want a S&W 4" 44 Mag which one?

[Samsonxd]

Hi all starting to research my next purchase I need another "woods" gun the 10 I have all ready are just not up to the job or so I keep telling myself and the spousal unit.

On to the cruch of the matter I would like a 4" 44 magnum I don't really care for the look of the 629 Mt gun I prefer the looks of the 629 V-comp to give you a example of how my tastes run. I have not written the MT gun off completely but just prefer the whole complete look.

In my wood gun line up I have a 329 AK backpacker 2.5", Tarus Raging bull 6", 629 Stealh hunter 7.5", 460V 5", Ruger Bisley 45 Colt 5.5" I have more Smiths too but nothing in the 4" and the rest are 357 except for the Gov.

So what are my options for a S&W 44 magnum whatever it is I prefer the steel cylinders so I can use 300-305 gr bullets so I have counted out the 329pd.

Thanks all

 

[dlbx2]

IMHO, if you can get your hands on a 629 or 629-1, I can assure you that you won't need to look any further. Durable gun, durable finish, plenty of range of power from .44 special to .44 magnum. I am in agreement with regard to the tapered mountain gun. Plenty of holsters available, my favorites are Galco Phoenix PHX126 or Bianchi 111 Cyclone size 7, both these are RH, and made for cross draw as well, both lined. All kinds of stocks available, find one that you like. Clean it with an EZ Brite Wonder Cloth, both cleans and polishes. Again, my opinion. I usually like my opinion, wonder why that is? Seriously, I don't think I can imagine anything more suited for what your are describing. Have a nice weekend! DLB

 

[Samsonxd]

Thanks dlbx2 for the reply I looked at the 629-1 on google looks like the old dirty harry gun of yore it looks to me like the 29. Is it just the performance center guns that have the look of the Colt Anaconda or my favorite the Kodiak? Is the 629 pc 3" 44 just as good as a 629 V-comp in 4"? I was looking at images and the 629-5 keeps jumping out at me. Is the 629-1 a full barrel lug with smooth cylinder? The images are all over the place and just trying to narrow it down hard choices I appreciate the help

 

[dlbx2]

629-1, no full lug, no smooth cylinder. The reason it looks like a 29 is simple, it is a 29, made from stainless steel. I am not familiar with the guns that you are speaking of, and alas, no opinion. If it was made much past 1985. I am lost. I just don't have any interest in the later models. I am glad that everyone doesn't think like me, or S&W would have two choices: 1. Bring back the vintage guns or 2. Go out of business. Narrow minded, maybe, but I heard it said in a movie the other day, the heart wants what the heart wants. DLB

 

[eddieE76]

If going with the 629, I would go with -2E and above. I have heard the lower dash numbers had issues with the full power 44mags. I'm not writing off all lower dash numbers, but that is what I have read in my search. I personally had a -1 that had issues, so out she went. I just got the -4, 5" barrel with holster. It is a nice gun. I wanted a 6" barrel, but this is what came up on GB and got a cracking deal on it from a good guy who frequents here.

E

 

[Samsonxd]

Thanks for the info guys I appreciate the older guns I am like that with JM Marlins so I understand and often times the old is still better then the new. I am taking it the the 629-2e stands for the endurance package?

 

[eddieE76]

Yes, and a few weeks ago I got myself a JM Marlin built in 89...not a single shot through it (from all appearances)...

 

[Cpo1944]

I have and really like my 29 4 inch but I also have 629-2E with unfluted cylinder - which I really don`t like-but I`m stuck with it ,the cylinder that is.
It`s got a 3 inch barrel and except for the unfinished look of the cylinder it`s a great revolver and a true keeper.
You might want to look at a 3 incher. Hickock45 has a nice post on one.
It`s worth checking out.
Jack

 

[Samsonxd]

Yes, and a few weeks ago I got myself a JM Marlin built in 89...not a single shot through it (from all appearances)...

Off topic but what did you get.....Marlin that is

 

[Samsonxd]

I have and really like my 29 4 inch but I also have 629-2E with unfluted cylinder - which I really don`t like-but I`m stuck with it ,the cylinder that is.
It`s got a 3 inch barrel and except for the unfinished look of the cylinder it`s a great revolver and a true keeper.
You might want to look at a 3 incher. Hickock45 has a nice post on one.
It`s worth checking out.
Jack

I did consider the 3" barrel I have a 686+ talo that I love very handy. I was led to believe that in 44 you didnt want to go lower then 4" barrel, is that true I have my 329 AK backpacker I love it but thought just missing out by not having a 4" 44.

I prefer the unfluted look myself Jack you got a picture of yours by any chance love to see it.

 

[DR505]

I've got a very nice 4" 629-4 that I really like.

