S&W 629

[roosterslayer]

Does the S&W 629 come in both the 4.5" and teh 6.5" barrels, or just one or the other and if so which one is it?

[GoldTip]

I know in the past is has come in a 4.5" as my Dad has one with a 4.5" barrel.  Do not know if they also come in 6.5"

[CP]

It comes in 4”, 5", 6 1/2”, 8 3/8 & 10 5/8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_29

[roosterslayer]

ok would anybody use the 4.5 for hunting. I was hoping for at least a 6" but maybe the 4.5 would work.

[Intruder]

Boy... I'd think the longer the better.  I'm no expert on pistols but 4.5" seem pretty short for hunting.   

[roosterslayer]

thats what i was thinking

[Coasthunterjay]

longer the better.........not an opinion.

But you will hear more from others.

[CP]

The advantages of longer barrels are longer sight radius, slightly better accuracy, a bit more power, less recoil and noise.

The down sides are more weight, they are more awkward to carry, they can be unbalanced (barrel heavy), and they take longer to acquire the target.

I’ve hunted with 4” to 10” and I prefer the shorter barrels, 4” to 5”.  A heavy frame 44 mag is probably well balanced with a bit longer barrel.  For me personally, the advantages of a handgun disappear when the barrel goes beyond about 6”, after that I’d consider a rifle inside.

[jdb]

I had a model 29 with a 8 3/8" barrel, superbly accurate but pia to carry. if its your primary gun probably not so bad but if as a secondary Id look at a 4 or 5". JB

[cohoho]

I have same frame gun in .44 and have both it in 4" and 6". I will carry the 4" as much as previously possible, too me, I hit the same at 35-50 yards.  I won't take a longer shot, and can shoot very well, but that me off of sticks.  I know there are folks that will take the 100 yard shot, but hopefully they have practiced alot at that distance and off hand stance and use a scope. Unless it is a TC style gun...  Wheel guns weren't designed for long range accuracy... I don't have a scope on either one of the guns, so probably not much of a help in that area.  Used a 8 1/2 and 10" before with scope and hated it, too big and heavy to carry with a pack on, yea shoulder bandoleer holsters work, but it wasn't comfortable for me to use on a regular basis.   I like the 4" cause it is way easier to pack and carry,especially on my pack waist belt.  Probably be fun to jump shoot these Blacktails versus carring a long gun for 40 yard shots....  Hmmm, I think I just talked myself into how I'll hunt for them this season...

[Intruder]

The packing aspect that people are pointing out is a big consideration.  I guess it comes down to are you buying it primarily as a hunting gun or multi purpose?  I would certainly agree that a short lighter gun is better for multi purpose use. 

I know my one buddy who is a pistol hunter swears by the longer barrel on his hunting guns.  But he's shooting well over 50 yards.... often out to 150.  The silhouette guys opt for longer barrels for the most part too.   

[thinkingman]

I have the 629 5" and to me, it's the perfect compromise.
Definitely not noseheavy and still get the efficient burn that makes it a magnum, not a 44 special that makes lots of noise.
I would consider selling.
let me know.