Considering buying a S&W .44 mag

[Rman]

I'm thinking of buying a S&W 629 .44 magnum, probably either a 5" or 6" barrel. I want it for defense, both from bears/wolves, as well as the two-legged kind. I don't really expect to carry it that much, because I'll take it with me in the truck when heading out camping & hunting in the back woods.

Here's a couple of questions:

1. Does anyone here own one?

2. What do you like and dislike about it?

3. Any reason to consider any other pistol?

Thanks for the feedback.

[gschoelles]

I'm thinking of buying a S&W 629 .44 magnum, probably either a 5" or 6" barrel. I want it for defense, both from bears/wolves, as well as the two-legged kind. I don't really expect to carry it that much, because I'll take it with me in the truck when heading out camping & hunting in the back woods.

Here's a couple of questions:

1. Does anyone here own one?

Yes

2. What do you like and dislike about it?

Too big and heavy for concealed carry and could cause unintended damage when used for anti-personnel situations

3. Any reason to consider any other pistol?

Is great for Defense when hunting, especially around pig and bear.

Thanks for the feedback.

Every gun has better uses and usability than others.

[mpohio]

1.) Yep, Iv'e got one. 629 magna ported with jeweled triger and hammer. Also has crimson trace grips.
2.) Love the trigger. Best I have ever pulled.
3.) Bad choice for everyday carry, as it's too powerful of a round and the gun itself is pretty heavy. Balistically, its a bad choice against humans. You would be much better off with a 40cal HP or 357 mag. The 44mag is a better choice for bear and other big game, but a 357 would probably do just as good of a job. I have read of game rangers carrying a 22mag for their bear gun. I wouldn't do it, but apparently they do it for a living.

For carry I use a Kahr pm40, or a SW 360pd 357mag




SW 360pd 357mag. Weighs 11.4oz and holds 5 shots.

[JimPage]

I have a 629 and I love it. But I don't carry if for self defense from people. I do carry it while hunting. I am old and sight is not as sharp as it once was, so I had to put a holo sight on it. It shoots about 3" low at about 120 yards and about 3" high midrange. That's plenty accurate for deer, pigs and black bear in my neck of the woods. It's what I would want for defense from grizzlies. Its only drawback is weight and size for a short guy like me. I have a cross chest holster for it.

I say you make a good choice.

[Warrior108]

Bears, wolves and a truck gun .. go 44 Mag. To use for CCW also, go with something lighter to carry like a 357 and load them up with some hot Buffalo Bore when in the bushes.

You could go with something lighter for packing around like a S&W 429PD but it will hit pretty hard for shooting. The 629 that mpohio has would be a good option and I've heard those 360PDs hurt like hell :-) Maybe look at the Ruger Alaskan too.

I have a 4" 629 but it's a VComp. Need to get out the camera for mine but here's one to give you an idea. I'd use this for 4 legged critters but CCW something else for 2 legged critters.