Author Topic: Thinking about getting a S&W 629 Classic for deer huntin (Read 2333 times)

NYH1 · « **on:** May 18, 2006, 04:48:45 PM »

I'm thinking about getting a S&W 629 Classic with the 5 inch barrel. I'll use this handgun for deer hunting at ranges from 10 yard out to maybe 50 yards. I know I'm giving up some velocity and energy by going with the 5 inch barrel instead of a 6.5 inch barrel but I want to be able to carry this pistol with me while rifle hunting too. I have a Ruger Securty Six 357 mag. with a 6 inch barrel and a S&W model 28 also a 357 mag. with a 4 inch barrel. I prefer to carry the S&W over the Ruger because it shorter. I'm thinking a 5 inch barreled 44 mag would be the best of both worlds for me as far as barrel length go's.

I might also use this for black bear and maybe even wild boar hunting or at least carry it with me. Obviously I'll be using open sights. I talked to a rep at S&W and she told me that I should keep my bullet weight under 280 gr. I don't think I need a heavier bullet for what I'm going to be doing. What do you guys think? :grin:

mikemayberry · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:22:15 PM »

44 magnum is a very versative hunting caliber although most folks only think of Dirty Harry when they hear the words "44 magnum!"

I like general loads of 240 grain Hornady XTPs for general carry but can and do carry 250 grain hard casts with Keith style bullets for tougher game like hogs or bears.

I am in the process of getting a S&W performance center 629 now that I have used my Encore 12 inch 44 enough to appreciate the caliber.

You are wise to limit yourself to 50 yards when ready and I tend to follow that guide. I can shoot centers all day at 100 yards with the Encore off the bench but hunting live critters is a different matter.

Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

Mike M

longwalker · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2006, 05:42:33 PM »

In my experience, the 240 grain bullets do just fine. I have killed four deer with a SRH using 240 grain JHP bullets all but one had the bullets pass through. The one recovered bullet was just under the skin infront of the right shoulder. The bullet entered behind the left shoulder passed through the heart and lungs and stopped just before exiting. Impact was at about 60 yards.

You will not be disappointed with your 44 magnum choice.

longwalker

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2006, 12:24:04 AM »

Sounds like a great choice. I have shot 300 gr. bullets from a 4 inch 44 Mag with very good results, but you can get away with less if you wanted.

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2006, 02:16:46 AM »

New York Hunter - for the ranges you mentioned the 4" will do just fine and carry just as easily as your M28. I carried a 6" M29 for years until I sent it back to S&W for a 4" rebarrel and my favorite load is a 300 gn SWC over 19 something grains of H110. It is an accurate (as in very) and hardhitting load, and easy on me and the gun. It is not what I would call a really heavy load, and it recoils less than some of the 240 grainers I load up. HTH. Mikey.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2006, 08:44:52 AM »

Don't just think about it, DO IT and don't look back. You'll always be glad you did.

NYH1 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2006, 06:23:59 PM »

Thanks guys! :grin: :toast:

SingleFan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2006, 10:18:37 AM »

NYH-

I have and hunt with the very same gun you are looking at. Personally, I feel the 5" is the perrrfecct barrel length for that gun. You'll hear a million suggestions on load options. I haven't worked up a cast load for this gun yet, but sure did like the results I got from the 250 gr Winchester Supreme Nosler Partition HG.

NYH1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2006, 04:39:19 PM »

I stopped by a store today and looked at a few revolvers. They didn't have the S&W 629 Classic with the 5 inch barrel. They had the 629 Classic with the 6 1/2 inch barrel and the HIVIZ front sight. I pick it up and I gotta tell you, I'm probably going to get the one with the 6 1/2 inch barrel instead of the 5 inch. I have held the 5 inch one in the past. The 6 1/2 inch pistol feels perfect. It just balanced so well and I like the front sight as well. I did hold a few Ruger's as well. They're nice but the 6 1/2 inch 629 fits me like a glove. Thanks for all the replies I really appreciate it!

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2006, 08:56:20 PM »

GO FOR IT!!

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2006, 08:56:59 PM »

GO FOR IT!!

Zachary · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2006, 03:45:00 PM »

240 grainers (like the XTP) are fine for deer, BUT, if you are hunting hogs, I would highly recommend Federal's 300 grain cast core ammo. It is a solid performer and will penetrate much better on hogs.

