44magnum showdown S&W29-5 VS. Colt Anaconda

c_diddy

c_diddy

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So, going to be stepping it up, and goin for a big boy 44! Have narrowed it down to an Anaconda and a black S&W 26-5.
Which one does everyone like more???
The Anaconda costs more, but may increase in value... The Model 29-5 is very nice too though for considerably less....
Would like some relevant opinions from ppl who may own or have shot either one. To these who dont own, which would they prefer and why?? :)
Thanks ahead!
 
Can't comment on the Colt, never shot one. Love my 629 and S&W's in general. Check out S&W's performance centre for some higher end revolvers.

IMG_6603.jpg
 
not to sure on revolver smiths in canada to fix colts, but I would stand behind a S&W any day for comfort of shooting and ease of repair "IF" it ever breaks thru m.d. charlton....
 
I've owned 2 29's a 8 3/8 and a 6 inch.. the 8 3/8 was a beast and a freaking cannon... 240 grain bullets at 1900 FPS... yowza... the backstop creaked everytime I shot... and the concussion standing beside it was pretty wicked too....

The 6 inch is just a little tamer and easier on the arms too... (better then a 1/2 pound lighter!)
 
Westicle & Paulinski, both got it right. And it's hard not to favour my Anaconda over the 629. The one and big reason to favour the S&W over the Colt, is the availability of warranty maintenance here in Canada.

This is one reason I shoot mostly .44 Special loads in the Colt.
As far as ergonomics, I give a slight nod in favour of the big Colt.
The decision on buying a magnum, however nice, when it's been discontinued, is 'less' of a wise investment IMHO. It's very hard to say which is better, as they both sit nice in one's hand! (Colt 6", S&W 5")
But the S&W has had more magnum rounds through it, just because I know gunsmith work, is just a phone call away, within our borders. A fine example is, if you break a mainspring on the N-frame, it's easy to find spares, not so with the Big Colt!
 
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I've had the opportunity to own a shoot several Colt DA revolvers, and I have disliked them all equally. I have never handled an Anaconda, though I doubt if Colt has abandoned its Python, Trooper, King Cobra grip shape. As nice as the Pyhton was the grip frame left me cold and the DA pull although light, felt squishy. S&W guns are to my eye much more appealing, generally have a superior DA pull, and in some examples have a longer cylinder which makes those of us who load very heavy bullets happier. My 195 gr SWC's loaded in .357 brass are too long for a King Cobra and trimming .357 brass to .38 length is tedious. Again I have not handled an Anaconda, but I wouldn't be surprised if the cylinder length was just enough for normal weight bullets.

I must admit I don't care for the S&W .44's though. My loads are heavy, and the hump back grip transfers the recoil to the palm of the hand far too enthusiastically, numbing the forearm and stiffening the hand in short order. SA grips handle big handgun recoil in a much friendlier manner. Having said that, I owned an early 61/2" nickel plated M-29 had the slickest action of any revolver I've ever owned.
 
The Ruger DA's are so big that they beg to be chambered for cartridges larger than the little .44 magnum. They do soak up recoil well, but I found that I prefer the feel of the older Redhawk solid wood grip to the wood and rubber combination grip of the SRH. The rubber and wood grip seems to smack me harder than the straight wood grip, not sure why.
 
I've shot them all and went for the Raging Bull. Just my preference but I feel the others can't stack up. A b!tch to order tho'. I have a .44 and a .357 and can shoot them both out to 200m off of a rest and hit decent sized targets. They are both really accurate and I love the feel. I have really big hands so that may be a factor with you. I also agree, Ruger, is spelled pus but with different letters.
 
I considered getting a Ruger in 44 Mag but instead got on a Dan Wesson.
Damn sweet gun! Accurate, heavy enough to soak up recoil (I don't load "special" rounds :p ) and just oh so ###y :dancingbanana: .

(E) :cool:
 
I have a S&W model 29 in 6 1/2" flavor. Made in 1957, had S&W research the serial number for me.

It is a tack driver, albeit a rather HUGE tack driver. I also have a Bianchi shoulder holster for it. Feels like you are wearing a tire jack. LOL

Colt is a reputable manufacturer. I have shot the Python and it is very smooth with a tight action. I imagine the Anaconda is just as good.

Depends, if its an investment you want go Colt, if its a shooter to have fun with, the S&W will last a lifetime.
 
I have the 29-5 and it is considered one of the best years for the 29 series. To find a -5 is a good thing. This model was designed as well to address the issues of heavy loads when compared to other 44's like the Rugers. The -5 was designed to handle heavier loads or at least thats what they claimed back in the day.

I believe the -5 was the first year of the Endurance Package.
 
MRCLARK said:
I have the 29-5 and it is considered one of the best years for the 29 series. To find a -5 is a good thing. This model was designed as well to address the issues of heavy loads when compared to other 44's like the Rugers. The -5 was designed to handle heavier loads or at least thats what they claimed back in the day.

I believe the -5 was the first year of the Endurance Package.
Click to expand...

Yes & No.....
29-3E: was the first Endurance Package & hardened yoke & frame, -4: new yoke retention system ,drill & tap for scope for 8 3/8 barrel -5: changed to longer stop cylinder notch,new bolt block.
 
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Another vote for the Smith. Here is my 29-4. Gonna get a set of Hogue Exotic Wood grips soon:

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if i had the money i wouldn't think twice about it and i would choose a Performance Center Smith and Wesson 629 with the weighted barrel

but for cheaper, if it was readily available the taurus raging bull in stainlless is really attractive for the price and i only heard good comment from their owners
 
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