[Tony Mig]

Due to my general prefference for wheel guns, I'm looking to trade-in my Beretta 96FS for a .44 Magnum. I want this gun to servel a duel purpose as my primary home defense weapon, and also something that I will enjoy shooting at the target range.
Because it will serve as my primary home defense gun, I really don't want anything longer than a 4" barrel, so the standard 629 (4") is probably the better choice. However, the 629 Classic with the 5" barrel is somewhat more appealing, and would probably be a little more accurate on the target range.......

I'd like to hear from you 629 fans, and get some input on this question...
Any information would be helpful......

[popbang]

If your choice is only for home defense I would argue you could use a longer barrel. As far as the two revolvers, either would be nice to have.

[Jack T.]

I recently swapped my 6" 629-2 for a 8" Classic. I just like the full length lug better than the short one. Goofy perhaps, but that is just my opinion.

I haven't shot either of them enought to tell a big (or any) difference.

[RCL]

One of the most accurate handguns I've owned was a 4" Model 629 (that I went and traded away because I thought I had no use for a 4" barrel:banghead: ).
Fixed my mistake last week when I bought a 629 Mountain Gun. :D

[P95Carry]

Your choice is hard!! I recently also got a 629 4" Mountain Gun .... and am well pleased with 4" tubes ... have same on my M28-2. However ... I also love the 5" barrel ... on my M27-2 ...... I also like the 8 3/8 tube on another M27-2 ... they all have a place.!

On balance I think in your case I'd go 4" .. it's a very good compromize... and could admirably suit your proposed useage.



http://www.bedford.net/design/cb_gun2/6296_02_s.jpg

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I just shot my 5" barrel Smith & Wesson 629-5
"Classic" this morning. I was out testing the Magnus
215 grain hard cast L-SWC bullet's, as launched from
this weapon. This barrel length has quickly become
my all time favorite. Now, I need to find a S&W 686
with a 5" barrel. Based on your "short list", I highly
recommend this weapon!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Standing Wolf]

Obviously, you need one of each.

[Gunz]

I prefer a 4in myself. In fact, today, I found TWO 629 4in models which I could not resist. Took both home with me. :p While many prefer a 5in for balance and more complete powder burn, I find moving the gun around is best in the field or on the range. THose guns are best with longer holsters, naturally. The 4in is veratile enough for daily carry (though heavy). I love my 4in N frames, and keep finding excuses to buy more!!!

[SteelyDan]

For what it's worth, I've got a 629 with a 3" barrel, and a 629 Classic with a 5" barrel. With the shorter barrel, my groups at 25-feet are usually about 3-4 inches, offhand. At the same distance, the Classic keeps them inside a quarter. Guess which one I like a whole lot more.