Zachary

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2006, 04:29:40 PM »

Quote from: New York Hunter

I'm thinking about getting a but I want to be able to carry this pistol with me while rifle hunting too. :grin:

IS THIS LEGAL? IN ILLINOIS YOU CAN ONLY HAVE A PRIMARY FIREARM. NO BACKUP WEAPON. DOESN'T MAKE MUCH SENSE TO ME BUT A LOT OF TIMES COMMON SENSE AND LEGAL MATTERS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER.

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2006, 06:33:59 AM »

Quote from: Zachary

240 grainers (like the XTP) are fine for deer, BUT, if you are hunting hogs, I would highly recommend Federal's 300 grain cast core ammo. It is a solid performer and will penetrate much better on hogs.

Zachary

I would also look at the Speer Gold Dot Soft Point in 270 grain. I like this bullet for it's speed and penetration. It would be great for deer, hog and bear in that .44 mag.

Look into it.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2006, 08:13:15 AM »

I got a better plan, get the gun juz' cuz, and then take it for a walk in the woods and if you see a deer plug that sucker! :grin:

animal · « **Reply #15 on:** November 10, 2006, 08:08:47 AM »

That revolver should be excellent. I have a 30 year old model 29 with 8 3/8 inch barrel that has taken large deer out to 87 paces. Mine has a low power Leupold on it and my hunting load is 240 gr.Hornadys on top of 24 gr of H 110 powder. It would be my last hunting arm to go as It frees up both hands and allows me to cover more ground on my long hunts.

Spencer · « **Reply #16 on:** November 11, 2006, 09:54:00 AM »

You are going to love it!!!

Broom Rider · « **Reply #17 on:** November 11, 2006, 11:28:03 AM »

You'll like the 6.5" Classic. I have several S&W 29/629's in that length and they're a good combination of length/weight.
With the Classic you have the easily changed front sight so you have a lot of good options available as well as it being factory drilled & tapped for a scope mount.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #18 on:** November 11, 2006, 01:25:47 PM »

Quote from: New York Hunter on May 30, 2006, 04:39:19 PM

......... I'm probably going to get the one with the 6 1/2 inch barrel instead of the 5 inch. I have held the 5 inch one in the past. The 6 1/2 inch pistol feels perfect. It just balanced so well

the balance and the longer sight radius make the 6 1/2" barrel length a better revolver in my opinion. you'll probably pick up a little more velocity; but the balance and the sight radius would sell me on the longer barrel.

it's hard to beat a 629 Classic in that length for deer, black bear, and even elk or hogs. it's a great revolver in a great caliber.

take care,

ss'

Gregory · « **Reply #19 on:** November 11, 2006, 01:44:01 PM »

Quote from: GRIMJIM on June 17, 2006, 04:29:40 PM

[
IS THIS LEGAL? IN ILLINOIS YOU CAN ONLY HAVE A PRIMARY FIREARM. NO BACKUP WEAPON. DOESN'T MAKE MUCH SENSE TO ME BUT A LOT OF TIMES COMMON SENSE AND LEGAL MATTERS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER.

Page 11 of the Illinois game regs:

It is unlawful to have in possesion any other firearm when hunting deer with a shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader, or bow and arrow. However, more than one firearm may be possessed by a deer hunter provided it is a lawful gun for that particular season.

S.B. · « **Reply #20 on:** November 12, 2006, 12:51:16 AM »

That's the exact gun I use for whitetail deer. Your going to like this combination. The Ultra red dot on top, helps me see (with failing eye sight) the sights in deep timber at dawn and dusk.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #21 on:** November 19, 2006, 01:24:21 PM »

Quote from: Gregory on November 11, 2006, 01:44:01 PM

Quote from: GRIMJIM on June 17, 2006, 04:29:40 PM
[
IS THIS LEGAL? IN ILLINOIS YOU CAN ONLY HAVE A PRIMARY FIREARM. NO BACKUP WEAPON. DOESN'T MAKE MUCH SENSE TO ME BUT A LOT OF TIMES COMMON SENSE AND LEGAL MATTERS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER.

Page 11 of the Illinois game regs:

It is unlawful to have in possesion any other firearm when hunting deer with a shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader, or bow and arrow. However, more than one firearm may be possessed by a deer hunter provided it is a lawful gun for that particular season.

Wow, thanks for that, I didn't think it was legal to have more than one weapon in your possesion.