WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAIN GUN?

[texasgreg]

I'm on the prowl for a Mountain Gun at the LGS's I frequent. Over the years, I've seen some of the different models, but there is no comprehensive list of models and calibers that I've been able to locate.

I don't have a real mountain gun per se. I have a M386 SC Mountain Lite, a M329PD as well as a pre-1980 M29 4". I'm interested in what passes for mountain guns with other folks, not just those labeled as "Mountain Gun".

I'd like to find something with a five inch barrel, maybe in .41 magnum or .44 magnum. But I need to get a model number once I decide what I'd like so I can do some searching on auction websites.

If you'd post a pic of your favorite mountain gun with model number information, I'd be much obliged.

 

[Engine49guy]

Greg,
Mountain guns all share a similar configuration,
4 inch tapered barrel with a blue Baughman FS and a round butt.
Most are SS with chamfered cylinders but not always.
Beyond that it really depends on what caliber you prefer.

I only have 2 MG's,
My first was a 629-2 in .44 magnum (top)
The second is a 7 shot L frame 686-5 in .357 Magnum.

Different guns in caliber, frame size and round capacity that I like equally but for different reasons and would be hard pressed to choose between.

MG's have a similar look to the nickel 4" Model 27, 28 and 24 in RB.
Current versions have MIM parts and the internal lock but if I could change one feature
(other than that) I would prefer a square butt frame.

This picture is of my 629-2 and 686-5 Mountain guns above a Nickel Model 19-4 all wearing Herrets wood SB presentation grips.

 

[Clean Break]

Well, what's a "mountain"? Here in the Cascade Mtns. of Washington, I guess most hikers/hunters don't think of hills as mountains until they approach 5,000'. We have lots of timber on our slopes (unless above tree-line) and rainfall varies from 50" - 150" per year. Many places have snow year-round and/or alpine swamps. All of the rocks are rough and the Devil's Club is spiny.

A mountain gun must be:
1. Comfortable to carry -- Light, compact & portable so it doesn't impede movement as you climb up and down steep slopes or negotiate fallen timber all day.

2. Resistant to weather since it will be exposed to the elements for protracted periods of time.

3. Accurate, since you may only get one shot

4. Utterly reliable, since your meal or life may depend on it

5. Able to take abuse, since you'll fall, scrape, rub, sit and generally have to move through rough terrain. Holsters get soaked and your gun will be sitting in one most of the time.

6. Quick to draw, because you might need it really fast.

If I only bring one gun, it will be my 4" 629 .44 magnum/.44 spl. At 41 oz. it is about as heavy as I care to tote and has plenty of power for a cougar and hopefully a bear if placed right. If I'm in the mountains for an extended stay, I'll have a long gun - either a rifle or shotgun, in which case my mountain revolver likely becomes my 6.5" Ruger Super Single Six Convertible (I usually only use the .22 lr cylinder).

Mountains aren't a place for Queens, but for performers. Clean Break

 

[Dale53]

My "Mountain Gun" is a 4" Model 624 (.44 Special). Of course, it is not cataloged as a Mountain Gun but it is to me...

Dale53

 

[wyatte]

My favorite "Mountain Gun" is the 657-4 41 mag that I have. I have several j-frames, and a 3" gp100 that would qualify as great packing trail guns, but for the real label MG in a bigger bore size, , the 41 is what I have. I think it's a great caliber for this somewhat lighter weight 4" N-frame. I have 4 different 41 mags in various styles, but the MG is the one that gets "admired" the most. wyatte

 

[Dave T]

My only and favorite Mountain Gun isn't officially a "Mountain Gun". S&W never made a blue steel 45 ACP MG so I had one built. Like its namesakes it has a 4" tapered barrel with a plain ramp front sight. The front shoulder of the cylinder was beveled (not mentioned earlier but a MG feature) and it is a round butt.

I bought a M25-2 on which someone had installed an 6.5" Model of 1950 barrel. I had my gun smith cut it back to 4", then pin the ramp to the rib,and the blade to the ramp (the way Smith used to do it). He then did the other modifications and finally bead blasted and blued the finished product. Most of the MGs I've seen have a matt finish so that aspect of my home made MG is correct too.

I don't worry about it not being in a smashing Magnum caliber as I don't actually go into the mountains. Instead I roam around the desert and sometimes the hills found there. The 45 ACP is more than enough round for the "critters" I will have to worry about. (smile)

Dave

 

[BCDWYO]

S&W Mountain Guns were/are made in the following calibers:
1. 357 mag - Model 686 (to my knowledge the only L-frame Mtn Gun)
2. 44 mag - Model 29 and 629 N-frame
3. 41 mag - Model 57 and 657 N-frame
4. 45 Colt - Model 625 N-frame
5. 45 ACP - Model 625 N-frame.

I've got each caliber except 41 mag and I'd be hard pressed to name a favorite. The 7 shot 357 mag is probably the most useful to my needs, but the 45 Colt might be the most fun to shoot due to its accuracy and a sweet trigger. I'm hoping to find a model 657 to round out my collection!

 

[MarkDozier]

Y'all are on the right track. A mountain gun up in the hills i favor my 686 4 inch and my long gun is a 357 marlin. Aint nothing short of a mad mama bear I can't stop. Well except maybe my wife when shes mad.

 

[kcub]

I have a 4" Colt Anaconda for that role in .44 magnum.
The underlug helps with recoil but I still wish it was a .41.

 

[Munsterf18]

S&W Mountain Guns were/are made in the following calibers:
1. 357 mag - Model 686 (to my knowledge the only L-frame Mtn Gun)
2. 44 mag - Model 29 and 629 N-frame
3. 41 mag - Model 57 and 657 N-frame
4. 45 Colt - Model 625 N-frame
5. 45 ACP - Model 625 N-frame.

I've got each caliber except 41 mag and I'd be hard pressed to name a favorite. The 7 shot 357 mag is probably the most useful to my needs, but the 45 Colt might be the most fun to shoot due to its accuracy and a sweet trigger. I'm hoping to find a model 657 to round out my collection!

They made L-frame Mountain Lite scandium models in .357 and .44 special. Here's a 396 Mountain Lite in .44 special

 

[Clean Break]

They made L-frame Mountain Lite scandium models in .357 and .44 special. Here's a 396 Mountain Lite in .44 special

Wow that looks great -- as in highly practical. The more I shoot .44 spl, the more I like it. What does your 396 Mountain Lite weigh? Isn't the cylinder titanium?

Clean Break

 

[rfo1]

I have one, a 629-2. This is one of 5,000 guns produced in 1989.The gun shipped with rubber Pachmyer grips which I replaced with these Hogues.

 

[Smee78]

My favorite is my 625 45LC, by far my favorite, but the 629 is a close second.

 

[SAFireman]

I vote for the 657 MG. The 41 mag can do anything that the 44 can do, but with less brutality to your hands.

 

[DesertFox]

OK, please stop guys... My sickness is growing as I yearn for any Mountain Gun. My "mountain gun" is a 629PC 2 5/8".

Munsterf18 - THAT is a nice looking Mountain Lite.

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

I only have one "Mountain Gun" and it is a 629-4 but I do have a few other Model 29-2 in 4" models. The Mountain gun configuration is 2oz. lighter than the others. It doesn't really make that much difference when you shoot them.

 

[batmann]

The Smith version is a tapered barrel, beveled cylinder and round grips and have come in a variety of flavors and there has also been some blued versions, but most are stainless.
My favorite in my 629 MG with the X-frame Hogues grips.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have owned four Mt Guns: two M629s, one with the lock and one without; a M625 .45 Colt, and a M625 .45 ACP. I sold the M629 with the lock and the .45 Colt.

I carry the M625 .45 ACP the most.

 

[Neumann]

My official Mountain Gun (rolled on the barrel), is a blue, 29-8 with tapered barrel, but not pinned or recessed. It's a little light for full .44 magnum loads, but I can handle it for 50 rounds or more.

In terms of functionality as a hiking or hunting companion, I think a 3" barrel is sufficient, and a lot easier to carry and put into use. I have one of those in .357 magnum (386-6) and .44 magnum (629-6). The 629 with a 3" standard barrel weighs the same as the 29-8 with a 4" tapered barrel - about 40 oz, dry.

 

[Engine49guy]

The front shoulder of the cylinder was beveled (not mentioned earlier but a MG feature)
Dave

Dave the leading edge of the S&W Mountain Gun cylinder is actually "Chamfered" not beveled,

According to Wikepedia chamfer is a beveled edge connecting two surfaces at right angles typically symmetrical at 45 degrees.

The terms are sometimes confused but here is a depiction of a bevel (top) and a chamfer (lower)

Also not all S&W Mountain guns have this feature including the Model 686-5 MG