Bought my first Revolver Saturday

[motoman]

I was at the local Sportsman's Warehouse on Saturday looking to spend a $20.00 gift card from Christmas. I have wanted a .44 Magnum for quite some time now. They had a S&W model 629 Stainless 4" Barrel. It was the one they had on display and it had a small scratch on the barrel. I asked if they would knock some money off for it. They discounted it 5%. So my cost was $540.55 + tax. Then I forgot to use my gift card, so I guess I have to make another trip to Sportsman's Warehouse .I took it to the range yesterday and shot a box of Winchester white box 240 grain soft points. It had more kick then I the other pistols I shoot (.40SW, 9mm) but I didn't find it un-pleasant. It was very accurate compared to my glock 23. and I was putting most of my shots in the 10 ring at 10 yards after getting used to the recoil.

I also bought a reloading setup at the same time, A RCBS Rock Chucker kit. I haven't had a chance to use that yet. I do have 50 rounds of .44 brass waiting to reload though.

Over all I am really happy with the SW 629. Does anyone have any experience's to share about this model. Also what is your favorite reload for this gun. (Target shooting, and Personal Protection). Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[P95Carry]

Nice purchase! Hardly surprised you are enjoying it! I have been very lazy reloading for .44 and have been using some MagTech ammo of late. The load I did use quite bit tho was (usual disclaimer) 21.5 of Viht N-110 .... pushing a 240 grain cast plain base SWC. A strong load but not max'd out. Suited me for general handgun load useage.

If you peruse the load manuals (Get some if not yet got 'em) - you'll find plenty of load data using H-110 and 2400 in particular - oh and W269 too I think a lotta folks like. The Viht powders are rather spendy but again ... there is data on those too.

As ever, when reloading ... be conservative and start loads 10% under max and work up in increments. Be safe, and enjoy.

This is my M629-6 - procured from WWG in AK. I fitted CT grips - like to carry this when clothing generous!




Oops ... had wrong tags!

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[Ala Dan]

Congrat's on your purchase of the S&W 629 .44 Magnum!

I have a 5" S&W model 629 Classic that I bought NIB in July
of 2000, and thus far its been a surperb firearm. I've shot a few of
the 180 grain UMC magnums thru it; but for the most part its seen
mostly my handloads using the Magnus lead bullets loaded down to
.44 Special specs. In other words, it feels like a large . 38 Special.
Enjoy~

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

 

[larryf1952]

I just love those big S&W boomers! Congratulations on your find! I had a 6" 629-1 that I sold to buy an Anaconda way back in '95, but then I found another one in even better shape about 6 years ago, for a super price, and I had to have it. The stocks are not originals. Here it is...

 

[P95Carry]

Don't suppose you'd wanna swap larry??

Nope? Didn't think so!

VERY nice - superb.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I also bought a reloading setup at the same time, A RCBS Rock Chucker kit.

The only problem with the Rock Chucker is that you'd have to live to the ripe old age of 979 to wear it out.

 

[motoman]

The only problem with the Rock Chucker is that you'd have to live to the ripe old age of 979 to wear it out.

Thats good to hear, I didn't really know what brand to get so I went with the salesman's advice. I would have asked on THR but it was a spur of the moment purchase.

Now I have something to pass down to my kids (when I have some) besides my gun collection.

Hopefully they will share my interest in shooting.

Thanks for the feedback on the SW 629, I think I may like revolver shooting. It sure makes it easy to recover your brass!

 

[PowderBurn]

I found a nice used 6-inch 629-4 Classic (ported) just before Christmas and brought it home for my wife to wrap and put under the tree. Actually, I took it to the range on the way home and put a box of factory magnums through it. The first three cylinders made a nice 16-round hole in a two-inch bull at 30 feet (with two flyers). I'm more into autos, but didn't regret this purchase one bit. It's already a favorite.

 

[Majic]

After you had your fun with the slow burning powders making the big booming loads you can try the medium burning powders like Unique, AA#5, and Green Dot for an easier shooting load. Then you will see you can shoot the revolver all day comfortably.

