Anyone Woods Carry A 629 6" ?

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AgentSmith

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I've been looking around for a nice 629 4" or 5" with no luck at all. I'd prefer not to do the "internet" thing this time.
Well, I found a 629 Pre-Lock 6.5" Power Port model like new for a decent price.
I planned on carrying this as a woods gun on foot, and on the 4-wheeler, etc.
However, I'm apprehensive about the barrel length and weight making it too uncomfortable to carry. FWIW, I'm only 5'10" 210#, 34" waist, not a "big guy" by any means.
Any advice appreciated.
 
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I think carrying a 6" gun for an extended amount of time would become drudgery, I've done it and won't consider doing it again.
One option is to send it to S&W and have them install a 4" barrel (standard or Mountain Profile). Might cost ~$150-200 (not sure), but it would be what you want for carry purposes.
You could then sell the Powerport barrel to recover some of your expense for the conversion.
 
Agent
When I first started packing a handgun deer hunting it was a 6" 29-3. I was about 5' 5" and maybe 110lbs at the time. I bought me a good crossdraw holster that worked well. Tried shoulder holsters and didnt like them. I have since cut the bbl to 5" and still carry it every year. No problems
 
I have carried a 6.5" 29-2 in a crossdraw rig for many deer seasons, probably a dozen, and on other woods expeditions. I have a new Lawman Leather Dirty Harry shoulder holster I have not tried yet, but hope it is comfortable. But the crossdraw holster worn slightly in front of my hip at an angle has been very comfortable and offers easy access even sitting. Plus, in inclement weather I can put my coat over the gun to keep it dry or my forearm over it protects the gun from getting scratched on tree branches or fences, whatever. I am about your size and I never experienced a problem.
 
I use a 4" Model 29-2 or a 1911 for general knocking around in the woods. I've hunted a fair amount with my 5" Model 629 Classic. It's workable as a woods gun in a good holster on a good belt, but it's a bit too big and heavy to be perfect.

I'd keep looking for a 4" 41, 44 or 45. They're absolutely perfect for what you describe. The Model 22 Model of 1917 would also work if you can stomach the lock.


Okie John
 
I find the other opinions interesting. I too carry a 6.5 cross draw and find it very comfortable. I wear a seperate wide belt loosly and slide it around to get it where I want it. A couple speed loaders in holders opposite the pistol helps balance the whole rig out.
 
You know, just about anything can be done, big or small. Over the years I've developed a keen sense of what works for me and the only way I'd consider carrying anything large enough to not fit in my pocket is going to go strong side, IWB. That pretty much limits my barrel lengths, for all practical purposes, to 4", even though I have a nice Kramer IWB that hides a nice Ruger Bisley 45 Colt pretty well, but I digress.
My comments above are meant to convey the discomfort of a long barrel slapping against my thigh, either strong side, or cross draw, having the option of a shorter barrel is the cat's meow to me.
I won't carry via shoulder rig, just doesn't work for me from a practical standpoint, and cross draw still means a gun attached OWB and jumping around if I'm active. Not something that I find comforting for an all day adventure, in the woods or in town. I like to sit down from time to time, and having to figure a way to do so with a long barrel is not the easiest thing to do without a fold up chair or conveniently positioned stump out "in the field". I'm getting old and comfort is pretty high up on my list.
As I say, anything can be done, but from a comfort standpoint with a large gun, I prefer it close in, secure and comfortable.
I've got a few thousand dollars in (once) used holsters that won't get any more belt time to confirm that I've fell prey to the "it might work" philosophy, only to be - once again- reinforced that OWB belt carry isn't a workable solution to me.
Thanks for listening...
icon_smile.gif
 
Thanks for the info.

For my situation, IWB with an N-frame isn't going to happen.

It's either cross-draw, or some type of shoulder rig. I'd prefer a cross-draw, but can't see how the 12" length of the 6.5" bbl 629 could possibly be viable.

Saw a nice rig mentioned by Clint Smith in the latest Hangunner. $165!!
 
I carried a Mag-Na-Ported 629-1 6" (pinned but not recessed)in a fabric Assault Systems shoulder holster every step, every day for many deer hunting seasons. When in a tree stand the barrel would prop it up relieving any weight at all. I got used to it and it worked well. Still have it.
Being older now, I tend to appreciate toting a 4" M58 in a cross draw UM belt holster a little more and enjoy not having the drag on the old shoulders.
 
