I just read the latest issue of American Rifleman. They have a feature on the model 29, Dirty Harry's famous 44 mag ". Just curious how many guys own one, and if you ever carry it for your every day carry. Always loved that gun but never could justify buying one in recent years, they came out at $135.00.
The model 29 S&W
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They are an engineering marvel. Fits my hand perfectly, shoots smooth and true. I couldn't hope nor ask for a better revolver. With a 6.5" barrel though I can't use it for concealed carry. Maybe open. But I think there are better options.
Dframe
Member
I own one with a 3 inch barrel and love it. Certainly NOT the best carry gun though.
Wil Terry
Member
THAT BY WHICH all else is judged. Have it in 4", 6", and 7 1/2".
JFtheGR8
Member
I had a 629 Classic with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. It was a great shooter. I wish I still had it.
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Posted from Thehighroad.org App for Android
DC Plumber
Member
I have a 6" 29-2 from 1982. Never ccw, but has been on a few whitetail hunts.
It is a perfectly balanced and weighted big bore.
It is a perfectly balanced and weighted big bore.
David E
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I have a 6" Magna-ported 29-3 that is an absolute pleasure to shoot, even with hot loads. The previous owner had replaced the original grips with a Hogue Monogrip that is very comfortable, but I prefer the look and feel of the original grips, and will find a replacement set one day.
It's a well-balanced gun that has a very smooth DA trigger, and in SA there is no take-up on the trigger at all. It would be one of the very last guns I would ever consider selling. However, since I am 6' and 150 lbs., there's just no way that I could possibly hope to conceal it unless I was wearing a huge parka.
If you want one, look around, especially in the private sector, because on occasion you can find one for a good price (like I did), and they are a hoot to shoot.
It's a well-balanced gun that has a very smooth DA trigger, and in SA there is no take-up on the trigger at all. It would be one of the very last guns I would ever consider selling. However, since I am 6' and 150 lbs., there's just no way that I could possibly hope to conceal it unless I was wearing a huge parka.
If you want one, look around, especially in the private sector, because on occasion you can find one for a good price (like I did), and they are a hoot to shoot.
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I have a very nice 29-3, 6 inch, which I bought used around 1989. It didn't appear to have been shot much or carried, since the finish was great. I have carried it while hiking in the Yellowstone region, before I got a Ruger Alaskan. It is a great shooter, with an extremely smooth trigger pull, which makes it easy to shoot accurately. It is kind of big and heavy for every day carry, but with the right holster and belt it isn't too bad. I feel pretty confident with it out to around 50 yards. It's fun to shoot 44 specials and magnums aren't unpleasant. It isn't a gun I carry or shoot every time, because I kind of hate to scuff up the nice blue finish. If it was the only gun available to me, I'd feel pretty well armed. I'll never get rid of it.
Twiki357
Member
I've wanted one for many years, but could never justify the cost. I finally had the stars in proper alignment about six months. Acquired this one for a reasonable price and about 95% condition with recycled tires masquerading as stocks. I don't think I would ever carry it for CCW. Even with suspenders, I already have enough trouble keeping my pants from falling down.
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4D5
Member
I have more than one, and they are all fun to shoot and way more accurate than I'll ever be.
critter
Member
I almost have one! Mine is the 8 3/8" S&W .44 magnum but is a PRE model 29. Just a lovely firearm indeed!
Boxhead
Member
I have an azzload of 29's/629's, 4", 5", 6", 6 1/2" and 8 3/8", all P&R'd. They, to me, are the finest revolver ever made.
Quoheleth
Member
How does a .44 Mag compare to the model 25 in .45 Colt in terms of recoil and blast?
To keep it simple, use an average, standard commercially available load in each caliber.
I know the .44 Mag has more recoil & blast, but are we talking marginal or whole new world of boom?
Had a 25 "Model of 1955" and stupidly sold it, just in time for prices to skyrocket. Now, unless I get lucky or be patient in saving my nickles, I won't be able to replace it.
Q
To keep it simple, use an average, standard commercially available load in each caliber.
I know the .44 Mag has more recoil & blast, but are we talking marginal or whole new world of boom?
