Hi all, Im a total newbie when it comes to revolvers. I want a .44 Mag (Because I already have a .44 carbine...makes reloading easier that way). And I was looking at the SW 629. I was wondering which barrel length should I get? I kind of want a 6 inch barrel to absorb recoil as well as more accuracy(?). I was wondering if someone can give me more insight on the different barrel lengths, what to look for when I make the purchase, etc etc. Thanks!!
newbie questions about SW 629
- Thread starter saxsaxsax
- Start date
Kind of depends on what you want to do with it. A shorter barrel is kinda snakeie with full house loads, but it will clear a holster a lot quicker/easier than an 8.5 inch monster. If you're just shooting it at the range for snits and figgles every now and again and don't plan on buying leather for it a longer barrel will do no harm.
5" full underlug is a nice compromise.
5" full underlug is a nice compromise.
I have a 629 in 4.2", and 15-20 rounds of .44 Magnum is enough for me in one session. I need more meat on my hand.
I will keep it because I absolutely love it, but my next buy is a model 29 classic with the 6.5" barrel.
Something tells me that it will be just about right for ME at that length. Like I said, I need more meat on my hands. You may be different.
I will keep it because I absolutely love it, but my next buy is a model 29 classic with the 6.5" barrel.
Something tells me that it will be just about right for ME at that length. Like I said, I need more meat on my hands. You may be different.
thenewbieglockguy
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Ontario (GTA)
Maybe the OP should try out .357 before he steps up to .44 Mag in a revolver... I know you have the dyes for .44 but .357 is still tonnes of fun and you can last much longer if you shoot .38 too 
Just a thought
Just a thought 
I recently purchased the same model. A set of Pachmayr grips took the bite out of it.
A couple of cylinders worth of shooting with the factory grips and my hand was getting a tender spot.
Put the Pachmayr's on and could shoot it all day.
Spent an afternoon shooting with a friend who is a longtime competition handgunner. I had him shoot the 629 with both sets of grips and he had the same results.
I do like that 629 but not the factory grips.
sillymike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Personally, I prefer my revolvers with shorter barrels. (5" or less).
- Looks better (to my eyes)
- Balance better
- Not much difference in performance, for what I use them for.
If you're shooting from a bench, you might get better accuracy with a longer barrel. (But what's the point of shooting a handgun from a bench)
Off-hand, I don't like the balance of the longer barrel (just my 2 cents)
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If you find the recoil of 44mag too much to handle, you can always reload to them milder.
- Looks better (to my eyes)
- Balance better
- Not much difference in performance, for what I use them for.
If you're shooting from a bench, you might get better accuracy with a longer barrel. (But what's the point of shooting a handgun from a bench
)Off-hand, I don't like the balance of the longer barrel (just my 2 cents)
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If you find the recoil of 44mag too much to handle, you can always reload to them milder.
Maybe the OP should try out .357 before he steps up to .44 Mag in a revolver... I know you have the dyes for .44 but .357 is still tonnes of fun and you can last much longer if you shoot .38 too
He can also download .44 Mag or get some .44 Special or even download the .44 Special. If you've already got the dies and supplies, bullets are always cheaper in bulk, saves space for supplies. I say go for the .44, I'm a fan of 6" myself, gives you the look of a full gun, gives you a little extra weight at the end to balance out the gun. 8" looks bada$$ but harder to find. 4.2" to me just looks too short.
You're dropping the cash, ends up what feels better in your hand and what looks better to you. Will you notice an accuracy difference at 20 to 25 yards between a 4.2 or 8" barrel? not really, the only real difference is the longer distance between the sights to help you with your aiming.
After getting my license, i bought a bunch of guns that I had shot and liked. 9mm, .40, and .45.
Then I got a chance to shoot a .357 (which I almost bought previously without trying) and a .44 magnum.
After shooting the .44, I was infected. Every shot put a huge smile on my face.
I had no interest in the .357 anymore.
Now, I initially shot a ruger blackhawk I think. I'm not a huge fan of the way it rolls and torques in your hand. I looked at a 629, but it's a recoil beast with full loads due to it's light weight (plus it doesn't do ruger loads).
I ended up with a raging bull 8 3/8". It's big. Really big. And it's a laser.
The recoil, although stout, is directed more straight back and I would compare it to a .45.
The raging bull is by far my most fun gun to shoot! Matter of fact, I just made 200 rounds and am headed to the range right now lol!
Smc
P.s.
One thing that really surprised me is that the CanAmmmo 1911 gov't has become my second favorite gun
Then I got a chance to shoot a .357 (which I almost bought previously without trying) and a .44 magnum.
After shooting the .44, I was infected. Every shot put a huge smile on my face.
I had no interest in the .357 anymore.
Now, I initially shot a ruger blackhawk I think. I'm not a huge fan of the way it rolls and torques in your hand. I looked at a 629, but it's a recoil beast with full loads due to it's light weight (plus it doesn't do ruger loads).
I ended up with a raging bull 8 3/8". It's big. Really big. And it's a laser.
The recoil, although stout, is directed more straight back and I would compare it to a .45.
The raging bull is by far my most fun gun to shoot! Matter of fact, I just made 200 rounds and am headed to the range right now lol!
Smc
P.s.
One thing that really surprised me is that the CanAmmmo 1911 gov't has become my second favorite gun
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Get the longer barreled version. I sold my 629 4.2 due to recoil. Was used to a Stainless Ruger Redhawk 5 1/2 inch which was a perfect combo of barrel length and recoil. Way less than the 629 which is built lighter than the Redhawk. Little more velocity and accuracy too. You can shoot the Redhawk all day long with hot loads and never be bothered compared to a 629. Only problem is finding a Redhawk.
I've been told that Smith frames are forged and Ruger frames are cast, therefore Smith's are actually a "stronger frame". Personally I can't attest to this, I own both and they're both great guns. I'm also not worried about the mighty .44 rem mag bending, stretching or warping the frames in either, they were built and designed to shoot .44 so fill your boots and drain your wallet
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^^Too True! Nothing says "proper grip" and "hold on" like a .44, after a few cylinders everything else feels like child's play.
*edit* Aside from 460 and 500 of course...and then there's the Rowland.
*edit* Aside from 460 and 500 of course...and then there's the Rowland.
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