I hunted for many years with a S&W Model 29 (8 3/8" barrel with SCOPE) or, in bad weather a 7½" Ruger Red Hawk with a scope). I carried both, cross the chest in a Bianchi Hush System in rough country and NEVER had a problem. I am 5'10" tall and at the time weighed 180 and was in reasonable shape. The combination of the cross chest holster, attached also to a wide, padded Bianchi waist belt with a belt pouch on the off side made a VERY workable combination.

When it came time to shoot, I had full confidence in my hits (one to a customer).

If I were just woods rambling, then normally I would prefer a 4" handgun. However, when grouse hunting I often carried a 6½ Model 624 with a crossdraw holster along with my Beretta O/U Shotgun. I often hunted in REALLY rough country and again, not a problem.

Use what works for you and never look back...

FWIW
Dale53
 
Sir, a 6-1/2-inch N-frame, especially with a full underlug barrel, is more than I want to lug around all day. If I had to, though, I'd want a separate gunbelt with a stiff holster that prevents flopping around. I've carried a 7-1/2-inch Super Blackhawk that way, and it worked tolerably well. A shoulder rig is another option, but comfortable shoulder rigs are less common than one might think.

IMHO the better plan is to keep looking for a shorter gun.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
 
I'm with Ron H. A standard profile 6 or 6-1/2 inch N frame would be my limit for general woods carry. A full-length underlug barrel of 6-1/2 inches would cross the line of comfort for me.

My hips aren't too pronounced, though, and heavy guns tend to keep trying to pull my pants down unless I cinch the belt so tight it begins to cut off circulation!

For 10 years, I wore a 6 inch Model 66 to work daily. It was on a separate belt (Sam Browne), but with a high-ride holster and a muzzle-rear cant, it was fine as far as sitting, either in a patrol car or a regular chair or bench.
 
I have carried the 6" and 6 1/2" 629 when in bear country and the extra weight over the 4" is balanced by the fact it will hit harder. That is a comfort that out weights the extra discomfort of the weight difference between the 4" and 6" barrels. In small bear country or mountaim lion country I really like the SW 329 though I hate to fire it with my carry loads of Garretts.
Shoulder holsters IMO are not comfortable at all. A heavy contoured belt like Galco's and a close riding Roy Baker pancake holster is no problem for this average size guy.
 
As Curtis wrote, I also carry a 6" 629 in a Bianchi cross draw holster with no problems. I have 4" models but the 6" is what goes with me to the woods.
 
Originally posted by AgentSmith:
I've been looking around for a nice 629 4" or 5" with no luck at all. I'd prefer not to do the "internet" thing this time.
Well, I found a 629 Pre-Lock 6.5" Power Port model like new for a decent price.
I planned on carrying this as a woods gun on foot, and on the 4-wheeler, etc.
However, I'm apprehensive about the barrel length and weight making it too uncomfortable to carry. FWIW, I'm only 5'10" 210#, 34" waist, not a "big guy" by any means.
Any advice appreciated.
Click to expand...

There are a couple on Guns America right now in 4".
 
I planned on carrying this as a woods gun on foot, and on the 4-wheeler, etc.
Click to expand...

That is what I use my 4" 629 for. I camp and ride ATVs in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

I carry mine in a cross draw shoulder holster.


1_model_629.jpg



camping3.png
 
Sure, it can be done... I did it for a few years myself. But a 6" 629 is a big, heavy weapon and you will know it's there!

I went to a 4" .41 Magnum... much easier to tote all day. Not much lighter of course but a more comfortable package.
 
You are 5'10", 210 pounds, with a 34" waist? Are you kidding me? You must be Mr. Muscle 2009, or something like that
Click to expand...

I was a competitive powerlifter for years. Finally gave it up last year at 37 years old.

I'm astonished at how scarce 44mag revos are in my area. No ammo, no guns........I'll keep searching.

Nice rig above J Danley.
 
Do you like Single Actions at all? A 4 5/8" Ruger Super Blackhawk packs very nicely, they are usually easier to find than 4" 629s and a good bit less expensive.
 
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