 

[Magnum88C]

Over all I am really happy with the SW 629. Does anyone have any experience's to share about this model. Also what is your favorite reload for this gun. (Target shooting, and Personal Protection). Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

First off, congratulations on a FINE weapon.
I always thought a 4" .44 magnum would be the perfect "do it all" gun, I finally picked one up last year, and at least in my opinion, I was right. It's become my favorite packing pistol.

The RockChucker is one of the best loaders out there, IMHO THE best single-stage out there. If you got the kit, it should have come with the Speer reloading manual, which is a good place to start. I also recomment the Lyman handbook (has lots of cast loads as well as more realistic barrel lengths for their velocity data, in fact their .44 magnum data is from a 4" barrel).

For personal defense I use the Federal Hydra-Shok. It's rated at 1180fps from a 6.5" barrel, and gets about 1030-1050fps out of my 4". Which to me if perfect. Heck if the .45ACP is effective with a 230-gr bullet going 850 fps (and it is) then a 240-gr bullet at 150-200fps should also be a good manstopper. It also doesn't kick as hard as hunting loads and uses a self-defense oriented bullet that will mushroom more quickly than the thicker-cased hunting ammo.

With this in mind, my three favorite loads are:

1.) 240-gr SJSP, over 19 grains of 2400, Winchester or CCI (300) Large Pistol (not magnum) primers. This is close to duplicating the ballistics of the Hydra-Shock, and a good SD practice round. If you look in your Speer manual, you'll also find this is a starting load.
2.) 240-gr SJSP, over 23.5 grains of Win 296, CCI (350) Large Pistol Magnum primer. A good general purpose blasting/hunting load. This is .5 grains short of a max load according to the Speer manual.
3.) 270-gr Gold Dot SP, over 20.3-grains of Win 296, CCI (250) Large Pistol Magnum primers. A good heavy hunting load. This is .3 grains short of a max load according to the Speer Manual.

 

[larryf1952]

Don't suppose you'd wanna swap larry??

P95, thanks for the offer! Your Mountain Gun looks just as sweet, but I think I'll keep this 629, since I got rid of one once and regretted it. One doesn't always get a 2nd chance!

Happy shooting!

 

[motoman]

Majic

I did pick up a pound of AA#5, I also bought dies for loading .40 S&W and this powder looked like a good choice because I can use it on both .40 and .44. I suppose I should pick up a pound of H110 to make some boomers (just to get it out of my system )

Magnum88C

The RockChucker is one of the best loaders out there, IMHO THE best single-stage out there. If you got the kit, it should have come with the Speer reloading manual, which is a good place to start. I also recomment the Lyman handbook (has lots of cast loads as well as more realistic barrel lengths for their velocity data, in fact their .44 magnum data is from a 4" barrel).

I did get the Speer reloading manual, I am reading the reloading handgun cartridge section (chapter 14). This is all foreign to me so I think I will read it twice just to be safe.

Im glad to hear the positive feedback on the Rockchucker, I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I went to Home Depot today and ordered a work bench to set all the reloading components up on. I realized that my current work bench is way too crowded with other stuff to allow room for reloading (drill press, vice etc...).

I went on midway USA's website last night, it looks like they have much better prices than Sportsman's Warehouse. I think I will put in an order for bullets and a case tumbler.

I haven't even loaded a single cartridge and I'm already having fun!

 

[LHB1]

Motoman,
Good choices on the S&W M629, the Rockchucker, and the AA5. For the last 10 years I have specialized in shooting/hunting with a quartet of S&W 629 Classic revolvers in barrel lengths of 5 and 6.5 inches.
One problem I have is the hump at top of grip backstrap hits a bone at base of my thumb causing great pain. Can't shoot more than a couple of shots with factory grips. Solution: Jordan Trooper grips from Steve Herrett straightens out this hump and now I can shoot 100 plus rounds with no pain.
For field loads, I use 10-11 grains of AA5 powder with cast bullets from 200 thru 255 grains. These loads give approximately 1100 fps and fall between the .44 Special and .44 Mag full power loads.
For full house loads, I use 24 grains W296 with 255 grain cast bullets or same powder weight with 240 grain jacketed HP bullets. This load produces 1400-1425 fps in my 6.5 inch guns using Oehler chronograph. This load is safe in my gun but would recommend starting lower and working up slowly.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

ps: Get a GOOD powder scale and powder measure. Full power .44 Mag loads generate a LOT of pressure. You really don't want any accidental overloads from trying to save a few bucks on these two items. Once purchased, they will last forever and your pistol, hands, eyes, etc. will be safer assuming they are used judiciously.

