Model 69 vs 629 44 Mag

I

idunno1987

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
56   0   0
Looking at parting with my 460v (getting a little expensive to feed, I don't reload unfortunately) and was wondering what peoples recommendations were on 44 mags

Model 69 is cheaper but there seems to be some second thoughts about feeding it full power loads all the time (which is what id be doing. come on stepping down from a 460 ;) )

Thanks in advance
 
The Mod 69 is an L frame 5 shot, the 629 is an N frame 6 shot. The frame of the 69 was designed for the continuous shooting of full power 357 loads, so I think we can predict that it's durability would be affected by constant 44 Mag loads. The early Model 29's also had issues with constant full power 44 mag loads, later M29/629's don't seem to have he issues that early ones did. It depends on how much shooting you plan to do. Recoil from the 69 will be fairly sharp, which might limit it's enjoyability. It's fair to note that even Elmer Keith didn't feed his guns a constant diet of full power 44 Magnum, and it was his cartridge.

PS - you really should reload for these beasts.
 
I look at the 69 as a perfect woods gun if you have an ATC. it is pretty powerful and compact and you will only use it when you have to (so probably not much). As a range toy, to me it is more of a 44 special with the option of shooting the occasional magnum round. The 4.2 629 is enough of a handful for me with standard factory magnum loads (which really aren't that powerful anyway)
 
Last edited:
.44Mag isn't THAT much cheaper. I strongly suggest that you give consideration to getting even a modest and inexpensive reloading setup. It'll be needed sooner or later if you move to .44Mag or it may allow you to keep enjoying your .460.

Six shot is the only way to go. Either with an N frame S&W or with one of the beefy framed Rugers. And big boomers like this are always a fine combination with a single action gun. So something like a Ruger Super Blackhawk can become a great option too if you're the sort that likes the feel of a single action handgun.
 
BCRider said:
I strongly suggest that you give consideration to getting even a modest and inexpensive reloading setup. It'll be needed sooner or later if you move to .44Mag or it may allow you to keep enjoying your .460.
Click to expand...

I agree - you could likely reload for 25 cents each - and half that for light loads 'n cast lead bullets.
 
The 69 is going to be brutal if you shoot magnum loads. I have both it and a 6" half lug 629 and the latter is much more pleasant with hotter target loads. I have not and will not shoot any full house stuff through my 69. I simply like my nerves and tendons too much.

As for cost, they are comparable. I have Shooterschoice.ca open right now and while they are out of the 69 they have a few 629 for virtually the same price as they sold the 69.

69 is interesting and I like mine, but it really is one of those things for the fellow with an ATC rather than a great range gun. If I had to choose one or the other I'd keep the N frame
 
Thing is, I wanted to get the lighter 44 mag (Model 69) So it would still be a nice hand cannon recoil wise :evil: compared to the 460.
 
Looked at both.......

My next .44 Mag will likely be a Model 629 4.2"..... I like the fact it's N frame & 6 shot. It would also compliment my vintage M29.

I have handled a Model 69 5 shot .44 Mag on the L frame. If we could easily carry in the bush then it might sway my choice.

1CanadaFlag.gif

-------------
NAA.
 
How is the recoil on 44 mags, I wasnt bugged by the 460 S&W one bit.

Also how is the grip on N Frames vs L frames, Id say the x frame was near my upper limit for grip size.

lastly if you had the choice of a 629 4.2 vs a model 69 at the same price shipped, what would you take?
 
Like I said. If I could have only one I'd take the N frame.

Grip size is subjective. I like VZ grips and with them the K L N frames all feel the same size

They don't get make good round butt ones though. They are too small IMO. I've asked a few times for them to consider conversion grips
 
the 69 is going to kick a good bit sharper then the 460 ever did. It was a much heavier pistol, and if it was one of the ported ones, they really don't kick that much at all. The 69 will hurt after a couple of cylinders, if not sooner. I'd buy the 629 / 29 and some wide wood grips. The factory rubber ones might as well not be there, it feels like i'm holding a bare frame in my hand when they recoil.
 
Shoot .45 Colt out of it. Isn't much, if at all, cheaper either though. And accuracy is reported as less than stellar. Reloading is the way to go.
 
idunno1987 said:
How is the recoil on 44 mags, I wasnt bugged by the 460 S&W one bit.

Also how is the grip on N Frames vs L frames, Id say the x frame was near my upper limit for grip size.

lastly if you had the choice of a 629 4.2 vs a model 69 at the same price shipped, what would you take?
Click to expand...

I find that .44Mag from an N frame has a sharper punch to the hand than the big and heavy X frame .460. There's a massive push from the .460 but that's the thing. It IS a push more than a CRACK! A very short and sharp push but a push none the less.

The grips made by various outfits that fit the L and N frame guns are all around the same size in the hand for any given model. They all cover the frame other than the back strap. And some even do that. So fitting them to your hands isn't an issue. You just need to find the brand and model that fits your hands if you don't like the stock S&W grips.

One thing I have found is that for full power loads from any magnum revolver you want grips that fit your hand well. Any small gap means that the gun can pick up some speed before it makes contact and that greatly increases the "SMACK!" power vs the strong push. I greatly toned down the pain involved in shooting my Ruger Super Blackhawk by simply making and installing a better fitting set of grip scales. Now full power .44Mags are surprisingly pleasant to shoot and enjoy them for the big BOOM!. But when the grips didn't fit my hand well the gun moved around too much and it hurt to where I didn't want to shoot full power loads.

Bottom line though is that a full house .44Mag in the lighter L frame gun might just hurt due to the lower weight. Setting it up with a good fitting set of grips for your hand might aid that but it may still hurt simply due to the power to weight combination. There's no way to tell short of trying one.

I know that for my part and from actually enjoying the .460 I would stick with the N frame. I've shot a few and even those hurt my hand. I'd counter that with a swap of the grips or making my own grips to fill out my grip correctly for me. But I'm pretty sure I'd still be at my recoil limit with that gun.

Have you shot a Ruger in .454Casull? I have and I say "no thanks" now. If you're a dyed in the wool recoil slut than I'd suggest you consider the Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Casull. More nerve damage stored up in that gun than the big X frame by far.

Any way you cut it though you NEED to get into reloading to cut the cost of shooting any of these hand cannons to a manageable level. It is just not an option, it's a requirement.
 
So I'm actually one who has owned and shot both, for everyday shooting the 629 is a better choice, larger frame, solid barrel, big heavy solid gun, but for the guy who shoots a few hundred round a month. two or three range trips, or the guy who has a trap line and carries, the 69 is a way better gun, perfect balance and doesn't kick to bad, super accurate, its the one still in my safe
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom