Will I have trouble going to a Model 29 from my Model 19?

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

when I was 18 I went from a .22 Supermatic Citation to a 44 Super Blackhawk and never looked back

 

[jeffrefrig]

I have no .357 anymore to compare, but as I have cried before about is the darned trigger guard trying to break the knuckle on my middle finger! I have the 3rd set of rubbers coming this week, which look like they will keep the finger back from the guard. I can handle the rubber beating on my palm, plus if it starts bothering me I have a padded glove that doesn't bother my shooting. I'm sure I could handle wood as far as my palm/thumb web is concerned; I just need the right fit 1st. As stated, the .44 specials are darned pleasant to shoot. My hand cannon is a 629-6, 6" barrel, and is scary accurate for me from the 25 yard line; just the pain in my driving finger! Good luck!

 

[Bullet Bob]

.44 magnum; too powerful for a handgun, not powerful enough for a rifle.

That's from a Gun Digest handgun reviewer in the 50's or 60's, I'm getting old.

I used to have an American Rifleman magazine when the mightly .44 first came out, and they complained about the recoil. Charles Askins Jr. later wrote an article accusing them of having lace on their underwear.

So; lots of opinions, only one way to find out for yourself. I think every red-blooded American has to have at least one. Even an old and feeble guy like myself who only shoots .44 Special level loads in mine. For whatever personal reason, when I was a stronger guy, I found a long-tubed model 57 .41 magnum comfortable, but the .44 Magnum was just more work.

 

[dave1918a2]

Never owned a 19 Myself. Had a 66 shorty for awhile. Also had a nice 6 inch 28. Only thing wrong was the caliber started with a 3.Shoot a bunch of heavy stuff through it. Build up that Magnum Hand as I call it and You will never look back to a 3 again, until You reach at least 80. My revolvers start with a 2 or a 4 and go up from there. Semi's start with a 1 and go to a 3.

 

[dsf]

I love my Model 19-3 snub-nose. It has good firepower, good accuracy and surprisingly mild recoil (though it does have a good kick with Federal 158 grain JSP). That aside, ever since I saw the Dirty Harry movies, I've always wanted a Model 29. I wonder, though: will going to that big bad .44 cause me a lot of trouble compared to my compact .357? I mean, I am a pretty big guy (5'10" and about 235 lb the last I checked), and I do a decent amount of strength training at the gym.

Just don't use that two handed hold like Clint did and you should be fine - what barrel length are you getting?

I have the 3", 6.5" and 8 3/8" versions and the longer barrel is easier to shoot. I don't mind a bit of limp wristing in a revolver. I learned to let the gun bounce a bit in recoil shooting single shot handgun T/Cs in 405 Winchester, 375 H&H, 45/70 and 350 Rem Mag among others. Don't overdue it, but relax a bit.

And remember, flinching doesn't make the gun recoil less.

 

[GSP Fan]

I have both, the M19's are 4" and the M29 is 6.5". The 29 being a bigger and heavier gun will make up for some recoil. Start with light special loads and work up to the full magnum loads. If you reload this shouldn't pose an issue.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Your choice of grips is everything, and will depend on your hand size. With proper grips, mag loads should be no problem. If they actually hurt, STOP. Don't fire even a second round if the first one hurts. A M19 snub with mag loads and wrong grips will hurt your hand faster than a M29, unless your M29 grips are just as bad or worse.

Most of the best grips are made by Pachmayr, although they, too, make plenty that are unsuitable for you.

 

[minconrevo]

Too many full .44 mags fired over too many years will wreck your hands/wrists/arms. It takes more than several to do that but it has been done. Friend of my did it and now cannot shoot any centerfire pistol. Well fitting grips, rubber or wood, are essential. Not just looking "pretty" but truly minimizing recoil in your hands. A .44 mag is a pleasure to shoot with a lighter load, such as 9.0 gr of Unique under 240 gr. lead SWC.

You'll find that 29 will sag your belt down much more than a 19. A properly fitting shoulder holster makes those big N frames a bit more comfortable to tote for protracted periods.

 

[MagnumForce73]

Just don't use that two handed hold like Clint did and you should be fine - what barrel length are you getting?

I have the 3", 6.5" and 8 3/8" versions and the longer barrel is easier to shoot. I don't mind a bit of limp wristing in a revolver. I learned to let the gun bounce a bit in recoil shooting single shot handgun T/Cs in 405 Winchester, 375 H&H, 45/70 and 350 Rem Mag among others. Don't overdue it, but relax a bit.

And remember, flinching doesn't make the gun recoil less.

First of all, I'd like to say thanks to everybody for all the insights. I feel more confident about being able to handle a Model 29 now. Also, to answer this question: I was thinking of going for the 8 3/8" version.

 

[Donn]

I've got both, (my 19's a 4 inch barrel). True, the 29's a bit ill mannered compared to the 19, it's no biggie. You'll get used to it in no time.

 

[cowboy4evr]

If you're used to shooting semi auto's , having both arms like 2 stiff boards out in front of you then " YES " , you will complain about recoil . Loosen your arms , bend your elbows slightly and let the recoil come all the way back into your body . Then you will enjoy the 44 mag in a S&W 29 , be it 4" barrel or 6.5" . I use the smaller wooden grips so they don't print under my clothing and yes as a reloader I do load full magnum . Once I learned to shoot it with the smaller grips I have no problem , even with the full magnum loads in my 29 w/4" barrel . Relax, have fun . Regards Paul

 

[jimmyj]

When I was a rural county deputy I carried a S&W Model 29 4". I used .44 specials silvertips in the first two chambers and .44 magnums JHP in the other four chambers.
I was from the "Old School" that carried your service weapon off duty also.
My backup on and off duty was a Charter Arms .44 Bulldog 3".
Off duty I wore a loose fitting outer shirt or vest/jacket.
The model 29 in a close fitting pancake style holster with a good leather 1.75" belt was comfortable off duty.