.44 2-1/2" Backpacker, info please?

[bubbajoe45]

+1 for NE450No2. Just like in Personal Defense against 2 legged predators, having a gun is the first step. A .44 Mag beats the heck out a rock; sure, a rifle is better (carry both if you can). Good point about being knocked down, as well.

A 3" M29 with unfluted cylinder and full underlug is within a few ounces of the 4" Mtn Gun (I think it's actually more). This weight tames recoil well - I've been carrying and shooting 300 gr. Speer JFPs loaded to somewhere in the 1200 fps range (according to published data, so probably less with the short barrel) in mine. These loads are no worse in my 3" as they are in my 4" gun. I feel I could use it effectively at bear breath distances (one handed). The Backpacker you mention would serve you well; just hope you never need it.

 

[NE450No2]

Last year I met a bunch of my buddies in Idaho for a black bear hunt.

We had 8 or 9 S&W 44 Mags, with just about every barrel length from 3" to 6.5, including the 4" Scandium.

The 4" Scandium was by far the hardest kicker with full power loads, but any of them would shoot into a bears skull IMHO.

I just got a 325 Night Guard [45ACP], I really like it.

I may just have to get me a 44 Mag with a @ 2.5 inch bbl.

 

[wewg24]

Grip & Holster?

Here's a 629-6 "Backpacker" sn# DAN6XXX:
(Sorry for the poor lighting in photos.)

Have a Jinks letter indicating it is a "Special Production Revolver - 1 of 50 made for MT Sports" " Shipped 12/23/2006 to MT Sports, Billings,MT

Photos above were with stock hogue grip.

Have Factory combats on now, and a better pic:

JD500 -

What grip (make, model, size, etc.) and holster (leather one in picture) are you using. I have the same gun (engraved as #044) and am having trouble finding appropriate info for grips and holsters. Only usually find the 4" listed in sizing charts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanx in advance.

 

[gizamo]

Always hike and camp with a few folks. The best bear gun is a 22 cal kit gun....Just as the charge starts, shoot the camper you least like in the foot, then run like hell!

Here's one of my favorite N-Frames. I have a few 3" guns but for some reason this one outshoots all the others...

giz

 

[Sportsterguy]

Seems to me a riot 870 with 8 rounds of slugs would be a pretty good set-up if you think you're going to encounter a large bear. Do other folks think slugs are effective enough for huge bears? (sorry to hi-jack your thread!)

Lived on Kodiak (Island of the big ones from 83-86) and Sitka (Baranof 90-93) Islands and was friends with a few State Troopers (Same as Fish & Game, different uniforms). At that time they carried 870's with a 00 in the tube followed by a slug and alternated the same when going after a wounded bear. Their partners carried model 70's in .375 H&H IMS.

I heeded their advice and always felt comfortable out and about which was alot. Chances of being attacked are extremely slim, but the 870 was good enough for me.

IMO the only reason to pack the .44 with a great penetrating bullet is if you can't get to the shotgun or a large caliber rifle and the bear is mauling you.

I've said it before concerning a bear attack. If you can hit a 1200 lb. animal hell bent on tearing your arse up coming at you at 30 MPH your chances of taking it down with a handgun are slim to none IMO.

I hiked with my 870 and my 6" 57 loaded with 210 gr. hard cast bullets made by JD Jones from SSK Hand Cannons.

I hunted with a Ruger .338 Win Mag and the same revolver in a Bianchi shoulder holster.

If your not hunting just make alot of noise. They don't care for humans and will dissapear quickly and quietly if they hear you.

Read "Alaska Bear Tales". It will make you think twice on relying on a handgun for bear protection.

 

[JD 500]

JD500 -

What grip (make, model, size, etc.) and holster (leather one in picture) are you using. I have the same gun (engraved as #044) and am having trouble finding appropriate info for grips and holsters. Only usually find the 4" listed in sizing charts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanx in advance.

Grips, assuming you are asking about the wood grips, are S&W Factory N Frame round butt combats. I aquired this set from a forum member here. They are no longer made so you have to buy from the forums. They are priced accordingly.

Holster is from El Paso Saddlery (I think it's a #77 Tortilla), also have double speedloader pouch. EPS makes an excellent product, but it takes quite a while. Forget what they quote you. I believe my set took about 18-22 weeks.

 

[wewg24]

Thanks JD 500

Thanks JD 500.

 

[jpz]

I've got a 6" M-29 and 4"-629, but what i really am looking for is a 3" 29 or pre lock 629. easier to carry etc. I really am not interested in these ultra light .44 mag. They kick the crap out of you and they are not fun to shoot with full power loads, thus practice tends to be minimal. That is just my personal $.02. Others opinion will very.

 

[Jimmymac46]

I must agree with jpz as to light weight large bore magnums. An 'N' is not generally a concealable, easy carrying revolver. I carried a 4" model 29 on duty for nearly ten years and loved every minute of it. However, it was on a full duty rig, leather 2" belt and not concealed.

As they get lighter, they shoot harder. Everyone, even the most experienced handgun expert will tell you, practice, practice, practice. It is very difficult to become proficent with a 44 magnum that weighs 25 oz or less. If you are honest with yourself, you probably won't shoot it often enough to become expert class. Also, an 'N' frame, even with a 3" barrel is still not a 'concealable' weapon unless carried under heavy or loose clothing. A 'J' frame is a popular revolver not because it is a target gun, exceptionally accurate, or a large bore. It is popular because it carries well. In short, if you desire a large bore, why a light 'N'? IMO a short barreled 44 mag, 44 special, 45 acp, or 357 should at least have sufficent bulk to make it controllable for double taps and frequent practice. Just because it is all steel, it will still carry.....after all, it doesn't weight 10 lbs! I shoot and enjoy my 3" 624, 629 Backpacker, 625 45 acp, and my model 60, but as a carry piece I continue to find myself carrying my 642 on a daily basis. It will still do the job if I do mine.