M629 or M629 V-Comp

sirgarreth

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Hi guys, been here for a bit collecting lots of info. In the market for a .44 magnum. Was looking at the M629 and the M629 V-Comp. Is the V-Comp worth the extra $400-$500? This will be a range gun and hunting sidearm. Not a safe queen at all. I will be purchasing an early model 29 in the future, but that would be more for "just to have" type of thing. I want a workhorse. Will the comp help with recoil a lot or just a bit? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
 
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"will be a range gun and hunting sidearm."

If that's the sole purpose of wanting a .44 magnum, my suggestion would be the standard 629. Why pay out the extra cash when a standard 629 is all you'll need.
 
I don't know if it's worth it to you.....The V-Comp is a performance center weapon which means a lot more hand work by their best gunsmiths. More (I don't know if all) of the internals are forged and not MIM. The triggers on performance center guns are really sweet. I like the non-fluted cylinder look of the V-Comp and the interchangeable muzzle cap/compensator along with the look of the barrel profile. They also have the better ball and detent lock up rather than the ball at the end of the ejector rod as on the standard revolvers. It also looks like the stainless on the V- Comp is more of a non-glare satin rather than the super shiny polished stainless which I also prefer.

I have a performance center stealth hunter and like it a lot (paid tons of money for it too) but it's huge and heavy and very stable. It shoots very accurately but the smaller and lighter V-Comp might just be what I'm looking for next. I do want to look very closely at the standard 629 classic too because the price difference is VERY large.

As far as recoil, my stealth hunter has magnaporting which might not be as effective as the compensator. On this I don't know. I also don't really know if this stuff really helps all that much with recoil. It still seems pretty stout to me, but that's with fairly hot handloads.
 
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Thanks LES. That is the info i was looking for. I also love the unfluted look of the cylinder. Over here, the difference between the V-Comp asnd the 629 classic 5" is about $400.00. I think it might be worth the difference. Only thing is, i would have to order and wait. The classic is on the shelves, but since i am going to put it on layaway anyway, i think i can wait.
 
I've been looking at the 627 and 629 V-Comps and I can't find a single wholesaler that has one in stock. If your dealer can locate one, I say buy it or put it on layaway. The V-Comps are hard to come by in my neck of the woods.


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I know, he can't find any. Probably one of the reasons i want the V-Comp. I can go to the range and not see one. Going to have to bite the vullet and order it.
 
Once I handled a Smith from the Performance Center, I was hooked. The action and trigger pull are top notch - very Python-esque.

I was happily surprised when I shot my V-comp for the first time, and felt how the compensator helped tame full magnum loads. I highly recommend it! (There is a real beauty on GB right now at a great price - but I just don't need two .... right?)

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Benderx4, that is a beautiful weapon you have there!!! That is exactly what i want.
 
Wish i could, but i need a layaway. My dealer has a pretty nice layaway plan. He will order it from SW i guess. Will take some time before it arrives, but that will give me time to pay it off.
 
Thanks LES. That is the info i was looking for. I also love the unfluted look of the cylinder. Over here, the difference between the V-Comp asnd the 629 classic 5" is about $400.00. I think it might be worth the difference. Only thing is, i would have to order and wait. The classic is on the shelves, but since i am going to put it on layaway anyway, i think i can wait.

For the amount of $400 difference, I think the Performance Center weapon is worth it since you will be waiting on lay away anyway. If I eventually get one of these, I'll also have to special order since virtually no gun shop in SoCal that I've been to has one on the shelf.

With the Performance Center weapon, I doubt if you'll ever have to make improvements to the action and you'll be happy right out of the box. The only thing I might do to mine is to add one of those ultra cool little aimpoint red dot scopes to aid my middle aged vision so that I can hit the target! I'm really having trouble squinting down the length of that barrel and getting a good sight picture.
 
I'd do the 629 V-Comp. I like the looks and love S&W PC guns. My favorite local dealer has a 629 V-Comp for sale for $1050 and if it was a 645 V-Comp I think I would have bought it.
 
How do you like grips on the 629 V-COMP would you recommend a rubber grip?

I don't have a problem with the combat style grips on my carry comp. Just put 50 rounds of 17grs or bluedot behind a 240gr cast bullet without issue yesterday.

IMG_2929.jpg
 
One thing to watch is (on mine at least) the comp shot loose and then accuracy went all to hell, keyholes and everything shot WAY low and right. Tightened up the screw and all was well. I've Red Loctited it, but I wonder if heat from shooting will let it still loosen up. The .44's tend to get a little warm with extended practice. Love the gun though, waiting on a holster.
 
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