WHICH S&W 44 MAG SHOULD I GET???
- Thread starter skipr77
- Start date
batmann
Member
For what it's worth (not much, just ask my wife) I think a 5" Classic is a pretty good all around .44M. Legal to hunt with in most states (check your state laws) heavy enough to help with recoil and with the X frame Hogue's, you can shoot for extended periods.
vico512
Member
I also got the 629 Classic in 5". After being away from S&Ws for too many years, I was pretty excited to get into it with the 629. Then I found this site here & thought I might need to put a bag over my head when I checked-in, since I have the infamous IL. 
However, the gun has performed flawlessly, and is lots of fun to shoot. I also learned, rather quickly, to ignore all the IL dialog.
I use the .44 primarily while front-stuffer elk hunting, and general hiking in the Cascades. It carries very well in the Galco hi-ride holster sold by S&W, both hiking and sitting under trees. It conceals very well under all my coats.
I also hand load for target use, both for lighter recoil, and because I'd go broke buying ammo.
I love the versatility of this cartridge!
However, the gun has performed flawlessly, and is lots of fun to shoot. I also learned, rather quickly, to ignore all the IL dialog.
I use the .44 primarily while front-stuffer elk hunting, and general hiking in the Cascades. It carries very well in the Galco hi-ride holster sold by S&W, both hiking and sitting under trees. It conceals very well under all my coats.
I also hand load for target use, both for lighter recoil, and because I'd go broke buying ammo.
I love the versatility of this cartridge!
Sportsterguy
Member
Do you mean a 4" 29-2 like this one, Sportsterguy ?
YES Sir! Very nice indeed. I'm a .41 mag guy but do appreciate a beauty or two like yours. That's a no brainer keeper set you have.
Evil One
Member
I have a 2.5" and a 2 5/8" .44 mag for carry.
For most people I would suggest a 4".
There is just something about a 4" N frame that is close to perfect.
I have no interest in one longer than 4", for me 4" and under just make for a better balanced and faster handling pistol.
Also, unless it is a load from a place like buffalo bore... or in a scadium frame, I dont find any factory .44 mag loads to be objectionable.
Jim
For most people I would suggest a 4".
There is just something about a 4" N frame that is close to perfect.
I have no interest in one longer than 4", for me 4" and under just make for a better balanced and faster handling pistol.
Also, unless it is a load from a place like buffalo bore... or in a scadium frame, I dont find any factory .44 mag loads to be objectionable.
Jim
CH47gunner
US Veteran
I think there is a big difference between 3-4" and 5-6" barrels.
I have both a 629-4 3" and a 629-6 Classic 5" (full-lug). The Classic is much more agreeable to shoot than the 3", with magnum loads. Need to be holding on when you drop the hammer on the 3".
.44spl's work well for me.
Bruce
629-6 Classic w/ 5" barrel
629-4 w/ 3" barrel
I have both a 629-4 3" and a 629-6 Classic 5" (full-lug). The Classic is much more agreeable to shoot than the 3", with magnum loads. Need to be holding on when you drop the hammer on the 3".
.44spl's work well for me.
Bruce
629-6 Classic w/ 5" barrel
629-4 w/ 3" barrel
slowburninsteve
Member
I recommend getting one of each....that way you never regret not having a certain model!
Steve
Steve
Bizio
Member
I perfectly agree with you, CH47gunner.
I shot with my 29-2, 4", 6 1/2" and 8 3/8" barrel and 44Mag, for sure as shorter is the barrel, more "nervous" is the gun.
I think that 4" would be perfect for defence since it can be easily worn under a jacket, but for sure the 8 3/8" would be much more accurate for target shooting at 25 or even 50 meters distance being more stable. The 6 1/2" is in my opinion absolutely perfect.
I shot with my 29-2, 4", 6 1/2" and 8 3/8" barrel and 44Mag, for sure as shorter is the barrel, more "nervous" is the gun.
I think that 4" would be perfect for defence since it can be easily worn under a jacket, but for sure the 8 3/8" would be much more accurate for target shooting at 25 or even 50 meters distance being more stable. The 6 1/2" is in my opinion absolutely perfect.
Last edited:
S&W forever
Member
desertdisciple
Member
I like this one... Mainly, because IT's the 6 - 1/2" Dirty Harry Model... and IT'S MINE...
Besides, I got it from a buddy for $300...
