It's gonna be a Smith

River Rat

The Mrs. (Wyoming Woman) and I were up in the Big City yesterday, doing our "Ma & Pa Kettle" imitation, and at one point we had a chance for her to handle a big 4" stainless S&W in .44 mag. She needs a bear gun, and we're going through a process of elimination to see what brand feels best in her hand. Length of pull can be an issue for her.

Well, she liked the feel of it. We weren't buying that day -- what the heck, ol' Ephraim will be denned up for months, and so will we -- but the used price wasn't too bad. Especially considering no sales tax in MT. Wish I could find one in .41 mag, but they are in high demand.

So it looks like her new shooter will be a "Smiff." Can anyone comment on pros, cons, ammo loadings, etc.? I know it won't be as bombproof as a Ruger, but it should be all she needs. And recoil doesn't bother her.

Guess I'll start saving pennies.

woodhog

I'd sure let her shoot what she picks out first, if possible.At least caliber-wise.

Laredo Lefty

The 4" Smith 629 will have more muzzle whip than the same gun with 6" tube. I have a 4" 629, very nice gun. Last time I shot it I used old Super X 240 grain Lubaloy rounds, they are very hot.

If she can handle the 4", thats great, its easier to carry that the 6". I would use bullets no lighter than 240 grain.

River Rat

Thanks, gentlemen. She's familiar with big magnums, and for reasons I can't explain is not fazed by recoil. Myself, I'm a wimp when it comes to the more "flinchy" cartridges. And this will not be a regular shooter, but rather a trail gun.

Agreed on the bullet size. They'll probably be 300 gr. hard cast, Buffalo Bore or similar stuff. I might look into 240s.

Still hoping a .41 mag turns up. She used to shoot that cartridge for plinking, in my old Blackhawk.

Jorge

Recoil? What recoil?

N Frame's in .44 Magnum recoil is not bad at all.

Riomouse911

Since she's going to be the recipient, I'd do what the other poster said and let her shoot it to see of she likes it.

Factory loads I'd use in your shoes include the Winchester partition gold 250 gr round or the Corbon or Barnes 225 gr X bullet loads. Buffalo Bore has good loads, but some might be too long for the S&W cylinder.

shilowar

I love mine...

BUCKAWHO

I'll add my .02.....use bullets of at least 240 gr. out of a four-incher. BT

jesnlsn

if shooting a 4" 44 magnum over and over doesn't get her flinchy then she is pretty tough. Tough enough to shoot whatever she wants I'd say.

that said I"ve found 6 1/2 inch model 29's aren't bad to carry around in the woods and you can still hit something with them out quite a ways.

Horse Plains Drifter

Very nice, ain't nuthin' better than a Smith & Smoker!![^][^] Is it a "Mountain Gun"?

remingtonoaks

If you have a 1911 and she likes shooting it, Buy a .460 Roland convertion. They have the same ballistics as a .44 mag

yoshmyster

If you can't find a S&W in .41 get the S&W 610 in 10mm/.40S&W. Figure the .41 and 10mm ammo price wise will be about the same and unless you roll your own limited on farm fresh. Forget about finding .41 Special [:D].

v35

300 grain bullets in a 4" barrel? Not for me.