I Finally Tamed My 629-5 Mountain Gun

[shooter1911]

I have owned a 629-5 Mountain Gun for a long time, but could never find a grip that fit my medium size hand that I could shoot without great pain with full loads. The original Hogues with the open backstrap killed my hand. I changed to Pachmayr Excellerators, that are billed as softer rubber than their Grippers, for heavy recoiling guns. They were a bit smaller than the original Hogues, but murdered my hand with full loads.

To give a little more background I bought the Mountain gun to primarily carry fly fishing in Colorado because I go off trail and very deep into no man's land. Although I have never had any issues with bears, cats, etc. it can sure happen if you wind up in the wrong place at the wrong time. I began carrying 300gr softpoints, but they were just too brutal to shoot multiple times so I standardized on 250gr Keith Hard Cast in 44 Special and 44 Magnum.

To make a long boring story even shorter I just ordered a pair of S&W Model 500 Impact Absorbing Hogue Square Butt Conversion Grips. I've heard people on this forum talk about them, but I never realized what a difference they would make. Today I went to the range and shot my 44 load, which is the 250gr Keith HC loaded one grain under a max load of 296. That load according to the Speer manual #13 should be just under 1400 fps from a 7 1/2" barrel. I'm guessing it will be around 1200 fps in my 4" barrel. For the first time that load was actually pleasant to shoot in mu MG. The even more exciting news is I'm shooting that load great because I don't have to deal with discomfort any more. I'm thrilled because that's one of my favorite guns. By the way my max load 44 Specials with the same bullet shoot like 38 specials, and they are moving about 900+/- with that big hunk of lead. Sorry to bore you all, but I'm thrilled.

 

[75Vette]

Mountain Guns can sure enough smart even with medium loads, much less full house 250gr swc loads. You've found the perfect solution to your problem. I bet it'll still smart on the receiving end!!

 

[bigggbbruce]

I also have a 629-5 MG, I load 240gr to about 1100fps. I can handle that just fine with the original Hogues. I figure that will do some damage.

 

[Rpg]

I've lived in, fished in and hunted in Colorado for over 60 years.

OP's problem isn't grips, it's choice of handgun and loads.

No need for a 44 mag here in Colorado.

This isn't northern Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska or the Yukon.

If you want to use a 44, 240 gr at 1,000 fps is plenty for anything you'll encounter here.

I use a Colt 1911 45acp loaded with handloaded 200 gr hard cast swc (H&G # 68). Much quicker than a big revolver and just as effective with Colorado fauna.

Speed is very important with large carnivores.

 

[Peak53]

I worry a lot more about disturbed moose than any carnivore when I am fishing in Colorado. I have blundered through the willows into a moose with a calf too close for my comfort several times. Fortunately, all I've gotten so far is the stink eye while I advance in a rearward direction. I don't know how to solve this problem with a handgun, but I carry a hot .44 Special to make me feel better.

 

[22shtur]

In a 2016 issue of Fur Fish & Game magazine, a trapper wrote about real living and working in bear country. He wore a 1911 with 230 gr loads as well.

 

[shooter1911]

I worry a lot more about disturbed moose than any carnivore when I am fishing in Colorado. I have blundered through the willows into a moose with a calf too close for my comfort several times. Fortunately, all I've gotten so far is the stink eye while I advance in a rearward direction. I don't know how to solve this problem with a handgun, but I carry a hot .44 Special to make me feel better.

You are right about moose in Colorado. That's just become a concern in recent years, but be assured it is a concern.

 

[shooter1911]

I've lived in, fished in and hunted in Colorado for over 60 years.

OP's problem isn't grips, it's choice of handgun and loads.

No need for a 44 mag here in Colorado.

This isn't northern Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska or the Yukon.

If you want to use a 44, 240 gr at 1,000 fps is plenty for anything you'll encounter here.

I use a Colt 1911 45acp loaded with handloaded 200 gr hard cast swc (H&G # 68). Much quicker than a big revolver and just as effective with Colorado fauna.

Speed is very important with large carnivores.

I carry a 1911 every day, but in the field I like a revolver, and I favor 44s due to their versatility. My 250gr 44 special loads at 900 fps are not to far away from your 200 gr 45 load. You're probably running in the 900-950FPS range. When I'm running around the fields in my home of state of Texas I carry the 44 Specials.

 

[shooter1911]

I also have a 629-5 MG, I load 240gr to about 1100fps. I can handle that just fine with the original Hogues. I figure that will do some damage.

That's about like a Remington SP factory load which has worked well for many years.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
I put a set on my 44mag 3in Trail Boss.[with the ringed screw]
I think 320gr "Monsters Maulers" are almost easy.