Yes, you read that right... $300
*When he said he was wanting to sell it, since it has sat in the safe since the mid 80's...I said, well... Let me see it... How much?... Really?...
Sure, I'll take it.*
Here's what it looked like, when I got it:
I cleaned it, took off the Pach's...inspected and lubed it.
Then went on Ebay and found a set of Target Grips for $75.
Here's the $375, total investment:
Besides, I got it from a buddy for $300...
Yes, you read that right... $300
*When he said he was wanting to sell it, since it has sat in the safe since the mid 80's...I said, well... Let me see it... How much?... Really?...
Sure, I'll take it.*
Here's what it looked like, when I got it:
I cleaned it, took off the Pach's...inspected and lubed it.
Then went on Ebay and found a set of Target Grips for $75.
Here's the $375, total investment:
Bizio
Member
You did a great trade, desertdisciple !
I had to pay my 6 1/2" 1,100 Euro
I had to pay my 6 1/2" 1,100 Euro
desertdisciple
Member
WoW...
If I converted, correctly, that's $1,535 USD!
*Am guessing that one has a prime location in the safe & will never be traded/sold*
Bizio
Member
Yes, correct, a price in that range.
Un fortunatly in Italy S&W old models come very expensive.
For example look
http://www.armeriafrigerio.com/revolver-smith-wesson-29-cal.-44-magnum-in-cassetta_prd_564.aspx
it is almost 1,900 $ !
Un fortunatly in Italy S&W old models come very expensive.
For example look
http://www.armeriafrigerio.com/revolver-smith-wesson-29-cal.-44-magnum-in-cassetta_prd_564.aspx
it is almost 1,900 $ !
Last edited:
i have a 8 3/8 629 for deer hunting and a 5" for backpacking i sold a mtn gun here on the forum not long ago and have to say if i could only keep one it would have to be the 5" its the perfect all around gun for me.
Vadermedic
Member
Love my new 629 with 6" barrel. I know its not a classic, but fun to shoot anyway.
Kenneth L. Walters
Member
44's
I've got 9, one 12 inch Taurus, one 7.5 inch Redhawk and 7 smith's. Two of the Smith's have a six inch barrel, four have 7.5 inch barrels and one has a 12 inch. All but one of the Smith's are from the performance center.
They all are very nice. But the least expensive smith with a six inch barrel is as accurate as any of them.
I've got 9, one 12 inch Taurus, one 7.5 inch Redhawk and 7 smith's. Two of the Smith's have a six inch barrel, four have 7.5 inch barrels and one has a 12 inch. All but one of the Smith's are from the performance center.
They all are very nice. But the least expensive smith with a six inch barrel is as accurate as any of them.
I've hunted, shot and collected S&W handguns for over 35 years.
Several people on this thread have mentioned the 5" 629 Classic with the full underlug as their favorite 44 Mag. I agree....
I've owned all the barrel lengths, and though some may be better suited to specific purposes, the five inch 629 is the most versatile of the line-up. The balance, ease of hip carry or shoulder holster use and reasonable sight radius make this handgun a near perfect choice for a single gun owner.
I have always preferred the appearance of the half underlug guns, but once I held and shot the 5" Classic I was hooked.
There are two very rare "N" frames missing from my collection. One is the extremely rare 29-2 5" and the other is the even rarer 57 5". It is my favorite barrel length and usually the most elusive for me.
I've added two pictures of my hunting/shooting 629 Classic 5".
Several people on this thread have mentioned the 5" 629 Classic with the full underlug as their favorite 44 Mag. I agree....
I've owned all the barrel lengths, and though some may be better suited to specific purposes, the five inch 629 is the most versatile of the line-up. The balance, ease of hip carry or shoulder holster use and reasonable sight radius make this handgun a near perfect choice for a single gun owner.
I have always preferred the appearance of the half underlug guns, but once I held and shot the 5" Classic I was hooked.
There are two very rare "N" frames missing from my collection. One is the extremely rare 29-2 5" and the other is the even rarer 57 5". It is my favorite barrel length and usually the most elusive for me.
I've added two pictures of my hunting/shooting 629 Classic 5".
Last edited:
CharlyRomeo
Member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2010
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 6
I too find my 629 6 1/2 full lug front heavy I tried a 5 in and felt better
balanced in my hand So what is the best option Trade the gun or replace the barrel?
balanced in my hand So what is the best option Trade the gun or replace the barrel?
Last edited:
