Eightball
Member
So, at the end of this coming May, I'll graduate from college. This being an auspicious occasion, I was thinking of trying to save up and splurge on a "special" firearm for myself, as a "Graduation gift to me" type of thing. Now, what I don't have yet in my collection is a .44 Magnum wheelie. Now, I love my S&W 620, but there's just some kinda draw about a .44. What would I use it for? Range toy, maybe an eventual hunting handgun for deer or hog/boar/etc, and maybe if I get to feeling really eccentric, I'd use it out on a buddy's farm or as a freezing-cold-winter "CCW" gun 
So, to that end, the thoughts that I had had insofar as a good .44 were primarily in the S&W offerings. I kind of want something a little more unusual than "the norm", and my thoughts had strayed to variants of the 629.
Option 1): Get a 6" Half-lug 629, see about getting some custom stuff done (porting, maybe some lockwork), and possibly some slight engraving (though, I don't know the additional expense thereof, but I'm sure it's $$$). Make it a real "full-bore custom," in every sense of the phrase.
S&W Image:
Option 2): The 629 Stealth Hunter has always struck me as kind of interesting. Though, I'm not sure about the 7.5" Barrel, the profile on the bbl. looks awesome, as does the finish. Don't know if it's ported or not, or if I would want engraving. I would guess it has had some lockwork done already. It's be more of a "rarity" than a "one-of-a-kind," but quite probably significantly more affordable than Option 1, and still kind of special if due only to its rarity.
S&W Website image:
Anyhow. What say the wonderful minds of THR?
ETA: In response to TenDriver: As I work at an FFL, I'm aware of the outrageous cost of .44 ammunition. However, I do reload for my .357 and .38, so it wouldn't be difficult for me to start cranking out .44 rounds, as well--already have a bunch of brass for it, to boot!
So, to that end, the thoughts that I had had insofar as a good .44 were primarily in the S&W offerings. I kind of want something a little more unusual than "the norm", and my thoughts had strayed to variants of the 629.
Option 1): Get a 6" Half-lug 629, see about getting some custom stuff done (porting, maybe some lockwork), and possibly some slight engraving (though, I don't know the additional expense thereof, but I'm sure it's $$$). Make it a real "full-bore custom," in every sense of the phrase.
S&W Image:
Option 2): The 629 Stealth Hunter has always struck me as kind of interesting. Though, I'm not sure about the 7.5" Barrel, the profile on the bbl. looks awesome, as does the finish. Don't know if it's ported or not, or if I would want engraving. I would guess it has had some lockwork done already. It's be more of a "rarity" than a "one-of-a-kind," but quite probably significantly more affordable than Option 1, and still kind of special if due only to its rarity.
S&W Website image:
Anyhow. What say the wonderful minds of THR?
ETA: In response to TenDriver: As I work at an FFL, I'm aware of the outrageous cost of .44 ammunition. However, I do reload for my .357 and .38, so it wouldn't be difficult for me to start cranking out .44 rounds, as well--already have a bunch of brass for it, to boot!
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