 

[eddieE76]

Off topic but what did you get.....Marlin that is

336, 30-30, walnut stock....fantastic gun. Good luck with the 629 search. I love the search...

 

[Cpo1944]

I did consider the 3" barrel I have a 686+ talo that I love very handy. I was led to believe that in 44 you didnt want to go lower then 4" barrel, is that true I have my 329 AK backpacker I love it but thought just missing out by not having a 4" 44.

I prefer the unfluted look myself Jack you got a picture of yours by any chance love to see it.

Your wish is my command. Here are my three .44 beauties.

Do yourself a favor go on youtube and watch Hickock`s posts on his 3 inchers.
I agree with him they are plenty accurate and the recoil feels the same -to me- as any other barrel length.

 

[Cpo1944]

Oh by the way I forgot I just recently bought a Marlin 1894 circa 1979,.44 mag.
I like it , but it really needs better sights- probably going to put Skinners front and rear.
I just put it on paper shooting my standard M-29 loads with .429 lead bullets and it did very well -no keyholes from tumbling bullets.All shots were on the paper plate, not a good group though- due to my poor eyesight, not the rifle. So much for needing bigger dia.!!!
I have some .432`s on order I wonder how they will do?

 

[lebomm]

I've only had a few .44 Mags over the years, but my current one, a 4" 29-2 is the one I like the best. And that's just me.

Larry

 

[Samsonxd]

Hi all I appreciate all the ideas and comments I think between my choices I would like either the 629 V-comp or the 629pc 3" I just prefer the full lug look with unfluted cylinder any others besides those two?

What would be the better hiking woods gun and sometimes carry gun? I have a 2.5" AK all ready so not sure if the 3" is worth it. I just figured a 4" would offer the best carry, best natural point of aim and most important best performance.

Thanks again guys the research and the hunt is the most fun part to me I eenjoy that more then the shooting to be honest

This is my current lineup of Smiths minus a 340MP that has not come in yet. As you can see minus the Gov I got to have the full barrel lug Also I know the 686 is loaded it is sitting next to me while I eat lunch its my counter gun lol.

 

[Samsonxd]

Oh by the way I forgot I just recently bought a Marlin 1894 circa 1979,.44 mag.
I like it , but it really needs better sights- probably going to put Skinners front and rear.
I just put it on paper shooting my standard M-29 loads with .429 lead bullets and it did very well -no keyholes from tumbling bullets.All shots were on the paper plate, not a good group though- due to my poor eyesight, not the rifle. So much for needing bigger dia.!!!
I have some .432`s on order I wonder how they will do?

Good choice I hope to have a 45 Colt added to my collection within the next 2 weeks mine are all JM's as well its the only way to roll

336 30-30, 1895 guide gun 45/70, 336 35 Remington I can't wait for the 45 Colt to go with my 5.5" Ruger Bisley.

 

[Samsonxd]

Oh by the way I forgot I just recently bought a Marlin 1894 circa 1979,.44 mag.
I like it , but it really needs better sights- probably going to put Skinners front and rear.
I just put it on paper shooting my standard M-29 loads with .429 lead bullets and it did very well -no keyholes from tumbling bullets.All shots were on the paper plate, not a good group though- due to my poor eyesight, not the rifle. So much for needing bigger dia.!!!
I have some .432`s on order I wonder how they will do?

If you ever put some 300 gr bullets through her can you let me know how it does I read mixed things on the 1/38 twist rate of the 1894 thought about picking up a 336 44 if I can find one.

Thanks again sorry to go off topic guys but revolvers and lever guns just go together no matter what.

 

[tgmr05]

Just a standard 629 4 inch will be a great choice. The 3 inch versions are great, too, but I prefer the full length ejector rod of the 4. The v-comp is very nice, but a little longer. I prefer what you do not like, the 629 mountain gun. It is the same weight as a 3 inch, has the full length ejector rod, and gives that extra inch of sight radius/barrel.

 

[Samsonxd]

Just a standard 629 4 inch will be a great choice. The 3 inch versions are great, too, but I prefer the full length ejector rod of the 4. The v-comp is very nice, but a little longer. I prefer what you do not like, the 629 mountain gun. It is the same weight as a 3 inch, has the full length ejector rod, and gives that extra inch of sight radius/barrel.

I hear ya on the MT gun I did not know about the weight being the same as a 3" though that is interesting, I like the 329pd but I wont own a gun with the titanium cylinder, I wonder if you can swap a steel cylinder in there that would be the perfect gun I would think. Is the V-Comp 4" w/comp or 4" w/o if w/o wouldnt that make the V-comp a 5" gun or so? Why doesnt Smith make the 4" MT gun with the full lug? Would the Mt. Gun handle the equivalent of heavy 305 gr buffalo bore ammo all day?

Thanks again