629 barrel length?

[Boss Hogg]

I haven't owned a gun for some years now and have recently decided to do sum readin'.
S&W's site claims several barrel lengths in the 629, not being able to view nor select any of these options what gives? (or lack of). I have a fond childhood crush on bigg revolvers, and was considering the 629 8 3/4". I'm a bigg boy and handle bigg toys fine, although the 500 mag. seems ballpark for what I want, Cali. is not 500 friendly.
This will be my first revolver and I want it to be an all 'round type O' gun ( D-fense!, maybe hunt someday with a bud). I really like the look of the newer 629 nickle/chrome with a wood grip (she's a beaut. Clark)
What are the barrel lengths S&W offers?

 

[WNC Seabee]

Current production: 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7.5"......take your pick. Personally, I find the 5" the bees knees.

 

[Boss Hogg]

I see...
still thats 5/7, anything higher than 8"?

 

[bczrx]

Smith & Wesson

500 (Satin Stainless) SKU 163565 / Stainless Steel

Revolver

6.5"

500 S&W Magnum

7/17/2012



Smith & Wesson

500 SKU 163500 / Stainless Steel

Revolver

8.37"

500 S&W Magnum

6/30/2012

Cut and pasted from the 'gun list' out here in California. You can purchase either. I've seen both for sale on shelves.

Or, get the .44 mag of your dreams.

But you CAN have a .500S&W mag out here in Cali.

 

[Boss Hogg]

Really?
Maybe it was the 500 rifle that threw me off.
Havin' a hell of a time finding the largest barrel lengths in 629.
I may jump ship and head twards 500 land.
thanks fer' the tip.

 

[team sidewinder]

Current production: 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7.5"......take your pick. Personally, I find the 5" the bees knees.

Love the balance and packability of the 44mag 629 classic 5 " also. Perfect barrel length to get out of the holster without looking like you are drawing a rifle out. The time it takes you to clear an extra 3 " of barrel may be the critical difference if it comes down to a bear or other life or death encounter. For me the longer barrels may look cooler, have less felt recoil and give better ballistics than the 5" but there comes a point where bigger is not always better.

Of course as always just my $.02 worth.

 

[sqhead]

i have the 629-1, in 8 3/8 barrel length,it will get the job done.

 

[Boss Hogg]

Good point bud, I do understand the importance of size for quick draw situations. For my needs though it'll be a (night stand, under bed) rest stop, and eventually a hunting experience.
Although needing a reasonable size fer' huntin' I'll trek in hand if it gets spooky.

*help*
Just so I dont post everywhere,
Is there a way/place I can search for specific models or anything easier than the general search tool?
Maybe I'm doing it wrong but If I type up model 629/500 or sku# it's just overwhelming. Simplified where are the main model forums?
ex* S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present > 500 > Grips > Wood
S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present > 629 > Finish >
Looking around 18 pages looks like nuthin' dates further than 2010/2009 at best?

 

[Les K.]

I also live in California and another thing that you might think about is that many indoor ranges here (at least in the southern end) will not allow you to shoot that .500 magnum. The ranges that I go to consider it too much muzzle blast for other shooters that will be shooting next to you. I'm just saying to check around at your local ranges to see if they'll let you fire it for practice before you make your decision otherwise you might have limited trigger time.

The indoor range that I'm a member of will allow only up to the .44 mag. (O.C. indoor range) and as mentioned, it's not because their backstop can't handle more, it's a courtesy to nearby shooters.

By the way, do you think that a .500 mag might be a bit much for a nightstand/self defense gun? I think it's made for the largest game on earth and might go through an intruder, your house, and you neighbors house all with just one shot.

Just some stuff to think about before laying out the big bucks!

 

[bczrx]

I also live in California and another thing that you might think about is that many indoor ranges here (at least in the southern end) will not allow you to shoot that .500 magnum. The ranges that I go to consider it too much muzzle blast for other shooters that will be shooting next to you. I'm just saying to check around at your local ranges to see if they'll let you fire it for practice before you make your decision otherwise you might have limited trigger time.

The indoor range that I'm a member of will allow only up to the .44 mag. (O.C. indoor range) and as mentioned, it's not because their backstop can't handle more, it's a courtesy to nearby shooters.

By the way, do you think that a .500 mag might be a bit much for a nightstand/self defense gun? I think it's made for the largest game on earth and might go through an intruder, your house, and you neighbors house all with just one shot.

Just some stuff to think about before laying out the big bucks!

Good points. Some indoor ranges may allow it, but probably not a lot. Mine allows rifles up to 30/06 and others, but at select days and times. The .500 would probably be limited to those days & times.