629 6.5 inch vs 6 inch

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Druggist50

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Hello everyone. I'm looking at getting a 629 for general target shooting more than anything. Thinking bare minimum 5 inches, but have really been looking at the 629 classic with full lug and 6.5 inches long and the half lug 6 inch model. Was wondering if I should worry about difference in recoil between the two or any other factors to consider. Thanks in advance.h

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The 6.5 inch classic has an (easily) interchangeable front sight which is an advantage if you might want something other than the red ramp that comes from the factory. It will also have slightly less recoil than the 6 inch version simply because it is heavier, but probably not enough to care about. Holster selection may be more limited for the 6.5 inch gun but that won't matter unless you plan to carry it. I believe the front of the cylinder is chamfered on the classics which is a nice touch but purely cosmetic. I would just get the one that I found most appealing and not look back.
 
Muzzle weight can be a concern. The full underlug adds weight, which is good for reducing muzzle rise with full power 44 Magnum ammo. If you plan to shoot only 44 Special or reduced power 44 Magnum loads, then the extra muzzle weight might actually work against you when shooting from an unsupported position. If you plan on just shooting from a position where the revolver will be resting on and stabilized by a steady surface, then extra muzzle weight is not an issue.
 
If you are looking for overall balance, the 5" is hard to beat. For hunting I'll tend to go with my 6" RSR w/ magnaport or a 6.5" w/ powerport. For general range use or extended carry, the 5" can't be beat. Betting with the underlug, probably no difference in noticeable recoil between the 5" and 6" no lug. Myself, prefer an interchangeable front sight, which is very hard to do with the PC 629.
 
I'm skeptical of anyone who claims to notice the difference in recoil between a full lug and half lug of the otherwise same gun.

I'm a competitor and have shot often and I certainly don't notice any difference in perceived recoil after the trigger is pulled.

There is a noticeable difference in muzzle weight of the guns prior to trigger pull. Enough to affect your preference is up to you.

Way, way too much is made of the lug, either way.
 
My first revolver was a full lug 6 1/2" 629-6 Classic. I wasn't aware the front sight was interchangeable until a guy at the range pointed it out. Then I bought a partial lug 6 1/2" 29-10, no interchangeable front sight.

I can't discern any different in recoil.
 
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