 

[motoman]

Lhb1

What would you recommend as a good powder scale? I have the RCBS scale that came with the kit, I believe it is model 505?

 

[P95Carry]

IIRC my Lyman 500 is about identical ... beam balance, magnetic damping. It is good and has served well for over two decades. Last year I got an electronic deal from Dillon but if I ever want to be super critical or just check for certain - still use Lyman.

Pretty foolproof. One small point - not sure if others ever found this but - always felt it worth ''settling'' the knife-edge properly - as it was occasionally possible for one side to be not totally seated and free. Usually shows as you set it up by being less keen to find its usual null point. No biggie.

 

[LHB1]

Motoman,
The RCBS model 505 powder scale is good. My scale is an older model of the RCBS model 1010. Primary difference in the two types is that the 1010 stores inside its own case which is nice. You will want to store your 505 in an OPEN ended ziplock bag to keep dust off the beam pivot point and knife edge. DON'T zip the bag shut or it will trap moisture and rust.
If you don't yet have a powder measure, I would HIGHLY recommend the Redding Competition Model 10X-Pistol measure. The width and depth of its adjustable cavity is optimum for powder weights typically used in pistol loads. Mine has given excellent service for years.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

ps: I use both mechanical and electronic scales. Pact units are good. My RCBS unit is clearly marked on the bottom: "made by PACT".

 

[slick6]

Larryf1952:

1)Does your M629 look just like it does in your picture today-or, was the picture taken awhile back in time? I'm just curious if it is still as mint as in your picture(As it sure looks to be brand new?)?

2)I have been wondering whether or not to buy a "Big Boomer" S&W M629-2, but, I have never owned a .44 magnum revolver before? I probably would just collect it, instead of shooting it(Because I don't care to reload and factory ammo is too expensive for .44 caliber!)?

3)I know where there is a M629(Six-inch barrel)with wood grips(Just like yours!)and the same gun(But, in a four-inch!)that I'm pondering over!

4)You remember me, as you replied to my posting of my pictures of my newly acquired, Colt Trooper Mark III? Well, I'd appreciate getting your answers to my questions here again, thanks!

 

[jsalcedo]

I thought 629's went for $350 to $425

Mine had a couple of turned out screws but S&W replaced them for free.

Anyway it's a great gun and you will enjoy it immensely.

 

[motoman]

Lhb1

Thats a good tip about keeping the scale in a un-zipped bag, I hadn't even thought about dust throwing the accuracy off. Is rust a big problem with reloading equipment?

 

[P95Carry]

Is rust a big problem with reloading equipment?

For me, re scales, never a big issue but dies? Different matter. I am OK now with current environment but for a while had a tad too much humidity and dies were beginning to rust. No biggie - much more cosmetic than anything else ... and mostly external.

High/excessive humidity tho - is not your friend!

 

[motoman]

I'll have to set up a de-humidifier in the "reloading room". Or as my wife calls it, the storage room. Its in a basement so in the summer it can get a little humid in there cause there aren't any air conditioning vents in there.

 

[LHB1]

Motoman,
Rust problems would obviously depend on the metal used in your equipment but I think an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I have lived on the Texas Gulf coast for the last 45 years and am always alert to rust prevention. As Chris posted, dust is the foremost problem for balance beam scales. For many years of satisfactory service, keep both the balance plate and the knife edge clean and rust free.
I keep paper grocery bags turned upside down over my reloading presses to ward off dust. Have always been concerned because the paper will also collect moisture. Don't know if that reduces or increases risk of press rusting under the sack but that has been my practice. Guess you could see if your press manufacturer sells a cloth cover for the press. Anyone have other simple solutions for this problem?

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[larryf1952]

Hi again Slick, I've been reading the "Bear Coat Worst Service Ever?" thread...it's taken me all day to get through it. Holy cow, what an ordeal that man has gone through!