Had a 25 "Model of 1955" and stupidly sold it, just in time for prices to skyrocket. Now, unless I get lucky or be patient in saving my nickles, I won't be able to replace it.
Q
40-82
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Funny you should ask. As I found your post this morning, I had a 3-inch Model 29 inches away from my hand. Yesterday, I had it with me on my way out to do some bush hogging for a friend. On my way out to his farm he called me to ask me to step into Wal-Mart and pick up a jug of antifreeze. I just pulled my shirt-tail over the little Model 29 and went straight into the store. I couldn't conceal even this short-barreled Model 29 under all summer conditions, but if it is a choice of looking sloppy with my shirt-tail out and having the Model 29 and looking neat and pressed with a J-frame in the pocket, I'll take looking sloppy.
W.E.G.
Member
Carrying a 6.5" N-frame on a daily basis is only something they do in the movies.
I have one, and its about TWICE the size of a full-size Glock.
I have one, and its about TWICE the size of a full-size Glock.
DM~
Member
My 29's have put a lot of meat in my freezer, from moose on down to deer and small game. I can't even guess how many miles i've carried one.
DM
DM
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
Comparing standard factory loads, to use your phrase, yes, there is a whole new world of boom when you compare a 44 Mag to a 45 Colt.
Dframe
Member
Yup. A whole world of boom. I'm gonn stray just a bit, and say that While I love my 29, my favorite 44 magnum is my Anaconda.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Both my 6" 29 and 629MG are wonderful shooters. Still need a 4" 29 that should probably get engraved and fitted with a black front sight and ivory. Would also like a 5" 29 Classic.
Concealing yes, carrying no.
CPLofMARINES
Member
I believe it was Clint Smith who once said, "the 4" M 29
Is too much of a good thing." With magnums it demands
Your full attention, with hot Specials, it's a great PD
Option. I have carried mine, (fall/winter) good holster and
What some folks forget is a good gun belt. Not a normal
Belt, but a gun belt, there is a difference. Now, the longer
Barrels, I think most folks keep them reserved for range
And field/hunting use.
Semper Fi
Is too much of a good thing." With magnums it demands
Your full attention, with hot Specials, it's a great PD
Option. I have carried mine, (fall/winter) good holster and
What some folks forget is a good gun belt. Not a normal
Belt, but a gun belt, there is a difference. Now, the longer
Barrels, I think most folks keep them reserved for range
And field/hunting use.
Semper Fi
Confederate
Member
The 29/629 are beautiful revolvers I could afford owning. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford shooting them. They're also pretty much of a hunting round. Using one for self defense just isn't practical, unless you're defending yourself from a bear.
Putting 2- and 3-inch barrels on them are a bit of a waste unless you're hiking on Alaskan trails. Loading hot .44 Spc rounds also isn't very practical as there are hot .357 Mag loads that are better manstoppers than either specials or magnums. The .44 rounds don't have the room to expand and any energy expended in over-penetration is wasted.
The 29/629 is beautiful, well balanced, accurate and practical. How they stand up to thousands of hot, factory rounds is beyond me. Are they just larger caliber versions of the 19/66? I don't know. But I do know that it wouldn't be worth it for me to have a Ruger Redhawk or, worse, a Super Redhawk. Although they may be fine for some, their size and weight make it just as practical to buy a rifle.
The older models with the stamped side plates, recessed chambers and plated
hammers/triggers are my favorites.
Putting 2- and 3-inch barrels on them are a bit of a waste unless you're hiking on Alaskan trails. Loading hot .44 Spc rounds also isn't very practical as there are hot .357 Mag loads that are better manstoppers than either specials or magnums. The .44 rounds don't have the room to expand and any energy expended in over-penetration is wasted.
The 29/629 is beautiful, well balanced, accurate and practical. How they stand up to thousands of hot, factory rounds is beyond me. Are they just larger caliber versions of the 19/66? I don't know. But I do know that it wouldn't be worth it for me to have a Ruger Redhawk or, worse, a Super Redhawk. Although they may be fine for some, their size and weight make it just as practical to buy a rifle.
The older models with the stamped side plates, recessed chambers and plated
hammers/triggers are my favorites.
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