Which 44 Mag - Poll (with Pics)
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Having owned a 629 4" Mountain a couple 6" 629s a 4" 629 and a 5 1/2" stainless Ruger Redhawk and in shooting a couple different classic 629s a few of my observations are as follows.
The 629 Mountain is a sweet carrying pistol it is light and handy is the best option of your choices listed if the pistol is to be carried allot and not often shot (with full loads) used as a just in case something decides try to eat you as its happy meal gun.
Full power heavy loads can grow tiring after a short while the recoil comes back into the web of the hand noticeably a little more than any of the other choices listed.
The 4 inch standard 629 has a great balance of power and ergonomics it clears leather fast and points well and balances well and out to 100 yards does as well as the 6 inch barrel for me.
The 6" 629 is more of a hunting handgun it carries better in a shoulder holster than on a belt whereas the 4" models work well on a belt or a shoulder holster and are always handy.
The 5" Classic has the balance or weight more forward it helps to soak up some of the recoil but if I have to carry the weight I would rather have the extra inch of barrel with a 6" 629 with its longer sight radius and increase of velocity over the heavier 629 classic's 5" lugged barrel, if recoil bothers you then you could have a 4" or 6" pistol magnaported or something similar.
The Ruger Redhawk is (IMO overly) heavy with the weight noticeable more in the frame it is massive compared to the 629 Mountain or 4" 629 this weight is noticeable after a long hot summer day of carrying it all over.
I soon went back to my Smiths for a couple different reasons.
The Rugers trigger pull never was near what any of my S&W's were despite stoning the action and replacing the springs.
I never cared for the Ruger's ejector rod it always seemed loose and fragile as it wobbled a bit.
On the S&W its butter smooth each and every time always clearing even the stubbornest of handloads.
The Ruger's balance for me is all wrong and the weight seemed to be in the wrong places much of it needlessly so, it ended up being sold.
IIRC the Ruger is made from castings and the Smith & Wesson is made from forged steel.
Accuracy wise any of my S&W's .44s could and did beat the .44 Ruger time and again.
Elmer Keith had it right a 4" S&W .44 Magnum 29 or 629 is one of the handiest pistols to have around should the need arise.
Not trying to start a flame war as these are my opinions others have theirs but as for me a 4" 629 standard fits most of my big bore centerfire pistol needs.
Good luck on your search, mine took nearly 30 years in the end the 4 inch standard 29/629 is my favorite of the .44s followed by the 4" 629 Mountain as its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Any 4" .44 is hard to beat as a field pistol especially if you get into or are into handloading.
The 629 Mountain is a sweet carrying pistol it is light and handy is the best option of your choices listed if the pistol is to be carried allot and not often shot (with full loads) used as a just in case something decides try to eat you as its happy meal gun.
Full power heavy loads can grow tiring after a short while the recoil comes back into the web of the hand noticeably a little more than any of the other choices listed.
The 4 inch standard 629 has a great balance of power and ergonomics it clears leather fast and points well and balances well and out to 100 yards does as well as the 6 inch barrel for me.
The 6" 629 is more of a hunting handgun it carries better in a shoulder holster than on a belt whereas the 4" models work well on a belt or a shoulder holster and are always handy.
The 5" Classic has the balance or weight more forward it helps to soak up some of the recoil but if I have to carry the weight I would rather have the extra inch of barrel with a 6" 629 with its longer sight radius and increase of velocity over the heavier 629 classic's 5" lugged barrel, if recoil bothers you then you could have a 4" or 6" pistol magnaported or something similar.
The Ruger Redhawk is (IMO overly) heavy with the weight noticeable more in the frame it is massive compared to the 629 Mountain or 4" 629 this weight is noticeable after a long hot summer day of carrying it all over.
I soon went back to my Smiths for a couple different reasons.
The Rugers trigger pull never was near what any of my S&W's were despite stoning the action and replacing the springs.
I never cared for the Ruger's ejector rod it always seemed loose and fragile as it wobbled a bit.
