Colt Vs Smith Frame Size

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HngMnHnryDvdsn

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Curious to know from those whom have owned handled both. How does the Colt J frame (trooper mark III) handle compared to a Smith and Wesson N frame (Model 29 specifically)?

Reason I ask is here in good ole NY the LGS won't let me handle any handguns until permit paperwork has been filed and approved and I'm in the stage of planning my first revolver purchase (hoping by summer). When I was younger in WI I handled my fathers Mark III extensively and will be inherenting that once I get "state approval". That particular firearm fits me well and is as far as I can remember a comfortable shooter. These days I still love the .357 but have also fallen in love with .44 magnum. I've acquired a bit of a stash to feed my lever action and would love a revolver to match. Always loved the Smith Model 29.

So curious to know how they compare handling wise and or if yall would have any recommendations for a .44 mag that would compare if there is a huge difference. Looking at something with a 4-6.5in barrel.

Primary use is a range tool, but plan on carrying ethier depending on flavor of the day.
 
Howdy

Apparently the Colt J frame is an updated replacement for the old Colt E and I frames, with a transfer bar.

I have no experience with the Colt J frame, but I have a few old E frame Colts, specifically the Army Special and the Official Police. The frames of these are a bit smaller than a S&W N frame.

I have a bunch of N frame Smiths, although only one of them is a Model 29. No question, an N frame is a big gun. S&W is marketing a smaller 44 Magnum in a five shot configuration on the L frame. I handled one of these a number of years ago at a local gun shop. It weighs 34.4 ounces compared to a 4" Model 629 at 41.5 ounces. I'm sure the lighter weight of the L frame would be more comfortable for carry, but I cannot not imagine firing full power 44 magnums out of it. I suspect it would be unpleasant.
 
I think the S&W 29 is a very good choice to complement your rifle in that caliber. Since you like the 29, get one and you won’t have any regrets. Quality will be similar to your Trooper MKIII. It will handle similar and your grip placement can be the same for both guns.

If you want more of an exact match for weight and feel, follow driftwood and cfullgraf advice for L frame 69 but understand the compromises.
 
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In your opinions what is considered a "Hot" 44 magnum load? I don't handload YET, so I have accumulated a bunch of factory loads and a large stock pile of "hand loaded" ammunition from Choice. My current favorite rounds are Choices 240 Grain SWC Keith Style bullets which they rate at "1275 fps". Seems to match up weight and speed wise with federal and winchester I can find. I really have no desire to experiment with the 300gn monsters you can find thru buffalo bore or underwood, well maybe just one cylinder full to say I've experienced it. But the 240gn loads and less seem to cover everything I'd need/want it for.
 
HngMnHnryDvdsn said:
In your opinions what is considered a "Hot" 44 magnum load? I don't handload YET, so I have accumulated a bunch of factory loads and a large stock pile of "hand loaded" ammunition from Choice. My current favorite rounds are Choices 240 Grain SWC Keith Style bullets which they rate at "1275 fps". Seems to match up weight and speed wise with federal and winchester I can find. I really have no desire to experiment with the 300gn monsters you can find thru buffalo bore or underwood, well maybe just one cylinder full to say I've experienced it. But the 240gn loads and less seem to cover everything I'd need/want it for.
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IIRC, most of the M29 problems stemmed from guns used in competition that fired thousands of rounds a year- hence S&W offering their durability package upgrade for them.

A normal diet of factory loads shouldnt cause problems, though its its tough to know the round count on a used gun. Keep in mind the basic "N" frame was originally designed for rounds much less powerful than the .44 Magnum, such as the .44 Special and .38/44.

The Ruger, Dan Wesson, and Colt large frames were designed from the ground up to handle the Magnum.
 
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I have compared a Mark III .357 with a Model 10 .38 special only shooting .38 Special cartridges. I found the Model 10 specs to be very tight in loading. Almost like loading a torpedo in its tube. Now with the Mark III, I can drop cartridges from 6 inches and they find their own way in with no problem. Both guns are nice shooting and both are more accurate than I am. I've shot great groups with both. The model 10, 4 inch barrel is easier for conceal carry.
 
wiscoaster said:
C'mon back to Wisconsin!! :)
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I've been wanting to get back to the homeland for 13 years now!! The wife loves NY too much, but one day I will return! I miss living directly across from one of the Harley-Davidson factories (Tomahawk plant)!


To be honest I haven't given the Ruger redhawk too much of a look until recently. And the .44 model does have some serious appeal, however I may have to just get 1 more pistol than anticipated. The fact they have a redhawk that'll shoot .45 Long colt AND gods caliber (.45acp) is very appealing. And I thought motorcycles were an expensive hobby!
 
Ru4real said:
If you want more of an exact match for weight and feel, follow driftwood and cfullgraf advice for L frame 69 but understand the compromises.
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I was not suggesting the L frame Model 69. I simply mentioned that I handled one in a shop a few years ago and thought it would probably be unpleasant to shoot it with factory magnum loads. Probably like shooting 357 Magnum rounds out of a J frame revolver. I don't have any 357 J frames, cannot imagine shooting one.

If I wanted an N frame carry piece I would probably opt for my 44 Special Model 624. 44 Special, not 44 Mag.

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I have two 44 Mag revolvers, a five inch nickle plated Model 29 (no photo currently) and this old Three Screw Ruger Flat Top Blackhawk. I have loaded zillions of 44 Special, but I have never loaded any 44 Mags. I have a few boxes of factory 44 Mag ammo laying around, but I seldom shoot full power Magnums. I shoot lots of 44 Specials, both in the two magnum revolvers and lots of older 44 Special revolvers. 44 Special has always been a pleasant round for me to shoot out of a large revolver.

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