Thinking of buying a 629 - 3" need opinions -

[Warren Sear]

A couple of more pictures. I have used it for concealed carry, and it works OK for that, but requires a bulky shirt or jacket.

 

[xuout1]

Love the looks of the 3" on a 629 but I wish they had a full length ejector rod on them like the 3" k frames do.

 

[mod29]

Hi -

This is my first general post here and I appreciate learning from everyone.

As the title says, I'm interested in the 629 with the 3" bbl. I'm not new to handguns but I'd like some input on how this model shoots and carries.

Also, if someone could recommend a couple of different kinds of belt holsters (outside the pants) it would be greatly appreciated - thanks guys!

Best,
Rich

The 3" 629 is a beast! I mean that in a good way!
Accurate, powerful, compact. They make a serious flame-thrower.

Here's my 629-4 Backpacker model, with a Guides Choice chest holster:

 

[Warren Sear]

^^^^ Very nice!

 

[Tom Kent]

I have a 3" 629-1 that I picked up a few years ago. I find it shoots very well. My handloads which push a 240gn bullet to about 1000fps and factory 240gn magnum loads shoot to the same POI at 25yds. I don't find the recoil or noise to be a problem. It is my constant companion on my trips to the everglades. I use an EPS "Tom Threepersons" holster.

 

[flagman1776]

I foolishly sold my Lew Horton 3" 657... I kept my Lew Horton 3" 624. Frankly I prefer the balance of the heavier barrel. I would jump all over a 3" 629. I'd probably load down to heavy Special Velocity... My prefered carry is a hand built OWB near clone of a Bianchi BHL.

 

[Neumann]

A 3' 629 can be carried concealed IWB or OWB or in a shoulder holster, but a 4" is more comfortable OWB. My IWB is a Sparks VM2, and OWB an Alessi CQB.

The recoil is stiff, but you get used to it. After 10 rounds or so, you hand loses most of its feeling. .44 Special is roughly equivalent to .45 Colt or ACP, and is relatively mild in this revolver.

I fit the 3" with Ahrends Boot Grips, and the 4" with full-length Ahrends RB grips. there's only 2 oz difference in weight, but the the 4" is more barrel-heavy, which handles better with longer grips.

 

[Pig Hunter]

With a good belt and holster you can carry any N frame, unless you have a back or other condition that would effect weight bearing. The more you carry a full size gun the more you forget it is there. Nobody that has ever been in a gunfight wanted a smaller gun, or less bullets !

 

[C J]

I have a 629 8 3/8" with a full underlug. I can carry it all day in a shoulder holster. It's actually a tanker holster I use but almost any type of shoulder holster should work with a 3" model. As for carrying one on your belt be prepared to wear suspenders or something because they will drag your pants down because of the weight.

One thing you really need to consider with the lighter models mentioned here is that they will kick harder than a heavier model. That weight absorbs recoil.

IMO a gun this size would be tough to carry concealed on the waist. It will be noticeable to anyone who knows what to look for. I've carried my 8" barrel 629 concealed with that tanker holster. I just did it to see if anyone noticed. They didn't AFAIK.

 

[M29since14]

I have to admit the guns are "intriguing" to look at and there are some pretty rigs shown. I am glad everyone has a chance to get what they want and enjoy it, but for me, I always think of Elmer Keith when someone mentions .44 Magnums and 3-inch barrels. I think a .44 Magnum revolver needs a 3-inch barrel, "...like a hound dog needs two tails."