Let's talk 629 Classic...

[Dutch1911]

Greetings,
Looking at picking up a 629 Classic .44 Mag from Smith and Wesson.
I've somewhat been attracted to the 6" barrel. But I'm thinking... Differences here.
What are the load and range differences between barrel lengths?
Is there a big loss in power and distance from 8 3/8 to 6" barrel, as far as that's concerned even the 4" barrel???

Dutch1911

 

[glockman19]

I have a 5" and find it the perfect length and balance for the caliber and the gun.

I find the longer barrel length's a bit barrel heavy.

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

A little I wrote about my new one:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=403221

The 8 3/8 is barrel heavy, but that's how I prefer guns to balance. If that's not your thing keep that in mind.

 

[Dutch1911]

All swell information, but I'm looking for specific information here.

 

[LA Rondo]

The full underlug bbl @ 6" or 8" is definitely very muzzle heavy. Your accuracy/groups will be significantly thighter @ 25, 50 or more yards, compared to a 4" bbl

A 4" bbl will be most accurate @ 15-50 feet, realisticly speaking.

The barrel weight will compensate somewhat for the recoil.

If you have issues with your griphand's wrist or easily get tendonitis on your griparm, be prepared to not shoot the long barrels too often.

 

[bluetopper]

From "my" experience............about 40fps gain in velocity for every inch of pistol barrel.