On the S&W its butter smooth each and every time always clearing even the stubbornest of handloads.
The Ruger's balance for me is all wrong and the weight seemed to be in the wrong places much of it needlessly so, it ended up being sold.
IIRC the Ruger is made from castings and the Smith & Wesson is made from forged steel.
Accuracy wise any of my S&W's .44s could and did beat the .44 Ruger time and again.
Elmer Keith had it right a 4" S&W .44 Magnum 29 or 629 is one of the handiest pistols to have around should the need arise.
Not trying to start a flame war as these are my opinions others have theirs but as for me a 4" 629 standard fits most of my big bore centerfire pistol needs.
Good luck on your search, mine took nearly 30 years in the end the 4 inch standard 29/629 is my favorite of the .44s followed by the 4" 629 Mountain as its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Any 4" .44 is hard to beat as a field pistol especially if you get into or are into handloading.
Snapping Twig
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I carry a 3" 629 for just this purpose.
Of the choices you listed, I would opt for the 4" 629 over the mountain gun due to two factors: stainless and extra weight. Figure you'll shoot it at the range a few (or more) times, so the slightly more massive pistol will be kinder on you, stainless is easier to care for.
For a hunting piece, the criteria is totally different and the extra barel length becomes an issue making the other revolvers more desirable.
You can hotrod a Ruger, the S&W has a nicer trigger and IMO, better ergonomics.
I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger of the 4", or in my case 3" 629 should the opportunity present itself in lieu of a rifle shot. Ranges of 50+ yards are entirely within the ability of a snubby .44 if you practice. Cast bullets are a plus.
Of the choices you listed, I would opt for the 4" 629 over the mountain gun due to two factors: stainless and extra weight. Figure you'll shoot it at the range a few (or more) times, so the slightly more massive pistol will be kinder on you, stainless is easier to care for.
For a hunting piece, the criteria is totally different and the extra barel length becomes an issue making the other revolvers more desirable.
You can hotrod a Ruger, the S&W has a nicer trigger and IMO, better ergonomics.
I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger of the 4", or in my case 3" 629 should the opportunity present itself in lieu of a rifle shot. Ranges of 50+ yards are entirely within the ability of a snubby .44 if you practice. Cast bullets are a plus.
azredhawk44
Member
I've got 2 redhawks, 4" and 5.5".
The 4" redhawk is the best thing EVER to come out of Ruger's assembly line.
The 4" redhawk is the best thing EVER to come out of Ruger's assembly line.
Deanimator
Member
If I didn't already have a 4" S&W Model 29-2, I'd get a 4" Redhawk.
CoRoMo
Member
I would have voted for the Ruger Super Blackhawk had it been a choice, but the Red Hawk is a good alternative.
CoRoMo
Member
My computer is a repeater!
warriorsociologist
Member
If .44....I'd say the 4" Redhawk. If .41...then go w/ the S&W.
I chose the .41 Mag.
YMMV.
I chose the .41 Mag.
YMMV.
I voted for the M29 MG, but I have a M629 MG. I think you can still get the MG in stainless. FYI-the cyl on the blued guns does not have the 'black powder' bevel.
I have found the .44M MG to be a great shooter. If you plan on shooting "heavy" loads" you might want to consider getting the grips that come on the 500 Mag X-frame. The will make a huge difference.
All in all, great picks, just my choice.
Good luck.
I have found the .44M MG to be a great shooter. If you plan on shooting "heavy" loads" you might want to consider getting the grips that come on the 500 Mag X-frame. The will make a huge difference.
All in all, great picks, just my choice.
Good luck.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
S&W 629 Classic 5" ~!
RangerHAAF
Member
I originally bought a Model 29 with a 6 inch barrel that I had chopped down to five inches. It is my main carry gun and is much better balanced than it originally was. The shorter barrel rises higher when I shoot 44 Magnum rounds but 44 Specials keep the recoil down to the level of a 45 ACP, which is acceptable to me.
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