Not a sarcastic question, an honest one.

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Oui Chef!

It does seem to help a bit. Even in .45 Colt. (I have a PP .625 as well as various ported .44s.)

Though it works better the hotter the load. Most extreme case with which I've experienced the benefits of porting was with a TC Super 14 in .35 Remington. Adding ports (MagNa Port in this case) to it helped immensely!

kwesi---Vettes' still learning and coming along quite nicely...

Rumor IS he may even come to LINCOLNTON the end of this

month and play with the BIG BOYS @ 200Meters... Bring his

Power Port too.. jaymoose, kdiver58, SJS, and yours truly are

anxiously awaiting his debut