629 4" versus 629 5" ????

[gmiller]

I am very new to revolvers and need help selecting one of these two guns for carry in black bear country here in Wisconsin. I am somewhat familiar with my 357 and have fired it with 158 grain hollow points just at paper targets. No concerns. Want to go to a 44 and I have several concerns:

1. Recoil of the gun. I hear things from mild to wild regarding recoil. I want to shoot the weapon enough to be somewhat proficient and want to shoot ammo in full loads 240-260.

2. The 4" gun feels better and weighs 41.5 oz. The 5" is 44.3 oz and muzzle heavy which does not feel as good but may feel great when actually shooting????

3. Apparently the x frame grips can be added to either gun which would seem a good idea on the 4" gun to help with recoil and maybe even on the 5" if it is as brutal as some say?? Would appreciate any and all ideas.

 

[youngda9]

I have the x-frame on my 6.5" 629, they definetly make the gun comftorable to shoot. The exposed steel backstrap of the standard Hogue grips beat the hell out of the palm of my hand. The larger x-frame grips cover the backstrap, and are wider to distribute the recoil better. They are perfect for my hands.

I can shoot many .44 rounds now comftorably. I typically shoot 240gr Kieth style LSWC over 10.5gr of unique for 1250fps out the muzzle. This isn't a hot load, but it is plenty for all of my needs and is comfortable to shoot 50+ rounds at the range with.

Go to ballisticsbytheinch.com to check out velocity differences out of diferent length barrels. If I were you I'd get the 5". I think that is a really nice looking length, and you will appreciate the extra sight distance and the absorption of recoil that a longer gun gives you. When the gun is fully loaded it will handle differently than an unloaded gun at a gun shop, it won' feel as muzzle heavy then.

 

[jrb_pro]

Get a 6". Super accurate.

 

[Bendutro]

5" barrels are THE sweet spot for carry/comfort/performance.

Recoil is relative and subjective. If you know the .357 Mag, then double it and add 50% and you're about there.
I'll shoot my 629 all day with 240 grains of cast lead over 24 grains of H110 with the stock grip. Took my about 500 rounds to get really good with it, but I'm proficient with it now in strong and off hand SA and DA.

 

[Dave T]

Everything I've read about the X-frame says it has the K/L grip frame. How can you put an X-frame grip (basically a K or L size) on an N-frame? How can that work?

Dave

 

[executivetimemgnt]

i love my 4" 629. don't build the recoil up in your head because it won't be what you have made it into. mine has the stock hogues on it and no problem with recoil. what ammo you shoot will affect recoil. lighter/185 gr will be sharper than a 240 gr. the first time i pulled the trigger on it you couldn't beat the smile off my face. nothing like a big bore. which ever one feels good in your hand is the one to buy. there won't be much difference in that inch. i do highly recomend a 44 mag.

 

[wsdog]

I also have put the X frame Grips on y N frames. Wold of difference. No idea on the L Frame size vs X frame size but teh grips do fit

 

[Stainz]

Below you will see my 4" 629-6 sporting the X-frame S&W/Hogue .500 Magnum monogrips. Ad absurdium, my 296 AirLite Ti, a 2.5" 19.7 oz L-frame .44 Special, sports the K-frame service boots. It's nastier that way with 200gr Gold Dots than 240gr Remi SJHP .44 Magnums in the 629 with the X-frame grip - by a healthy margin.

Now, to prove the X-frame grips fit the L-frame gripframe (and K-frame), here they are on that 296:

The recoil may be better, but it can't be pocket carried with those big and 'sticky' (rubber) grips. They would be better on a 4" 629 as a defender against bears, IMHO, due to the lighter weight and quicker presentation from a holster than that 5". Of course, I normally shoot wimpy .44M reloads, so my .44's are normally gripped like this:

My woods carry/hiker CCW, where legal, these days has been that 296, with one 240gr LSWC and four 200gr Gold Dots, all ~800 fps, in a Mika's pocket holster - but I only see bears in the zoo these days!

Stainz

 

[TDC]

Good post, Stainz...

Below is a post I made on another thread about the grips in case it was missed. And FWIW, I've shot, carried and hunted with all the guns being discussed.

IMHO, consider the 5" 629 Classic as the optimum combination of features for all the issues we look for. Sight radius, carry comfort, balance, controllability all work together well with this package. Other handguns have specific features that may fit a particular need of the owner, but none, arguably, can compare to the all-around utility of the 5 inch Classic...

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Absolutely they fit..... and they are well worth the changeover.

Be sure the grips you order were specifically intended for the X frames as some have had issues when confusing them with other RB N frame grips. They made an assumption they are all the same but they aren't.

For those who are not familiar with X frame grips.... They cover the back of the frame entirely and cushion the recoil all the way up to the web of your hand. Standard RB N frame grips don't.

Hope the pictures below help ya...