Well I just traded my neighbor for a 29-8 .44 mag Mountain Gun. I am going to trot it out to the range on Saturday. I have shot 1 .44 before but it was an 8" something Smith hunting gun with full lug. Can someone enlighten me. I will be shooting some 240 gr. soft point Winchester white box. Let me know. Thanks.
First .44 what should I expect?
- Thread starter paigecm
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buck460XVR
Member
......expect a big-azz smile to appear on your face.
BTW...the WB Winnie 240s are stout for factory loads. But still should be fun to shoot.
grab yourself a box of .44 specials too...and a good set of earmuffs....
I normally shoot specials in my .44's saving the big mags for more serious work but it's still fun to Pop off a few rounds of the hotter stuff....
I normally shoot specials in my .44's saving the big mags for more serious work but it's still fun to Pop off a few rounds of the hotter stuff....
Duke426
Member
Compared to that 8 inch full lug Magnum that you fired, planning on the recoil with that Mountain Gun being "brisk."
Texas Star
US Veteran
Let it ride in recoil. Don't try to hold it down.
Don't expect to do much DA work.
DO wear earmuffs.
Take some antibiotic salve and bandages in case the cylinder release slices your thumb.
If you reload you can make really good ammo for this gun. Full loads are pretty stout.
T-Star
Don't expect to do much DA work.
DO wear earmuffs.
Take some antibiotic salve and bandages in case the cylinder release slices your thumb.
If you reload you can make really good ammo for this gun. Full loads are pretty stout.
T-Star
Sir, if my own experience is any guide, you can expect the following things in about this order:
1. "Dang, this ammo's expensive."
2. Wide eyes, sharp intake of breath, and "HOLY MONKEYS!!!!"
3. "Have you ever noticed how nice the .44 special is?"
4. "Dang, this ammo's expensive."
5. "What, that ol' thing? Haven't shot it in years."
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
1. "Dang, this ammo's expensive."
2. Wide eyes, sharp intake of breath, and "HOLY MONKEYS!!!!"
3. "Have you ever noticed how nice the .44 special is?"
4. "Dang, this ammo's expensive."
5. "What, that ol' thing? Haven't shot it in years."
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
Spotteddog
Member
And don't forget "this ammo is REALLY expensive"!
Expect an inherently highly accurate revolver if the shooter does his part. What T/S said about the band-aid's (it goes on your R/H thumb covering the second knuckle and another between the first and second knuckle, overlap the two.)
Did I mention that the ammo is really expensive? And sometimes the .44 Specials can cost even more!
Expect an inherently highly accurate revolver if the shooter does his part. What T/S said about the band-aid's (it goes on your R/H thumb covering the second knuckle and another between the first and second knuckle, overlap the two.)
Did I mention that the ammo is really expensive? And sometimes the .44 Specials can cost even more!
My initial response to firing my first .44 magnum was with .44 Special and I said "Umm, not bad, it went bang" Then loaded it with the afore metioned WWB .44 magnum and fired. My reaction was "WOW, BIG BANG". I quit after 12 rounds. Susequently put Pachs on it for shooting and wore a shooting glove. Much better, doesn't cause the impact to the web of hand between thumb and finger that caused me to quit the first time after 12 rounds.
Pun intended, it's a blast to shoot...
Pun intended, it's a blast to shoot...
29aholic
Member
All the above replies are true.
1. BIG BANG...BIG NOISE
2. Big smile unless 1 turns you into a sissy
3. Big expense unless you reload, which I highly reccomend.
Obviously by my screen name I love 44's and I have shot literally 1000's of rounds through them, but 95% of what I have shot have are what someone termed as manly 44 spl loads in a 44 mag case. I find the longer std weight barrels much more pleasant to shoot. I have a gun I cut to 5" and even with my reloads I tend to get the flinches depending on my frame of mind.
Definitely put goodyears on it, if it doesnt have them already. It will ease the pain.
