Model 29 Questions

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ZGrand

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I'd like to be able to find a nice pre-lock Model 29, but the chances of finding one to my liking at a price I feel comfortable with are pretty slim. So I'm thinking about buying a new Model 29-10 (haven't checked with my LGS, so I don't know if S&W has any available or not), but I'm undecided about the barrel length.

I've never fired a 44 magnum, or any N-Frame for that matter. For those who have experience with Model 29's, do you prefer a 4" barrel or 6.5"? This will not be a carry gun, so I'm fine with 6.5" model if it has advantages over the 4" version. The largest revolver I have currently is a 686+ with a 6" barrel. While it shoots .357 like a dream, it is a bit front-end heavy. Is this the same for the 6.5" Model 29? Does the 4" have better balance?

What about recoil? Is there much difference between the 4" and 6.5"?

Thanks in advance for any insights.
 
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I prefer short barrels. They tend to shoot point of aim point of impact across a broad range of velocities better than long barrels. It’s more of an issue with 8” guns than 6.5”, but not much of a thought with 4” or less. I just generally prefer 4” gun. You will likely shoot mild loads more frequently than magnums regardless of barrel length. I will caution you that .44 Magnum is a cartridge that gets lots people into reloading, including myself. Not only is it cost efficient for the bigger calibers during times of normal purchase behavior (which is NOT right now), but it allows you to shoot .38 power level up to hand cannon power level.
 
Range only.. 6"+

I have a 29-2 6 1/2 and a 24-3 6 1/2.. I prefer the 24 with the tapered barrel, lighter.. swings between targets faster and easier for me..

Beat the bushes they are out there..I was patient and found these on Armslist locally $1300 for the pair.2020
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Me personally, I'd go with the 6.5" barrel.. The one I owned had the 8-3/8" barrel and was The best shooting revolver I've owned!! I could fill a fist full of holes at 50yds using 240gr JHP ammo all day long because the gun's kick was very smooth with about a 2" barrel rise when fired.

Was it front heavy? I never really noticed cuz I was concentrating on my target and I try not to take too long to fire: Level her, sight, fire..... Just like I would if I was in the woods and a nice Buck walked out on me!! :D I was so used to the weight that when I tried shooting a friends 4", .357 Colt Python I had to concentrate on leveling the barrel because I had the pistol aimed high when I would first level the weapon!!

I'd go with the 6.5"...... :D :cool: :cool:
 
I've been shooting steel plates with a 686-4 6" 6-shot for awhile now and prefer that to my beloved 29-6 Classic 6.5", which is noticeably larger and heavier. Keep your eyes peeled for a round butt 29 or 629 with 6" standard lug barrel. Still plenty big but only ~2 oz. heavier than my 686-4. The aforementioned 24-3 .44 Special 6.5" weighs about the same as my 686-4.
 
The last couple of weeks I've been shooting my new (to me) 629-1 6". It has rapidly become my favorite S&W revolver of the seven I have. It's extremely accurate and as mentioned can fire popcorn rounds with minimal recoil up through hang on tight nuclear blast loads.

I did get a set of Hogue rubber grips for the heavy loads, and that does help. I have not noticed it being front heavy, but I don't have a 4" model to compare. I was able to find mine for $700 from a forum member here. Best $700 I've spent on any gun. They are out there. There's a very nice 29-10 for sale in the classifieds here. I'm not bothered by the lock, but some people are. If you don't buy it, I might.
 
I am another who would recommend the 6 inch gun. I like a 4 inch for carry, but the 6 inch offers a little longer sighting plane, a slightly heavier muzzle balance, (which I like), and less blast - all considerations with a .44 mag.

You mentioned the muzzle heavy feel of your 6 inch L frame with the full lug barrel. I think a 6 inch N frame without a full lug barrel would center more of the weight in your hand.

On a side note, I own two .44 mag N frames of modern construction, and both are some of the most accurate N frames I own. They might not have the old time blueing and hand fitting of the older guns, but cylinder throats are proper in size and consistent, and that leads to accuracy. They also have the endurance package, something the older P&R guns don't.

And yea, recoil is a step up from .357's in your L frame, but nothing you shouldn't be able to handle. And if you are not a reloader, you might soon be one....

Larry
 
I cannot help you with a 4" bbl performance but I have a 6 1/2" bbl 29-2 that shoots very well. I fire handloads at 1000fps and factory loads at full power. Both are accurate and shoot well. A few years ago I got a used 629-1 3"bbl that has become my everglades carry gun. It will shoot the factory loads or the handloads to the same poa-poi out to 25yds. I can only say that I have heard no negatives about the 4" .44 magnums.
 
bigggbbruce said:
Range only.. 6"+

I have a 29-2 6 1/2 and a 24-3 6 1/2.. I prefer the 24 with the tapered barrel, lighter.. swings between targets faster and easier for me..

Beat the bushes they are out there..I was patient and found these on Armslist locally $1300 for the pair.2020
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That is ridiculous. Seller left a grand on the table
 
bigggbbruce said:
Range only.. 6"+

I have a 29-2 6 1/2 and a 24-3 6 1/2.. I prefer the 24 with the tapered barrel, lighter.. swings between targets faster and easier for me..

Beat the bushes they are out there..I was patient and found these on Armslist locally $1300 for the pair.2020
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Click to expand...

wow, 24s are usually $1300 themselves from a dealer
 
bigggbbruce said:
Range only.. 6"+

I have a 29-2 6 1/2 and a 24-3 6 1/2.. I prefer the 24 with the tapered barrel, lighter.. swings between targets faster and easier for me..

Beat the bushes they are out there..I was patient and found these on Armslist locally $1300 for the pair.2020
attachment.php
Click to expand...

Yeah, I would have bid that offer too. I might have dislocated my right shoulder pulling out my wallet at mach 3.
 
ZGrand, If you're going to use the gun for hunting hogs or deer I'd go with the 8 3/8" if you're ringing steel, poking holes in paper or exploding water jugs get the 6.5" they are a lot of fun to shoot!
 
The Model 29 (N frame) balances differently from a 686 (L frame). The 29 is a bigger, heavier frame but it does not have the full lugged barrel like the 686. The weight in the 29 is therefore further back than it is on a 686. With a 6.5” barrel, a 29 is not front heavy. With an 8 3/8” barrel, it is front heavy.

I prefer the 6.5” barrel over a 4” barrel because I like the longer sight radius and because I like that way it looks better.
 
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