29-10 Classic or 629 Performance Center

Just watched Magnum Force... Leaning classic at this point........
 
The 29-10 is drilled/tapped for 0ptics--on the frame.. As all S&W L & N frames are...

The 629PC version discussed here has an ADDITIONAL mount for the barrel..

Much further forward. IMOP- providing much better balance for the gun..

Esp when shooting MAGNUM loads.. Forward mounted weight of the optics

helps dampen recoil just as much as a muzzle brake.. Not near as noisy either
 
I'd take a 629 Classic over either option, seems like a fitting replacement for a SRH if that's what you're used to. And I wouldn't be afraid to get a current production either, mines great. The unconventional lines of many of the PC guns don't really do it for me, but I don't own one either, so I can't comment on the premium of performance that you're paying for in them. Part of me thinks you might want a total change of pace, look and feel, from your SRH. If so, take the 29-10 and love it. Go performance center later. Between the 2 myself I would definitely do that.
 
This might seem a little strange..... I think I'm going to go with a 27 Classic. (Try to follow my logic here).... I really like the classic look. I like the checkering they've brought back on the 27 Classic top-strap. I love the history of the .357. The 27 averages around $200 less than the 29 Classic which means I have more left over for the 629 Performance Center.

I know this seems like a strangely altered course, but in the end, I get a nice classic and a nice PC 629 down the road. Hopefully, not too far down the road.
 
Have a 57 classic. It has turned out to be a good grouper and shooter with cast bullets. I think the blue finish is great
 
jcoers:

Hey... I just saw a 29-10 factory engraved (I guess machine engraved...not my thing) in the nice wooden case, with two boxes of Hornady ammo, still has the cardboard box that the wooden case shipped in looks brand new, probably only shot a few times...under a grand at an LGS in my area. If you think you might be interested, PM me. I have no financial interest, just a coincidence I saw this thread.

Best Regards, Les
 
I love 44's . I shot my first 44 when I was 10 . It was my uncle's , a ruger blackhawk , 7.5" barrel . He asked if I wanted to try it ? I for sure wanted to . I was a skinny kid with skinny arms back then . I " cowboyed it " one handed , arm semi outstretched . The recoil from that round brought the barrel clear up in a semi circle and hit me right on top of the head , hard ! . He looked at me with an evil sort of grin and said , " do it again " . Half dazed i said " ok " . That 2nd round had the same results and left me flat on the ground . Been a real 44 fan ever since .
 
I like my new 29-10 in 44 mag / 6.5" in blue. I like the s&w N frames in any caliber. It the history of s&w and colt is probably why we choose these first. But for revolvers that take a beating it's the ruger's. I like them all even the old h&r's. I'm not really a s&w guy yet.
 
I love 44's . I shot my first 44 when I was 10 . It was my uncle's , a ruger blackhawk , 7.5" barrel . He asked if I wanted to try it ? I for sure wanted to . I was a skinny kid with skinny arms back then . I " cowboyed it " one handed , arm semi outstretched . The recoil from that round brought the barrel clear up in a semi circle and hit me right on top of the head , hard ! . He looked at me with an evil sort of grin and said , " do it again " . Half dazed i said " ok " . That 2nd round had the same results and left me flat on the ground . Been a real 44 fan ever since .

About 15 years ago when I lived in Seattle someone pulled that on a woman at Wade's gun range in Bellevue. She had never fired a large handgun and he talked her into trying his .44 with full power loads. The recoil flipped the gun up to point over her shoulder, she somehow pulled the trigger and shot the person standing behind her. This was hard to believe, but it is true. I was a member at Wade's and we got a LOT of bad publicity from this.
 
Get the classic

I have all 3 magnum classics.
You will not be disappointed. Mine are all from the 1970's and they all shoot great.
 
Which 44 S&W?

As the owner of at least 10x as many S&W's than Rugers (including Ruger long guns), if it's going to be a hunting handgun I'd stay with the Ruger (though I prefer the Redhawk to the Super Redhawk model - better aesthetics to my eye). I have 29's/629's in 3", 5" 6/6.5" and LOVE them all but you can load the Ruger especially hot and still be able to handle the recoil and blast - and shoot it well.
 
I purchased a Nickel-Plated 29-2 back in the '70's and used it extensively for IHMSA shooting. My son has it now. My favorite .44 Mag for hunting is my Dan Wesson 744. I can change the barrel length from short to long depending on whether I am carrying it for protection or for hunting. It also has the sweetest trigger pull straight from the factory of any double action revolver. I also have a Colt Anaconda, but don't shoot it much. I did miss my Model 29, though, so found a pristine 6-1/2" barrel 29-2 a couple of years ago, so now my collection is complete again. <G> FWIW, my recommendation is to search until you find an older 29 and enjoy it. Although the new revolvers from Smith are nice, they really can't compare to the older ones in my non-so-humble opinion.
 
I have a nice mod 29-3 6" blued and this evening I am bidding on a 29-1 stainless 8" hope it works. Also have ruger super blackhawk and love them both!
 
Own 'em both. Have loved shooting them, cleaning them, and displaying them. My advice - pull the trigger and get 'em both. You will not be disappointed.
 
As several others have pointed out it is hard to beat a 629 Classic which I believe is 629-4. For a range gun it has the heavy under lugged barrel and is nicely finished with a chamfered cylinder. The front sight on mine is pinned and could be easily changed by a competent hobbyist or at little cost by a gunsmith.
In my opinion the PC guns are over rated. My only PC is a 625 and it is not as accurate as either of my 625 Mountain Guns. Yes, the front sight is easier to change but how often do you do that?
 
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