Poll: S&W Bounty Hunter vs. Mountain Gun

[HMMurdock]

Probably moving to Alaska in the next year or so, I have decided it is time to accquire a new .44 Magnum. A sucker for classics, I have narrowed my search down between two S&W M29 variants: The M29 "Bounty Hunter" .44 Magnum with 3" bbl or the M29 "Mountain Gun" .44 Magnum with 4" bbl.

When you look at these two pieces of art, they both have distinct looks to them despite the fact the Bounty Hunter has a slightly shorter barrel. They are both artwork in their own way. Does anyone know anything about these that might make one more desirable than the other?

Thanks in advance.

 

[slow944]

I had a RedHawk with the 5.5"bbl and it was to much gunto carry for me. The Security-Six I have has the 2.75"bbl and it's great for CCW. But in Alaska you might find you need that little extra length so I voted for the 4"bbl.

 

[ArmedBear]

I'd think that the 4" would be a bit more of a shooter. People use them as range guns, even. That would sway me towards the 4". It's manageable enough to enjoy shooting, not just carry around.

And in some places in the West, 4" is the minimum barrel length for big game hunting, or certain kinds of big game. That makes the 4" gun a far more useful piece.

 

[HMMurdock]

Is there any real difference between these two aside from the barrel length? (durability, finish, etc?)

 

[retrieverman]

I voted for the 3" gun, and as a matter of a fact, my new 629 3" "Mountain Backpacker" will be here tomorrow. It was a hard decision for me too, but I like the compactness of the 3".

 

[Stainz]

I voted MG. When I destroyed my 629MG, I opted for a standard catalog item 4" 629 (SKU #163603) to replace it. I am happier! The standard 4"-er has a wider trigger - great for gloves - and a wider hammer - again, great for 'fast' use with a gloved hand. Add the standard short lugged barrel, putting a bit more mass out front for better muzzle flip control' to the red ramp/white outline sights (MG's have black/black), and I think it's a better package. In SS, it certainly is a better woods/weather piece. Add the Hogue S&W .500 Magnum grips, and it becomes a 'real' .44 Magnum with decent recoil control - at only 2 oz more than a MG. Great availability/price advantage, as the MG's, much less the 'Bounty Hunter', are certainly not in steady production like the standard 4' 629. A bit of break-in, a standard strength Wolff hammer spring, and a reduced power trigger return spring and what a shooter!

Another opinion...

Stainz

 

[HMMurdock]

Outstanding responses. I'm still underfunded so my purchase will not be made in the IMMEDIATE future, but you guys are slowly leaning me in favor of the Mountain Gun. Any Bounty Hunter proponents care to go against the grain and give an argument in support of the snubby?

Retrieverman (or anyone else), what is the going price for the "Mountain Backpacker" and does it have any features not present in the MG or BH?

 

[Nightcrawler]

I've got a Bounty Hunter on order. I've also got a 5" 629 Classic, though. With a 5" and a 3", I don't really need a 4". But if you're only going to have one, 4" is probably the way to go.