629 vs Ruger Super Redhawk

michael minarik · May 2002

For me, I think the Ruger is a better weapon and virtually indistructible, abit heavier, a lot uglier and will digest FULL POWER 44 MAG LOADS with more alacrity than any 629 and not TORTURE THE WEB of your shooting hand. So why do more people bid on a 629 rather than the Ruger SuperRedhawk? Don't believe me check the bids on 629's and Ruger SuperRedhawks on this site?

JimmyJack · May 2002

You hit it! Heavier and uglier. I have one of both, and the Smith is still the gun to want for.

William81 · May 2002

The Smith's trigger is much smoother also. At least that has been my experience.

.250Savage · May 2002

One word: refinement. I love the Ruger products, but they are tools, and tools only. Like the jack I use to change a flat, they have precious little romance. Smiths, on the other hand, have a single-action trigger pull, ESPECIALLY in this day and age of litigation lawyers, that will give you a woody. They harken back to the day when gunmaking was considered an art form, when it was accepted that the soul of the samurai(sp?) was in his sword. Now, of course, the lawyers tell us we must have 40 pound trigger pulls and locks on our guns...

I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.--Voltaire~Secret Select Society Of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~

vol fan · May 2002

629

______________________

Charter member of the vast right wing conspiracy

Pup · May 2002

I once had a 629 with the six inch barrel. Notice I said "once". After less than 100 rounds the cylider release flew off and the screw wouldn't stay in unless it was Locktighted. The rear sight hold down screw also came loose and needed repeated tightening. One chamber must have been off center, because the gun would always throw one round about 2" outside of the others at 25 yards, even with various loads. Single action wasn't too bad, but the double action sucked....period. Went to a gun show and traded it for a Ruger Super Redhawk and never looked back. All six chambers throw the lead where it's supposed to go, double action is actually quite good, and the extra heft helps with recoil under full loads. The grips are much more comfortable. After working the single action a couple of hundred times by placing a snap cap in the chamber and, using thumb preassure against the hammer, releasing the trigger the result is a most improved SA pull. As far as cosmetics go, I feel the Ruger's have a more serious business-like look to them than do the 'Smiths. If I want graceful lines and a pretty sheen I'll rent a ballerina. Besides, I think the Rugers are plenty gracefull, in a manly sorta way

Politicians, like diapers, should be changed often and for the same reason.

dheffley · May 2002

That's sad! I owned both, but now only own the 629. The Ruger was a very good gun, but I liked the S&W better. That and what .250savage said.....

Save, research, then buy the best.Join the NRA, NOW!Teach them young, teach them safe, teach them forever, but most of all, teach them to VOTE!

buddyb · May 2002

I too have both.I loaded some hot loads and shot a cylinder full in the Smith.It did shoot them,but it seemed I may be abusing a fine gun.The Ruger shot them and loved it and I doubt I can abuse the Ruger with causing an explosion.

glb243 · May 2002

I have a 629 Classic Deluxe with an 8 3/8 pipe. Several words come to mind whenever I carress it;" Precision, Craftsmanship, Refinement, and Class." Ruger certainly makes excellent firearms, but after comparing the two, side by side, I decided to increase my Smith collection.

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."-Benjamin Franklin

rokkmann · May 2002

While the smith 629 is a nice looking handgun,I think i will stick with my ulgy duckling Ruger Super Redhawk in the mighty 454 Casull.The smith 629 can't match that.

rg666 · May 2002

Although the 629 is a MUCH finer looking gun the words "All show & no go" seem to come to mind. The Ruger on the other hand is brutish looking and performing. Gotta go with the brute. Ruger. RG

aby80 · May 2002

I like my 629. The Ruger is too big and heavy for me. I had to change the factory grips on the 629 because the checkering cut my hand. I had to change the factory grips that came on my 686 because of the same reason.

glb243 · May 2002

Hey comrads, I've got nothing against Ruger, and there is no doubt in my mind who makes the stronger handgun.I've just always liked the Smith shape and feel. But as far as a single action, I would look no further than Ruger. Can't we all just get along?

