S&W 29 vs S&W 629

[jnichols2]

I recently bought a S&W 686 in .357 MAG, and I like it so much that I'm wondering if I want a .44 MAG.

Today I looked at a 629 for $820 and a 29 for $916. I do find it strange that the 29 is $96 more than the 629.

Based on looks, the 29 is far the nicest. It's gorgeous.
But, the 629 comes out ahead in two important areas.

1. The Hogue rubber on the 629 gives a great deal better grip control than the wood grips on the 29. I fear I would have to change to rubber grips shooting magnum rounds. (there go the looks)

2. Then came a surprise. The 29 trigger feels much like my 686, a little stiff on double action. I'm sure it will get better with use.
But, the 629 has a fantastic double action trigger. It feels like it had a professional trigger job.

That basically leaves the 29 with looks, and the 629 with function and performance. Not to mention $96 cheaper.

I'm leaning toward the 629. Are there any differences between the two that I don't know about.

Monday I plan to rent a Taurus .44 MAG to make sure I really want a .44 MAG. Am I correct in thinking the .44 MAG might be a little too much for defense against two legged critters?

Added: Both guns have 4" barrels. Being new, I assume the latest dash number.

 

[Dante221]

Just use 44 special if you feel the magnum is too much
Good Luck!

 

[Curtis Reed]

Big bore revolvers are just cool. Can't go wrong with either, but don't count out the Ruger Redhawk 4.2" or 5.5". Cheaper than the Smiths, no lock and IMO built better than the new production Smiths. Ruger revolvers are the best value put there as far as performance and quality.

 

[jnichols2]

Just use 44 special if you feel the magnum is too much
Good Luck!

If I need to just shoot .44 SPL, I'll just stick with my .357 MAG.

 

[SLT223]

Is the 629 a a Classic series with full underlug and interchangeable front sights? If yes, I would tip my hat towards the 629 for a high volume range gun. The extra weight and easy front sight adjustability is desirable, at least to me, in that scenario.

Also be aware the new 29's cannot withstand ammonia base gun cleaners like Hoppes 9. But that's no big deal as there's plenty of great non-ammonia based cleaners on the market.

I have both guns, and both are tons of fun and excellently made. You will be happy with both, but I do grab my 629 Classic more frequently than any of my 29's.

Edit:
I see you added they are both 4" guns. In that case I would lean towards the revolver with the better action, which in your case is the 629.

I'll add a word of caution that .44 Magnum ammo is expensive very fun to shoot. This has caused me and several others around here to get into reloading, which is another whole addiction to address

 

[mod29]

OP: Hard to tell from your post what you plan to use the new revolver for.
The .44 magnum is a serious handful with full-power loads. Not exactly a great choice for plinking at targets for an extended period of time.

However, the fact you can also load them with .44 Specials make them pretty versatile. If you reload, that makes them a great choice.

How do you plan to use the revolver?

 

[classic bob]

Not for me!

Big bore revolvers are just cool. Can't go wrong with either, but don't count out the Ruger Redhawk 4.2" or 5.5". Cheaper than the Smiths, no lock and IMO built better than the new production Smiths. Ruger revolvers are the best value put there as far as performance and quality.

I haven't found this to be true in my experience

 

[jringo8769]

well it all depends on what model 629 and 29 they are too...for me...a 29 would be more valuable...but i do love the 629 as well...my first new gun was a stainless ruger 357 single action...but there is something special about the old model 29's and i would highly recommend not getting a taurus 44...i worked at a local LGS a while back...almost all of the new 44's from Taurus had problems and had to be send back for one reason or another....God Bless,John

 

[sasu]

Rugers have an industrial soul, Smith & Wessons have a master craftsman's soul. Rugers are rough, Smith & Wessons are beautiful. But mechanical and functional build quality is equal. So it remains a personal choice between the two brands. Many people have several of each brand.

As to blue versus stainless, it is like choosing a car color.

 

[jnichols2]

IF I get a .44 MAG, it will be either the 29 or 629.

I don't hunt large game with a pistol, there are no grizzly bears in my area, and I already expressed they may be too much gun for defensive work.

It would wind up getting used as a fun range toy. In that respect, I already have some nice range toys. But, every time I drive by the LGS, I can hear them both calling to me.

If I like shoothng the Taurus, the only .44 MAG available for rent, I may get one of the Smiths. Still can't decide which one.

Some of my guns are "practical", and others made the "siren" call.

My 1947 Colt 1911 and Colt Model 1917 WWI relic aren't very practical. But, they both bring me a lot of joy. The Glock 19 and S&W 637 have no such "siren" call. But, they are what I grab on the way out the door.

The 29 really does "call" to me, but I'm afraid it may be more suited to looking at than shooting.

 

[mod29]

IF The 29 really does "call" to me, but I'm afraid it may be more suited to looking at than shooting.

Nothing wrong with buying an S&W .44 magnum just because you want it!
You don't have to be a bear hunter!

 

[vmumford]

IF I get a .44 MAG, it will be either the 29 or 629.

I don't hunt large game with a pistol, there are no grizzly bears in my area, and I already expressed they may be too much gun for defensive work.

It would wind up getting used as a fun range toy. In that respect, I already have some nice range toys. But, every time I drive by the LGS, I can hear them both calling to me.

If I like shoothng the Taurus, the only .44 MAG available for rent, I may get one of the Smiths. Still can't decide which one.

Some of my guns are "practical", and others made the "siren" call.

My 1947 Colt 1911 and Colt Model 1917 WWI relic aren't very practical. But, they both bring me a lot of joy. The Glock 19 and S&W 637 have no such "siren" call. But, they are what I grab on the way out the door.

The 29 really does "call" to me, but I'm afraid it may be more suited to looking at than shooting.

I look and fondle a lot. If you can afford it. I would buy both. Sorry but I have a illness that cant be cured by deciding on two of these

Vic

 

[Texas Star]

If I need to just shoot .44 SPL, I'll just stick with my .357 MAG.

I think you're underestimating the killing power of a handloaded .44 or one fed Buffalo Bore's hot loads.


Between the M-629 and a blued gun, if you carry much in weather like Texas has in August, you'll learn the value of stainless construction.


I wouldn't use a .44 Magnum on men, unless I was carrying the gun with bear in mind when someone began shooting at me.


I once lay awake in a Houston motel room, waiting to shoot a man tampering with my window. My ammo was Remington's 240 grain JHP. I was concerned about muzzle blast in the enclosed room.


Thankfully, the guy was just a drunk at the wrong room. His wife found him and took him off. They never knew that I was planning to kill him as soon as he crawled through that window.


I had that M-29 with 6.5 inch barrel and factory smooth rosewood target stocks with me because I had taken it to show a friend in Houston. I should have had a smaller gun, too, for defense.


THe only man I know who killed anyone with a .44 Magnum had a four-inch M-29 with 240 grain loads, probably the basic gas checked lead SWC load. He hit a fleeing felon four times in the back and all bullets exited the chest. The man ran for at least two blocks before dropping dead.


The cop involved soon switched his M-29 to a .357 M-19 for duty use. I think it was the right decision.


Faced with a bear, a cougar, or a jaguar, i'd prefer the .44.


Those four hits would probably have been stopped in a bear's chest, hopefully without exiting. On a human, they were excessive power.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

Blue or stainless.Some prefer blondes,some brunettes,some....
Qc

 

[jringo8769]

hey i really wanted a 3" model 29 about 2 years ago and happened to talk with Dad and he told me about the 24-3 he had when they were new...i wound up buying a like new one...and to me..it is the perfect carry gun and shoots so well.....Dad has a 29-2 4" and even he tells me he prefers to shoot the 3'...it all depends what u are shooting...most of us mortals will not want to shoot full house 44 mags...but the 44mag gives u the option to shoot both 44 mag and 44 special which i love...it is without a doubt one the nicest cartridges to shoot...i shot a lot of 357 mag as a kid and the 44 special a sweeter version of the 357 to me...but whatever u decide...just try to find the best example as they are not getting any cheaper these days...God Bless and please keep us updated...John

 

[Texas Star]

Blue or stainless.Some prefer blondes,some brunettes,some....
Qc

It doesn't matter whether you shower with a blonde or a brunette. Water affects them equally.


In humid weather, stainless guns trump blued ones. It's not just about color.

 

[sixtwoniner]

Wow! I never had any issues with that choice, I have a 629 in 3" and 8 3/8" full lug. I also have a 29 in 4". I won't part with either one. Now to the question (one or the other). I do hunt big game with my 629 long, I really like the fact that I can take it out in rain and snow for days on end and not worry about the finish, indestructible IMO. It kills the heck out of 4 point mully bucks and 125 yds no problem. That is what the full house loads are for. As for shooting at paper or rabbits or what ever I really love my 3". Easy to carry quick out of the hole (for an N frame) and very smooth on the DA. It is my fave. I do have an old Red Hawk 7 1/2" I use for testing new recipes and loaning to folks I take to the short range units. I had the trigger done and the DA is no where close to the Smiths. The Ruger is a good piece just not as good IMO. For what it's worth if you go to the big guns and you like to shoot a lot you might just as well start reloading. Not only cost but you can fit the loads to your needs and that makes it even more fun. Loading is the other part of the shooting addiction. You really can't go wrong with either one. Enjoy the world of big and remember.
Shoot, Shoot, Shoot and then Shoot some more. That is the only way to become proficient no matter what you shoot.
Good Luck!!

 

[Wise_A]

Monday I plan to rent a Taurus .44 MAG to make sure I really want a .44 MAG. Am I correct in thinking the .44 MAG might be a little too much for defense against two legged critters?

I would say so. That said, something loaded to a ".44 Spl +P+" level--think a 180- or 200-grain in the neighborhood of 1000-1100 fps--is easy to shoot in such a heavy revolver, even fast, and would be quite un-fun to be shot with.

Will you enjoy a .44? I think so. You may not enjoy it in volume. Start off with .44 specials, and proceed upwards. Stop shooting when you begin throwing shots downwards, even if you want to continue. If you press on, you will develop a flinch. It's a lot easier to avoid a flinch than it is to correct one once it's been ingrained.

Shooting a .44 Magnum is about technique. Do not try to shoot it like a lesser cartridge--it'll hurt you if you give it a chance. Instead of controlling recoil, absorb it. Adopt an isosceles stance, and drop your shoulders down. Get a tight, high grip. Bend your knees slightly, put your weight on the balls of your feet, and get your center of mass out over your knees with a very slight bend forward. Do not lock your elbows--if you do, the gun will try to bend your elbows even further past the lock, and it will be unpleasant. Instead, you should give them a very slight bend as well.

I am well under 6' tall, and weigh perhaps 160 pounds soaking wet. I can comfortably shoot my 629 all day long if I remember my technique. Fast, as well, not much slower than a .45.

If I do that locking-the-elbows thing--I do not last very long at all. And I am reminded of my mistake the next day.

If you do not reload, now would be a very good time to start. .44 Magnum ammo goes for around $36/50, but you can make quality 240-255-grain reloads for about $8.50 a box.

 

[jnichols2]

Well, all of you have given me something to ponder.

I am surprised that nobody has mentioned the one expected thing. Which model would Harry Callahan tell me to get ??

 

[Rpg]

I have no interest in stainless revolvers.

Nor do I care for recent Smith blue: seems like junk.

So I'd be interested ina M29-2 or so.

Not One of the new stuff.