Opinions about S&W 629s
Nanuq907
Member Posts: 2,551 ✭✭✭✭
OK gents, I came that close (holding up fingers real close together) to winning a S&W 629-6 last night. It had a nice short 3" barrel, nearly full length underlug, unfluted cylinder, and now that I'm reading more I realize I should have bid higher. Apparently it was a Lew Horton limited run piece. But it had a big old hole on the side above the cylinder release, now I see that was for a key. This was a "post-lock" gun.
So what are your thoughts about these beauties? I like rare models so the Lew Horton is right up my alley. The unfluted cylinder looks okay, unusual. But I think I'd like one without that lock feature. One less thing to break. And it's sorta ugly.
So if I want a short barrel .44mag for a bear gun, what should I look for? I'm thinking pre-lock 2.5" or 3" in stainless, but what else should I look for? I'm also not opposed to the Super Redhawk "Alaska" 44mag being from Alaska and all. Heck I might be convinced toward a 50mag in a short barrel.
Let's hear your opinions! Help spend my money!
Comments
I would look at the Smith &Wesson night guard series. I have the 44 mag and here is a 357 on the auction side right now.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/archive-model-329-night-guard
here is the 44 that I have.
Short barreled magnums are good for one well aimed shot, in a situation requiring a fast second in DA, expect to miss. IMHO, I am no fan of short magnums.
Own a 29 in 8,3/8, a SRH Casull 6" and a 500 7". My first shot should take out any threat. Can get a second shot off DA with a high probability of a hit with the 500 7" and a longer barrel, but not one in 3''. Same with the Casull,
Yes I have fired 3" 500s and the first shot was in the black. Since it was evening, the muzzle flash would have made a second shot impossible due to temp blindness. IMHO weight is insignificant. The probability of a second hit with a longer barrel is more important than a light snubby.
Aftercall we are talking about self defense, not sex.
Short barrels maybe for a .38 but not for me with a magnum. You loose the purpose of the magnum for energy .
http://ballisticsbytheinch.com/
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/913167402
Here is the one I wold like, although I would like the blued/wood stock version better. As far as cylinders go, to me six guns have fluted cylinders. Non fluted cylinders just look goofy to me. Oh, and by the way, no locks for me.
I have shot a 4" 460 S&W, and while it was a handful, I liked it. My thoughts were that it would make an excellent woods gun, but it was something that I was not going to spend an afternoon shooting.
Here ya go, how about this one? 😗
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/910835715
Didn't we go through this a couple months ago? I'm partial to my super Redhawk Alaskan in 44, they come in short or longer barrel, I have the shorter.
yes we did ruger, don't you remember you were supposed to send it to me for a short safety breakin period, no more than a few years..........
hillbille ha! I have already broken it in right here at home, but put me in for the giveaway you're having on the smith...😁
If you are looking for a "bear defense" gun.............you might consider 10mm. I know it is not a revolver and not particularly special........but I have heard it is potent bear medicine. Follow up shots would be relatively easy.
I’ve the 2 1/2” Performance Center 629. It’s a handful with full power loads. Grips make a big difference.
Look for an older 629 Mountain Revolver. They have a slim 4" barrel, no lock and are easy to carry and shoot. Mine shoots my hard cast handloads well and is not all that bad to control with full house loads.
This is a nice one
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/913167402
I'm quite comfortable with this, 5.5" with Bianchi cross draw, express sights(for these old eyes). 305g hardcast in the woods
I still have my 629 Classic in 6 1/2 inch. Wouldn't want the barrel shorter.
Sounds just like the one I took my Idaho moose with.
Alright that's a lot of good opinion, thanks all, I appreciate your time.
No guns with locks for me.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I would look at the 460 you can shoot 45 colt, 454 casull and 460 Smith out of it. If you use hot 45 colt the recoil is very manageable out of that gun and the hot 45's will match or exceed 44 mag.
If your worried about the lock it is easy enough to take out and the is a couple companies that sells plugs for the holes that don't look too bad
Well here is a Wesson, Dan Wesson. One of the old original Monson, Mass. guns with a 4" heavy barrel. It's going pretty cheap and it is in great shape. Yes it is a .44 Magnum.
Dan Wesson 44 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 913620231
I also have a long barrel Ruger SRH in .480. The recoil is more of a shove than a snap. They made a short barrel version, the Alaskan, accordingly.
I've had quite a few 29/629's over the years, and currently only have one 629. It's a 6" classic hunter with a full lug and unfluted cylinder. IMO, if you think that you need a 44 for protection, then you should do your homework on the 44 mag. Short barrels (four inch or less) are nice for carrying on the hip, but aren't nearly as effective as longer 6" or so versions for protection. Check out the attachment, and you will see the difference. With a Federal 240 jhp, the 3" vs. 6" barrels, there is a difference of almost 300 fps, but the main difference is the amount of energy, 640 for the 3", and over 1,000 with the 6". That's over 50% more energy, which in a situation that you might only be able to get one shot off on target, could make all the difference..JMO.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html
I see what you did there. 😃 Nice pistol.
OK :
Own a 4" 629 , P&R , have several folks slobbering over it ! Have the understanding that less than 1000 left the factory in this configuration ? Really nice , but a loud handfull !
Thanks !!!
I Grew Old Too Fast (And Smart Too damn Slow !!!) !!!