I took the pic of my 629 just a couple of weeks ago. I put some pics up on photobucket.com, so I'd be able to link to them as needed. I also took the pic of my Python that you saw earlier at the same time. There's kind of an interesting story behind this 629...a dealer friend of mine had acquired the gun after it had been released from police evidence. It had been stolen in a pawnshop breakin, and had sat in the evidence room for some time. The court proceedings were finally finished, and my dealer got hold of it. He sold it to me for $350. I couldn't pass it up.

I admit that I'm probably incredibly anal retentive about the condition of my guns, and my cleaning routines. Without going into all the details, I'll just say that I can spend 3 hours cleaning a gun. I know, a lot of guys would faint at the thought of that, but that's the way I do it. I can't put a gun away if I think there's a spot of soot or powder residue lurking somewhere. Thankfully, I'm mechanically inclined, so I don't mind completely detail stripping a handgun to get to each piece. I have the tools and the practice, so I know how to do it without screwing things up.

I own 4 .44 Mags...all 6" barrels. For me, the 6" gives a better balance to the gun, and I like the idea of a little less muzzle blast and a little more velocity than a shorter tube. Lots of guys like the 4-inchers for other reasons.

You're right...factory .44 ammo is downright pricey. I've been reloading for many years, and I've only bought one box of factory ammo for my .44's. I couldn't shoot nearly as much if I had to rely on the factory fodder. It's expensive enough as it is.

Have you fired that Trooper yet?

 

[slick6]

Larryf1952:

1)Thanks, for the information!

2)How far down to you detail strip your guns, while you are cleaning them? Including your Python?

3)No, I haven't shot my Colt Trooper Mark III yet! I might shoot it though, if I can pick-up a vintage 1960 Colt .357(Six-inch barrel)in at least 98% overall condition(And, only lightly fired!)that I'm trying to buy! I was going to try to collect this gun-but, who knows, maybe I'll shoot it(Since I know that it has a beautifully slick "Python" like action-and, should be a "Dream" to shoot!)?

4)Yes, the Ammo cost, is the main problem with the S&W M629! And, since(Here in the PRK!)I'd have to drive 160 miles(Round trip!)to enable me to get to the nearest shooting range to shoot, it wouldn't make sense for me to get into reloading! And, it might not be long, before CA closes the doors on all of our remaining shooting ranges? Many of these have already folded here!Thanks to our "Gun unfriendly" California gun laws! Yikes! :banghead:

 

[larryf1952]

With my revolvers, I'll remove the yoke, and the cylinder from the yoke, with each cleaning. This way, I can completely separate the cylinder from the gun and clean it thoroughly, as well as the extractor rod, extractor and all the springs. I give it an easy coat of lube and put it all back together.

About every 3 or 4 firings, I'll remove the sideplates and completely remove the lockwork to clean the guns. I realize that not everyone enjoys or is inclined to do this type of stuff, so it's up to each person how far they want to take it. I just like knowing that everything on the inside and outside of my gun is as clean as it can be, and I've inspected each part now and then. I've had guys tell me that I'll wear the guns out by taking them apart this way, but I won't live long enough to see any chance of that happening. I've never scratched a gun, never had any parts left over, and the guns have always worked when I get finished, so this is my routine.

Are you interested in buying your guns more as collection pieces, or for shooters? I bought all of mine as shooters, but, as in the case of the Python, a few have been voluntarily relegated to more of a retirement status...I believe "safe queen" is the term? I'll bet that .357 Colt is a gem, I've only seen 1 or 2 of those ever, and they were pretty well "used". One in really good shape would be a find.

I feel for you guys in CA...and MA and NJ...who have to put up with the junk the politicians dish out out there. I don't feel that any of us can sleep soundly, but you're getting it before the rest of us. I have a daughter who's getting married in Apple Valley next month. I shoot at an indoor range most of the time, but I used to belong to a very nice outdoor facility. I miss it sometimes. Keep us informed of what you find, and if you decide to buy another prize! Since we've been talking about .44's, here's a pic of my S&W model 29 Classic...every Dad likes to show off his kids, right?