629 vs 29 - moving to alaska
- Thread starter LoneStarWings
- Start date
Hi,
Just to elaborate anecdotally on my earlier post (#6), there's a Walmart located between downtown and UAA campus. A salesman there told me that one of their most popular items was the Smith and Wesson Emergency Survival Kit, available in 44, 460, and 500 cal.
It's much more than a gimmick; very practical package.
Several previous posters have rightly emphasized the wet weather issues during the warmer months. People expect the cold, but honestly, there can be some form of harshness year round.
Really, it's a remarkable place.
Jim
Just to elaborate anecdotally on my earlier post (#6), there's a Walmart located between downtown and UAA campus. A salesman there told me that one of their most popular items was the Smith and Wesson Emergency Survival Kit, available in 44, 460, and 500 cal.
It's much more than a gimmick; very practical package.
Several previous posters have rightly emphasized the wet weather issues during the warmer months. People expect the cold, but honestly, there can be some form of harshness year round.
Really, it's a remarkable place.
Jim
one eye joe
US Veteran
Got a new job in anchorage and want a .44, moving from the southern us. I find I shoot shorter barrels faster and with equal accuracy out to 20 yards so I want to stick with a 4". Is the stainless needed if I plan to carry the pistol on hikes around town? No plans to go deep in the bush, but would like to go to some parks when the weather is appropriate.
So it's really a stainless vs blue question since price, weight, etc all seem about the same. I like the blued look more but am aware it's more prone to corrosion. Are there any other big differences or reasons I should go for or the other? Not interested in used guns.
Vs
Edit: I will preemptively say I plan to wear jingle bells and bring spray on hikes. Overall the gun is more of a want than a need because I'm a city dweller, but living there I feel I could justify it.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW JOB......
I WOULD SAY THAT YOU COULD EASILY JUSTIFY THE PURCHASE OF A 4" REVOLVER, IN .44 MAGNUM, TO ACCOMPANY YOU, IN YOUR NEW LIFE......
FOR THE FIRST 3 DECADES OR SO, OF MY 60+ YEARS OF SHOOTING, I OWNED , CARRIED, AND SHOT COLT DA REVOLVERS AND 1911s., EXCLUSIVELY. THE COLT PYTHON, AND THE S&W M29, WERE BOTH INTRODUCED INTO THE MARKET PLACE IN 1955......
IMHO, THE PYTHON WAS THE PINNACLE OF THE AMERICAN GUN INDUSTRY'S ART. THE COLT'S "ROYAL BLUE" FINISH, AND HAND FITTED PARTS ELEVATED THE PYTHON ABOVE ANYTHING THAT S&W PRODUCED.....
ALTHOUGH I REGULARLY CARRIED BEAUTIFUL PYTHONS INTO THE FIELD, IT WAS ALWAYS ACOMPANIED BY A GREAT DEAL OF APPREHENSION, AND CONSTERNATION ABOUT POSSIBLE DAMAGE CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO HOSTILE ELEMENTS, AND THE OCCASIONAL HARD KNOCKS THAT ACCOMPANY RIGOROUS FIELD USE.....
WHEN I COULD NOT SATISFY MY YEARNING FOR A REVOLVER IN .44 MAGNUM, WITH THE OVERLY LARGE COLT ANACONDA, I BEGAN TO WARM TO THE IDEA OF A S&W REVOLVER. THE M629 HAD BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE THE LATE '70s, AND SEVERAL WERE ON THE RANGE REGULARLY, IN THE HANDS OF SHOOTERS THAT I RESPECTED. LIKE MOST OF US, WE ARE QUICK TO OFFER AN INQUISITIVE FELLOW SHOOTER, THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY OUT OUR HARDWARE.....
