Which S&W .44

Toby_H

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Looking for input here...

I'm a S&W guy, so I know I will be selecting from their models...
I'm pretty solid that .44 is the right caliber for this purchase, but feel free to push me on that...
I don't currently reload, potentially will down the line but free time is in short order these days.

I have a .357 (S&W PC 686+) that I'm extremely happy with, but just want a bigger bang. 44 Magnum seems like the right next step and chances are I'll talk myself into the S&W 500 down the road. This will be primarily a range gun, something to make a few big bangs with after pinking with smaller (9mm/.45) semi-autos. It won't be used as a self defense firearm (at least not until the war... but anyway...)

My top contender right now is:
S&W PC 629 Hunter... I like the picatinny rail on top giving options of using optics. The muzzle break is a nice addition. The 7.5" barrel is longer than I'd like to handle, but it does give me more long range accuracy, so I'm not complaining about it.

Close on it's heels is:
S&W PC 629 w/ 6" weighted barrel... The shorter barrel is more to my liking simply because it's closer to what I'm used to. But I've never handled a weighed barrel model so I'm a little iffy on that...

S&W PC 629 V-Comp is around $200 more and is only a 4" barrel. I admit I don't know much about the compensated barrel it has.
S&W PC 629 is a 8.375" barrel, it would be hard to talk me out of the Hunter to go longer...
S&W 629 6" barrel is an option It's around $300 cheaper but I think I'd rather splurge with one of the PC models... or is that just wasting $300?

Any input is welcome...

Oh, also, I'm in Charlotte and am open to suggestions of a good shop to order from in the area. I may also consider buying it online and having it transferred in. But mostly interested on choosing which revolver first.

Thanks,
Toby
 

Don't really have much to add. @Toby_H , you're working at the opposite end of the revolver spectrum from me. I am more familiar with J and K frames in .38 / .357. That said, not too many shops in Charlotte stock those types of revolvers. Hyatt's is probably the best place to lay eyes on anything beyond the standard 629. I'll leave it to you to determine whether you can work a good deal on something there. In my experience, it's certainly possible. Won't be the sticker price.

Also, if you have to ask the question....my guess is that you are fine with the standard 629. No need for Performance Center unless you have something special in mind. The standard version will slick up just fine. I have a 5" 629 Classic but it just sits in the safe. I'm too much of a wuss for .44 Magnum.


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I have no suggestions as I’ve no interest in PC 44 magnums with rails or weighted barrels.

Don’t have any of those so no experience to offer.

I’d get an older pre-lock (of course) 44 mag and start there to see if you really like it.

Mine are standard variety.

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Sorry Toby, I am right in lock step with the others. A 4 inch 29 or pre 29 pretty much solve all my 44 problems. I too, am not a fan of rails, weights and such BUT that's only because those things don't fit for my use. If you have other uses, I would think any of the things you mentioned would be fine.
 
By the way, my Partner is listing on GB over the next few weeks, the "Ghost Gun". One of the collector EXPERTS? said there were 13 made. That is complete BS, my Partner has 12. I am talking about the Colt Anaconda in a 4 inch barrel and in 45 Colt. He has already sold 2, selling 6 more if anybody is interested.
 
Thanks a ton for the input guys.

Getting PC over standard model was easy with the 357, as the difference was only around 70 bucks. The difference in 44's is around $250-300. So it's worth re-evaluating.

I was really hoping someone would say, "I have one of each you are considering. Stop by this afternoon and we'll shoot em all!" But as they say, hope in one hand s--t in the other...

But none the less, great input, thanks for the perspective. I'll mull things over and try to get to Beltway.
 
@Toby_H
When @Have gun-will travel wakes up from his siesta, he might have some useful views. He likes shooting the stuff that knocks most of us on our ***es. ;)
 
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@Toby_H
When @Have gun-will travel wakes up from his siesta, he might have some useful views. He likes shooting the stuff that knocks most of us on our ***es. ;)

Looks like Cabelas in Fort Mill carries some of the larger 44 Mags, including a Performance Center. They will ship free to NC FFL. Just walked by these..

