help picking a 44 magnum

[hbschwartz]

i have decided to purchase a 44 magnum revolver. my choices are narrowed down to the 629 PC 2 5/8" revolver, or the 5" 629 classic revolver. i plan on using the revolvers for protection in the field from 4 legged and 2 legged foes. is the short barrel PC a good firing weapon? does it have a lot of recoil compared to the 5"? any recommendations. i know in some ways this comparing an apple to an orange, however, i hope to get some information from anyone who has used these two firearms. thanks for the help.

p.s. I hope you don't find this a stupid post.

 

[John Wyatt]

I would look for a 629 Mountain Gun. Mine's a 629-5 Pre-Lock and it shoots pretty good with standard 240 grain factory magnum ammo.

 

[Coldshooter]

If the 629 behaves like the 657 that extra bit of barrel moves the muzzle blast a bit farther out and burns more powder in the barrel which is much nicer at the range.

 

[kennyb]

i have a 3"M29 as well as several in 6",61/2",4",71/2" and like them all...for your stated purpose...i would carry the 3"

 

[TDC]

You probably need to determine what your primary use will be. Do you need it to be concealed? Do you need a longer sight radius for better accuracy? Will it be your only firearm and will certain compromises be made for that reason? Is the caliber a wise choice based on your experience and needs?

You'll find as many opinions of what you should buy as there are people. The bottom line is there are trade-offs for any variations you choose.

The short barreled guns require more practice to become proficient with. They have a much louder noise report and because of their lighter weight, more perceived recoil. They shine in the conceal-ability, handiness and lighter packing weight categories.

The longer barreled guns are easier for new people to shoot accurately. They have a longer sight radius and the longer barrel length provides more weight forward, effectively reducing the perceived recoil, noise report and muzzle flip. The negatives are those things that can make the short barrels a better choice.

I have no way of knowing what your shooting experiences are. My own current favorite shooter is one of the same guns you're considering, a 629 5". They're great guns but if this revolver will be your first gun I'd suggest you may want to consider the .357, 45ACP, or the .41 Mag also. They tend to be a bit tamer as well as capable for the new shooters.

Good luck! Let us know what you choose....

 

[fishcreekrim]

I think the 5" classic is the perfect blend of shoot and carry.
MHO/YMMV

 

[Candyman]

I think you should try to get one of these little bundles of joy

It is one of only 500 made in 1989. It has a 7 1/2" barrel and some custom Kurac grips that make this one exquisite revolver, at least to me. I'm not trying to de-rail or hog the thread, I just wanted to show her off

Mr. Kurac, if you read this, you now know one reason why I wanted the S&W logo on the 2 pair of grips I purchased. Many thanks once again.

This thing shoots like a dream & I love it

 

[fyimo]

The 5 inch will have less muzzle blast then the shorter barrel revolver but either would work fine.