[DARKSHADOW]

Thank you for the replies so far guy's.

[countrygun]

Originally Posted by DARKSHADOW

Thank you for the replies so far guy's.

Well i didn't offer much advice, so I'll make up for that now.

I think the caliber is great for a handloader and IMO most of the factory loads are a bit more than is really practically needed. I find a 240 gn or better at 1,100 to 1,200 fps will take anything in Oregon as far as I feel comfortable pointing a pistol at it. That is why I have stuck to the more "standard" models. I find them to be just fine with the handloads I use. Saves more money for more lead and powder too.

[I Shooter]

My understanding was that he carried the 8 3/8. All though in some of the shots it looked like a 6".

[barth]

Originally Posted by rilkil23

So you have four barrels for that one as well?

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by I Shooter

My understanding was that he carried the 8 3/8. All though in some of the shots it looked like a 6".

It was both. They used both barrel lengths in the Dirty Harry movies.

[hogship]

Originally Posted by DARKSHADOW

I'm Christmas shopping for my self, and I would like to get a S&W in .44 magnum, and the 629's have caught my eye.
I've been leaning towards the 629 competitor with a 6" barrel, or the Stealth Hunter with a 7.5" barrel.
I like the 629 V-comp, but not fond of the 4" barrel.

Also the Competitor and the Hunter look to have a weaver mount built into the gun, and this I like for mounting a reflex sight.

Anybody have any experience with any of these model's, and care to share your opinion?

For some of us, the pre-lock is the only 629 that will be acceptable. I'm in that camp. From a collector's point of view, the pre-lock Smiths will always hold a higher value, and will be more desirable.

This is not to say newer Smiths are not good revolvers.......it's a personal preference many of us hold.

My 629-2 is a pretty stiff recoiler with 300g cast bullets.......but, a handy packable woods gun that can stop big bears with a bad attitude, is it's sole purpose for me. With these loads, the Pachmayr grips are a must, although I do prefer them on any revolver, except those intended for ccw.

It would be a pretty good range shooter with light loads, but since I have several 357 revolvers, I don't bother.......

[barth]

Originally Posted by hogship

For some of us, the pre-lock is the only 629 that will be acceptable. I'm in that camp. From a collector's point of view, the pre-lock Smiths will always hold a higher value, and will be more desirable.

This is not to say newer Smiths are not good revolvers.......it's a personal preference many of us hold.

My 629-2 is a pretty stiff recoiler with 300g cast bullets.......but, a handy packable woods gun that can stop big bears with a bad attitude is it's sole purpose for me. With these loads, the Pachmayr grips are a must, although I do prefer them on any revolver, except those intended for ccw.

It would be a pretty good range shooter with light loads, but since I have several 357 revolvers, I don't bother.......

All four of my S&W revolvers are pre lock.
I will not own a lock S&W revolver.
Although my 629-2 is a tack driver.
I prefer my 65-3 3" 357 heavy barrel for carry and range.

[rilkil23]

Originally Posted by barth

Fantastic Sir, well played..................

[countrygun]

Originally Posted by hogship

.

That is the twin, belt and holster, to my "foul weather rig" around here. I went with a speed loader pouch (rigid leather-looking plastic) and a nylon ammo loop carrier.


I sometimes switch out the 629 for a model 58 though

[Roger1079]

For a range toy have you considered the S&W 500? I have had people 10 lanes away stop to ask what kind of shotgun I am shooting just to look extremely confused when all they see is a huge revolver when they walk up.

[ArmoryDoc]

The 629 Classic is such a beautiful gun. Mines a range toy and bear defense. Living in Kansas it only sees the range.

[gatorboy]

Originally Posted by AudiGregg

My 629 is a 3" barrel, it kicks like a mule. I love it. Like Zombie Steve asked, what do you have planned for it?

Got a fluted one of these, awsome, weighs less or very close to my 686+. It's a beast!

Originally Posted by bac1023

I have a 5" 629 Classic and love it.
I'd get an older model without the lock.

Got an unfluted full lug 5". Would go up to 6" half-lug if it were for hunting or range only.

I think 4-5" is a great woods gun but the 3" will do the job for SD against about anything and it's bad ass. I vote 4" fluted half-lug.

[DARKSHADOW]

Originally Posted by Roger1079

For a range toy have you considered the S&W 500? I have had people 10 lanes away stop to ask what kind of shotgun I am shooting just to look extremely confused when all they see is a huge revolver when they walk up.

Lol, no thank you. Macho is fine, but that is too macho for me. I want something I can load more than once before I'm done with it for the day.

[Haldor]

Originally Posted by Arc Angel

Ain't that the damnedest thing! In a lifetime of pistol shooting I have never found a better balanced pistol than the S&W Model 29 with a 1/4 lugged 8 3/8's inch barrel. It points just like an extension of your arm! It's nice to find someone who, also, appreciates what Smith's older long barreled Model 29 is actually worth!

I have that exact same pistol (Model 29-4). Very nice shooting iron. It came with the nice wooden target stocks, but the rubber grips are much nicer for shooting.



I actually picked up a belt holster for it. What a dumb idea that was. Should have got a cross draw rig like this.

[ithaca_deerslayer]

Originally Posted by CajunBass

I don't know about the 629, but I really like my 29-2. It's got a bit of a kick with Magnum ammo, so frankly, I shoot mostly 44 special ammo in it. With that it's an easy shooter.

I've gone through this thread carefully from top to bottom, looking at all the entrants.

I award your revolver the blue ribbon

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by CajunBass

I don't know about the 629, but I really like my 29-2. It's got a bit of a kick with Magnum ammo, so frankly, I shoot mostly 44 special ammo in it. With that it's an easy shooter.

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

I've gone through this thread carefully from top to bottom, looking at all the entrants.

I award your revolver the blue ribbon

Hey, I've got one of those too.

[K.Kiser]

......

[gatorboy]

Originally Posted by bac1023

Hey, I've got one of those too.

Man, that's a beauty! Awsome bluing. I'd still shoot it with mid-power 240's every day, twice on July 4TH.

[NeverMore1701]

Since we're on 29s now...
8 3/8" nickle 29-2:

[DARKSHADOW]

Originally Posted by ArmoryDoc

The 629 Classic is such a beautiful gun. Mines a range toy and bear defense. Living in Kansas it only sees the range.

Is that a 5" barrel?

I stoped by the local indoor range on the way home from work today and they had a used 629 full lug with a 7" or 7.5" barrel. It looked to be in pretty good shape, but it did feel a bit long.
They also had a 629 to rent with a 5" barrel, but the only ammo they had in stock was some hunting rounds at $35 for a box of 20. They said they would be getting in some less expensive ammo by the middle of next week, so I'll probably stop back in and put 50 down range to see how I like it. It felt a little short just holding it.

So I'm thinking a 6" may be the way to go, but we'll see.

Thanks again guy's.

[badge315]

Since it seems that this has evolved into a "Show us your S&W N-frames" thread, here's my 4" 29-3....

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by NeverMore1701

Since we're on 29s now...

Very nice

The 29 is a much more classy gun than the 629 could ever hope to be.

[bmoore]

Originally Posted by CajunBass

I don't know about the 629, but I really like my 29-2. It's got a bit of a kick with Magnum ammo, so frankly, I shoot mostly 44 special ammo in it. With that it's an easy shooter.

Beauty

[pennlineman]

My 29-2

[bac1023]

Very nice