Model 629

rdec873

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111
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Cary, NC
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So a couple months ago I bought a 4” S&W 629 and almost immediately had a bit of buyers remorse, feeling I should have bought a 3” instead. I hear stories that the 3” is a fire breathing dragon but it looks so beautiful and carries a little easier. I intend to carry while hunting. Does anyone have a 3” or maybe both sizes to give me their perspective.


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I had a 3", 4" and (have) a 5" 629. Of those, the 4" carries just as easy as the 3" and the 5" is the best shooter - by far.

3" may look cool, but that's a lot of powder to burn in a short barrel.
 
When I hunt I usually do carry a handgun but on the opposite end of the spectrum from my long arm. I'f I'm squirrel hunting with a .22 rifle I'll have a large bore handgun and if I have a centerfire rifle I'll have a rimfire handgun. I feel certain you get the drift....
 
If you want a 3” 629 go for it ... especially if your 4” 629 is a pre-lock ... and post it in the classifieds here. I’m sure somebody here would sacrifice and deal with a 4” barrel :D. Like Tim said carrying a 4” is really no more that a 3” when it comes a big N frame revolver. As to fire balls ... again Tim’s “”lot of powder to burn” statement rings true but a 3”er is not a a-bomb going off either.

As to carrying a handgun while hunting ... I’ve taken quite a few doe (on culls) that were hanging out right under my stand and would not move out for a rifle shot.
 
Consider a 3" 357, a lot lighter and easier on the back... and easier to find.... 3" RB mod 66 for example..

Yeah agree, I have a 4” 357 and wish I bought theb3” there too. Instead I also went out and bought the 2.5” which I like a lot. Would have saved some money if I got the 3” up front. I think I’ll stick with the 4” 629 though. After reading the comments above it makes sense.


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Actually meant hiking not hunting


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If you are going to use it for hiking, the 329 (I think. The real light one that kicks like a mule.) would be the way to go. It is not pleasant to shoot with full loads but is a delight to carry.
 
For concealed carry there are advantages to a 3" over 2.5". Little more velocity but most importantly full extraction of magnum cases. For woods roaming I'll rather have a 4" over 3" for the longer sight radius and added velocity. When I went up to Alaska a few times I carried my 4" M58 .41 magnum in a high ride hip holster. No issues carrying concealed in Fairbanks/Anchorage with 175 gr STHPs and switched to 270 gr WFN when out in boonies. That said my favorite woods roaming gun here in NC is a old Charter Arms 3" Bulldog in .44 SPL. Lot lighter at 21 ozs. Used to canoe here in NC back in the mid 80s with a Smith M13 3" RB, HB.

CD
 
So a couple months ago I bought a 4” S&W 629 and almost immediately had a bit of buyers remorse, feeling I should have bought a 3” instead. I hear stories that the 3” is a fire breathing dragon but it looks so beautiful and carries a little easier. I intend to carry while hunting. Does anyone have a 3” or maybe both sizes to give me their perspective.


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I have the 3” Deluxe 44 Magnum 629. There’s a video I did with a novice and then myself with that 44 and a 454 Casull. He shot the Casull in single action and I did a fast fire in Double action.

I only shoot in Double action for revolvers. I can rapid fire a 3” 629.

However, I’m not that recoil sensitive. I have eliminated my flinch response.

To me, I don’t notice a great deal of difference between my 5” Ruger Toklat 454 and my Ruger Alaskan 454 Snubby. I do 240 grain Hornady XTP and Buffalo Bore 360 Grain cast lead bullets.

Even in a 357 Magnum, I don’t notice a huge difference between a Snubby and a 3” revolver. I do 125 grain 357 and 158 grain.

Unfortunately, my 44 Magnums are 629 3”, 629 7.5” and Ruger SRH 9.5”. I shoot 240 grain bullets and 210 grain bullets, only though, in my 44.

My woods gun is the Ruger Alaskan 454 Casull with 360 grain Buffalo Bore. I prefer 6 rounds over 5 in my Smith 500 6”.

Video is on my Instagram under MuzzleblastMD, if you’re interested. I haven’t done anything on YouTube with it so I can’t link it for you.


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So a couple months ago I bought a 4” S&W 629 and almost immediately had a bit of buyers remorse, feeling I should have bought a 3” instead. I hear stories that the 3” is a fire breathing dragon but it looks so beautiful and carries a little easier. I intend to carry while hunting. Does anyone have a 3” or maybe both sizes to give me their perspective.


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I have the Backpacker 629 3" prelock and love it. Carry it while hunting in the mountains because of the bears a 357 his a joke to use on a bear, its just a hot loaded .38.
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This 629 falls short in the barrel length discussion...not 4", not 3", but instead 2.5". Wonder how many times I've posted this on CFF. Ain't no telling. :rolleyes:

629-5 made in year 2000 as special order for Camfour Dist. Co. https://www.camfour.com

300 were made...pre-lock, fixed sights, and were shipped with Hogue rubber grips. I bought this one in 2003 at the now out of business K&M Wholesale in Lexington NC.

Craig Spegal Grips
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Ahrends Grips (better in the hand)

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any excuse to post pictures works for me :D
 
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