What Is Your Favorite Self Defense Revolver? S&W629

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To answer the op, I'd have to narrow it down to my M69 or M66, both with 2.75" barrels
The M69 is primarily my woods carry with 240swc over 10gr unique, but I wouldn't feel undergunned with it. That load doesnt have the flash and recoil of a 296 load, and still clocks close to 1000fps out of the short barrel
The M66 is a sometimes woods carry with 158xtp over w296. Or 125gr Golden Sabers in 38+p when possible threats are 2 legged.

I'm definitely a fan of 44 mag and it's versatility. I like 357 mag for the same reasons, though it's not quite as versatile as 44.

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This is subjective of course, while the x frames are a bit ungainly, I've yet to see any revolver uglier than a Redhawk.

I tried a Redhawk 4" and hated the balance. It was overly heavy. I could see it being like that with a 6" or longer barrel, but not a 4" barrel.
 
The Remington 44 Magnum is a very versatile cartridge, with loadings from mild to wild. I know this is going piss-off many readers but before moving on to your other favorite firearm blogs take a deep breath and continue reading. Keep in mind I am not saying the 44 Magnum is perfect or best suited for a firefight, the best range cartridge or even the best hunting round. But what I am saying is paired with the right handgun or carbine the 44 Magnum is the most versatile cartridge known to man.

Because of this versatility I believe this is the best or “The Ultimate Self Defense Revolver” On the Ransom Rest for Accuracy

What is your favorite self defense revolver?


My main carry piece for many a year is a Lee Horton Model 29. I agree whole heartedly.
 
A bit of hyperbole, true. But from my own experience, I loaded up some 300 XTP's with a hot charge of Blue Dot, and my Dad would not even try them out of his 629. My Redhawk swallowed them without a hiccup, and asked for more . (Figurately speaking) So I gave it my Dad's leftover .44 Ruger carbine loads. I had to shave the JFP's down to the jacket to get them to fit in the cylinder. Made my moose loads seem tame. Again, the Redhawk took them in stride.

Note Bowen and Leinbaugh didn't build .454's, .480's, and .500's on the N-frame. Mostly Redhawks, Super Redhawks, and Super Blackhawks. Smith had to come out with the X-Frame in order to not be left out of that market, and it is more ungainly and more ugly than the Rugers. The 29 looks better than the Rugers.

The N frame would definitely stretch and lose time before a Redhawk, but you're not going to blow it up with hot .44s. The Ruger has a longer cylinder to take advantage of heavier bullets and .454 casull. I'd also like to note that Ruger uses a special alloy in their .454 and .480 and custom cylinders are 5 shot to give extra strength. Apples to apples, the ruger cylinder walls are thicker, but it's really Smith's sideplate that is the weak link.
 
Smith Wesson model 19 2". I like 38+p rated loads in this one, and only occasionally run 357 respecting the k frame forcing cone thing.
 
its sad that this round has been discontinued and no one else makes anything similar.
 

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beautiful speed six.

By the way others talking about UGLY and Redhawk, you all must be talking about the Super Redhawk RIGHT?
Redhawks and Super Redhawks. Just something about the lines and angles of them that just looks wrong to me.
But that seems to be a thing with Ruger double actions in general, to me at least.
I know they're great guns, but they're just ugly IMO.
 
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What is wrong with a Redhawk, now I agree with you on that FUGLY Super Redhawk I am surprised those things even sell. But the Redhawk cmon, beauty truly in the eye of the beholder.
 
Have you ever fired a 3" 357 magnum, loaded with real Magnums, indoors without ear protection on?
Its downright Awful. It can be life altering.
Name a louder handgun????? :)
I keep it in mind as a small consideration factor, and is one of a few reasons why Ive gotten away from short barreled magnums for HD or carry.
My Colt Lawman MK III with a 3" bbl is a sweetie, but shoot her at the range about once/year these days.
 
What is wrong with a Redhawk, now I agree with you on that FUGLY Super Redhawk I am surprised those things even sell. But the Redhawk cmon, beauty truly in the eye of the beholder.
Definitely a matter of personal preferences.
Mainly it's the shape of the frame. Something about the way the hammer cutout is shaped, and the step down of the top strap is unappealing. But also how squared off the top of the barrel is, the way the under lug tapers into the barrel, and the front sight just looks like an afterthought.
I'll agree that the Super Redhawk is way worse though.
 
Definitely a matter of personal preferences.
Mainly it's the shape of the frame. Something about the way the hammer cutout is shaped, and the step down of the top strap is unappealing. But also how squared off the top of the barrel is, the way the under lug tapers into the barrel, and the front sight just looks like an afterthought.
I'll agree that the Super Redhawk is way worse though.
I prefer a pencil barrel Mdl 10 or taper barrel Mdl 29 any day of the week.
 
Just a quick think and I come up with my S&W M640 J frame. It's a 5 shot stainless .357 Magnum revolver. It shoots small groups with 145gr Winchester Silvertip Magnum ammo. Last time it was available I bought 3 boxes of 50 rounds each. At a dollar a round that's all I was willing to spend. Saving it for SD only they should last a very long time.

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Just a quick think and I come up with my S&W M640 J frame. It's a 5 shot stainless .357 Magnum revolver. It shoots small groups with 145gr Winchester Silvertip Magnum ammo. Last time it was available I bought 3 boxes of 50 rounds each. At a dollar a round that's all I was willing to spend. Saving it for SD only they should last a very long time.

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Two questions.

1. What knife is that ? I love it.

2. How did you get the grips on that 640 and that knife to match ?
 
What is wrong with a Redhawk, now I agree with you on that FUGLY Super Redhawk I am surprised those things even sell. But the Redhawk cmon, beauty truly in the eye of the beholder.

They sell because they’re great revolvers. They’re very versatile and they can handle just about anything you feed them. The looks are controversial, but I never bought one for looks, but did buy them for function.
 
Two questions.

1. What knife is that ? I love it.

2. How did you get the grips on that 640 and that knife to match ?
Getting the two to match was sheer luck.

The knife itself was bought a long time ago. I think it was part of a gift box with 250 rounds of Winchester 22LR ammo and the knife in a presentation box. There are no other marks on the blade other than the Winchester logo and it's stamped stainless steel. Sorry I don't have any more info.
 
Getting the two to match was sheer luck.

The knife itself was bought a long time ago. I think it was part of a gift box with 250 rounds of Winchester 22LR ammo and the knife in a presentation box. There are no other marks on the blade other than the Winchester logo and it's stamped stainless steel. Sorry I don't have any more info.
No worries. I was just passing curious.
 
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