S&W 629 classic, 8 3/8"

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1300_stainless

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Just wondering if anyone has shot a Smith and Wesson 629 classic in the 8 3/8" barrel length. I handled a 686 the other day with the 7 1/2" barrel and I really liked it, but I'm looking for a 44, and was strongly considering this gun. Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
Some years ago (in the US) a friend loaned me his 4" bbl. .44 Magnum as a sidearm for some work in the woods, and I fired a couple of familiarizing cylinders. I found the muzzle blast and recoil unpleasant. It's not a gun I'd prefer to use, but I'm small and my friend was large. He loved it. I much prefer the .357.
 
I had a 8 3/8 Llama Super Comanche, basically a S&W Model 29 clone with a vented top rib.

Didn't like the long barrel at all, accuracy was great but way too barrel heavy for my liking.

I've still got the Llama but it's got a 4.7" barrel now and I can't say I miss the longer barrel at all.

There's also 9.5" Ruger Super Redhawk in my stable that will be heading out for a chop once I take the billboard off the barrel. So I might not be the best person for long revolver advice.
 
Although it's not the same model, I own a Dan Wesson Model 44, with an eight inch fully shrouded barrel. I also own a five inch 629 DX Classic, and a six inch barrelled Anaconda. The eight inch handgun, is the most comfortable magnum to shoot by far. Full power loads with 240 grain bullets, it can be taken well in stride. Myself I think 50 rounds of full power factory or hot handloads, are well within my own comfort zone, (your tolerance may vary) for noise/blast/recoil forces, with this Dan Wesson with the long pipe. If you plan to shoot alot of magnum loads, my suggestion is go with the eight inch S&W first, a six-inch variant would be my second choice. I never owned a ten inch silhouette revolver, so I have nothing to say about them.

Cheers and good luck!
 
I pretty much only plan on magnums. This isn't a gun I'll be shooting a lot. It's something big and ominous I will use more for entertainment than anything. I've got lots of 22s to shoot for cheap, repetative practice. I've decided to put my name on the list for one, but keep the comments coming anyway. Thanks everyone.
 
BEWARE! Why? The 8 3/8" S&W's burn powder all the way to the end of the barrel. One would think the extra length (weight) would make them a pussycat to shoot, not so, they kick as much as any other S&W revolver in 44 Mag.
 
I gots one and quite enjoy it.....kinda thinkin of gettin a twin for it...look real much good....ahhh twins..a buddy has a real long Ruger 11 1/4 barrel I thinx..It alright, but I am sold on S&W.....needs a twin fer my 4506 too....
 
lakerboy said:
I gots one and quite enjoy it.....kinda thinkin of gettin a twin for it...look real much good....ahhh twins..a buddy has a real long Ruger 11 1/4 barrel I thinx..It alright, but I am sold on S&W.....needs a twin fer my 4506 too....
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10.5 inch, very likely. That's what MY Super BlackHawk wears anyway. No practical reason, don't particularly care that velocity is higher, I just love the look of a mega long revolver. When I'm blasting something with it, I want to feel like the hand of god, and when you've got a front sight that extends a foot away from your hand, that's esactly what it feels like.
 
The longer barrel will not decrease recoil. The extra length and muzzle weight will decrease the muzzle flip a bit. I have an 8 3/8" 29, and I like it very much. It has the smoothest action I've ever handled, and is very accurate as well.
 
I had one and it was ok. Did not kick too much, muzzle flip was not bad. I personally prefer my Ruger SRH with 5" barrel. I just find the longish barrels ungainly and impractical on revolvers. If I wanted to hit something at a distance, I'd use a rifle...
 
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