A friend in Alaska has asked me what’s the best 4” 629?

[M29since14]

I once weighed my standard 629 4" and 629-4 Mountain Gun. My notes say I had a Hogue wood grip on the Mountain Gun (which I don't recall ) and magnas with a T-grip on the standard 629. There were exactly 3 oz (about 8%) difference between the two.

I couldn't agree more that in general one might give it another thought before putting too much emphasis on the weight savings of the Mountain Gun. The standard gun is both easier on the shooter and easier to shoot more precisely, in my opinion. The 329PD is another matter. There is a lot of weight savings there - it's almost 36% lighter than the standard model, and it feels like it when you fire it.

The G20 is going to be almost exactly the same weight as a 329PD. Loaded, the G20 will weigh what the 629 Mountain Gun weighs empty. If you like the thing, the weight and capacity factors are there. At close range, so is the accuracy. Whether one considers the 10mm to have sufficient power is another matter.

 

[ken98k]

I live, hunt, and I'm a guide in Alaska. If your friend wants a bear gun, tell him to get a rifle. Even the old 30-30 win has more knock down power than a 44 mag.

If your friend insists on a handgun, I agree with the earlier poster who recommended a standard Ruger Redhawkbecause it will stand up to heavy loads. It's been my experience that mod 29's cant take the punishment. For years I carried a 7 1/2" Redhawk but it got left behind more an more often as time went on due to it's size and weight. I would go with a 5 1/2" and if they are available, a 4".

I have carried several different handguns over the years, my current carry gun is a 4" Taurus Tracker. I chose this gun because of it's handy size and light weight. However, I use light loads in it because I don't feel it will stand up to full power 44's. Like someone pointed out, the best hand gun is the one you will likely have with you.

Lastly whatever your friend ends up with, tell him to practise with it. if you can't safely, draw quickly, and fire accurately, you're better off with pepper spray.

 

[arjay]

I carry a 44 mag when fishing around grizzlies,but the few times I've been too close to one that gun seemed very inadequate.

 

[ken98k]

I carry a 44 mag when fishing around grizzlies,but the few times I've been too close to one that gun seemed very inadequate.

The running joke around here is; whatever pistol you decide to use on brown bear, file off the front sight, that way it wont hurt so bad when the bear sticks it up your--------

 

[Mike McLellan]

Try to remember to save the last round for yourself.

 

[hittman77]

If he ain't stuck on Smith ...... I'd look at Redhawk or even the Super Redhawk Alaskan.

 

[arjay]

Try to remember to save the last round for yourself.

Screw that,the bear's gettin it

 

[crofoot629]

Thanks for the info.

Emory

 

[woodsltc]

In answer to the OP....In the 629 models I would want either a 629-3 or a 629-4.

Both of these models have the "endurance package" and can handle a steady diet of full-house loads & neither of these models have the "lock" that can disable the gun (at the very worst moment) and allow the bear to have an easy snack!!

Don

 

[CWH44300]

Yes things got a little crazy there,-3's and-4's are the same inside they both have the full "endurance package " the difference is the-4 has new style rounded rear sight and is drilled and tapped for a scope, if your friend wants the ultimate 629 and likes a round butt he should look for a-4, if he prefers a square butt, then a -3 will be easier to find
Sorry about letting my preference for the 329 get in the way of answering your op

 

[fyimo]

One with the endurance package is the best for shooting heavy bullets and stout loads but in the end even in a fair fight where you see it first the bear usually wins even if it staggers away and dies after the encounter.

 

[1973Glenfield25]

This is a little bit off topic but a question for you guys up in Alaska. Assuming that you can't just shoot these things at will, how close does a brown bear have to get before you can legally pop the thing out of justifiable self defense? I imagine they can cover a lot of ground pretty quick.

 

[SuperMan]

Since this is a backup to the primary self-defense gun, the shotgun, I would go the 629-3 or -4 with Federal CastCore 300 grain hard cast ammo. The Federal loads are not as hot as the Buffalo Bore or CorBon so recoil will be less but penetration should be more than enough.

One big difference between the -3 and the Mountain Gun is balance. I find that the MG series gets on target faster and the round butt fits my hand better...

Bob

 

[dla]

The S&W329pd was specifically made for this application. If you really want a trail gun - this is it. Weight matters and heavy revolvers get left at home, rifles get left leaning against a tree, etc.

A 44mag is not an amazing death ray.

 

[J-FRAME]

I agree a 329 pd is the trail gun with 310 Garrets. Try to find one in Alaska now- the word is out.A handgun is a last ditch effort at best. Big bore rifles and shotguns with proper ammo is what kills a bear before he kills you.

 

[Mike McLellan]

This is a little bit off topic but a question for you guys up in Alaska. Assuming that you can't just shoot these things at will, how close does a brown bear have to get before you can legally pop the thing out of justifiable self defense? I imagine they can cover a lot of ground pretty quick.

You'll have to show bite marks or skid marks. Just kidding. There's no definitive distance. It must be reported, and the report must convince Fish & Wildlife that you were acting in defense of life or property.