What barrel length for a model 629?

[dentodoc]

I am looking to acquire a Model 629 Smith and Wesson .44 magnum. I am searching for opinions as to whether the 3 inch or 4 inch model 629 is the better model. The gun will be primarily used for carry and self-defence while hiking and camping in the mountains of Colorado, or as a back-up while hog-hunting in Texas. I am somewhat concerned with weight. Is the 3 inch gun significantly lighter? I might add that I will not be using this gun as a primary hunting firearm. I have rifles for that purpose. Thanks for the opinions.

[Playboypenguin]

It is easier to manuever and I like the looks of it better.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/PlayboyPenguin/Handgun%20collection/SWm629.jpg

[LHB1]

Go with whichever barrel length you like best. My preference on S&W M629 Classics for general shooting is 5" full lug barrel or for hunting is 6.5" full lug barrel with 2X Leupold EER scope. I had an M629 with 4" barrel that was very nice. Unfortunately, a house burglar took it. When I went to replace it, I fell in love with the M629 Classic 5" gun and liked it even more. I never own or shoot any pistol with less than a 4 inch barrel, but that is strictly my personal preference. Good luck with your choice.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

[Stainz]

I prefer th 4" size - and, particularly, the MG version - at 39.5 oz. Actually, the standard SKU #163603 4" 629 only weighs in at 2 oz more, but includes RR front & W/O rear sights, vs the MG's blk/blk, and both a larger hammer and trigger, too, making it my current favorite. The Hogue made-for-S&W .500 Magnum grips cover the backstrap with absorptive rubber - an aid to lessening recoil. Shown with it is a 6" version - SKU #163606 - at another 4 oz - but still, a great pointer/shooter.

The ammo shown, from L-R, is a 240gr LSWC @ 700 fps .44 Russian, a 200gr Gold Dot JHP @ 875 fps .44 Special, a 300gr LSWC @ 850 fps .44 Magnum, and a 240gr SJHP @ 1200+ fps .44 Magnum - all fit and shoot well from the 629's... just shoot long cases (.44M) first. Those 200gr GDJHP's, by GA Arms (Brass cased vesion of the Al-cased CCI Blazers), are a great SD round when 2-legged predators exist.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/Stainz_2007/IMG_0214.jpg

Stainz

[PzGren]

Even though my personal preference for shooting a 629 is the 5" Classic with the full lug, there is a reason why the 4" is the most popular version. A 4" Mounatain gun would probably be perfect for you - if you find one.


You also gain about 100 fps over the 3" version.

[44 AMP]

Based on your already expressed opinion, but here goes anyway.

6" (or 5") if you must. I would not go under 4" for any reason. I am not a fan of short barreled magnum revolvers. The bulk of a revolver is in the frame, cylinder, and grips, so a couple of inches of barrel doesn't make a lot of difference, at least not as much as frame/cylinder size does.

To me, the whole point of choosing a magnum handgun is to get magnum power. Going with a short barrel defeats the purpose, to a large extent. You have already chosen a large handgun, not well suited for a CCW, and for holster wear, the longer barrel really isn't a serious disadvantage. And, you get benefits when it comes to shooting.

Longer sight radius for one, and most importantly (after power) is the added weight for controlability, and the reduced muzzle blast (further away from your face).

I have fired a 2.5" M29, and while very pleasant with reduced loads, it was one of the most unpleasant pistols I have ever fired when using full house ammo, and even with Pachmyr grips I would not consider using heavy loads in it. Besides very violent recoil and blast, the gun had a strong torque, so much so that it laid over sideways with hot ammo.

Only you can decide which is the most important to you, but for me, I would pack a few ounces more weight, in order to get the full advantage from my gun.

I would recommend, if at all possible, that you find a range, or a friend, that has a gun like the one you are considering, and fire it a few times. It will be an eye opening experience. Especially with full house ammo.

The real drawback to magnum (especially .44 Magnum) snub guns (and anything under 4" is a snub in .44 Mag) is that they are real beasts to shoot, so people seldom shoot them enough (with full power ammo) to get good with them, and when you need a gun like that, you need to be good with it. And what most people wind up with is a gun they carry a lot, but have shot very little, not the optimum choice for a defense gun.

If you are concerned primarily with defense against humans (which are still the most dangerous things in the woods) a .357 Mag would be a better choice, still a handful in a small revolver, but not as brutal as the .44 Mag.

Also, if you get a longer barreled revolver, and after carrying it for a season or so, and you are certain that it isn't what you want, sell or trade it for what you want. That way, you will have a sound experience base for your judgement. It does boil down to what you want, but you asked for opinions, and you got mine.

