629 8 3/8"

[swampthing]

Been trying to research the 629's.  I understand this is a quality piece and that they are pretty accurate. Anyone have a longterm use opinion? Shooting "loose" on you, needed to be "retimed" etc.. etc..   I don't use max loads, more like mid range is the norm for me.  Looking for a rugged/reliable hunting handgun.

[buck460XVR]

Altho technically it's only a 7.5'', I love mine....had it almost two years now. Shot maybe 3000 rounds thru it with no problems other than the normal  extractor rod and the thumb latch loosening up. Little blue locktite took care of that. Most, if not all  loads were 240 gr JSPs/JHPs/XTPs over 23-23.5 grains of H110. Solid as the day it was new.  Very accurate and the trigger in SA is the best I've ever shot. I've since replaced the grips that came with it from Lew Horton with stock X-Frame grips.

[swampthing]

Well put. Nice gun.

[Mikey]

Swampthing:  my experience with the S&W M29 is that if you are going to use it as you described, basically for mid-range loads, your only decision should be which of your children or grandchildren to pass it on down to.   

[DanChamberlain]

And..."midrange" loads are adequate for 99% of all hunting applications. 

Dan