Model 629 5" or 6 1/2"?

[nickytwotones]

I'm in the market for a new 629 and am contemplating whether I should get the 5 inch or the 6 1/2 inch barrel. I have used a 4-inch barrel in the past (have even hunted with it) but want to add to my collection. The main purpose would be home defense and walking in the woods/hunting ( I live in FL). Which would you get & why? Does the 1 1/2 inch even matter? Is it noticeable, recoil-wise? I can handle the 4-inch (even though it kicks like a mule with heavy Buffalo Bore 340 GR L.F.N.-G.C.). That's why I'm actually thinking of getting one with a longer barrel!!

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

I too am thinking of getting a 5" 629. Saw one with the target hammer and trigger.

I think a 6.5" would just be too barrel heavy for me.

Looking forward to the comments from those who have them.

 

[muzzleblast]

I have a 629 4" Mountain Gun and a 629 5" full under lug. I don't have, but have handled the 6-1/2" full underlug barrel 629s. I find the longer barrel a bit sluggish handling. For me, the 5" full under lug barrel is just handy enough, but not nearly as lively and quick pointing as the 4" standard barrel. The heavier barrel of course is a bit more pleasant for use with heavier loads and would likely serve well with premium .44 special ammo in a home defense role.

I can't imagine a need for Buffalo Bore 340 grain loads outside of Alaska brown bear country. IMO a 250 grain lead cast semi-wad cutter at +1200 fps ought to handle anything Florida has to offer in the wild.

Good luck.

MB

 

[Officerblue]

I actually own both the 5 inch and 6 & a half inch. The accuracy difference under 50yrds is not a huge difference. But... after 50yrds it really starts to become apparent. So overall hiking, hunting(under 50yrds) and home defense 5inch. But if going for a good hunting gun as a primary and the hiking, home defense secondary go for 6.5 or longer.

 

[nickytwotones]

I have a 629 4" Mountain Gun and a 629 5" full under lug. I don't have, but have handled the 6-1/2" full underlug barrel 629s. I find the longer barrel a bit sluggish handling. For me, the 5" full under lug barrel is just handy enough, but not nearly as lively and quick pointing as the 4" standard barrel. The heavier barrel of course is a bit more pleasant for use with heavier loads and would likely serve well with premium .44 special ammo in a home defense role.

I can't imagine a need for Buffalo Bore 340 grain loads outside of Alaska brown bear country. IMO a 250 grain lead cast semi-wad cutter at +1200 fps ought to handle anything Florida has to offer in the wild.

Good luck.

MB

MB: Thank you so much for the advice. This is why I love this forum so much. You have an audience who have hands-on experience & provide you with invaluable advice. I agree with everything in your response. I was leaning towards the 5" but wanted to get some reassurances. I completely agree that the Buffalo Bore 340 gr. would be an overkill in FL. I've used that in the mountains of PA, hunting with a dear friend but it was probably an overkill there as well!! To your point, outside of Alaska; the 250 gr. should be more than enough for any situation that I might ever encounter.
Since I already have the 629 4"; I'll go with the 6 1/2 incher so that I can take it with me when out in the woods (I'll still carry the 4 incher as well). At some point though, I'll get a 5 incher as well because overall; that seems to be the most perfect length for any application.
I know that eventually, I'll end up with 3 629s which is not bad at all!! I just love them more than anything else I own, so why not 3 of them??!! I just have to work hard and save so that I can reward myself every Christmas!!

 

[nickytwotones]

I actually own both the 5 inch and 6 & a half inch. The accuracy difference under 50yrds is not a huge difference. But... after 50yrds it really starts to become apparent. So overall hiking, hunting(under 50yrds) and home defense 5inch. But if going for a good hunting gun as a primary and the hiking, home defense secondary go for 6.5 or longer.

Officerblue: I'm going to blame you when the wife asks me why I'm getting both!!
Your reply got me thinking: why not get both?!! Your points are well taken and I totally agree that extra 1 1/2 inches, will make a difference when hunting.
I'm using you & MB as my justification for wanting both!!
Thanks for your input guys!

 

[Engine49guy]

The 5" full underlug is my favorite !

 

[ridgewalker]

Don't neglect to consider the 8 3/8 inch barrel. I've had mine a few months now and it is bringing a new dimension of accuracy to my shooting. I am loving it. I replaced the grips with some big Pachmayr Presentation grips and they really help tame the recoil.

Give me a few days and I will try to add a picture of my 629 here.

 

[CWH44300]

I couldn't decide,

 

[Ronan24]

I couldn't decide,

This is pretty darn impressive!! I'm salivating right now!!

 

[Ronan24]

The 5" full underlug is my favorite !

This is impressive. Dream on, Ronan!!