629 4"

[cbourbeau32]

Greetings to everyone. I am a frequent poster on other forums on this great website but this is my first time here. I am the proud owner of a used model 629 4" 44 magnum. I Wanted to ask a couple of questions. First I bought my used model 629 today at a local pawn shop. I went in to see if he had any 44 magnums in stock. I had my mind set on either a used Ruger or used Smith and Wesson (frankly I didn't think I could afford a Smith for the I had saved up). He had the gun I eventually bought marked for $585. I asked him what his bottom line was on the gun and he said $500. I told him that was a good price but I couldn't afford that right then and just kept looking so finally he asked me if I was interested and I said sure I am but I am $100 short to buy it to which he replied let me see what I can do. He sold me the gun for $400 and threw in a box of 44 special ammo. The gun is in good shape. Did I get a fairly good deal on it? Secondly how can I find out the year of manufacture? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks, Charlie

[Lloyd Smale]

you got an excellent deal on one of the finest handguns made. My 4 inch 629 would probably be the last gun in the safe if i had to start selling. (thank God i dont)

[sidekick]

Good deal I'd say. One of the most versatile handguns one could own. Mine would make the short list of the last I would want to part with.

[cbourbeau32]

Thanks Sidekick, do you or Loyd either one reload for the 629. I am reading allot about the 629 not standing up to heavy loads for extended shooting. I would like to reload 240 grain for whitetails and 300 for hogs and for someday when I get to hunt in bear country. Thanks, Charlie

[Graybeard]

Pay no attention to such BS it's from folks who don't know any better. They hold up just fine and always have except for a short time during the Bangor Punta days.

[the_shadow3]

You got a great buy.  I have a couple of the 4 inch mountain guns.  The are great to carry in the field.  You will never notice when you need to use full mag. loads,  They are fierce when practicing.  I use 265 gr. cast in mine.  According to my book they are in the 1200 range.  Shot a spike Elk with this load 2 years ago.  At 40 yds I hit just forward of the right rear haunch.  Broke left shoulder and stoped just under the skin.   This was my first Elk with a hand gun.  Enjoy yours.
James







 

[sidekick]

cbourbeau32, I have yet to settle on a specific load, I really need to get serious about it. I've played with some 250gr SWC-GC and the standard 240gr JHP, which I love in my Ruger SBHH, for hunting purposes, but don't have any actual field results to share. I'd be interested myself if anyone has found a really accurate load for this gun that is not too punishing, that would be sufficient for whitetails in the 50 yard range. For personal defense I like Winchester Silvertips in .44 Special.

[Mikey]

cbourbeau32:  You have made an excellent purchase and Graybeard is absolutely correct. 

A couple of threads down the line is some discussion on handloading for the 44 magnum Mountain Gun.  Your barrel has the same twist as the mg barrel and some of the loads mentioned there should shoot just right in your 629.

I prefer a heavier slug - I always do with shorter barrels.  My preference is for a 295-300 gn hardcast semi-wadcutter over WW296 or H110.  Very accurate in my mg and very had hitting.  The last time I used it on a big critter was 2 yrs ago on a 400 lb Russian Boar - I used it for a finishing shot from 20 yds and it blasted completely on through the skull from a side shot.  I have no doubt those heavy slugs carry a lot more than the lighter ones do. 

I have also found the recoil from the heavier loads not to be bad at all - more a push than a snap.  JMTCW.  Mikey.

[cbourbeau32]

Thanks everyone for their responses. Sidekick, like you I would be interested in any loads anyone has to share. Thanks again. Charlie

[Lloyd Smale]

All mine has seen is cast reloads. Ive shot heavys in the smiths. I pushed heavys hard in one of the weaker older guns and it did loosen up quickly. that gun was repaired by smith and i was talked out of it. The one i have now is mostly used for 250s at about 1000 fps because at that level it takes care of most hunting chores and to be honest heavys in a smith arent kind to my hands. There more used to a single action in recoil. A smith will take about an endless supply of factory level 240 grain stuff. About the only trouble i could forsee with lots of factory level jacketed stuff is forcing cone wear. I would think that any new 29 would have no problem what so ever with a steady diet of 300s at a 1000 fps and would do fine with an occasional cylinder of heavys loaded warm. The gun isnt going to blow up but probably would take a beating and go out of time eventually if you shoot a steady diet of them. I stick to loads with hard cast 250s with 10 grains of unique or power pistol or 11 grains of herco or 12 grains of hs6. Ive taken deer with those loads and flattened a 250 lb boar with a 240 swcgc and 11 grains of herco. Pig took one leap and piled up. Bullet broke both shoulders and gave complete penetration. Unless your hunting something bigger then 500 lbs more power reallly isnt needed.