696 vs 629 Talo

[XAVMECH]

Just purchased my second N-frame, a 629 Talo (3"). Pretty impressive hunk of Stainless. My other N is a 625 (5") ACP. I will shoot 44 spl, for the most part, in the Talo and plan to carry this piece into Bear Country this summer on a Chesty Puller rig.

I'm a bit inexperienced when it comes to large caliber revolvers, having been exposed to semi-autos for the most part. In looking at the L framed 696, it appears to be an excellent alternative (albeit limited to 44 spl only). Smaller, lighter.

My question is: As a field piece, what are your feelings carrying the 696 vs the Talo for protection? I am not going to be hunting, I just don't want to be hunted...
Thanks!
XAVMECH

 

[jag312]

I see you're from Washington. If you want protection from bears, take the .44 Magnum. Factory .44 Special cartridges are loaded mild. With hot handloaded .44 Specials you run the risk of splitting the thin forcing cone of the 696.

 

[mc5aw]

The 696 will carry better due to its weight and size. The 629 will be more versatile based on six round capacity, ability to shoot Specials or Mags, and will be a bit more durable based on that ability. Much of the consideration comes down to L frame vs. N frame. Both are excellent revolvers, and you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Tom Kent]

I have a 3" 629-1 and I love it. It is my favorite woods gun. I don't know if you reload or not but I would recommend your 629 with factory 240gn JSPs for any time you need a handgun. I load some lead SWC to about 1000fps in magnum brass. I have quit using 44spl brass. As others have said, factory 44spl is loaded pretty lite. My 629 3" is a good shooter and very accurate and I am sure you will like it. Some will tell you that it will be too much to shoot with a short barrel and I had the same feelings the first time I fired mine. It is very easy to control and grip with the round grip frame and I find it more pleasant to shoot than my 6.5" Model 29. Load, shoot and enjoy.

 

[finesse_r]

Both is Best....

If I lived in bear country I would own both. No bears here where I live so the 696 reigns supreme.

The 696 is a great concealed carry gun and is my primary carry gun. For two legged critters it is just about perfect. It is much easier to conceal and carry around than a 629 N-Frame, and carries all the firepower needed for self-defense in this area.

However, the 696 is not suitable for bears and it should not be loaded hot. So I would recommend your 629 for when you venture into bear country.

If for some reason both is not an option, then stay with the 629 as it will work in both situations.

 

[XAVMECH]

629 vs 696

Thanks to all of you who weighed-in on this one. As stated, I'm recently reacquainting myself to S&W revolvers, after concentrating on semi-autos. I have much to learn, but think that I'll be better served using a short barreled revolver as a field piece for hiking protection than any semi-auto.

I agree that the extra weight and size of the 629 is a small price to pay for the increased protection. It'll be loaded with magnums when hiking.

I have just acquired the Talo, and have yet to find a 696. I'll continue the quest on that one as carry gun, shooting standard 44 spl rds, but will not carry it in bear country.

I can't run as fast as I used to, so I'd like to get this right.

 

[mc5aw]

Thanks to all of you who weighed-in on this one. As stated, I'm recently reacquainting myself to S&W revolvers, after concentrating on semi-autos. I have much to learn, but think that I'll be better served using a short barreled revolver as a field piece for hiking protection than any semi-auto.

I agree that the extra weight and size of the 629 is a small price to pay for the increased protection. It'll be loaded with magnums when hiking.

I have just acquired the Talo, and have yet to find a 696. I'll continue the quest on that one as carry gun, shooting standard 44 spl rds, but will not carry it in bear country.

I can't run as fast as I used to, so I'd like to get this right.

XAMECH ... As your TALO will be a hiking gun, definitely find the round that you're most comfortable with before setting out for the wild. A 3" barrel revolver spitting out .44 Mags is a handful, but loading your own (or experimenting with various factory ammo), can make a considerable difference, especially with follow-up round capabilities.

Also, if interested, I recently posted a thread in this section on my 624 snub range workout. I included a photo of the full flap field holster made for me by Ray @ Lobo. It's an outstanding rig for big snub outdoors carry ... and might be a suitable consideration for your TALO.

 

[Warren Sear]

...and plan to carry this piece into Bear Country this summer on a Chesty Puller rig...

What is a "Chesty Puller" rig?

 

[daveyc]

for protection definitely the 629. you get a more powerful cartridge and more capacity.

 

[TAROMAN]

What is a "Chesty Puller" rig?

Made by Simply Rugged.
Perfect for carrying a large revolver in bear country.

 

[jdb3]

I live in "big bear country" and carry my 696. You can load it to over 900 fps with a 240 grain cast bullet and it will take any black bear you run into in Washington. Just have to be close and hit him, or her, in the shoulder blade. That will stop them and then you have the time to finish them off.
When I'm in brown bear country I carry my 480 Ruger with a 410 grain hard cast bullet at 1200 fps. Jim

 

[XAVMECH]

Chesty Puller

Made by Simply Rugged.
Perfect for carrying a large revolver in bear country.

Got one of those coming for my 44 Mag. Thanks!
XAVMECH