Which to Keep?

[Harryo]

I've got two 29 shooters and ones got to go. One is the 29-5 Classic, five inch full underlug. The other is a 29-6, six inch standard profile. Not sure if I buy all the five inch gun hype. I've shot them both and seem to prefer the balance of the six inch gun. I'm more consistent accuracy wise with the five inch. This is probably due to the better trigger on the classic. Single action is crisp and consistent. I'm sure with a little stoning and maybe a spring change the six inch could be as good or better. The gun will be used for casual plinking and possibly deer hunting. I would not be confident over forty or fifty yards with open sights. At this range the velocity difference is probably a non factor. Which do you guys prefer and why? Thanks for any advice/suggestions.

 

[twodog max]

I would keep the 5 incher. Better trigger = better shooting in my book. However I if it were me I would keep both

 

[Harryo]

I believe that the trigger is the difference in accuracy as well. Maybe the six incher just needs to be shot more to smooth out. Both have the later endurance package and are non MIM. DA pulls are similar and the SA weights are close. The classic just seems to break more consistent. Doesn't feel like a trigger job, just a very good standard Smith trigger.

 

[Grayfox]

I have a thing for 5" N-frames and actually like the full underlug barrels. But that's just me.

 

[Graywolf586]

That would be a tough decision to make I want them both. I like the full lug barrel as I have a 586 6" but I like the feel of the 6" standard barrel guns also. It's a shame you need to let one go. They both look great but which ever one you keep you can't go wrong.

 

[Ashlander]

To me a Model 29 just doesn't look like a 29 with a full lug. And a 6" barrel seems to complete the "look." I'd go with the 6".

 

[jimbo728]

The 6" would go if I had to make that desision. My reasoning is it would be easier to replace. You dont see many 5" Classics out there.
Jim

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Is the -5 drilled and tapped for a scope base? Does it matter? One day, your eyesight could go and you might want an optic. (It happens).

 

[Harryo]

Doesn't seem to be an easy answer. They are both drilled and tapped. I use a small SIG red dot on my 610 but looking to keep the 44 open sights for now. Anybody recommend a good holster for the full underlug guns? I've carried/holstered the standard profile guns but not one like the classics. I've got 657's in both profiles and the full underlug gun doesn't get out much. That's a six or maybe 6.5" gun. Thanks for the input so far.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I like both for different reasons.

I can't guide you, my sympathies are for both.

You always regret selling down the road, just sayin...

 

[grip frame]

Keep the six inch and sell me the five!

Seriously though, when shooting my 6" 629 against my 5" 629 classic it is easy to tell that the 5" has less barrel flip/recoil. All aspects considered I much prefer the 5" classic.

I have room for both in my safe however and if you are a N frame .44 mag fan you must do the right thing and keep both of them, or you may regret it at a later date. Neither of those models are growing on trees these days. You can do no better than a -5 or -6 in a 29 IMO.