S&W 44 Magnum Purchase

[cladd1]

Would like thoughts and opinions on the purchase of a S&W 44 magnum for target shooting and occasional deer hunting. Originally looked at the 629 Classic with 6.5 inch barrel. Today i looked at their Performance Center 629 with 7.5 inch barrel and the Stealth Hunter. The standard Classic would I'm certain work well however I like the idea of the PC revolvers. Thoughts & opinions appreciated on these 3 pistols.

Thanks

 

[revolver59]

I bought my first Smith & Wesson 44 magnum in 1981, and have been a huge fan ever since. I personally am not a big fan of the performance center guns, I like the classic look, and feel of the 29-2 in a 6.5" barrel. It has been a very accurate revolver, never had any issues, have gone through 500 rounds all together in target shooting, never hunted with it, but it would be a great hunting gun, and or a side arm while hunting. I highly recommend your choice on the model 629
I hope this helps!!

 

[29aholic]

I am kind of with revolver59 on the looks of the original 29/629. I have been hunting deer with a 29-3 for over 30 years and have killed a truck load of them with it.
Having said that, some of the newer PC guns are pretty sexy.

 

[digiroc]

Model 69 ...

The model 69 is a "L" frame 5 shot .44 Magnum mine has 4" barrel and I've added a FastFire 3 optic on the Raptor mount.

I plan on taking it deer hunting this year, lighter to carry than my 629.

digiroc

 

[cadmike]

I would go with the 629 classic with a 5 or 6 inch full lug barrel. Preferably with a patridge front sight.

 

[75Vette]

I use my 629s primarily for target shooting, been getting my feet wet with the IHMSA competition shooting this past year. I own standard 629s and PC models. Love em both. One of my favorite shooters is this 629-4 6 1/2" PowerPort Classic. It balances perfectly and the full lug absorbs recoil well.



And yeah, the PC guns ARE just plain sexy!!

 

[twodog max]

I had a 629 Classic 6 inch. I found it to heavy for my likes but most others probably don't. It shot great but I let it go some time back.

 

[jimbo728]

I recently purchased a S&W 629-3 Classic with a 6.5 " barrel from a fellow Forum member. It shoots very well and handles like a dream.
I have no regrets. It has the full under lug and balances well.
Accuracy is very good.
Just a positive review here. Hope it helps.
Jim

 

[ultra45]

Took my last two deer with my 6.5" 29-1. Very rewarding feeling. This season I'm hunting with Buffalo Bores 270 grain, Heavy Magnum hardest ammo. Wish me luck! Good luck to you also, you won't be disappointed.

 

[DocB]

Picked up this 629-4 late last year for $550. Early 1990's is what you want. They are out there and not that expensive. Endurance package and everything you want. Everything you don't want had not arrived until later models.

 

[zzclancy]

I have many 44 magnums with all barrel lengths.

If I may say so my 5 inch 629 Classic is a pleasure to shoot. Incredibly accurate. The full length lug really helps with recoil. It's the one I fire heavier loads.

I don't have experience with the PC guns in 44 magnums.

 

[Kho]

I target shoot with a 5" 629. I just like the balance better than the longer barrels.

If you reload, consider the Penn 185 gr DBBWC bullets (for target only).

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The standard Classic would I'm certain work well however I like the idea of the PC revolvers.

Nothing wrong with a 5" Classic, as has already been mentioned. Get a PC if you like the looks & features, not because it's necessarily made any better than a standard production gun.

.

629-6 Classic, 5" bbl.

.

 

[steelslaver]

Unless you go to a shoulder holster rig, the 6" or 6 1/2" barrels are about as long as practical to belt carry. At 6" you have enough sight radius to be really effective and also get enough velocity that another inch or so of barrel is a non issue. Sorter barrels do work and still give you decent power and sight radius, but are starting to handicap the caliber a bit.

 

[Tom S.]

There is no accuracy difference between the PC model and the standard version. The PC does offer more options though and I have to say, the trigger on mine was excellent out of the box.

 

[cladd1]

Thanks for all the responses - comments suggest the standard 629 with 6.5 inch barrel would serve me quite well. I do have to admit the looks of the PC 629 with compensator appeal to me however not certain if the looks are worth the extra $250 to $300? Question on the compensator - does it really reduce muzzle jump very much? Thanks again for the replies!!

 

[mazer]

Well, I own a few S&W 44mags (more than are pictured), some PC some not, but I will say, that the comped models make a very big difference on muzzle rise and recoil. My Stealth Hunter turns full boat 44mags into hot 44spls and is very comfortable to shoot. The weighted guns keep the muzzle down, but you feel more recoil than the ported models, so it becomes a personal preference! It's an eye opener to shoot the various models side by side! It's really the only way to know which you like better!
The top is a 7.5" "Big Rock" 44mag, the weights do actually make it easier to shoot....since this pic I have ALL the weights in and it shoots great, but the one below it is my Stainless Stealth Hunter from 2001, the porting really helps keep it on target. The model at the bottom is a Lew Horton Hunter from 1992, this one is disgustingly accurate and with the ports, you really have zero issues with the recoil.
Personal preference honestly! Don't sweat the few hundred dollar difference between PC and std models, spend the money if you like one better than the other, it isn't like you are going to just turn around and sell it...the important thing is if it shoots well for you or not!

 

[75Vette]

What Mazer said. The comped barrels do alot to tame the recoil. That's a nice threesome of guns you got there BTW.

 

[Leathernstagg]

I have the 629 classic it kicks a lot so you may want the 7.5" barrel. The muzzle seems to rise before the bullet leaves the barrel. I'm thinking a longer barrel will add more weight to prevent it. Also magna porting the barrel I'm told forces the handle into your hand real hard so it's a toss up if you want a more accurate shot or a sore hand.


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[lebomm]

I have 4" 29-2, and it has a very fine balance, easy to hold, easy to shoot, but of course, a pretty heavy recoil with Magnum ammo. I really prefer any of my 7 .44 Specials, mostly due to the "cool" factor, and that they're generally lighter and therefore easier to carry. I don't think I would purposely go bear hunting w/a handgun, but if I were hunting in griz country, I wouldn't hesitate to carry the 29 for backup. My Specials get shot a lot more, 'cuz I've amassed a gang of brass, but I trust the ability of the Magnum, and, as above, would carry if necessary, but not for fun shooting.

Larry