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."-Benjamin Franklin

gunpaq · May 2002

Have both the 629 and SuperRedhawk and like both equally for particular individual characteristics of the guns. If I had to pick one to keep for a life or death survival ordeal it would be the Ruger. Every 150 rounds on the pretty 629 and everything has to be retightened but the ugly Ruger takes a lickin and keeps on tickin with no tightening or other corrective maintenance needed.

Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.

Rembrandt · May 2002

Ruger frames are not drop forged like the Smith...hence the bulkier frame to add strength. While both are fine guns, the Smith has more asthetic appeal and smoother factory actions/triggers. Resale value is better on the Smith, perhaps the "Dirty Harry" image adds to that. Thankfully Smith does not publish their entire owners manual on each gun like Ruger....in short, Ruger was not my first choice...I've been very happy with my Performance Center 629, here's a picture of the gun and grips.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/sport/images/performance/m657ch.jpg

http://www.smith-wesson.com/sport/engraving/graphics/standard/lazerde1.jpg

idsman75 · May 2002

Rembrandt--The sight of that gun is better than a Playboy Centerfold on the back of the door of the bar.

SSG idsman75, U.S. ARMY

Pup · May 2002

Rembrandt....While I do enjoy reading your posts I must disagree with your statement that the Smiths have more asthetic appeal than do the Ruger Redhawks/Super Redhawks. After reading this post and it's responses I got out my SR and took a hard, cold, mean look at it. Fell in love all over again. I'll give the fact that the Smith 29/629 is a fine looking piece of machinery, but for me it just doesn't convey the same feelings of complete trust in the long term reliability and function that my Ruger gives me. Maybe it's just me, but whenever I see that flimsy looking little topstrap and huge sideplate with the little screws I can't help but think of the word "dainty". I suppose if the Smith design were faulty in any way we would have heard about it by now, but as stated earlier in this post the example I owned wasn't worth a plug Jennings (no offense intended toward the bayonet-equipped version owned by our own supermonkey). As for the entire Ruger vs. Smith arguement goes I reckon it'll rival that of the Chevy vs. Ford one, although we all know that Chevy easily wins that one hands down All I can say for certain is that I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of either one of these beasts...... even if the Smith is on a leash

Politicians, like diapers, should be changed often and for the same reason.

smokinggun · May 2002

629

BNRVA@aol.com

Edited by - smokinggun on 05/10/2002 00:55:40

Rembrandt · May 2002

Pup,
I probably should have added "it has more asthetic appeal to me"...those kind of things are usually a matter of personal taste...your right, very similar to the Ford-Chevy loyalty debates....but remember which one Harry Callahan chose, the 629 just "makes my day" ....and yes, I'm a Chevy fan....

Otoman · May 2002

Rembrandt, That is one good looking 629, How much have you got wrapped up in it if I may ask....OTO

KIMBER: Pistol du jour

Rembrandt · May 2002

...with the lazer engraved grips, about $1000.....I think the 629 with detach comp was a Lew Horton exclusive. Found it at Scheels in Iowa City.....

leeblackman · May 2002

Between the two, I'd have to get a S&W Performance Center 629. I'm spoiled, the standard factory one just wouldn't cut it. Wouldn't get a Redhawk, cause they don't have a Performance Center....

I just wish I had a dollar for every gun I wanted, then I'd be a rich man.

idsman75 · May 2002

de gustibus non est disputandum

Anyhow, I must say that the Smith 629 that Sir Rembrandt holds in his hand truly looks like a piece of artwork. I would take it to the field with me before I took the Ruger. I like the trigger pull on a Smith and it is such a beautiful piece to own. There is also a great heritage behind S&W revolvers. I know I will never part with my 686.

With that being said, I'd take the Ruger to combat before I took the Smith provided that I could sneak my own personal firearm to combat if duty would call. The utter indestructability and reliability of the Ruger is unparalleled by any other in my opinion. I would enjoy the Smith for the field and for aesthetic value. I would trust my life to the Ruger.

My 686 w/6" barrel is only a .357 magnum but I have a very memorable shooting experience associated with it. It is the first and only magnum-caliber handgun that my father has fired. I'll never forget that afternoon at the indoor range when he first pulled the trigger. He said something like, "Man, that thing really speaks." I love it.
SSG idsman75, U.S. ARMY

Edited by - idsman75 on 05/11/2002 05:30:13

629 vs Ruger Super Redhawk

Comments