44 mag for carry, 3" or 4"

[farm23]

If you already have a 2 5/8" 629 then I would go with a 4". If you are like me and don't worry about safe queens and you like the action on your gun go ahead and have it cut to 4

 

[2zulu1]

During the monsoon season it's not uncommon to find a M29 Mountain OWB on the hip, weighs about the same as a 1911 Government.

 

[surjimmy]

There is something serious wrong with you 44mag shooters.lol

 

[GBExpat]

There is something serious wrong with you 44mag shooters.lol

Yes. Yes there is.

 

[Ric]

Ok,
The tax check should be here Monday. So next week she is going to Hamilton Bowen for a 4 inch barrel cut down and a dx sight.
I know, I'm deviating from the traditional orange insert front sight. But I dont see them very well. I can pick up the dx sight much better, and that's what it's all about.
I'll get pics and post the results.

 

[Ric]

There is something serious wrong with you 44mag shooters.lol

You're an observant man

 

[horsemen61]

Well at least your sending it to an expert to be worked on I guess that's not a horrible idea

 

[Jim NE]

44 mag for carry

To protect yourself against what, exactly?

 

[the Black Spot]

Yes. Yes there is.

Agreed!

 

[Ed Ames]

To protect yourself against what, exactly?

Trees?

An aged gentleman and former shooting buddy, now gone from the world, once told me the story of his first - and last - canoe race. I couldn't possibly tell the story properly, but will offer up just one image: a young man, sitting in the front of a fast-moving aluminum canoe, with a .44 magnum revolver in hand, shooting through the trunks of downed trees that had fallen across the river so the canoe wouldn't need to portage around them.

I don't know if it was a true story but I want it to be.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have a S&W 29 6 1/2 " I carry in a old Bianchi shoulder holster . Holster hooks to belt also. Cover with a jacket not all that hard to conceal . Weight to me no worst than a 1911 5" government. End of day you know you have carried either one Just a few oz difference .
I really prefer my old Charter Arms 3" 44 spl. for carry .

 

[MICHAEL T]

To protect yourself against what, exactly?

What no bears or really bad guys in your town . I got a Dirty Harry's badge and 4 speed loaders also. Harry had 3 ,but He's a better shot than me

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

3inch would be my choice for the question you asked


But why no 2inch? I have shot 44special and Mag loads through both of these across the chronograph and found no FPS difference.
I love this one.


Oh yeah and please do not cut that 6inch 629 please don't do it.

Here is the chronograph data

Name: 3inch power port
Notes: Smith and Wesson performance center 3inch power port
Shots: 5
Average: 761 FPS
SD: 31 FPS
Min: 739 FPS
Max: 824 FPS
Spread: 85 FPS
Barometric Pressure: 30.1 inHg
Temperature: 50F
Weight: 240 grains

Name: 44 special
Notes: Smith and Wesson 629 2.5in barrel performance center
Shots: 5
Average: 767 FPS
SD: 40 FPS
Min: 733 FPS
Max: 832 FPS
Spread: 99 FPS
Barometric Pressure: 30.1 inHg
Temperature: 44F
Weight: 240 grains

 

[jad0110]

I carry this 3" 629 fairly regularly in an old Lobo Gunleather IWB holster originally used for a 4" Model 28 (the 28 now rides in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II).

I know, I know, it has the lock . But I will say this: this gun has one of the smoother double action pulls I've experienced. Its a keeper, despite the wart .

 

[jad0110]

I do have a 4" 29-2, but it is in pristine condition so I elect to carry the stainless 629 instead:

 

[Zaydok Allen]

To protect yourself against what, exactly?

What does it matter?

 

[Deaf Smith]

To protect yourself against what, exactly?

Whatever gets in the way.

Man or beast.

Deaf

 

[Ric]

Update;
I talked to Hamilton Bowen on the phone this morning. (I couldn't believe he answered himself)
He is so swamped that he is not taking any stand alone jobs right now. He suggested calling S&W to see what they can do. He also suggested (agreeing with some of you) to change the barrel rather than cut it. He says some of the older gun barrels are so set that the frame could bend trying to remove it.
Called S&W, rather than trust a lesser known gunsmith, the e mailed me a shipping label and it's going out tomorrow.
I'll let you know how it goes. About three weeks for return

 

[roo_ster]

I have a Galco VHS shoulder holster and an IWB holster for my 4" 629.

For IWB or vertical shoulder holster carry, 3" vs 4" is no never mind. The extra 1" is down your pants or along your side and if you are big/tall enough, no whoop. If carrying OWB, 3 vs 4 vs 2.5 is a bigger deal and I would prefer the 2.5 snubby.

Tell us how hte bbl swap at S&W goes.

 

[2zulu1]

I have a S&W 29 6 1/2 " I carry in a old Bianchi shoulder holster . Holster hooks to belt also. Cover with a jacket not all that hard to conceal . Weight to me no worst than a 1911 5" government. End of day you know you have carried either one Just a few oz difference .
I really prefer my old Charter Arms 3" 44 spl. for carry .

That's the same holster I use, nickel plated M29 6.5", can't imagine cutting it down.

 

[WC145]

Consider Mag-na-port if you want that gun cut down. They've been at it a long time and do excellent custom work. They have packages that include all of the mods you want and more - http://www.magnaport.com/conv.html. I'm sure that they would work with you to create the gun you want.

I've had a couple of their guns and recently picked up this 29-2 that was given their 2.5" Combat Mini treatment back around '94, it started as a 4".

 

[Cocked & Locked]

There's that fine looking 29.2! Bluing so bright I need sunglasses.