THAT EXPERIENCE CAUSED ME TO JUMP SHIP TO STAINLESS STEEL S&W REVOLVERS. A TUNED S&W TRIGGER, IS FULLY THE EQUAL OF A PYTHON, AND THE STAINLESS STEEL IS WEATHER RESISTANT. THE BIGGEST BONUS IS THE REMOVAL OF ANY ANXIETY ABOUT FINISH DAMAGE. ANYTHING SHORT OF MAJOR GOUGES, CAN EASILY BE POLSHED OUT OF A STAINLESS STEEL REVOLVER.....
SO IF I WAS TO MOVE TO ALASKA, I WOULD NOT CONSIDER ANYTHING OTHER THAN A STAINLESS M629 ! ! !
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True that both will "serve well".
However there is no denying that for holster carry (the OP's intended use) the stainless will not show wear like a blued finish will. While the stainless will show holster wear in the form of slightly shinier "high spots" they will not be as glaringly obvious as the "high spot" holster wear around the muzzle and flutes of a blued gun.
It is also true that stainless isn't rust proof, but it is undeniably more moisture tolerant and rust resistant than a blued finish.
Lastly, as One Eye Joe and others have pointed out, minor blemishes can be easily corrected on a stainless finish - but not with a blued finish.
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629shooter
Member
Another vote for the 629.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
And another vote for the 629. I have nothing against blued guns and admire them too, but I also see no sacrifice of aesthetics in a SS gun. With the right wood on them, they can be stunning. And as the saying goes "stainless is painless".
My vote is for neither. Alaska has bears. Really, really big bears. And moose. Really, really big moose. My only two choices would be either a 460 (which is quite practical given the wide range of ammo loads it can handle) or a 500 (which wins the "big bullet, big energy" game). I only recommend these two because rocket launchers are not a viable option. While it has been proven you can kill a grizzly bear with a .22 rimfire, I would rather go big or go home. And while either of my choices weigh more than a 44, carrying a little extra weight is cheap insurance IMHO.
I suppose you could sling a bib bore carbine.
junglefighter
US Veteran
I still like my idea of the M69,4.25"bbl. and put it in a Bianchi UM84R holster and walk all day.
OP
LoneStarWings
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Of course I have flirted with the idea of a .460 or .500. I had a chance to shoot a .460 x-frame and found it pretty fun, recoil downright pleasant compared to say my Model 340 scandium with .357 mag!
The issue is I want my wife to be able to shoot the thing and there is the ammo availability factor.....am I wrong in thinking that .44 magnum will be super common in stores in AK whereas .500/.460 could be hit or miss?
Then again, whenever ammo shortage hit, it seems that the "common" calibers are first to sell out....9mm, 5.56, .38 special, .308, .45 acp, etc
The issue is I want my wife to be able to shoot the thing and there is the ammo availability factor.....am I wrong in thinking that .44 magnum will be super common in stores in AK whereas .500/.460 could be hit or miss?
Then again, whenever ammo shortage hit, it seems that the "common" calibers are first to sell out....9mm, 5.56, .38 special, .308, .45 acp, etc
junglefighter
US Veteran
Another reason for the M69 is that is an L frame and is a little smaller than the 29/629 N frames.This,for me,is easier to grip and the recoil I find the same.I recommend hold one and shoot if possible and you will see what I mean.Just trying to be helpful.
double-dipper
Member
My first choice would be Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan in 454 Casull or 480 Ruger. My second choice would be the S&W 629 5" full lug barrel 44 mag.
Mike_Fontenot
Member
I think the OP should get a S&W500. Alaska is one of the few places where the 500 is actually needed, not just wanted. You can't have too much gun against those browns (or moose, for that matter). You can carry them comfortably (but not concealed) in a chest holster. And I wouldn't get one shorter than 6".
