Which S&W .44 mag? Model 629 vs 69?

**LarryD1130** · March 11th, 2014, 04:22 PM

Hey guys. I'm in the market for a 44 magnum. I rather have a Smith and Wesson instead of a Ruger. I would also like it to be stainless. The two I'm looking at are the Model 629 Classic (with the full lug) with a 5in or 6in barrel or the new model 69 built on the L frame.

Out of these two, which one is more desirable and why?

**Qtrborecrazy** · March 11th, 2014, 05:13 PM

I have a 629 but it has a 8 3/8 inch barrel. With hornady gummy tips I can shoot 1 1/2 groups at 100 yards. I also had a 686 with a 6 inch barrel that was also very accurate. I just don't like S&W anymore because of the crap corp. pulled.

**ckellyme3** · March 11th, 2014, 05:30 PM

I am assuming your not making this purchase for carrying purposes. I would opt for the 6in version. Balances a good bit better than the 5in version (alot of weight in the mid and back of the gun) and you get the added fps out of your rounds. I personally think it looks better in 6in as well but thats just my opinion. Good luck.

**Sparxfly72** · March 11th, 2014, 06:40 PM

Neither. Go for the Dirty Harry 6 1/2" Model 29.

A man's gotta know his limitations.

**Don Quixote** · March 11th, 2014, 07:13 PM

I have shot both a 629, and an L frame in 357 which is the same frame as the model 69

Bear with me on this convoluted logic......

According to Balistics101.com, the median 38spl has about 300ft/lbs of energy and the 357 has about 600, so that is double. The recoil difference is noticeable.

The 44 special has about the same MEnergy as the 357. The 44 mag has about double that. The recoil difference is VERY noticeable and verging on the unpleasant after 2 or 3 cylinders.

The 44 spl with similar energy as a 357 feel like a 38 spl out of the L frame. What that means is the the 44 mag which is double the energy as the 357, has to kick like a Mule in the L Frame. (to be honest I did not compare the weigjt ofnthe 69 with the weight of the 686).

All of thismis pure speculation on my part.

I can imagine that a steady diet if 44 mag jn an L frame has to do somethingnto that frame's lefe expectancy as well.

**DTFTH45** · March 11th, 2014, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Sparxfly72

Neither. Go for the Dirty Harry 6 1/2" Model 29.

A man's gotta know his limitations.

I vote for a 29 in blue too. So I'd say 629 if ya want stainless.

**rkrcpa** · March 11th, 2014, 08:22 PM

It really depends on what you are going to do with it. I have an L frame 696 44Spl and would not even think of using that as a 44 mag. I'm not sure I would even like heavy 44Spl loads in it. Granted, the 696 is a three inch barrel but I just don't see the extra inch turning it into a 44 mag.

That being said, I think the Mdl 69 will make a terrific 44spl, possibly approaching Perfect Packin' Pistol status.

**625** · March 12th, 2014, 10:47 AM

If you are just target shooting/plinking, get something like this:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=400038977

Pre-lock, unfluted cylinder, full lug barrel, stainless trigger and hammer. Most of these older .44's are shot very little, so they are still a bargain. This one looks to be from the early 90's by my guess since it has a paper box and the stainless trigger and hammer.

Edit: This would make a great hunting handgun as well. Something similar to this with a 6.5 inch barrel would be great too, IMO.

**crazywolf** · March 12th, 2014, 11:07 AM

a question for you are you going to shoot it a lot with hot loads if so get a ruger or the 629.I have a 29 from the late 70's great gun but not for real heavy loads I got a ruger super Blackhawk for hunting.something to thing about.crazywolf

**knight0334** · March 12th, 2014, 11:23 AM

If you're going to want to shoot "full house" 44mags - get the N frame. The L frame is strong, but nothing like the N frame strong. The L frame is really suited for .357mags than it is .44mag.

Today's wussified .44mag loads should be ok. But stuff like Buffalo Bore or Garrett loads will beat a L frame into submission.