I was set on getting a S&W 629 Classic with a 5 inch barrel, then I read about the apparent and frequent quality control issues with S&W these days. I love the look of the 629 Classic, full underlug... I'm looking for a revolver in 44 magnum, good quality, under $1000, and with the same/ very similar looks of the 629 classic. I looked at Rugers and can't stand the looks. Sorry. What do you guys think?
Which 44 magnum?
- Thread starter John79
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Heck, I love my M629-4. I can change front sights, it is drilled and tapped for a scope, it is a very compact package and mine is very, very accurate.
Now that I have installed these big soft S&W 500 Magnum grips on the thing, I can shoot full power loads without the thing hurting me.
S&W makes around 400,000 handguns a year, I am certain a few stinkers get out. My experience has been positive with respect to S&W revolvers.
Now that I have installed these big soft S&W 500 Magnum grips on the thing, I can shoot full power loads without the thing hurting me.
S&W makes around 400,000 handguns a year, I am certain a few stinkers get out. My experience has been positive with respect to S&W revolvers.
dirt_j00
Member
Check out Taurus revolvers. They have several that resemble S&Ws.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/products-revolvers.cfm
Haven't had any trouble from my 4" Taurus .44 Ultralite.
This one looks similar to the one pictured above.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/products-revolvers.cfm
Haven't had any trouble from my 4" Taurus .44 Ultralite.
This one looks similar to the one pictured above.
I have a couple 44 magnum revolvers. A 629-6 classic 6.5". A 629-3 classic 5". A Colt Anaconda 4". I love all three revolvers, but my favorite shooter would the the 629 6.5". I bought this firearm recently and so it has the MIM parts and safety lock (some people don't care for these features). I find that this revolver is built just as well compared to the other two 44 magnums. The Anaconda is much beefier than both the S&W but it isn't necessarily built better. I would no hesitate to make the decision to purchase the new 629 if I had to do it all over. My buddies have several taurus 44 mag revolvers, and yes, I have shot them. I would not put the taurus in the same class as the SW or Colt or Ruger. (No offense to anyone who owns a taurus). Do the right thing and buy that S&W you're looking at.
jad0110
Member
Well, from what I have seen and experienced, a good Taurus is quite good, but they do seem to produce a higher percentage of lemons than S&W or Taurus. Check them over extra careful before you buy.
dirt_j00
Member
In the interest of full disclosure: I own several Taurus revolvers and no S&Ws.
But from everything I've read on the internets, there are people who love Taurus, and people who "hate" them.
It's really all about what you want. I have had a good expereince with all of my Taurii. Several folks have not had good experiences. But some would say the same could be said of S&W (or any manufacturer). Taurii come with Lifetime Warranties, FYI. I don't know about Smiths.
Here is how I look at it (IMHO YMMV):
Taurus = middle-of-the-road quality work, reasonable pricing, no name recognition/pride factor
S&W = higher caliber work, higher pricing, name recognition
If you got the $$ for a Smith, go for it. If not, and don't want to put down that kind of money, get the Taurus. Many folks have put thousands of rounds thru both with no problems.
raskolnikov_22
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How about Dan Wesson? They can be had for well under $1000 and the trigger reach seems shorter and more comfortable to me on the DW than on my 629 Mountain Gun.
Virginian
Member
I have not heard of a score of S&W QC issues. Just folks hate the damn locks, and I can't say I disagree. Look for a used one if that bugs you. I liked the 629 Classic I had a lot. Very comfortable to shoot with full magnum loads, and accurate, with that full underlug barrel. But, I shot it until it started to get loose, sent it to S&W and got it re-tuned/tightened, and sold it. If I was going to do it again, I would stick with mostly Specials but know it could handle the heavy stuff comfortably when needed. I find I don't need a steady diet of firebreathers anymore either.
The 5" S&W 629 is a fine revolver. Don't let the internet stories keep you from getting one. The N and X frames are the top of the line and QC issues seem to be few and far between. One piece of advice, if you get the Smith, get the X frame Hogues (from S&W) for it like Slamfire 1 has. They make shooting heavy loads a lot easier.
jimmyraythomason
Member
I traded my Ruger Super Blackhawk for a Taurus M44 and haven't regretted it. Both had 6" barrels with excellent sights. I preferred the feel of the Taurus and the double action. The ported barrel reduces felt recoil enough that my wife loves to shoot it. It is very accurate. You can get a good used one for $250-up.
Mr.Revolverguy
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I am getting ready to be crucified I know for this comment.
I have all these and list in the order of preference.
S&W 629 6in
Taurus M44 6.5in
Ruger Redhawk 4in
For goodness sake the Ruger beats me more than the 460 I have. The grips on the new 4inch redhawk with the exposed frame just beats your palm up so bad. Maybe if I could find a better set of grips I would like it more. I have only put 30 rounds through it in 2 years because of this. After all these years of buying handguns the 4 inch Ruger is the only one I have ever contemplated selling.
I will say I have plenty of other Rugers that will never go any where but you asked about the 44mag.
I have all these and list in the order of preference.
S&W 629 6in
Taurus M44 6.5in
Ruger Redhawk 4in
For goodness sake the Ruger beats me more than the 460 I have. The grips on the new 4inch redhawk with the exposed frame just beats your palm up so bad. Maybe if I could find a better set of grips I would like it more. I have only put 30 rounds through it in 2 years because of this. After all these years of buying handguns the 4 inch Ruger is the only one I have ever contemplated selling.
I will say I have plenty of other Rugers that will never go any where but you asked about the 44mag.
Bionicrooster
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I have a taurus 44 in 6.5 inch stainless and even though I just got it I am very impressed. Very accurate and the fit and finish are excellent. Here is the Taurus along with my Zastava EZ40
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flipajig
Member
ive got a super blackhawk in 44mag and wouldt trade it for nothing..
Lloyd Smale
Member
the new smiths comming out of the factory are better built guns then the old ones. they lack the fit and finish the older ones had. they usually dont have a nice of bluing or as nice of a da trigger pull but they are a stouter gun.
LTR shooter
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Not sure about the current Smith revolvers but my 629 Classic bought new in 2000 is probably the most accurate repeating centerfire handgun I have ever fired. Despite the cost of shooting the 44 (even with reloading) this one is a keeper!
robsc
Member
There is nothing wrong with 629 Classics.Ruger GP100s are fine ,too.
I strongly suggest that you pass on all that `s presently available and wait for a better deal on a 629 or GP100.
I strongly suggest that you pass on all that `s presently available and wait for a better deal on a 629 or GP100.
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