S&W 629 vs 29

[SCBaldr]

The 629 classic might just be my favorite revolver. I like the look and weight of the full length lug under the 6" barrel. That gun with the Hogue grips is very good at taming (Relative term) even the most potent .44 Magnum loads.

[rich e]

I prefer the 629 Mountain gun...I had a 6 inch 29 that was a dream to shoot but too heavy for carry...Wish I still had it..

Rich

[twoguns]

I had a 29 and a traded it. I still have the 629 and love it. I know the Ruger will handle real hot loads but I hate Ruger triggers. The S&W trigger is one of the best DA I have ever shot.

If you are a hand-loader here is the load I use:

pushing a 240 grain Montana Gold truncated flat-point
with 23 grains of H-110 and a good crimp on the bullet
using a Federal, large magnum pistol primer

This load registers around 1300 fps (my chronograph) out of a 6 and 5/8th inch barrel.

[Arrdy]

there was no frame cracking issue.
the issue was they shot loose, and got knocked out of time.

I didn't want to just shoot off an answer without checking my references 1st, I'm not like that and don't like those that are. The only supporting information I found was:

"In 1988, the 29-4 was ushered in with two changes. The retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane was strengthened and studs within the frame were radiused to help remove metal stress. It was not enough."

This is quoted from SMITH & WESSON'S .44 MAGNUM BY JOHN TAFFIN (http://www.sixguns.com/range/SmithWesson44Mag.htm) These changes were part of the "endurance package" S&W touted as the end of the shooting loose problem.

No where did I find anything about frames cracking to any degree.

I stand corrected.

[brian]

you'll also find that there are m29-3Es. the endurance package showed up late in the dash three run, and was marked as such to denote the difference from the standard dash three, non endurance package pistols.