629 vs Mountain Gun - Thoughts

Markmontana · Apr 18, 2021

So, I looking at getting another 44 magnum for carry in the woods. I say another because I have had a M29 6.5" for a couple of decades many which has accompanied me on many an Elk hunt. But it is blue steel and I want to get a stainless. Here locally I've been able to find two candidates:

1) A new M629 with 5" full lug barrel and lock, asking $999

2) A used but VG/excellent condition 4" Mountain Gun with no lock, asking $1299 with no box.

I'd really appreciate some comments from the forum regarding pricing and which way to go. I like the red insert front sight on the new 629 but don't especially like the lock. I know it can be disabled and there have been very few if any negative comments on the function of the lock, but it is unsightly in my opinion. The trigger and action are not bad, in fact SA is pretty good.

I like the looks of the Mountain Gun but the plain blade front sight may be hard to pick up in low light. The trigger and action are good. It appears to have been carried more than shot. Looks like very good to excellent condition to me. And importantly, no lock. But probably going to feel recoil more than the bigger 629.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts from sage S&W revolver shooters.

RevolverJim · Apr 18, 2021

For me, the decision would be dependent on how much weight I was willing to carry and how many hours I would be carrying it.

tt66 · Apr 18, 2021

Definately the Mountain Gun. They don't make pre lock guns anymore. You can always find one with the lock.

I have a pre lock 5" 629 that was the first new S&W that I ever purchased. I love it and I thought it was the perfect .44. I don't have a Mountain Gun in .44 but I do have one in .41 Mag, .45 ACP and a .45 Colt. The 5" gun never leaves the safe now.

Tim

k22fan · Apr 18, 2021

Do I want an axe or do I want a maul? I would know and not have to look at both in the store.

I do not enjoy firing standard .44 Magnum cartridges in revolvers lighter than that 5" full lug Classic so I'd practice more with the heavier .44 making me more accurate with it. Accuracy is important in a hunting hand gun. The sight color is important to both of us giving the heavier gun another accuracy advantage.

However, the 5" FL barrel is not comfortable in a belt holster. That's where Mountain Guns shine and you can reload the cartridges with less powder.

If you could find one a standard 4" 629 would be a good compromise. They're slightly heavier than mountain guns and ordinarily have white out line and red ramp sights.

The most I've paid for 629s is $650 + tax and it's only been a 2 or 3 years since I bought one. While the seller may get it, $1300 is too much for a common modern .44. $900 is more tolerable. This is a bad time period in which to buy guns. The panic will pass. Buying panics always fade away. I'd make an offer on the $900 629 or wait for the panic to subside.

ken158 · Apr 18, 2021

Nobody likes the lock but a model 69 is a great woods carry gun.

Engine49guy · Apr 18, 2021

I have one of each because that is always the solution.

But seriously, the 629 classic has full lug wide rib barrel which dampens recoil better, it also has the quick change front site system so you can change quickly to suit your preference.

The Mountain gun basicly has the narrow rib barrel of the Model 24/624 (like the model 27/28) so lighter on the hip but more recoil.
the front site has a cross pin so can be changed, (I changed mine to a patridge with a gold bead) but not nearly as easy ,
the Mountain gun is more for carrying .
The 5" Classic is more for shooting Imo.

Another way to go if it is strictly for woods carry is the 329 PD Scandium frame 44 magnum

CH4 · Apr 18, 2021

Another vote for the Mountain Gun/Mountain Revolver in .44 or .45, it’s exactly what they were made for.

DR505 · Apr 18, 2021

My personal preference would be for the Mountain Gun for several reasons:

Weight is less for carry
The 4" barrel is easier for carrying
No lock
Changeable front sight blade

I have a 4" 629-4 that I carry a lot...it weighs a whopping 2 oz. more than a MG.

RevolverJim · Apr 18, 2021

Mountain gun

I have a M29 Mountain Gun, my common M629 4" is more fun to shoot.

And it has the weight in the right place.........

biku324 · Apr 18, 2021

Ditto that heavier shoots more easily with a 44 mag.

The Norseman · Apr 18, 2021

6 Shooter

S&W MG 44Rem Mag and Bianchi X15 Patented Leather Shoulder Holster.

22hipower · Apr 18, 2021

Of the two I'd opt for the Mountain Gun if price wasn't an issue and much hiking was expected. On the other hand, if the revolver is back up for my rifle, price was an issue, and the IL didn't bother me too much (it doesn't) I'd probably carry my 629-6 three inch. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

jack the toad · Apr 18, 2021

MG for me...

bill-in-texas · Apr 18, 2021

I don't have a Mountain Gun, have never seen one, and probably will do without one, unless a screaming deal falls in my lap one day.

I'm happy with my 4" 629-3, in the meantime.

-Bill

StrawHat · Apr 18, 2021

I happen to like N frames with the skinny 4” barrel. Get the MG.

Kevin

grizz700 · Apr 18, 2021

I vote mountain gun, two reasons. 1) No stupid Hillary hole and 2) a mountain is just plain cool. I have a 625-6 in 45 colt and that is my hiking gun in the spring.

Benchrest1 · Apr 19, 2021

I would be all over that mountain gun.

ShadyDrifter · Apr 19, 2021

Carrying my 629-4 today. Not much heavier than a mountain gun. Not noticeable enough to matter to me. However, If I ever run across a MG locally , I am gonna buy it.

ultratec00 · Apr 19, 2021

I'm a big fan of the 5". Own two, one -6 and one -5. Newer 629s are fine as long as you do your do dilligence when inspecting. Great balance and recommend a chest rig for woods use.

The MG is a good investment and doubt the price will ever go down and am curious about the dash number. Some of the older 4" and 6" do not have a replaceable front sight. This limits what you can/can't do obviously. I want that option for a dedicated woods gun as the factory red ramp does leave a little bit to be desired in certain circumstances. Hi-Viz, or similar fiber optic, works better 95% of the time, but there is a tritium option as well.

The lighter option would obviously carry better, but also not as pleasant to shoot.

ImprovedModel56Fan · Apr 19, 2021

For me, even before I started getting old and recoil-sensitive, a 629 Mountain Gun kicked a bit much for a second shot, way up and over my head. A normal 4" M29 was OK. This was with good grips on both. The MG was tolerable, just ridiculously slow for a second shot.

Your choice. If I were in your shoes, I think that I'd try to wait for a normal-barrel 629.

629 vs Mountain Gun - Thoughts

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