which performance center 629

[ultratec00]

Debating on augmenting my 44 collection. Currently have a 629 classic with a 6.5" barrel. It has served me well and I'm getting a hankering to pick up one of the new 629s from the performance center. There are two 7.5" models that look decent. The stealth hunter or the SKU #: 170181. I'm quite sure they are quite comparable. Stealth hunter is a few ounces heavier and a good $300 more. Intent is to keep the new revolver open sights for 50 yards and under shots.

Anyone have experience with either?

 

[Dale53]

I don't know if this is what you are referencing or not. Here is my Performance Center "Light Hunter":

It has one of the best scope mounting set ups available, anywhere. The scope base sets in a cut out in the rib acting as a super strong recoil lug. Further, the quick detachable scope rings don't interfere with the iron sights. If you need to remove the scope due to weather conditions, etc, the iron sights are still zero'd.

Dale53

 

[ultratec00]

Here's a direct link showing the two. Both seem to be readily available.

.44 Magnum - Smith & Wesson

 

[qballwill]

I dont have experience with either. A friend of mine was looking at both of them but I think he decided that neither of them were in his budget. I compared both of them on the S&W website, and I cant really see an advantage of one over the other. Personally I like the looks of the Magnum Hunter and then I see its the cheaper one. I dont know why the cost of the stealth hunter is more. The stealth hunter does say it has a ball detent.

 

[ultratec00]

I believe they both have the ball detent. Just doesn't call it out on the S&W website for the Compensated Hunter, but I have seen it mentioned in the description other places.

The stealth hunter does say it has a ball detent.

 

[kennyb]

among my 44's i have the stealth hunter...it shoots as good as it looks...love it!

 

[ultratec00]

I'm guessing the stealth hunter costs more because of the matte black finish and magnaporting. Have to see if my local gunshop has both and what the price difference really is. I should be able to get the Smith Wesson M629 Compensated Hunter for slightly under $1000. The stealth hunter probably not less than $1200.

 

[Janx11]

The Stealth Hunter really looks good, but most PC guns do. I just love the all Matte Black on it. I'm getting a 629PC with the 2 5/8" barrel. I like snub's.

J

 

[series guy]

I have a few dozen Smiths but none out shoot my Stealth Hunter w/Aimpoint.

 

[Paul105]

Dale53,

How about a little more info on the "Light Hunter". The S&W website doesn't have much in the way of detail.

Is the action tuned -- how does it feel?

Does it have the ball detent lock feature?

Accuracy of your specific gun.

How effective is the comp?

TIA,

Paul

 

[buck460XVR]

I have the Magnum Hunter in monotone stainless minus the red dot. Scarey accurate with a great trigger. It too has the ball detent for lockup.

 

[ultratec00]

I'm quite sure this is the the one I'm going to get on order. It's very similar in length and weight to my 6.5" Classic. Only .6" longer and 1.4 ounces heavier. Should handle very similar. I typically don't put optics on my revolvers but keep them open sights for quick reaction shots out to 50 yards. I have a scoped TC Contender in 7X30 Waters for the long stuff. That puppy will go out to 200 yards. It's nice to have the option though when working up loads and shooting for group.

Should be able to use my existing holster. Only need to get a set of hogue grips for it and a white outline rear sight. Don't know why, but looks like neither this model or the stealth hunter come with white outlines. I have a set of milletts on my 629 classic, but they are getting very hard to find. Most likely get a set from BOWEN CLASSIC ARMS CORPORATION. Their rear sight looks decent and they're only a couple hours drive from my house.

Debated back and forth between this model and the Stealth Hunter. Liked the looks of the stealth hunter but it was .9" longer than my Classic and a whopping 7.7 ounces heavier. With the loads I typically shoot, don't need the extra weight. My hunting load for whitetail is a sierra 180 gr hp and 210 -240 gr for pigs n such.

I don't know if this is what you are referencing or not. Here is my Performance Center "Light Hunter":

It has one of the best scope mounting set ups available, anywhere. The scope base sets in a cut out in the rib acting as a super strong recoil lug. Further, the quick detachable scope rings don't interfere with the iron sights. If you need to remove the scope due to weather conditions, etc, the iron sights are still zero'd.