1. BIG BANG...BIG NOISE
2. Big smile unless 1 turns you into a sissy
3. Big expense unless you reload, which I highly reccomend.
Obviously by my screen name I love 44's and I have shot literally 1000's of rounds through them, but 95% of what I have shot have are what someone termed as manly 44 spl loads in a 44 mag case. I find the longer std weight barrels much more pleasant to shoot. I have a gun I cut to 5" and even with my reloads I tend to get the flinches depending on my frame of mind.
Definitely put goodyears on it, if it doesnt have them already. It will ease the pain.
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You should try shooting 44 mag with a Night Guard with Alloy frame and 2 1/2 barrel - I did that yesterday and I think my palm is bruised 
Fun though but a little too much for that lightweight design IMHO. But..with a steel frame and a heavy barrel it should be a blast, and you got bears covered if you can hit em before they hit you
Fun though but a little too much for that lightweight design IMHO. But..with a steel frame and a heavy barrel it should be a blast, and you got bears covered if you can hit em before they hit you
You are going to expect an awesome experience. I bought the 629 PC "light hunter" 7 1/2 in. barrel a few months ago and I fell in love with it. My first box of ammo were 240 gr. magnum loads. I'll admit, they hurt, but I still had fun. I like the big guns, especially .44 magnum. I enjoyed shooting it so much that I bought the S&W 629 Classic 5" a month later 
Which, by that time I bought dies to reload my own ammo. That is definitely the way to go. You can customize your ammo for any occasion. I'll have to say that the .44 magnum is probably my favorite handgun caliber for its versatility. Now that I have had both guns for a few months now. I am getting used to the recoil. But in the beginning, the magnum loads definitely sting a little Hope you have as much fun as I do with the good ol .44 magnum. You will not regret buying your S&W.
Which, by that time I bought dies to reload my own ammo. That is definitely the way to go. You can customize your ammo for any occasion. I'll have to say that the .44 magnum is probably my favorite handgun caliber for its versatility. Now that I have had both guns for a few months now. I am getting used to the recoil. But in the beginning, the magnum loads definitely sting a little Hope you have as much fun as I do with the good ol .44 magnum. You will not regret buying your S&W.
jag312
Member
If you don't reload, start thinking about it. If you do reload, get yourself a set of good .44 Spl/.44 Mag dies. I haven't the slightest idea of where you can get the Large Pistol primers if you don't have some already, but that is another problem. You have a good revolver. Have fun with it.
I have had good luck finding large pistol and large magnum pistol primers at a gun range.
Dale53
Member
You will be MUCH happier with your fine Mountain Gun if you reload. I have a number of .44 Magnums and find the 4" 629 to be a handful. However, load it down for most of your practice and you will be a happy camper.
Dale53
Dale53
29aholic
Member
My "manly" 44 spl load is 7grs of IMR700x and a 240gr cast SWC. it is probably around 900 to 1000 fps and has killed a semi load of white tails, yet you can shoot it all day.
Vanilla Gorilla
Member
Don't let the hype get to you. It's not that bad with the WWB 240s. It's definitely not a plinker, but it's not that bad.
Now the Remington 180s, those are the ones that let you know you're shooting something.
Now the Remington 180s, those are the ones that let you know you're shooting something.
cmort666
Member
That's the most powerful factory .44 Magnum ammunition that I've ever shot. In my 4" 29-2, it's downright painful. I HIGHLY recommend that you get yourself some kind of rubber grip which covers the backstrap.
I sold my gun to a friend in the early '90s and didn't get it back again until a few years ago. It always had a "spitting" problem, so I ran through about a box and a half of Winchester White Box testing various repairs by my smith and S&W. When I got it back, it had magnas on it. I didn't even bother with those. I found an extra set of targets and shot it with those. Brutal just doesn't do the experience justice. I then was able to switch to a set of Pachmayrs. That improved things to very uncomfortable.
I mostly shoot Specials in the gun and always have. With those, even the Speer 200gr. Gold Dots, it's very pleasant to shoot.
mississippi revolverman
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Agree with everyone else. Pratice with the 44 special and fire a cylinder of magnum to see the difference. When I hunt with my 44's never feel the recoil on a magnum round. Probably to wound up at the moment.
