Searching for a S&W .44 Magnum

[old pipefitter]

4 inch .44's

I just browsed gunbroker and there is 50 4 inch 629's listed for sale. From a bid price of $550 to almost $1500. Don't be afraid to buy off of gunbroker I've bought 5 this summer. Just buy from a dealer with a high rating and lots of sales. It doesn't work like the Libtards are saying, you still have to go thru a dealer to pick it up. I personally like the 3 inch guns and the 4 inch mountain guns. I got a smoking good deal on a montain revolver a couple months ago. Good luck in your search.

 

[Mr.Harry]

I'd try a 5" and as some others have said, don't write off a -6. Mine is simply awesome in every respect. I will admit, I wasn't aware of many of the purported QC issues with the new revolvers until AFTER I bought mine and then joining this forum. And, as a novice revolver guy I didn't really know how to check out a new S&W thoroughly before purchasing. This was part of the reason I opted to buy New; figuring much less chance of ending up with a duck. Anyway, time after time and post after post about various problems with NIB smiths, I have gone running back to re-inspect my 629 annnnnnnnd..... It's still PERFECT. Over 1000 rounds through it now. As 75vette advised, for peace of mind and if I were to do it all again, I'd bring along a pal well-versed in revolver inspection for the purchase.

 

[Hfrog355]

Mine's not stainless, but I have a M29-10 that I absolutely love. None of the issues I've experienced while shooting were because of the gun.

I know you're looking for a stainless model, but I wanted to post to say that the quality of modern revolvers has been excellent in my experience.

 

[stu1ritter]

Traxless, you can always buy a 6.5" 629 and for under $200 end up with what I did to mine. I love the feel of the 4" full underlug and it shoots very accurately to the distances I use. I've shown this here before.

Stu

 

[The Gila Bender]

Just a thought here, since you mentioned .357 as an option. There are a ton of 4-inch 28-2's in the world that can be had in any condition for a reasonable price. Same for the K-frame Models 19 and 66, and Models 13 and 65.

When I go camping/fishing I take a 3-inch Model 13-2 in a chest rig and a 640-1 in my pocket or fishing kit bag. Brown trout don't attack very often and there are few if any bears where I go; it's mostly elk, mule deer, and turkey. Frankly, I find the steel N-frame to be more gun than I want to carry when walking a stream or river all day long. If I felt the need for more power then I'd take a 629 or a 625 .45 Colt Mountain Gun. More than likely I'd take an HK USP 45 and 12-rd mags loaded with +P or .45 Super.

Gone fishin'. Model 13-2 3" and 640-1, both .357 Magnum:


Need more gun? 629-2 .44 Magnum Mountain Revolver:


Then there are the 5" N-frames Models 625 and 629:

 

[edfardos]

M69. 4.25", 39oz. Same weight as a 1911. I got one specifically for the trail. You only get 5 shots however.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

M69. 4.25", 39oz. [...]
You only get 5 shots however.

But WHAT shots those 5 ARE! If you can hit what you're aiming at, ONE will probably be plenty.

 

[SeamasterSig]

I know you said you're looking for a 4-inch barrel, but I'm joining the 5-inch chorus. Look for a five inch 629-x Classic. They're awesome! (Full disclosure: I own an early 90s -2 model. Edit: Actually, it's a -3, but the model 66 next to it in the photo added below is a -2). The extra inch doesn't add much weight and it is still short enough to be "handy". Plus, a 5-inch N-frame balances exceptionally well in hand and the extra inch will help reduce felt recoil and add some muzzle velocity compared to a 4-inch gun.

No doubt a 4-inch N-frame is very handy to tote around. But an N-frame makes for a big revolver and a inch or two of barrel length isn't going to change that. With that in mind, it will be easier to learn how to handle 44 mag with a longer barrel, say 6.5 inches or longer. But the 5-incher represents a "just right" compromise between the advantages of shorter and longer barrels. Think of it as a Goldilocks Gun Just something to consider. If you spot a good deal on one before you find a 4-incher, don't pass it up.

