[Pilot]

Is a 4 inch 629 light enough for backpacking and all day carry in the mountains? I'm thinking of going to a .44 Mag from my .357. Any other suggestions in this caliber?

[Marshall]

With a proper holster that fits you, yes it is.

[Highland Ranger]

Yes . . . and a fine choice.

[Standing Wolf]

The only thing dandier than a four-inch mountain gun would be two of them.

[22-rimfire]

Depends on your comfort level with a heavy N-frame revolver. If you wear it on your belt, be sure to have a good strong leather belt suitable for a holster. Less sag that way!

[rick_reno]

I looked at some S&W 44 mag revolver at a gun show last year that was very light. That one appealed to me - I don't know what the model # was.

If you want to consider other calibers, my .454 Alaskan is only 2 oz. heavier and 1 1/2 inches shorter than the S&W mt gun. Very easy to carry with it's 2 1/2 inch barrel.

[P95Carry]

I'd not call it heavy and if a rig suits then it makes a very good gun for back packing IMO - even tho other options could be included. If you have one already - use it, carry it - and enjoy!


http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/thr/cb_gun2/6296_01_s.jpg

[Stainz]

The best two features of a 629MG are that it is really a 629 .44 Magnum and that it is available new now, again, as a 'Stocking Dealer' goodie. They run $600 or so new locally - but add the S&W Accesories $35 .500 Magnum Hogue backstrap enclosing grips, a la those on the S&W .460 & .500 Magnums. They really help absorb the recoil, although that lite muzzle will still rise. Mine is 3.5 yr old now - and finally earns my use as a possible 'woods' gun, should I ever need it. It actually nixed my Alaskan purchase plans. Until then, those .500 Magnum grips are on its new 6" half-lug 629 sibling, while the MG wears rounded Ahrends cocobolo stocks and 'enjoys' it's usual diet of Specials and Russians. It is a great revolver.

Stainz

PS They are generally available used shortly after being re-released - usually with a box of .44 Magnums minus six rounds. With good Magnums and the OEM grips, they are a bit brutal. The lite weight, and wood stocked, 329PD is even more painful. Watch your local 'pusher's' used case...

[Pilot]

PS They are generally available used shortly after being re-released - usually with a box of .44 Magnums minus six rounds. With good Magnums and the OEM grips, they are a bit brutal. The lite weight, and wood stocked, 329PD is even more painful. Watch your local 'pusher's' used case...

I reload, so will practice mostly with .44 Special loads and an occasional bunch of magnum level rounds to keep myself attuned to the recoil. I've shot a friends 4" Blackhawk in .44 Mag and didn't feel it was unmanageable. Wish I could find a used 629 with the leftover box of 44 rounds like you've seen.

[000Buck]

I have a 4" 629 that is a tiny bit heavier than the Mountain Gun and I use it for all day CCW once in a while using a Don Hume pancake holster. Im always amazed at how well it carries, not noticeably different from a 4" 686 or GP100.

[P. Plainsman]

The 4" 629s are great firearms. Mine, with the heavy barrel, has become my favorite gun. The Mountain Gun version should be perfect for backpacking; lighter and handier than the heavy-barrel, but still a reasonable, controllable weight. (In case you couldn't tell, I have little interest in vibranium-alloy .44 Mags like the 329PD.)

If I spent a lot of time outdoors in heavy clothes, I would happily use my 629 as a principal CCW gun. Here's an article about CCWing a .44 Mountain Gun:

http://www.milesfortis.us/mcump/mc05.htm

[Roboshred]

This is the original version of the mountain revolver.


http://www.hunt101.com/img/364890.jpgd.;)

[buttrap]

beats packing a pointed stick in the woods, same weight as a 1911 but a lot more whoop behind. Load it down a hair and you will be wondreing why have a .357.

[Pilot]

Wow Roboshed. That is just plain beautiful.