If you plan to shoot it much, (and you should), plan to reload. There are numerous loads available and it is one of the most accurate calibers around. A good stout 44 Special load will leave you smiling and you will want to take it to the range every week.
batmann
Member
Once you shoot it, the very next thing you will want to do is order some X Frame Hogue's from S&W. These are the same grips that are on the 500 and 460 Mags. They cover the back strap and will make the MG much more comfortable while shooting.
NFrameFred
Member
The beauty of the 44 mag is you can load it from mild to wild. For most of us, killing steel plates, tin cans, and paper silhouettes does not require loads that stone bruise the palm of your hand. But there are those types who, because they have it, must shoot nothing but "manly" loads. Just like the guy with the muscle car and a big block that has to wear down the tires every time he pulls out . . . to each his own.
The 44 hits hard and makes a big hole, even with milder loads; but it has the ability to belch fire, death, and destruction if you want or need it to.
I love my 29's and my favorite has always been the 4" barrel. To be honest I have never noticed that much difference personally between the 4 and 6 inch tubes for accuracy, recoil, and muzzle blast, though some claim to. I've owned and shot them in all barrel lengths and once you have 44-itis you are well and truly hooked. Lots of gun and lots of fun.
The 44 hits hard and makes a big hole, even with milder loads; but it has the ability to belch fire, death, and destruction if you want or need it to.
I love my 29's and my favorite has always been the 4" barrel. To be honest I have never noticed that much difference personally between the 4 and 6 inch tubes for accuracy, recoil, and muzzle blast, though some claim to. I've owned and shot them in all barrel lengths and once you have 44-itis you are well and truly hooked. Lots of gun and lots of fun.
.44 magnum
In order to become proficient with any revolver, you must shoot a lot to stay in practice.
In order to shoot a lot, you need to reload, unless you've got more money than most of us to spend on ammo. I have many Smith and Ruger .44's and prefer the 4 to 5 inch bbls. A great load I use in my Mtn Gun 629 is Lyman's 429421 and 7.5g of Green Dot(or 8.5g of Unique) in a .44 magnum case. With Hogue grips, I can shoot this one all day and not have my hand pounded so it hurts. Good luck with your new toy!
In order to become proficient with any revolver, you must shoot a lot to stay in practice.
In order to shoot a lot, you need to reload, unless you've got more money than most of us to spend on ammo. I have many Smith and Ruger .44's and prefer the 4 to 5 inch bbls. A great load I use in my Mtn Gun 629 is Lyman's 429421 and 7.5g of Green Dot(or 8.5g of Unique) in a .44 magnum case. With Hogue grips, I can shoot this one all day and not have my hand pounded so it hurts. Good luck with your new toy!
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There are pistols that kick more; try an SSK handcannon for one. . But, the S&W .44 Magnum is a classic for good reason, it works well.
That said, expect more recoil, and more muzzle blast.
Reloading is a very good friend to your paycheck.
The .44 Special is a great round.
Congrats!!
. But, the S&W .44 Magnum is a classic for good reason, it works well.That said, expect more recoil, and more muzzle blast.
Reloading is a very good friend to your paycheck.
The .44 Special is a great round.
Congrats!!
Sportsterguy
Member
+1. I use double hearing protection and a Past shooting gloves for the hot loads with the factory grips. Makes the session fun versus coming back with ringing ears. A good set of Pacs or Hogues that cover the backstrap will make a WORLD of difference on felt recoil.
Congrats and have a blast!
SG
I've LOVE my 4" 629. I've shot everything from 200gr .44 spl cowboy loads all the way up to hot .44 mags. The best thing is to let the recoil ride and a good Hogue grips. I reload my .44's now so you can pick your flavor of round. FWIW, my dad after shooting my 4" 629 ran out and picked up a 6" 629 for his trip to Alaska this year.