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Looks like Cabelas in Fort Mill carries some of the larger 44 Mags, including a Performance Center. They will ship free to NC FFL. Just walked by these..

How cool is that. The CFF shopping service. :D
 
Glad to assist. O and I are just skimming the Gun Library while Mom’s at the barn.
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I'm sure @Toby_H would want me to ask you to thank Olivia for helping out a member. :D

By the way, keep in mind that anything you purchase with the intention of giving it to her could be considered a straw purchase. ;)
 
I'm sure @Toby_H would want me to ask you to thank Olivia for helping out a member. [emoji1]

By the way, keep in mind that anything you purchase with the intention of giving it to her could be considered a straw purchase. ;)

It’s actually completely legal to buy a handgun as a legitimate gift [emoji4] still have to follow transfer rules.

Regardless, the DA will never make his case if I hold onto it for another 20 years before passing it along.


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629 classic with Houge grips. 6.5 inch barrel with full underlug........its a classic!
 
Put the one that started it in your herd first ... a 29 Classic with 6 1/2” barrel or if you prefer SS the 629 Classic 6 1/2”. To me the balance and weight of the 6 1/2” Classic just feels so nice and handles even the heavier thumper loads with minimal effort. After a Classic has settled in the barn then start thinking about the specialized others for the next addition.
 
Looks like Cabelas in Fort Mill carries some of the larger 44 Mags, including a Performance Center. They will ship free to NC FFL. Just walked by these..

Absolutely awesome! I'll definitely make it in there this week and check them out first hand.


Every wheelgun collector should have a Model 29 or 629 in their Smith and Wesson stable. I'm still working on mine without dropping a grand.
629 classic with Houge grips. 6.5 inch barrel with full underlug........its a classic!

Here is my logic, and feel free to beat it up...
Unless the 44 is a total wrist breaker (I know it's tough, but don't expect it to top me out), I fully expect to add the S&W500 to the collection. Since the 500 doesn't come in any impressive PC versions, I should get a fancy PC 44 and a 'Classic' 500. Also, while my 357 is a PC, its still not far off the path of the classic (5" PC 686+)
So it would be softa fancy 357, fancy 44, normal 500...
 
Just depends on your preferences. I think the 629 Classic is pretty sweet right out of the box. I swapped out the Pachmyer grips for Houges and swapped out the hammer and plunger springs. Nothing major or expensive, just personal preference.
If the performance center offers something you fancy.......do what makes you happy!
Full power loads are not wrist breakers with that heavy of a revolver. I can shoot it one handed......just no rapid fire.
 
Update... I'm sitting in Cabellas parking lot having just (literally) fondled the 629 Hunter. It's going to be tough to talk me into something different. That thing felt sweet...

Also, it's not nearly as heavy as I expected...
 
Update... I'm sitting in Cabellas parking lot having just (literally) fondled the 629 Hunter. It's going to be tough to talk me into something different. That thing felt sweet...

Also, it's not nearly as heavy as I expected...
The 44 magnum is what I learned to shoot with . The revolver was a Ruger Blackhawk 7 1/2 in barrel loaded with 240 grain cast bullet over 22 grains of 2400 powder. This was the Elmer Keith load. It is an awesome load that will take down anything on the American continent, man or beast. In 1977 I bought my first Mod 29 and still have it today . By far it's my favorite handgun. I have them in 3 inch barrels, 4 inch, 5 inch and 6 1/2 inchers. I also have the OLD model Ruger super Blackhawk . I personaly have never thought about buying a PC revolver but do have a PC stainless 1911 that came from the performance center when the gunsmiths really put their talent to good use. The Fit and finish on PC guns today is not what is was 10 to 15 years ago. I would rather buy a pre lock standard revolver any day that a PC gun made today. Just my 2 cents.
 
Update... I'm sitting in Cabellas parking lot having just (literally) fondled the 629 Hunter. It's going to be tough to talk me into something different. That thing felt sweet...

Also, it's not nearly as heavy as I expected...

Did you go look at used guns? Last week they had a .480 magnum and a couple .500 magnums. You’d probably want to start reloading before jumping into either.

Point Blank Range in Matthews has a .500 mag for rent, gotta use their ammo.
 
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