Dale53

 

[kennyb]

I'm guessing the stealth hunter costs more because of the matte black finish and magnaporting. Have to see if my local gunshop has both and what the price difference really is. I should be able to get the Smith Wesson M629 Compensated Hunter for slightly under $1000. The stealth hunter probably not less than $1200.

my stealth hunter from the performance center has no magnaporting/

 

[ultratec00]

Maybe the later runs were magnaported. See item description below:

Manufacturer: S&W 170323
Item: 53547
UPC: 022188703238

Specifications and features:
S&W model 629 Stealth Hunter Performance Center revolver
.44 Magnum
7-1/2" MagnaPorted barrel
6 round capacity
Single/double-action
Synthetic grip
Stainless steel frame
Matte black finish
Drift Adjustable dovetail red ramp front sight
Adjustable black blade rear sight
Forged color case trigger with overtravel stop
Forged color case hammer
Ball detent lock-up
Pinned sear
12-7/8" overall length
56 oz. unloaded

When serious collectors and demanding shooters want the very best handguns, they turn to Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. Known the world over for their unique design, and uncompromising quality, Smith & Wesson's master gunsmiths build each handgun from the ground up combining old-world hand-craftsmanship with modern technology to create extremely accurate, high performance handguns like the 629 Performance Center model featuring 3" or 7 1/2" barrel. Rubber or wood grips. Matte black or matte stainless finish, and designed for the most demanding shooters. Contact your Smith & Wesson dealer to discuss the availability of these superb, limited edition handguns.

 

[Dale53]

Paul105;
I didn't see your post until now.

I bought my PC Light Hunter ANIB. The action was extremely smooth and light - too light. It was unreliable and I got misfires. I swapped out the springs for a set of Jerry Miculek matched springs. I set the dbl action to 9.0 lbs and the single action to 3.0 lbs. Now, it is smooth AND reliable. It had obviously had a PC action job (note the trigger stop behind the trigger).

The revolver shoots extremely well. I can stay on a playing card at 100 yards. It shoots well under 1" at 25 yards. My standard practice load for the .44 Magnum is 23.0 grs of H110 behind a home cast Mihec clone of the H&G #503 (250 gr Keith) for about 1200 fps (chronographed). My hunting load is 24.0 grs of H110 behind the same bullet. This gives me 1300 fps. The 1200 fps load will shoot clear through a deer from end to end at 75 yards (actually have done this).

The muzzle brake reduces muzzle lift noticeably. It is noisy, but tolerable (I wear electronic muffs when hunting).

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Paul105]

Dale53,

Thanks for the info. I have been looking at the "Light Hunter" for a while now. Your first post/pic in this thread and some posts you made on other forums re the "Light Hunter"pushed me over the edge. One is in route from Bud's and should be here Monday. I'm also on the list for Mihec 503 clone rerun due to ship in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks again for the info.

Paul

 

[kennyb]

Maybe the later runs were magnaported. See item description below:

Manufacturer: S&W 170323
Item: 53547
UPC: 022188703238

Specifications and features:
S&W model 629 Stealth Hunter Performance Center revolver
.44 Magnum
7-1/2" MagnaPorted barrel
6 round capacity
Single/double-action



Synthetic grip
Stainless steel frame
Matte black finish
Drift Adjustable dovetail red ramp front sight
Adjustable black blade rear sight
Forged color case trigger with overtravel stop
Forged color case hammer
Ball detent lock-up
Pinned sear
12-7/8" overall length
56 oz. unloaded

When serious collectors and demanding shooters want the very best handguns, they turn to Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. Known the world over for their unique design, and uncompromising quality, Smith & Wesson's master gunsmiths build each handgun from the ground up combining old-world hand-craftsmanship with modern technology to create extremely accurate, high performance handguns like the 629 Performance Center model featuring 3" or 7 1/2" barrel. Rubber or wood grips. Matte black or matte stainless finish, and designed for the most demanding shooters. Contact your Smith & Wesson dealer to discuss the availability of these superb, limited edition handguns.

ok wow...my brother and i purchased two from our LGS...neither has the magna porting...thanks for the info.!