what 629 can I live with?

[ken2222]

Hi Folks.....

I hunted this season with a scoped 8 3/8" barreled 629 and had GREAT results...HOWEVER, I'd like a shorter barreled 629 for the ease of carry and swing in a treestand. I found that my new hunting "paradise" will really only require a 65-85yrd shot in MOST cases so I'm wondering where the cut-off is for accuracy and tragectory in the shorter barreled versions. I won't likely mount glass on this gun so will be concerned about my sight line as well. I have limited experience with barrel lengths shorter than 6"....thats where you guys can hopefully help. I like flat shooting everythings since I'm best when wind and range are my only concerns in the field.

What length barrel would you suggest?

Thanks.....my 8 3/8 will be available for sale/trade when the decision is made so stand-by....

Ken

[Dusty Miller]

You could probably save yourself some time and money by having the barrel on your current gun cut to whatever length you decide on.  I prefer 6" barrels for anything that won't be carried concealed but that's really a subjective decision that a guy has to make to suit himself. 

[ken2222]

Thanks Dusty....I really hadn't thought of cutting it. That would take care of the length issue but I won't be glassing my next hunting pistol so front and rear sights will have to be dealt with. I have been leaning toward a 5" but don't want the full underlug. Can I tune up the crown myself if I do cut it?

[Heavy C]

Considering you're not putting optics on this revolver I would say no shorter than 5, but 6" would be better.  This will give you ample sight radius for those distances.  With those barrel lengths it should pack nicely too.

JMTCW

[ken2222]

Thank you Sir....is a 6" your choice for velocities sake as well at that distance?

[Heavy C]

Without getting into a discussion about bullet type and weight yes.  Keep in mind that handguns in general do not kill by shock like rifle bullets.  As long as your shot placement is good and the bullet punches through everything else should fall in place.  I don't know if you plan to use hollow points or hard cast.  Either will do the job just fine.

[ken2222]

My first buck of the year fell to a 300 gr XTP handload that was mixed for a friends 629. I'll be duplicating that recipe but haven't set up the press for 44s yet. My pistol likes the Magtech 240gr SP too but I like a heavier pill for my whitetails. Cast pills have been on my mind since I bought this pistol but haven't shot any yet.
Suggestions?   I'm calling my gunsmith right now to see about having this barrel cut and recrowned. Any tricks you know of would be appreciated.

Thanks ,

Ken

[Heavy C]

I like the XTP's for sure.  I haven't shot any hardcast through my 44 yet, but I've been looking into them for my 45 Colt.  Kind of overwhelming.  You might look for suggestions in the handloading section.

No suggestions on the cutting and crowning.  I'd leave to your gunsmith. 

Good luck with your project.

[okie john]

A cast 250-grain Keith semi-wadcutter is a great deer bullet. I load them to about 900 fps. My typical shot on deer is about 35 yards, but I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a deer out to about 75 yards with one. When I was young, stupid, and reading too much Elmer Keith, I killed a deer with a load like that that was well beyond that. Put a Keith bullet in the right place and the deer is yours.

6 grains of Bullseye or 7 grains of 231 will do the trick. These loads are very cheap to shoot, match-accurate, and they don't kick much, so you can practice a lot with them.

Shooting deer with an iron-sighted revolver is a demanding sport, but very satisfying.


Okie John

[southern utah]

ken, you might contact S&W and see what they charge for a 6" barrel installed. they will return original barrel for possible sale

[Davemuzz]

ken, you might contact S&W and see what they charge for a 6" barrel installed. they will return original barrel for possible sale

Great suggestion. It never hurts to ask. Plus if the price is right, you will have a new forcing cone and the chamber to barrel gap will be within specs. And hey....while it's there....just have 'em do that lazer engraving thing of a buck on the side plate! 

Dave

[warrior1]

good suggestion utah.

[ken2222]

Calling S&W did occur to me but... just like cutting the barrel, both leave me with a pistol that has glass on it now and I'm going back to iron sights. I'm also leaning toward a blued pistol over stainless ....my biggest concern was the loss of velocity with a shorter barrel and that's been answered in another forum here. I think it's time to just sell my set-up and start over. My needs have changed and so should my tools. I'd like to thank the contributors for your comments. You've all been very helpful.

I'm leaning toward a 29 Mountain gun as I write.

Warrior 1........what are you doing up this early!!???

Ken

[Ken ONeill]

Based on my experience with my two, there is a negligible practical difference in velocity, and therefore trajectory, between a 5" and a 6 1/2" 629 Classic. Relative ability to hit with each depends upon the individual shooter. There is essentially no difference in the intrinsic accuracy between the two lengths.

[drdougrx]

Hey Group,

Ken...I'd suggest sending the gun to SW or better leaving it as is and keeping it and buying a new gun.  Funny how we change our minds after a few years and circle back to where we started.  I have a 6" 29 and a 4" mountain  gun, both blue.  I don't use the 6" much  as the MTN is set up for woods carry and is much easier at least for me.  Hunting with either is really a draw as I also have a MagNaPort Predator with a 6"bbl in the mix. 

In my opinion, the beauty of a 44 is the bullet weight, so, I'd not get too hung up on velocity.  IF you use a fairly heavy bullet (240gr or better) and you can get 1100fps (my mtn gun gets 1250 with 300gr xtps) you'll have all you need for almost anything.  Now, if you are looking for a flat shooter out to some prolonged distance, the 44 may not be what you need.

Just my 2 cents.

[Davemuzz]

Yeah....my most favorite handgun to hunt with is my 6.5" 629, scoped....I shoot handloaded Hornady 200 grain XTP's over 24 grains of N-110. Most times it's just BANG...step....flip....flop. Man, I love that gun!

Dave

[ken2222]

Guys....I'm pretty much convinced the 29 MTN is going to work for me. I usually carry a pistol for 50 yrds and in anyway. I carry a Handi USH 20 for the long stuff.

I shot the first buck of the season with the 300 gr XTP and watched that 6 1/2 year old run into 3 trees in the 26 yrds he motored...I hit him just behind his left shoulder broadside at about 26 yrds. Took out his off shoulder and still exited with no recovery. After he bounced off 3 trees he stood up on his hind legs, spun around and piled up burrying his hind foot to the joint. He was almost 9' long! My round selection is complete. Tho like I said earlier...I'm still thinking of loading up some cast pills. My concerns over barrel length are no more. I've been looking all week end for a nice clean 29 MTN. 

[okie john]

The MG is a very good idea. Just make sure you shoot one before you invest too deeply. They kick more than you'd expect.


Okie John

[ken2222]

thanks for the tip on recoil....the 4" .500 doesn't bother me thru a cylinder or two...and I'm a one shot or don't take it guy. My back just won't take much tracking.

I think the shop I frequent has one I can rent. If not I think a distant friend has one...the MG  is my choice for sure