DB404
Member
Re ammo availability, yes, .44 magnum ammo is available darn near every where. Re finish choice, stainless is easier to maintain than blued, although I never had any trouble with any of my blued firearms rusting, because I cleaned them thoroughly, and as often as they needed it. August is generally the wettest/rainiest month; May is usually driest/sunniest. Periodically you'll need to remove the sideplate of your chosen piece and make sure the innards are free of rust or, as you head into winter, ice. Snow melt or rain can get into the workings of a revolver (or any firearm) and then freeze, so you'll want to keep it dry if possible and use a good quality lubricant which maintains its fluid state well below freezing. Most folks don't appreciate how cold it can get up there. Unless you've experienced it, it can help to think of the temperature this way - when you're out hiking on a clear winter day at 30 below, that is 62 degrees below the temp water freezes. (If you're a runner or cyclist, you'll need to learn how to protect important external parts of your anatomy from frost bite.) Alaskan gun shops are full of large caliber handguns and rifles; two shops in Anchorage I used to frequent were Great Northern Guns and Wild West Guns. Both had great folks behind the counter. Remember though, it's not the bore size or the foot-pounds that gets the job done, it's where you apply the power that's critical. Your target will be moving, light may be poor, and repeat hits are likely to be needed. The big boomers are powerful, but there are trade offs for that power, the biggest of which is recoil and hence a slower second and third shot, plus less pleasant shooting than is ideal, which too often leads to little or no practice with something you're betting your life on. When I carried my 29s, I generally had them stoked with 320grain LBTs over 22.0 grains of 296 (start 2 grains lower and watch for pressure signs & BTW, I'm not endorsing this load for you or anyone else, it's just what I used). Alaska is a wonderful place; enjoy!
junglefighter
US Veteran
The OP stated he wanted his wife to be able to shoot the gun.A heavy 460/500 or a long 29/629 will be a problem.A lighter/smaller revolver sounds like it would be a better choice.Just stay in 44 Mag.and it should stop anything??!!
Ackley1952
Member
You said price was factor so buy the 629 . Blue hasn't been produced in years and will be 200 bucks higher . Now for the black paint job put on model 29's you'll be ok if it doesn't rain Hoppes up there .
Citiboy289
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While only having been to Alaska once on a stop over But having resided in the far northern of NYS . I have to say a model 29 is better looking but in the cold wet snowy weather a 629 is the answer to your question
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shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Blue guns with wood stocks are beautiful. Worn blue guns have character, and I like that a lot. Both kinds have what many people call "soul".
I get that. I love blue steel and wood. Nearly all the guns I've owned over the years have been blued
But I'm really pragmatic in my old age. I carry a stainless steel gun, even though in retirement I very rarely find myself out in nasty weather. It just makes sense to me.
I live in the lower Midwest. If I was in Alaska (and I frequently wish I were) it would be stainless all the way.
I get that. I love blue steel and wood. Nearly all the guns I've owned over the years have been blued
But I'm really pragmatic in my old age. I carry a stainless steel gun, even though in retirement I very rarely find myself out in nasty weather. It just makes sense to me.
I live in the lower Midwest. If I was in Alaska (and I frequently wish I were) it would be stainless all the way.
kamloops67
Member
Definitely look at the 69 , its very manageable to shoot and the cylinder is smaller diameter than the N frame, so it packs well
I have both a 629 in 4 1/4 and a 69 in 4 1/4
Its a tough decision 5 shots and easier to carry or 6 shots and a bulky gun on your belt
I have both a 629 in 4 1/4 and a 69 in 4 1/4
Its a tough decision 5 shots and easier to carry or 6 shots and a bulky gun on your belt
S.B.
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The 460 has the ability to shoot 45 long Colt, which in the X-frame should be easy to manage - even more so than 44 Special in a 629. In either case, 460 or 500 ammo shouldn't be a problem in Alaska's major cities or you could always buy via online sales and have it shipped UPS or FedEx. Anything you buy in Alaska is going to cost more due to shipping costs, so you might consider stocking up now and hauling it up with you.
1sailor
Member
Not to insult anyone but do not rely on jingle bells or spray to keep you safe. The joke in bear country is that you can always tell when Californians have been there by the jingle bells in the bear poop.
^^^^******
This!
FWIW, when I worked/played in the Alaska bush I carried a 3" 629-1 or 4" .500, both we're back up to my .375 H&H.
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