629...decisions...decisions

[KFrameFan]

3" picture,

 

[C17]

here you go

Well if you want to go all out..$2100..here is a pre-lock PC 3 inch 629

Fugate Firearms > Smith Wesson 629 3 Inch V Comp In The Box #7

 

[nawilson]

Thanks, KFrameFan! That is a good looking revolver.

 

[KFrameFan]

No problemo Wilson, that is my new favorite right there. Boy, is she a hand full with some hot loads, and an absolute dream machine with hand loads.

 

[Irelander]

I still find myself going back and forth between the 2-5/8" PC 629 and the 5" 629. I've got some other S&W revolvers that I have a hankering for too. Oh fickle me...

 

[SmithToter]

Here's a Couple of Mine

Old picture that I've posted many times before, but here they are.

 

[KFrameFan]

^ That is one of my favorite photos, just good stuff

 

[team sidewinder]

I still find myself going back and forth between the 2-5/8" PC 629 and the 5" 629. I've got some other S&W revolvers that I have a hankering for too. Oh fickle me...

I think if it were me and it isn't I would get the 2-5/8" if all I were going to do was carry for two legged SD but if I were to carry and use it for hunting/bear protection I would opt for the 5"
IMHO the 5" has better balance while still not muzzle heavy, has better ballistics all things considered, and with less muzzle rise for better follow-up shots.
Decisions Decisions. Good luck.

 

[jwk]

5" for open carry. 3" or even 4" if you want to carry concealed. Use a good quality IWB holster and you'll be surprised at how well it carries. Definitely requires a covering garment though, not just an untucked shirt. Definitely buy bigger pants than you normally wear if you want it to be comfortable.

Don Hume makes an IWB holster with leather retaining straps rather than a belt clip. I had one ordered and it was about 1/3rd of the cost of a Milt Sparks holster. Before anyone accuses me of being cheap, I also have a Milt Sparks 4" IWB holster that isn't nearly as comfortable to carry as the Hume holster. It is good gear though. So far the Hume has held up well even though it clearly isn't the highest quality like the Sparks holster.

How it balances and points for you is subjective. While I like 5" guns a lot better than 6" guns, I think it is more about looks than balance when it really comes down to it. Pick them up side by side if you get the chance and see what you like best.

Jim Keene

 

[Neumann]

The standard lug is only 1/4" shorter than a full lug in a 3" 629. I really like this length for special carry (i.e., bear country). The recoil is smart, but bearable. I've only fired full loads in it.

I carry mine IWB in a Sparks VM2, or OWB in an Alessi CQB (with slots) designed for a 4".

 

[Irelander]

Well, I decided to go for the 5" and I finally found a seller on Gunbroker that is going to trade my 629PC for his 629 5"er. Hopefully I'll have it this week but we'll see. Thanks for the advice. I'm excited to have a classic 629. I may someday have the 5" cut to 4" depending on how I like the 5" length.

 

[amazingflapjack]

629 no dash 4 inch.

 

[Irelander]

629 no dash 4 inch.

Does this have the full underlug?

 

[nawilson]

Well, I decided to go for the 5" and I finally found a seller on Gunbroker that is going to trade my 629PC for his 629 5"er. Hopefully I'll have it this week but we'll see. Thanks for the advice. I'm excited to have a classic 629. I may someday have the 5" cut to 4" depending on how I like the 5" length.

Great! I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to post some pics once you have your hands on it.

 

[qrachel]

629'in . . .

Last year I was looking for a 629 with a 3" full lug barrel. I searched high and low but the only ones I could find were the Lew Horton models and the prices were beyond my reach. I really love the classic look of the full lug barrels. In the end, I settled for Performance Center 629 with 2-5/8" barrel. Great gun but its modern looks left me still clutching to the desire for a classic full lug barrel. I wanted a 629 because it would compliment my 44MAG levergun and I reload a lot for 44MAG. I wanted a short barrel because I hoped that I would be able to conceal carry it. Concealed carry is pretty much out of the question with such a large gun on my thin frame...except for this time of year when I can hide almost anything under a heavy snow jacket.

.
.
.

Thanks in advance.

Dear Irelander: I've wondered about that too and will soon receive a new 629 Classic 5". I don't think that would be a great concealed carry solution but it's out there. I do really like the feel of the 5" N frame and think it will make a sweet range gun. I going to send it to the PC for a tune-up, high polish finish, and some engraving. It'll be a very pretty range toy, which I will hopefully shoot the bejezzes out of with both 44 spcl and 44mag ammo - I know my limits and for sure a 100 rounds of 44mag in a day is never going to happen with me behind the trigger; thus the 44spcls.

Good luck on your search and decision,

R

 

[Irelander]

Rachel,

I know what you mean about the full power 44MAG rounds. I'm hoping the 5" is a little better on recoil than the snubby. I reload for 44MAG and 44SPL and don't shoot too many full house 44MAGs. I load mostly low recoil plinking rounds and save the heavy duty ones for deer hunting. Loading 44MAG to 44SPL power is fun and enjoyable to shoot.

 

[Irelander]

Well here she is...my new (to me) 629-6 5" Classic. I gotta say that I am very impressed with this gun. Way more impressed than with the 629 PC model that I traded for this gun. I had heard little snipets about the replaceable front sights and just figured it out last night. Very cool. I might just have to get a patridge front sight at some point. Thanks for all the recommendations, I'm happy with what I chose.