Another 629 opinion question. I am going to be looking for a 629 soon and would like to get some input. This will be more of a fun at the range and play with hand loads gun, not anticipating any concealed carry, backpacking, or such. I have a 3” 686 so I have no desire for another 3” and don’t really want a 6” or 6-1/2”. I’m thinking the 5” with full underlug would fit my needs well but I like the looks of the 4” also. Have kept my eyes open for a pre-lock 5” but they seem kind of scarce. None of the gun shops around me have either one so I can’t really compare the two side by side. Anyone care to opine on their preference?
629 4” or 5”
- Thread starter brjr51
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Dieseltech56
Member
I found a dash 3 classic 5" here not too long ago. I would agree they are pretty scarce. I can't think of another one I've seen since I started really paying attention a few years ago.
Also I would pick a 5" over a 4" every day.
Also I would pick a 5" over a 4" every day.
ultratec00
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Of the 629s I own, the 5" balances the best. It's not muzzle heavy or unwieldy. Good all around choice.
Toolguy
Member
The 5" may be the best all purpose barrel length for a revolver. I have them from 2" to 10", each for a different use. I like them all.
Both barrel lengths would work great for your purposes.
I would suggest looking for a 629 dash 3, 4 or 5 and buying the nicest one you find with a 4" or 5" barrel.
I don't think you can go wrong with either barrel length.
I would suggest looking for a 629 dash 3, 4 or 5 and buying the nicest one you find with a 4" or 5" barrel.
I don't think you can go wrong with either barrel length.
hkcavalier
US Veteran
5" is a great gun. Mine is a -3.
75Vette
Member
I own a dash 3 and can't say enough about it. What a great shooter and just enough extra steel than the 4"er to make it a more comfortable gun to shoot. If you can find a pre-lock gun, great. If you can't, there's an abundance of dash 6 5" Classics out there & I'm sure they'll be dead nutz accurate shooters too.
Dieseltech56
Member
Great. Now I want combats for mine
one eye joe
US Veteran
IMHO, THE FINEST BALANCED VERSIONS OF THE S&W REVOLVERS, BOTH VISUALLY, AND IN THE HAND, ARE THE 4" GUNS---IN EITHER K/L OR N FRAMES.....
I LIKE SNUBS AND 8 3/8" BARRELS AS WELL (5" OR 6" BARRELS DO NOT INTEREST ME), BUT THE MAJORITY OF MY REVOLVERS HAVE 4" BARRELS...
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Tom_R
Member
A 4" N Frame is really balanced and is a great shooter.
For your stated purpose, I would try to locate a 5" one with the full underlug. It will be the perfect platform for what you want to do.
For your stated purpose, I would try to locate a 5" one with the full underlug. It will be the perfect platform for what you want to do.
I think a 5" barrel is a good compromise length. Balance is good & the slightly longer barrel will mitigate the muzzle blast with full loads.
I have longer, & shorter, barrel lengths but this one is my favorite.
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629-6 Classic 5" bbl. - added unfluted cylinder & SDM front sight
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I have longer, & shorter, barrel lengths but this one is my favorite.
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629-6 Classic 5" bbl. - added unfluted cylinder & SDM front sight
.
SeamasterSig
Member
I only own a 5" 629-3 Classic, so I can only speak from that experience with N-frames, but I've noticed many more comments over the years about 5" being the best all-around barrel length for N-frames. For the range, if you can find a 5-incher, it ought to serve you better than the shorter barrel, even though 4-inches would work, too. Either way, an N-frame is a big hunk of steel.
I like the fiber optic sight. Where'd you get it?
I like the fiber optic sight. Where'd you get it?
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ExRanger714
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IDK about 5" but of my 8, 6 and 4 inch 44s I find myself packing the 4 most often.
Just my 1/50th of a bucks worth.
Just my 1/50th of a bucks worth.
Thanks fellas, I probably had already answered my question with the 5", but was looking for other opinions. Yes, the 5 inchers seem to go for a pretty good premium, I've actually come across two -3's in the last couple of months. First one went for a little more than I was willing to pay at the time, but had I known then I might have coughed up a little more. Second was a local LNIB one that was offered up for trade, but I just couldn't part with my pistol he wanted. In no hurry so the right one will probably show up eventually.
Toolguy
Member
That is the attitude that will get you what you want at the right price.
357 shooter
Member
A friend of mine has the 629 Classic in 5" and for a range gun I was impressed. Sounds like a premium though for the 5". When I bought my 629 Classic I went the longer 6.5" as that is what the shop had at time and the extra weight does help tame the recoil. For that reason I would still prefer the 5" lug barrel over the 4".
apollo99
Member
I have a 5" 629-4, can't go wrong it's one of my favorites. I say hold out for the one you want , they are out there. I traded mine for a Glock 21 +$200 from a guy that shot it once and didn't like the recoil.
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Joni_Lynn
US Veteran
The 5" would be my choice. My 5" was one of my favorites which I sold in a fit of stupidity.
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6", fluted cylinder, and no Python-esque barrel for me, please.
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SeamasterSig
Member
Thanks! I currently have a brass bead on my 629 that is already better than the orange insert, but the fiber optic sight looks very tempting.
My 5” -3 is my deer hunting rig
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