Model 29: 4 inch vs. 6 inch

[Engine49guy]

While its hard to beat the retro looks of the classic 6.5" Dirty Harry version

My favorite is the full underlug 5" Model 29-5 Classic

or its SS equivalent Model 629-3 Classic.

The 4"ers are great guns, the tapered barrel Mountain Gun is even cooler.

If you want the lightest version check out the AirLite 4" Model 329PD

 

[JohnRippert]

I paid $700 for this 4inch 29-3 late last year from Gunbroker.

It wears Culina wood now.

 

[Doug.38PR]

I would choose the 6" barrel, but then again, I wouldn't even consider attempting to concealed carry a Model 29 since not only would the size/weight make it difficult to do so, but .44 Magnum is overpowered for the role, and I would be concerned about the possibility of overpenetration/collateral damage. (Granted you could use .44 Special, but it's still awfully big/heavy for a CCW.)

The Model 29 is more of a Wilderness Defense/Range Gun than a Concealed Carry piece.

There were quite a few real cops that carried the .44 Magnum.

 

[dr. mordo]

IMO the 4" M29 is the definitive S&W N frame. Mine is absolutely great, and is a recent manufacture 29-10. If I knew then what I know now, I would likely do what others are recommeding and get a shooter grade 29-3. If I was going to own only one N frame, it would be a 4" M29.

These days I carry a 3" 629 every day AIWB, but before that carried my 4" M29 OWB and sometimes AIWB though it's a bit long for comfort. They are heavy, especially OWB, but a good belt helps quite a bit, and frankly I've gotten very used to carrying them. In the pics below I could also have carried my 6" M629, though I'd be more worried about the barrel sticking out if I raised my arms.

As far as recoil, the 6" does recoil a bit less, but what makes the big difference is the grip. Because the 6" isn't a CCW, I leave big rubber grips on it. Those grips help far more with recoil than the extra 2" of barrel.

 

[HamHands]

I went with a 3" Model 629 Deluxe as my new "Dedicated Woods Gun"... My woods carry load of choice is a 300 grain Semi-Jacketed Lead Flat Point from PRVI Partizan... For me it's the perfect weight, length, and balance. I carry it in a Desantis OWB leather holster @ 4:00 both in the woods and a lot of times around town back home too. A black bear or Meth Monkey isn't going to know the difference between a 3" or a 4" .44Mag with that aforementioned load I can assure you! Around town its stoked with 200 grain Gold Dots in .44Special loadings... But I certainly realized the difference between a 4" and a 3" "N" frame in regards to CCW. Obviously, this 3" .44Mag carries noticeably better and I've gotten quite good with it. Whatever your choice you're going to want to put 4-5 cylinders of Full-House Loads each and every range session. I deleted that miserable lock simple enough too...