 

[Big Cholla]

And I have a 5" Classic that I could be talked out of. It is a M 629. PM me if you are interested. I will send it to your FFL direct. ......

 

[Mr.Harry]

I know you said you're looking for a 4-inch barrel, but I'm joining the 5-inch chorus. Look for a five inch 629-x Classic. They're awesome! (Full disclosure: I own an early 90s -2 model). The extra inch doesn't add much weight and it is still short enough to be "handy". Plus, a 5-inch N-frame balances exceptionally well in hand and the extra inch will help reduce felt recoil and add some muzzle velocity compared to a 4-inch gun.

No doubt a 4-inch N-frame is very handy to tote around. But an N-frame makes for a big revolver and a inch or two of barrel length isn't going to change that. With that in mind, it will be easier to learn how to handle 44 mag with a longer barrel, say 6.5 inches or longer. But the 5-incher represents a "just right" compromise between the advantages of shorter and longer barrels. Think of it a Goldilocks Gun Just something to consider. If you spot a good deal on one before you find a 4-incher, don't pass it up.

Couldn't have said that any better.

 

[eagleguy]

Check out the Taurus 44 and the Ruger 357. I own both and they have a better fit and finish than the S&W 500 I just bought and sent back!

 

[davetnitro]

As most know, S&W doesn't offer a .44 revolver in 4" from either the Pro Series or Performance Center.

the PC makes a 629 V-Comp 4 "

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

Why do you narrow your search to performance center or pro series guns? The plain Jane 629s are very nice guns. You can even send it in to the shop and have them do the performance upgrades if you wanted. As for quality they are pretty much guaranteed for life. I have 4 newer 44s. All are great. My 2 pennies

 

[Hfrog355]

the PC makes a 629 V-Comp 4 "

I'd buy a PC gun just for the unfluted cylinder. Those things look awesome IMO.

 

[CDR_Glock]

I have been coveting my friend's 629 PC and I was planning to order one. He said he'd sell me his so I am ecstatic.

I have shot full load 357 in a snubbie up to an 8". I find that the best balance is in the 5-6" range. My favorite is the 627 PC 8 shooter. It's a tack driver. Smoothest trigger action, and I prefer it over a Python.


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[GCF]

Traxless, you can always buy a 6.5" 629 and for under $200 end up with what I did to mine. I love the feel of the 4" full underlug and it shoots very accurately to the distances I use. I've shown this here before.

Stu

Got to say, this is a VERY nice custom package! If you don't mind me asking, who did the barrel, & front sight work?

 

[stu1ritter]

I have a great 1911 smith in Parker, Colorado who did the work for me. The front sight is the Weigand and it takes the Classic inserts. His website is 1911 Custom guns ipsc uspsa

Stu

 

[moralem]

Since you are in Texas I have a lead on a 29-3 nickel in 6 inch I think is well under priced for less than $800. I am tempted to snag it myself but I already have a nickel 29-2 and and trying to resist so that I can go get a PS 90 that I have been eyeballing.

 

[Traxless]

Since you are in Texas I have a lead on a 29-3 nickel in 6 inch I think is well under priced for less than $800. I am tempted to snag it myself but I already have a nickel 29-2 and and trying to resist so that I can go get a PS 90 that I have been eyeballing.

Sounds like a sweet deal. I'm still in the struggle phase which .44 will work for me. I shot a 3" .44 today but with special ammo since the range doesn't allow .44 mag loads. But thank you for your offer and guidance.

 

[moralem]

Sounds like a sweet deal. I'm still in the struggle phase which .44 will work for me. I shot a 3" .44 today but with special ammo since the range doesn't allow .44 mag loads. But thank you for your offer and guidance.

Good luck with your search. I have two 44 specials as well that I love to shoot, both in 3 inch so I understand why you would like the shorter barrel. They are a 24-3 and a 624-3 both Lew Horton's.


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