I hope you enjoy and get good service from your choice, what ever it is.

[ch47gunner]

I have the 629 Classic w/ 5" barrel.
I bought it specifically for a "field gun" and it works extremely well for that purpose. However, if I had it to do over again I'd have gone a different route.
First - I'd have gotten the Mountain Gun model instead of the Classic. The full lug, on the Classic may not be that much difference in weight but, after a full day of fly-fishing, the gun weighs a ton.
Second - I'd have gotten the 4" barrel. Nobody makes a holster specifically for the 5" barrel. Either the 4" or 6" barrel - no problem. I had to have a holster/gunbelt custom made, for the 5" barrel, by Black Hills Leather.
My two cents.

[neight]

"The bulk of a revolver is in the frame, cylinder, and grips, so a couple of inches of barrel doesn't make a lot of difference, at least not as much as frame/cylinder size does."

i agree w/ this 100% ... i have the 4" model 29, and it is just about right. balances correctly. weighs right at about 40 oz. however, it is definitely bulkier than a mid-frame .357, and there's no way you can change that cause the cylinder is as small as it can be w/ 6 shots of .44 diameter bullets.

i dont really use the gun as a "magnum," either ... mostly shoot hard cast lead bullets at mid-range velocities (around 900-1000 fps). if you're buying a .44 for full-power .44 magnum ammo ... id get a longer barrel than 4".

[Zombie Steve]

I agree with 44 AMP. I live, hike, backpack et cetera in the Colorado Rockies, and although I own a 6.5" model 29, I carry a 4" 686 / .357 mag in the hills, and feel very adequately armed with 158 gr loads. If weight is your issue, I'd look in to one of these. Although you MIGHT see a black bear and probably won't ever see a cougar, your biggest concern will definitely be the 4-legged varmits, as usual.:D No Grizzlys here, btw...

[Magnum.35744]

How you both like those locks on your S&W's...they ever give you problems? Beautiful guns, take care.

-Tre

[Ozzieman]

Since there is only 50 to 75 FPS difference per inch of barrel length what you get by increasing the length of the barrel is not so much energy but increased sight length. A longer barrel will show slight deviations better than a short barrel.
Look at the positive features of each length and how it will work for you. I have a 629 in 3 inch with the non fluted chamber like the one shown above. I am experienced enough and have shot enough rounds that I don’t mind the recoil of the gun even though the second round time can be a bit much.
Personally I think you’re asking more of a gun than just one can provide.
44 MAG is a great hunting round, great for wild pigs and at short ranges deer. But what makes it great is the ability to hand load rounds that are monster rounds and there are so many bullet choices that it staggers the mind. But these are something I wouldn’t shoot in the Smith.
Caring a 6 inch N frame Smith is difficult in winter but almost impossible in summer concealed. I am sure people here will say that they do it all the time but let’s face it a 3 inch you can hide in the belt as long as you have room in the pants, but a 6 inch? Well, what do you say to the bad guy, “Wait one minute while I pull this sucker out!”
Shoulder holster? Do you really want that much weight on you shoulder all day.
You need to look more at how you are going to use the gun than what gun you should buy. Once you have answered that question then you can look at what gun fills your need.
“laid over sideways with hot ammo.”

I have shot a lot through the 4 44 mag guns that I have owned including a Ruger super black hawk and never once did I or any one else experience the “Laid over sideways”.
This is a two handed gun and if it was that bad there wouldn’t be that many people drooling over big framed revolvers. And what would 2 inches of barrel make any difference in the gun going over sideways.
Yes there is torque, but with a good two handed hold its ease to control even for a snub. I have much smaller gun, much smaller that shoot 44 sp and factory are no problem in them and they weigh ¼ of a 629.
For hunting I would agree with most here, go with the longer the better. But if you’re caring it and that sounds like that is going to be your biggest use then get what you find easiest to carry and what fits you the best and ignore the rest.
And if the 44 mag is to much, shove it full of factor 44 specials, they have the same energy as a 45 ACP, should be enough.

[Playboypenguin]

How you both like those locks on your S&W's...they ever give you problems?
I have a half dozen or so S&W guns that I fire regularly and I have never had a single issue with the locks. Just like I have never had the safety on an auto break on me.

[Stainz]

Magnum.35744,

From rodent flatulance to real .44 Magnums, and despite thousands upon thousands of rounds sent downrange, my IL-equipped revolvers have been trouble free. They include: 66, two 625's, two 629's, 642, and a 686+.

Stainz