Best 3" 629

[Neal/CO]

There are three versions on Gun Broker right now. The Trailbass, Talo and Lew Horton versions. Which would you choose. I really like the Trailboss version and might make a bid? I will use it as a trail and camp gun. But the 3" version would also give me the option of carrying it at night while I work loaded with 44 specials.

 

[Mule88]

It really doesnt make that much difference i dont think, weight and accuracy should be about the same. Mine is just a 629-5 3 inch with a solid cylinder. My only stipulation (for me anyway) id pick one without the lock regardless of design.

 

[SFCHAINLEY]

I have the trail boss and of my many S&W guns it is my favorite. It is very accurate and controlable. I put nill fingergroove grips on it. Like all 3 .in n frames it is very loud. It would have to be life or death situation to touch a round off without hearing protection.

 

[Neal/CO]

I have the trail boss and of my many S&W guns it is my favorite. It is very accurate and controlable. I put nill fingergroove grips on it. Like all 3 .in n frames it is very loud. It would have to be life or death situation to touch a round off without hearing protection.

Thanks guys!

I have been looking for a good SW revolver that I could use for multiple roles. I have looked at and shot a 686, shot a 45 LC Mountain gun and held a 5" 629. I think I need to start with a shorter barrel and then get a 4" or 5" gun after I become more competent! I really don't enjoy the 357s for some reason? And I figure if I am going to have to deal with the deafning blast anyway I might as well get something I can carry as trail gun anywhere in North America?

Wish I could afford the Trailboss, 45 LC Mountain Gun and the 5" 629 right now

 

[mark454]

I am pretty sure the Lew Horton will have a full length ejector and the others will not. If I am wrong on that point, I am sure someone will correct me. All three are good choices. I love my 3 inch 629-4.
I am not sure that I follow you line of thinking with getting a short barrel 44 mag first. A longer barrel (such as 8 3/8 inch) will help tame the recoil. Even if you reload and shoot light loads from the 3 inch N Frame, recoil can be intimidating to some.
Mark

 

[GF]

If the other two sell for around what the Lew Hoton one did, $1600 , I'd take that money and buy THREE different revolvers.

GF

 

[38-44HD45]

I have one of the Lew Hortons, and I love it. I do not like the unfluted cylinder models, although I admit they look cool. The extra weight in the cylinder speeds wear on the locking notches, although most folks will never shoot or dry fire enough for that to matter. Since I don't keep extra-heavy loads in mine, I don't want any unnecessary weight anywhere. Beyond that, my only other advice would be avoid the lock, avoid MIM.

 

[Switch Hunter]

I had S&W put a three inch barrel on my 629. I love it but the full house loads are not for the timid.

 

[fighter62]

The VERY BEST FACTORY 629 three inch is the ones JUST BEFORE MIM/LOCK .

 

[Simmy952]

Like the LH models myself. What is not to love about a 3" N-frame? Love my 610 and 625. Unfluted cylinders just make me weak in the knees. Maybe someday I can get a .44 mag to match.

I say buy whatever you can buy at the best price. Especially if you are going to carry it. There are some very nice 629 for sale on Gunbroker.

 

[Brian41]

I have the Backpacker model 629 3 inch which I highly recommend. Big solid revolver that handles some hefty loads with their rubber grips.
I've carried/shot mine lots and is one of my most favorite hanguns.

 

[toroflow1]

629-4 was the last and best 629 3" bar none.