Trade 69 for 629?

[Styx]

I own an used unfired S&W 2.75" Model 69 Combat Magnum I purchased last year. I was at the Gun shop today and seen a used that doesn't appear to be used at all Performance Center model 629 2.63" barrel for $999 +tax.

Neither revolver will necessarily will fit any particular roll other than I just like revolvers. Good idea or bad idea to sell off the 69 for $750-$800, and then throw in another $270+/- for the 629?

 

[Targa]

For what your described use is, which is the same as mine by the way, I would sell the 69 and pick up that performance center 629. That is a great price for that gun as you described it.

 

[nick22]

I also am a big fan of the 629 I would go that route.

 

[357 Terms]

Cadillac vs Chevy

 

[Riomouse911]

If you don’t carry the gun, you won’t much notice the 629 is a tad bit larger and heavier. But the extra shot, and higher resale value later on, would spur me to sell the 69 and buy the 629.

Stay safe.

 

[Tallball]

Smith and Wesson Model 629-5

• Tallball
• May 25, 2019

 

[earlthegoat2]

I think the 69 is a bit light for a 44 Mag. That’s just theory though as I have never shot one. I like the 629 though. It is a very nice 44 Mag platform.

I would make that swap.

 

[mcb]

Having bought a 6.5 inch full under lug model 29 to pair with my 16-inch Rossi M92 I wish I have bought a shorter lighter 69. The M29 is so big and heavy it makes an a awful sidearm to pair with the carbine. As a stand alone hunting revolver it's great, as a belt worn sidearm pretty awful.

 

[Targa]

I think the 69 is a bit light for a 44 Mag. That’s just theory though as I have never shot one. I like the 629 though. It is a very nice 44 Mag platform.

I would make that swap.

The 69 is a great gun but yes, full power .44mag out of the 69 will shorten your range session in a hurry.

 

[thegatman]

Go with the 629

 

[entropy]

I looked at a 627 Performance Center yesterday. It was mighty tempting, but having just bought one handgun, having a Trap gun on layaway, and spent @$300 to fix another shotgun, I'm probably going to cool my jets for a bit. If it's still there when I'm ready, I'll pull the trigger on it. (Actually, I tried the trigger on it, it's fantastic!)

 

[jdc1244]

Neither revolver will necessarily will fit any particular roll other than I just like revolvers.

Nothing wrong with that.

None of my revolvers serve any particular role, save that I like them.

 

[243winxb]

I own an used unfired S&W 2.75" Model 69 Combat Magnum I purchased last year.

You didn't fire this one. You don't need it or the 629. Forget it. Sorry.

 

[Styx]

You didn't fire this one. You don't need it or the 629. Forget it. Sorry.

Picked it up during the pandemic. It was hell even trying to find ammo let alone getting a booth at the range. I just never got around to it after that.

 

[Riomouse911]

I think the 69 is a bit light for a 44 Mag. That’s just theory though as I have never shot one. I like the 629 though. It is a very nice 44 Mag platform.

I would make that swap.

I have the 4.2” Model 69 and a 4” 629 Mountain Gun (and a 6.5” PowerPort 629 like @mcb above). The 69 is, surprisingly, about the same felt-recoil wise as the Mountain Gun with the same loads. I think the different grip shape either tames or alters the recoil enough to make the recoil comparison a push in my mitts.



And yes, as @Targa said, there is no doubt full power loads with either of those 4” .44 Magnums makes for a shorter, hand-stinging range session compared to other guns in the quiver. I’ll even bet the lighter, shooter barreled versions the OP is talking about are even more of a handful for sure .

Stay safe.

 

[paul105]

I have the 4.2” Model 69 and a 4” 629 Mountain Gun (and a 6.5” PowerPort 629 like @mcb above). The 69 is, surprisingly, about the same felt-recoil wise as the Mountain Gun with the same loads. I think the different grip shape either tames or alters the recoil enough to make the recoil comparison a push in my mitts.

View attachment 1132784

And yes, as @Targa said, there is no doubt full power loads with either of those 4” .44 Magnums makes for a shorter, hand-stinging range session compared to other guns in the quiver. I’ll even bet the lighter, shooter barreled versions the OP is talking about are even more of a handful for sure .

Stay safe.

When i first got my M69 in 2014, I compared it with my 629 Mtn Gun using Federal 240gr .44 Mag ammo. I also found felt recoil to be the same but muzzle jump was less with the M69 - Maybe due to lower barrel/grip axis and slightly more weight out front.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[dickydalton]

I got an origional 1989 Mountain Revolver in 1989 for $355.00. I shot it loose and a great gunsmith restored it and made it better. It has fed me venison and protected me for decades. It was my main carry for many of those years. I also bought a Model 69 2 3/4" 4 years ago and it is easier to carry concealed and with the Pachmyr Compac grip is very easy on the hand. My main go to since 1974 has been a 29/629/MR/69. I love the S&W N frames. And I love 44 Magnums!

2957

• dickydalton
• Oct 31, 2022

Stags2

• dickydalton
• Nov 5, 2021

69now

• dickydalton
• Feb 7, 2020

DSC04618

• dickydalton
• Dec 29, 2019

Craig Spegel

DSC00002

• dickydalton
• Jun 9, 2019

DSC00006

• dickydalton
• Oct 18, 2018

 

[Rodfac]

Having bought a 6.5 inch full under lug model 29 to pair with my 16-inch Rossi M92 I wish I have bought a shorter lighter 69. The M29 is so big and heavy it makes an a awful sidearm to pair with the carbine. As a stand alone hunting revolver it's great, as a belt worn sidearm pretty awful.

Pretty good advice, I'd say....but both guns are short barreled, too short really for anything but defensive use IMHO. In that role, defensive use, I'd go with the 69 for its lighter weight on the belt...and I'd stoke it with .44 Special rounds, 900 fps with a .44 caliber bullet is nothing to sneer at. Best regards, Rod

 

[Y-T71]

I bought a 6" 629 back in the late 80's because I used to hunt and Ohio has a minimum barrel length of 5" requirement.

I love my 6" but, deep down I've always had a desire to own a 4" 629.

Never handled a 69 but they don't really appeal to me.

Maybe if I got to handle/fire one I would change my mind.

 

[TxUplander]

My 629-4 is a gun i genuinely regret trading off. The model 69, not so much. The ONLY thing it has going for it is weight as far as im concerned. I will say, My 69 shot fine and was accurate enough.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I've got a 2-3/4" Model 69 and I handload for it. I put up 44 Spcl loads in 44 Mag brass and shoot that. Have no desire to sample the recoil of full-power 44 Mag loads in that short-barrelled beast. But like Rod sez above, 44 spcl at 900fps is a good defence load...and the M69 can stand up to it better than a Charter Arms Bulldog. If you can get enough 44 spcl ammo, you can realistically practice with it.

Full-power 44 mag has its place. For me it's either a Ruger RH, a SBH, or the Contender...each with 7" or longer barrels. And even at that, they're not as much fun as they were 40 years ago.

ETA: I'd hang onto the 69 as a carry piece. As you get older, you may see value in that. The 629 would be a bit big for carrying and the barrel is too short for hunting. As such, it's neither fish nor fowl.