S&W 629 - Barrel Length?

[Dave P]

So I am getting a hankerin' for a 44 magnum; plinking and target shooting at range. The 6" feels very nice.

Question is, which one do most folks prefer: the 6 or 8 " version?

No, I have not shot either, and plan to mainly shoot lite loads. Local shop has a nice 6" (ported) for $500.

Any comments?

Thanks
Dave

 

[WT]

I had a 629 with the 8-3/8" bbl. Much too long for my purposes. Sent it back to Springfield and had them change the bbl to 6". Much better. Tried a friend's 4 incher but the recoil was a bit too much. 6" seems to work best for me.

 

[sixguns]

I have a 6 1/2" on my model 29-2 and it is perfect!

 

[Fatelvis]

I really like the 5" version. It balances well, and is a handy length.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've got a three-incher, a 6.5-incher, and two 8.375-inchers. I'd like a five-incher.

I saw one in a gun shop with a $2,000 price tag, which struck me as being about $1,500 too much.

 

[P95Carry]

My 629 is 4" - great gun but I think something in region of 6" will make for better control.

I happen to like long tubes and would not mind the 8 3/8 (I have that on a M27-2) but for most folks I think that will be over long.

So - 6" for me = good compromize if choosing again. Longer sight base too of course.

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

I got the 8 3/8 barrel, topped with a Leupold 2x. I really like it. It is a little long and heavy, but it shoots great and i am real accurate with the longe barrel. I shoot the S&W 617(22LR) in 6 inch as a training, cheap shooter because it has all but the same feel, just lighter. I hunt with the 629 and it holsters well. Try each, I bet you would be happy with either.

Mr. Tettnanger

 

[fedlaw]

I have a 629PP: 6.5" with the ported barrel. It is a beauty, very accurate, very reliable and just plain fun to shoot.
Steve

 

[Dave P]

Thanks Guys - looks like 8" lovers are inthe minority. I will look closer at this 6" version.

Thanks for the inputs!

Dave

 

[c_yeager]

I would go with the 6.5" "mountain gun" (short underlug). Im not sure if they still make it though.