Decision on What SW 44 Magnum to Buy

[cladd1]

I assume there is very little difference in perceived recoil between the 5” and 6” models with only 5 ounces difference in weight?

 

[Law-dog]

I have had the 4 inch since 1981, and killed a deer with it at 75-80 yards once. I also have 44s in 2.75 inch and 5.5 inch. My primary use for 44 these days is to carry in cat or bear country when packing out game or just hiking, or camping in such areas. The 4 inch is the best balance of all, for that purpose.

If buying today, I would probably opt for the 4 inch mountain gun for those purposes. For a range gun, the snub nose is a blast, shoot full power loads and enjoy the noise, that is what magnum are for. The snub nose guns are great for knocking down those steel gongs at 25 yards, real power that you can see and hear.

 

[daverich4]

If you're looking for a range gun I'd go with a 6 or 8 3/8" barrel. The longer sight radius helps with your accuracy and the extra steel makes for a more pleasant range day. Just my 2 cents.
Here's two of my favorites.

Or you could just put a red dot on it…

 

[tate razor]

The 29-5 Classic DX or the 629 Classic DX are hard to beat! They came with a factory fired target @50 yards. The had to put 5 in a 1 1//2" group with the Federal factory 240 gr. JHP.

 

[S&W 44MAG]

how about a 4 inch 629 no dash in wooden case

 

[stansdds]

I assume there is very little difference in perceived recoil between the 5” and 6” models with only 5 ounces difference in weight?

There would be a difference, the laws of physics are absolute. Less firearm mass with the same ammo will result in increased recoil.

 

[cowboy94916]

629 Mountain Gun 4". Prefer it to my 629 5" classic just don't like that Pythonish bottom lug. Second choice would be 5" barrel of model 27 configuration but alas those are only a dream.

 

[madmikeb]

I have .44's in 2-58", 4", 5", 6", 6.5", 7.5", 8-3/8", and 10-5/8". If I could only have 1 it would be this custom 5" 629. Covers all the bases, good all around all purpose .44. There's something about a 5" N-frame.

 

[Cartwright Jones]

Getting ready to purchase one of the following SW revolvers - 629 5 inch, 629 6 inch, 629 6.5 inch Deluxe. Usage will primarily be range shooting, I already have a PC 44 mag Light Hunter with 7.5 inch barrel for deer hunting. It seems like every time I utube one of these I want that one then change my mind again. Currently I'm leaning toward the 5 inch as I've ready many articles where folks like the balance of that model. Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

I'd buy whatever FOUR-INCH model you desire. Such sizes are ideal for belt carry, and deliver more than adequate slap for whatever dangerous personage you might encounter.

 

[larry8]

I looked at the S&W guns and also the 7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk. I ended up buying the Super Redhawk and the 5.5" Redhawk. It was the trigger that convinced me to buy these. The trigger on the Redhawks is the best, smoothest, most perfect trigger of any production gun out there.

 

[CP1947]

Thanks

 

[Stickgunner]

I looked at the S&W guns and also the 7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk. I ended up buying the Super Redhawk and the 5.5" Redhawk. It was the trigger that convinced me to buy these. The trigger on the Redhawks is the best, smoothest, most perfect trigger of any production gun out there.

I know people love to complain about Ruger revolver triggers, but my 7.5” Redhawk is the equal of my well used S&Ws. When compared to the 629 I just picked up, it is far far better. Before anyone says the 629 needs to be broken in, I’ve dry fired it over 3,500 times as well as live fired it, as well as taken it apart, cleaned out any and all residue and relubed it with TW25b.

 

[Jon651]

Getting ready to purchase one of the following SW revolvers - 629 5 inch, 629 6 inch, 629 6.5 inch Deluxe. Usage will primarily be range shooting, I already have a PC 44 mag Light Hunter with 7.5 inch barrel for deer hunting. It seems like every time I utube one of these I want that one then change my mind again. Currently I'm leaning toward the 5 inch as I've ready many articles where folks like the balance of that model. Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

I enjoy my 629 Classic 5" because I prefer the full length underlug (I think that's what it's called) that extends all the way to the muzzle. The little extra weight at the far end never hurts when firing a larger round, although honestly I only use .44 Specials out of it these days.

Initially I didn't like the look of the "round butt" design, but after trying square butt conversion grips I went back to the round for the improved feel. The look eventually grew on me regardless. I also liked the feel of the Hogue short extended cylinder release. For me it falls exactly where my thumb can reach and doesn't stick too far out the back.

Just my two cents worth...