Hi guys, I just purchased a 4" model 29 to carry as a back-up/off duty gun. Is there anything I need to know?
ammunition reccomendations?
grip reccomendations?

How is recoil on these guns? should I stick with 44 spl rounds for duy carry?

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M.J.Hanna

grip - whatever feels good

ammo - what ever you like

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

Congratulations on the purchase and I think the 44 special is a great defense round with less recoil then a full house 44 Mag. I love shooting 44 Special in my 6 inch 29-2 and I only like to shoot a few cylinders full house 44 magnum rounds per session

If that 4" 29-2 is your back-up, what is the duty gun?

Kidding aside, if you are actually going to have to shoot that thing (as in qualify with it), I would put Pachmayr Presentations on it and find some sort of load with a bit more thump than 44 Special Silvertips, but nothing like a full-charge 44 Magnum/240-gr. plus factory load.

I have been shooting Blazer 200-gr. JHPs a bit lately, as I came into some in a trade deal. They are surprisingly accurate, and not nearly as hard on the hand as a 240-gr. load, but still too much for me for lots/fast/double-action shooting. There must be something out there with a good, sturdy 200-220 gr. JHP at around 900-1000 FPS. (As you can see, my knowledge of current factory loads is limited.) 180-gr. seems too light, for my tastes.

That is an awful lot of iron to lug around unless you need full 44 Magnum power. Good luck. Hope you enjoy your new revolver. They are a lot of fun.

That should work. Nice choice.

I like the Ahrend's grips, smooth square butt or finger groove round. Spegel Boot Grips work pretty well too unless you are going full throttle. I have a set on my Horton 624, very easy to carry and control with hot 44 SP handloads (240 LSWC @ 1150fps). Many of my women friends shoot that revolver well with that load. Rubber grips are just to grabby for me. If you are shooting a lighter 44 Mag load, and since you chose a 44 Mag anyway, I would speculate that recoil is not an issue for you where you might want rubber grips.

I don't have any suggestions for mid-range factory loads though.

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" I said, good DAY! "

200gr. Gold Dot Blazer .44 Specials or 200gr. Federal LSWC-HPs.
Pachmayr or Hogue grips

The Hogues will give you better grip, control etc., should your hand become wet or bloody while on duty.

Check out this stuff. I know it's costly, but it's a small price to pay to protect your life. The cast bullet will penetrate like there's no tomorrow, if you had to shoot at an auto. It will also do a great job for defense against a person. The diameter is already built in, so you don't need expansion, and the design will cut a clean hole. It won't be stopped by heavy winter clothing either.

Heavy 44 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

I'm a fan of the .44 Magnum Gold Dot Short Barrel loading for self-defense with the 29. Another option if pass-throughs are less of a concern for you is a 250 grain LSWC at 850-1000 fps. It WILL completely penetrate just about anbody you stand in front of it.

I find the Winchester Silver Tips at 210 grn in 44 mag are loaded between the 44 special and full power mags. It is a very effective and controllable round. That is my first choice for carry.

I am thinking that anyone that thinks a 4" model 29 as a BUG,,,oh well never mind

For you guys that think I am crazy...I am actually carrying a 3in. 625 as my back up gun now...I am not getting rid of it. I love it. I will be carrying the 44 as an alternate duty gun...Meaning I can carry it on duty, off duty or as a back up...I usually qualify with 3 guns every year...625 642 and model 15

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M.J.Hanna

Its nice to know that Davidson County will be protected by a mighty .44 !

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C & L

I also vote Buffalo Bore for ammo.....great stuff, and I have Pachmayr Presentation on several of my revolvers.....they are awesome.

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Semper Paratus

The 4" 29 has some kick butt recoil when shooting magnums. I install Pachmayr Decelerator Combats on my 629 and it tames it substantially.



Pachmayr&reg Pachmayr your primary source for quality handgun grips and recoil pads

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired