Considering a 44 Magnum

[Jaywalker]

It's been 35 years since I wrote a sentence like that...

I had a Smith Model 29 6-inch barrel back in the 70s and enjoyed what little I shot of it. Back then I was wheeling and dealing and didn't keep it long, though. Sure, it had recoil, but I felt it more as a barrel rise than a palm impact, if that's understandable, and had no problem with it.

I'm thinking of it again, but this time maybe in four-inch, still in the older M29. I still want double action and a half-lugged barrel - mostly that's for appearance sake, as I don't expect to rapid fire with it.

What do I intend to do with it? Realistically, probably not much, but as an excuse for a purchase, think for use on Texas feral hogs.

Comments are welcome, as are gel performance and penetration data.

Thanks.

 

[valkyrie.rider]

I have a four inch Model 29 and prefer it over the six inch. Seems to carry better in a holster and I cant tell much difference in performance. I can also attest to the fact that it can penetrate all the way though a Texas feral hog, or whitetail, without any trouble at all. I also carry two cylinders of birdshot for the rattle type critters.... Good luck in your search

 

[Jaywalker]

Thanks. Do you have any links to gel penetration data?

 

[under_dawg]

I bought a Ruger Redhawk 4" a couple of years ago and really like it. I replaced the grips rhat came on it with a set of Pachmayr Decelerators. They fit my hand much better. That said I would love to add a 629 Smith & Wesson Mountain gun to the collection one day....

 

[murf]

go to brassfetcher.com for gel tests.

murf

 

[Jaywalker]

murf,

Yeah, thanks, I did that, but I'm looking for another also. Brassfetcher's shows it exiting the block (though they do give depth of penetration in the tables).

 

[AABEN]

I jest sold 4 44 mag 2 4 in 2 6 in for 825.00 each. I am getting on in my years so I decided to sale some of my guns 37 Smith and Dan Wesson Most was Smith's I keep one 44 mag. I love the 44-4 in and my 41 mag 4 in.

 

[Boxhead]

I have an azzload of Smith 44's but kept looking long and hard for a "cheap" 4" M29 to run around the woods of north Idaho and just recently landed this one for $500 (and I am a fan of nickel!). Keep looking, know what a quality piece is and expect to pay up to $750 or so. It will be money well invested should your desire change.

 

[lastofthebreed]

Dirty Harry liked his 44, too!!!!

 

[Jaywalker]

Boxhead, it appears we think alike!

Jaywalker's Rules for investing:
1. Never buy anything that isn't a good deal;
2. Never buy anything you don't mind getting stuck with if you were wrong about Rule #1.

 

[BSA1]

I have both a 4" and 6" M-29's. There is total world in difference in the world when shooting them.

The 6" has been Mag-na-ported and is very controllable shooting one handed with magnum loads. I even shot a deer once that was standing under my deer stand hanging halfway out while holding onto the tree with the other hand.

The 4" is a brute. It is all business and demands your attention with same full power loads.

So it boils down to whether you are Clint Eastwood "Magnum Force" or Nick Nolte "48 Hours" fan.

 

[highpower]

I shoot my 1959 vintage, 4' model 29, the most of all my .44's. Dunno why, I just like shooting it. Went to the range the other day and I was shooting it at the 300 yard plate.

While I didn't hit it too many times, I know I scared it plenty. AND I had a lot of fun doing it next to all the others that were trying it with their benched and scoped rifles.



When I carry it hiking, it rides in this vintage Bianchi holster.

 

[Jaywalker]

I don't know how I'll feel about shooting full power loads from a four-inch barrel, since I've never done it. It should be easier to carry than a six-inch barrel, though. If I don't like it, I can either back the loads down as far as necessary, or buy 44 Special loads, or sell it. There isn't much downside that I can see.

 

[Desertrat357]

Jaywalker,
I've got a 4" Ruger Redhawk. I know it's not a M29 but still one hell of a revolver. I don't ever feed it a steady diet. But I've ran buffalo bores 305 gr HC lead through it and while the recoil was certainly substantial, I still managed to keep on target. Plus the stinging in your wrists goes away eventually lol!

 

[Jackal]

A 5" 629 Classic is hard to beat. For some reason the 4" seems too short and the 6" feels too long. The 5" is juuuuust right.

 

[Jaywalker]

highpower, I like your setup, including those dark grips.

There are other models besides the M29 variants, and probably some that will take full power loads better, but they wouldn't be what I'm looking for. I just like the Smith better.

 

[huntershooter]

Fan of the 4" "N" frames here.
I've a pair of 629-4 "Mountain Guns"; last of the no MIM, no lock guns.

These have accounted for a boatload of hogs and several Whitetail.

I shoot a "moderate" load with a 255 gr. KTSWC (gas check) @ just under 1100 fps. It's comfortable to shoot offhand and provides deep penetration.

 

[flipajig]

I'm a fan of the 44 only I like the SBH I Preferr a single action you can't go wrong with a 44.
Flip

 

[Boxhead]

One of my favorites, 5" M29-2.

 

[bannockburn]

If I was looking for a Model 29I would be sorely tempted to serach around for a 5" barrel model as well. To me, in an N frame, that's like the perfect balance between the carrying convenience of the 4" barrel and the extra velocity and heft of the 6" barrel.

 

[Pointshoot]

HunterShooter - nice looking 629 Mountain Guns ! I had one just like yours that I traded away in a fit of stupidity many years ago. Thats why I keep all of them now.

I do have a Mountain Gun in 45 Colt. Someday I'll get another 44 Mag version. A no lock pre MIM gun will cost me a lot more than the one I traded away. Oh well.

 

[Jaywalker]

I think I'd go for a five-inch barrel with the half lug. I don't see any of those for sale, though.

 

[Scrumbag]

I think I'd go for a five-inch barrel with the half lug. I don't see any of those for sale, though.

Jay, I agree. Wish more manufacturers offered that configuration in .357 as well...

 

[g_one]

I've been considering one as well.

Although it will likely be the end of the year before I buy a new gun, I'm almost positive it's either going to be a Taurus 44 or 608 - they both have the same large frame, but one is an 8-shot .357 while the other is a 6-shot .44; I already own a .357 so it's going to come down to whether I want to add another caliber onto the list, or whether I want an 8-shot 357 added to the list.

 

[Jaywalker]

Over the last 30 years I've consistently moved down the power range. I used to have the one 44 mag I mentioned and several 357s, starting with a 1961 Combat Magnum, then a Model 19, then a couple of Colt's in 357, including a Python or two and a Trooper, I think. I also had a Bulldog 44 when they first came out. Then there were several 1911 models in 45. I sold all of them in the 1980s. The biggest thing I have now is a Browning 9mm.

It finally occurred to me - I'm sure the 9mm is enough, but what if I'm wrong?

So, in the spirit of "go big or go home," mine will be the 44.