The model 29 S&W

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Confederate, I beg to differ; a .44 Spl at 850 to 1000 Fps
Is not a waste of energy nor penetration, (180 to 240 grn)
Hollow point that is. Folks out there carry this on a daily
Basis and I'm sure they feel well protected as I would be.
 
The .44 rounds don't have the room to expand and any energy expended in over-penetration is wasted.
Click to expand...

A common misconception. The mathematical calculation of "energy" never killed a thing. What kills is either the shutting down of the CNS such as with a shot to the brain, neck, or spine, or the rapid loss of BP due to the destruction of flesh and blood vessels. In the latter case, complete penetration causes both additional destruction and a more rapid loss of BP and, IMHO, any bullet that does not completely penetrate is not suitable for use for SD or for taking game animals.

Don
 
I've owned two Model 29-2's over the years. A blue one with a 4" barrel, and a nickel with a 6 1/2". Both were great shooters, and about the best looking revolvers I ever owned.

BUT...I liked the Model 24 and Model 21, 44 Specials I had better. With the 44 magnums I shot 44 special loads most of the time anyway, but the 44 special guns were a little lighter and trimmer, and just felt a little better in my hands. (The barrels on the 44 Specials were more tapered, and the cylinders were slightly shorter, which accounted for the lighter weight.)

And there was something cool about it when someone asked at the range..."44 Magnum?" "No...44 Special." That usually started a conversation.

I did try carrying the Model 21...I think it was a -4, a Thunder Ranch model anyway, for a bit. A big, fixed sight, 4" barrel, N frame revolver it was about the most serious looking revolver I ever owned. With Hogue grips it looked like an overgrown Model 10. It was just too heavy to carry for me. A Model 29 would have been even heavier.
 
If Terry says he has a 7½" model 29, then that's what he has. It's not like they never made one, or that a longer model couldn't be shortened. :rolleyes:

Turned up in a 30sec search:
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/86486...-magna-classic-44mag-7.5-inch-1-of-3000-cased

0429a%20%2011.jpg_thumbnail0.jpg
 
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I have had several-a 629 in 5", now a 29 in 4" -the new version , a really sweet gun. I like this one best of all. Black is beautiful.
Also had a Mountain gun in 4".
Had several others- a shorty 629 that was ported from the factory with a lanyard stud on the bottom of the grip-cant remember the name of it
A 6" 629 that I sold due to non-use at he time.
They are wonderful guns and everybody needs to have one!
 
I have had several-a 629 in 5", now a 29 in 4" -the new version , a really sweet gun. I like this one best of all. Black is beautiful.
Also had a Mountain gun in 4".
Had several others- a shorty 629 that was ported from the factory with a lanyard stud on the bottom of the grip-cant remember the name of it
A 6" 629 that I sold due to non-use at the time.
They are wonderful guns and everybody needs to have one!



oops sorry
 
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Just picked up a four inch a few weeks ago, blued. With the new grip design it was the sweetest, most accurate gun I've ever fired. The wife asked me why I call my only "black" gun "blue". Didn't have a good answer.
 
I have a 6" 629 from the early 80's and a 29 with 8 3/8' barrel from around the same time. Been on lots of hunts and have taken deer with both. The most refined 44mag you can get. Eventually I will pick up a couple more.
 
CPLofMARINES said:
Confederate, I beg to differ; a .44 Spl at 850 to 1000 Fps is not a waste of energy nor penetration, (180 to 240 grn). Hollow point that is. Folks out there carry this on a daily basis and I'm sure they feel well protected as I would be.
Click to expand...
I also would feel very well protected by such a load, but then, I think .25acp autos and .22lr autos are horribly underrated. And while each caliber has its place, my point is that I believe a 125gr JHP .357 load from a true medium-frame revolver would be a far better package than a big .44 mag loaded with heavy .44spc loads.

The .357 load mentioned above tends to stay in the body and deliver high levels of energy that make it one of the most effective loads of all handgun rounds. I was hoping the .40-caliber auto would deliver similar results, but it just hasn't (at least the last time I looked). I used to carry a 5-round .44 Charter Arms pistol, the Bulldog, but it took relatively weak loads and eventually began to bind. I eventually figured that it would be better to have six rounds of .357 than five rounds of .44spc, and I was appalled when people began converting their fine Ruger Speed-Six revolvers to five rounds of .44spc.

While I'd be perfectly comfortable using any modern load of .44, .45, and even 9mm, my confidence in the .357 is based on consistent performance over the years. A .44 at 1,000 fps is a formidable round, granted, but I'd hate to have to carry a big revolver like a Smith 29 to deliver it.
 
I keep dismissing the so-called "Classics," they're just........not right
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Not the same thing. Back in the late `80's and early `90's S&W had their "Magna Classic" and DX models. These are pre-lock guns with forged innards and the DX guns were hand picked due to their accuracy. Head and shoulders above that crap they call "Classic" now. They were fine sixguns by any measure.
 
I've got the 8 3/8" model which makes it carrying concealed a bit of a pita, however I've got a big leather holster to carry it out in the open, when I'm out hunting in bear country. I've had it about 20 years or so, bought it used but like new in the box.
 
Hello Fishslayer,,,

629 no dash is right at the top of my "must haves."
Click to expand...

You mean like this old gal,,,
It's a 6" or 6.5" barrel,,,
I can never remember.

629-no dash,,,
Pinned and recessed,,,
I named this lady, Jezebel.

02-jezebel.jpg

It was a gift from a very dear friend,,,
It was her father's favorite gun,,,
I got it when he passed.

Aarond

.
 
Model 29-5 Look Ma, no flutes just like the previous 29-5 but alas only a 6" barrel. This gun has been one of the most enjoyable I own.

SW%20Model%2029.png

Ron
 
It just so happens I have a 1950 Target in .44 Spl. that is about 550 numbers earlier then the serial number (S 147220) of Keith's first .44 Magnum Model 29.

Further, it was shipped from the factory new in 1955.

Makes me wonder if the same guys handprints were on it that built Keith's gun shipped in 1956??

1950SW.jpg

rc
 
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