Model 629 5" - For hunting

[jb177]

I'm looking to buy my first revolver for hunting and plinking. I'm thinking a 629 with 5" barrel with Raptor base for Burris FF 3. My range will be limited to 100 yards or so.
Any feedback on this combo?

I like the looks of the classic but I was concerned about the barrel length and weight. I want something I will want to carry in a holster, hence the reflex sight vs scope. I was hoping I could modify a holster easily to accept the FF3.

There are no LGS in the area that carry carry them so I'll be buying sight unseen. I'd contemplated buying an older dash nbr without the MIM parts, but lost patience looking for one.

 

[girvin02]

I think a 629 Classic with 5" or 6-1/2" barrel would be perfect for hunting. I'm not familiar with the reflex sight, so can't comment on that aspect. In my view, a hunting gun (rifle or handgun) should be a little on the heavy side, to aid in accuracy.

Good luck with whatever your decide!

 

[75Vette]

Don't sweat the pre-lock hub bub. The 629s S&W are putting out now are some of the most accurate 44s the factory has made. Nowadays the cylinder throats are actually cut to match the barrel bore. Used to be you could throw a cat through the throats.
If you want a good full underlug Classic I'd look at the 5" or 6 1/2" models. Both balance out well without too much barrel weight. They can both be had brand new. Also still in production is the 6 1/2" PowerPort Classic. I have a dash 4 version that has become my favorite shootin' gun. (Coincidentally with a FFIII on a Raptor mount)

 

[jb177]

What holster do you use to carry the 6.5” with Burris?

 

[Hairtrigger]

5” is a great choice
I love mine!

 

[M29since14]

I have to agree about the newer 629s. The ones I’ve seen look very tight and well-made. Polishing of the frame and barrel usually doesn’t seem to match up too well. For some reason the appearance doesn’t match as well as it does on the older guns. Not sure what’s going on there, but that problem has been consistent on the guns I’ve seen.

If you’re going to shoot at an animal at 100 yards, be sure to practice at 100. I’m sure the gun and sight will be up to it - with the right ammo. I enjoy shooting at 100 yards. Not great at it, but it’s fun. I’m thinking about a 5-inch 629 Classic myself.

 

[rich5674]

You’re never wrong with 5 inch

5”, I’ve had 3 of them. That said. For plinking, target and hunting, I’d go 6 1/2”. I suggest get lots of practice before you decide your maximum hunting range. Me personally, as far as I could get a like 3” group.

 

[apollo99]

I didn't even know 5" N frames existed, until I bought a 629-4 and a 27-2 both 5". Now I love my snubbies, but for target, steel and hunting, I think 5" is the best.

 

[Hairtrigger]

I didn't even know 5" N frames existed, until I bought a 629-4 and a 27-2 both 5". Now I love my snubbies, but for target, steel and hunting, I think 5" is the best.

My first 5” revolver was a 610 I purchased off another forum was listed as a 4”, very pleasant surprise when it arrived

 

[SLT223]

100% reliable tack driver...even with "the lock"! This is the gun I use to test accuracy of .44 handloads.

 

[murphydog]

A modern 629 is drilled/tapped for the mount as noted above, and with an optic sight radius is not an issue. I would guess the ballistic difference between a 5 and 6.5" barrel is not significant for hunting purposes.

So I would go with whichever one seems to handle/balance better. This may mean finding examples to see in person. A full-lug 5" (like the one in post #10) and a half-lug 6.5" will balance about the same but a full-lug 6.5" is really muzzle heavy. The decision may also depend on what type of holster you want; a shorter barrel may be OK for belt carry but a chest or shoulder holster would comfortably hold any length. Good luck in your decision.

 

[M29since14]

100% reliable tack driver...even with "the lock"! This is the gun I use to test accuracy of .44 handloads...

I have a similar rig - a 6.5” 629-3 Classic with Leupold reflex sight. You can do some very fine shooting with it once you get settled down and learn to use the sight. A couple of cast bullet designs that I questioned before I mounted the sight I have now come to accept as good, and one I consider exceptional.

But as has been said, the 6.5” full lug gun is a bit muzzle heavy. I would like to try a 5” version. Unfortunately no one I know has one, so I guess I am just going to have to break down and buy one.

I’m a little bit intrigued by the Model 69, but I suspect I would get a lot more use out of the 5” 629. The 69 has got to be a kicker.

 

[M29since14]

5”, I’ve had 3 of them. That said. For plinking, target and hunting, I’d go 6 1/2”. I suggest get lots of practice before you decide your maximum hunting range. Me personally, as far as I could get a like 3” group.

The “old standard” of hitting a 9-inch paper plate EVERY TIME from field positions at your maximum range has always been a good test, IMO. (Of course considering a deer-size animal.) It’s not as easy as one might think. I couldn’t trust myself to do that much beyond 50-yards. Things “oft go aglee” when I start shooting from typical field positions other than prone or seated-backrest, neither of which is always possible.

 

[jb177]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I’m settled on the 5” now.

 

[M29since14]

...I'd contemplated buying an older dash nbr without the MIM parts, but lost patience looking for one.

It’s always nice to be able to inspect the gun before you buy it. I am sympathetic with that, but don’t waste time worrying about the MIM parts. Complaints about the MIM parts rage wildly on the internet, but not so much among people actually using the guns. In the N-frame guns in particular, the parts are actually fairly nice looking. On the J-frames, not so much! The MIM J-frame hammer has got to be the ugliest part S&W has ever made (used).

 

[hkcavalier]

I haven't formally hunted with my 5", but since moving to the boonies it goes in the car during deer and elk season, just in case I run across a nice one in the driveway.

 

[Ribwizzard]

Six

I went with the classic 6", with out the full underlug. It felt the best balanced and like the looks better.

 

[jb177]

I’d like to handle them all first but just not an option. I’m leaning toward the 5” mainly for ease of carry.
I like the looks of the non MIM parts mostly, I’m not concerned with their durability...

 

[jb177]

Is there anything special I need to know about mounting the FF3? I believe I’m going with the Raptor based on some quick research

 

[M29since14]

Is there anything special I need to know about mounting the FF3? I believe I’m going with the Raptor based on some quick research

You’re dealing with small screws, an aluminum mounting plate, and probably an aluminum body with the Fastfire. Don’t over-tighten the screws! Clean everything before assembly. Other than that, everything should go together easily. At least it did in my case. The Raptor mount is a nice one.