Author Topic: S&W PC 629 (Read 2513 times)

Dixiejack · « **on:** September 06, 2006, 11:32:47 AM »

I am thinking about buying S&W PC 629, 7.5" bbl. I will be using it for deer and hog hunting mainly. I know they are expensive, but I sure do like the way it looks. I have never shot one and would like to get some feedback as to how it compares with the Super Blackhawk, single vs. double action aside. I figure that it will be shot mostly single action. Which set of grips are preferred and which bullet weight is preferred for hunting. I am thinking maybe 200 or 240 gr. JHP's? Thanks for any input.

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2006, 12:21:29 PM »

Whether you prefer single or double action is up to you to decide. Try handling a single action and a 629 and decide which you like. Realistically, if you're commiting to either, you'll adapt and do well with either. I would recommend 240 grain Hornady XTP bullets for deer and a heavier hard cast bullet for for hogs, like the Cast Performance bullets. You don't need to go as heavy as 300 grains. Federal makes factory ammo that is very good for hunting.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2006, 12:46:32 PM »

I prefer a double action over single action. But in a hunting situation where you have a still target you would use the single action mode for better accuracy. That is why I said that I would probably shoot it single action more than double action.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2006, 01:12:43 PM »

Rudy gave some good advice. I too prefer the feel of the double action guns. I'm not familiar with the specific model you're looking at but have owned a bunch of Model 29 and 629 S&Ws over the years. I've had them as short as 4" and as long as 10-5/8" and I guess I've had all the standard lengths in between at least 2-3 times or more.

For an iron sight gun I really prefer 8-3/8" on a hunting gun but then I traveled with that old Model 29 with 10-5/8" to a lot of different states and used it on more game than any other handgun I've ever owned. Man I wish I had that one back. Currently I have a 6" Model 629 and use it as an iron sight gun but for my tired old eyes that's a bit short for an iron sight gun.

Grips are really a VERY personal matter and no one but you can determine which is best for you. I actually prefer the Pachmayr grips but the Hogue is fine also. I've never seen a wood grip I'd have on one and I've had my hands on a bunch of different wood grips on them. I'll take rubber every time. My current one wears the Hogue but I'll likely swap them for Pachmayr's one day when I get my round tuit.

I've gone thru the scope vs. iron sight issue many times over the years but have gravitated back to my roots and use irons only for handgun hunting now even tho my eyes are the worst they've ever been at my age. I just restrict myself to 50 yards and make do, for me ilt's more like REAL handgun hunting to do it that way.

As to bullets I prefer the Hornady 240 XTP or the Nosler 240 JHP for deer but for larger and heavier game I move to cast bullets of that weight or more with wide meplat. My favorite is the Lyman 429244 but I have several other moulds to chose from as well. That one has never let me down however and is the one me and my now deceased hunting/shooting partner used so successfully in competition for a great many years.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2006, 05:21:13 PM »

Dixiejack...Is this the model you were referring to? If so, she's a beaut...Go for it.

nomosendero · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2006, 06:43:47 PM »

Beautiful gun!!

Dixiejack · « **Reply #6 on:** September 06, 2006, 11:55:19 PM »

That's the beauty I'm looking at.

DPHunter · « **Reply #7 on:** September 07, 2006, 02:35:49 AM »

Looks like a winner to me, go for it.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 07, 2006, 04:09:15 AM »

You won't be disappointed with the S&W PC 629, 7.5" bbl. I have shot one and it was a very well balanced and accurate gun.

Questor · « **Reply #9 on:** September 07, 2006, 04:30:05 AM »

My 44 is a predecessor to the PC gun, a 629 DX. Wow! What a great gun. It's so good.

cherokee · « **Reply #10 on:** September 07, 2006, 10:13:52 AM »

I have a PC 629 and I have shot many Super Blackhawks. Both guns will do a fine job and are excelent choices for hunting. You may also want to look at the Super Blackhawk Hunter. http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=862&return=Y
My PC 629 is very accurate and handles well. I prefer the wood grips and I use Hornady 240 XTPs.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #11 on:** September 07, 2006, 11:31:48 AM »

Thanks everyone for the input. I am going to pick it up tomorrow. I guess I got a good deal on it, $899. plus tax and a box of Remington 240 gr. HP's thrown in. It's NIB.

Questor · « **Reply #12 on:** September 08, 2006, 03:24:23 AM »

Very nice! I'm sure it will be a good tool for you. Why not get a few more boxes of ammo and shoot a few for your "buddies" here at the forums? Good luck with all your handgun hunts. If you haven't done it, I hope you will find, as I have, that it's the most satisfying way to hunt.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2006, 01:00:43 PM »

My first deer handgun was was back in the early '70's. It was a TC Contender in .30-30 cal. It had a 10" bbl. and standard factory grips. That thing would romp and stomp. I took my PC 629 out Saturday to do some shooting and boy it was a pleasure to shoot. I put a box of .44 specials through it and then put 20 rounds of mags. through it. It is some kind of fun gun. Got it sighted in at 50 yds. I have decided to put a red dot sight on it. My old eyes can't line up those iron sights like they use to. Whitetailer, I noticed the picture you posted has a scope base on it. I just wonder what kind it is.

cherokee · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2006, 09:39:14 AM »

It looks like the factory scope base that comes with the pistol.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #15 on:** September 13, 2006, 10:44:08 AM »

I thought so, but a scope base didn't come with my pistol.

cherokee · « **Reply #16 on:** September 13, 2006, 02:08:38 PM »

Send S&W an email telling them that you did not get one with your pistol.
I bought a 460 S&W that was used and it only had the compensator for lead bullets. They sent me the other compensator for free. They are very costumer friendly.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #17 on:** September 14, 2006, 11:10:25 AM »

Cherokee, I called S&W today and explained about not having the base and they are sending me one out today. Didn't even ask for the serial # of my pistol. That is good old fashion customer service. Thanks for the tip.

nomosendero · « **Reply #18 on:** September 14, 2006, 05:47:25 PM »

I have heard that the current 629 is stronger than in the past, & no doubt woud apply to this version. I have a 4" 629 that I shoot fairly moderate loads & some 240 factory stuff & use my Redhawk for the heavier stuff.
Can anyone tell me what changes were made & how significant?

4MUL8R · « **Reply #19 on:** September 18, 2006, 12:32:25 PM »

The best source for 629 improvements is the www.smith-wessonforum.com guys. They have lots of posts describing the engineering changes for most of the models.

nomosendero · « **Reply #20 on:** September 21, 2006, 01:24:20 AM »

Quote from: Chipster on September 18, 2006, 12:32:25 PM

The best source for 629 improvements is the www.smith-wessonforum.com guys. They have lots of posts describing the engineering changes for most of the models.

Thanks Chipster.

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #21 on:** September 21, 2006, 02:49:56 AM »

Quote from: Dixiejack on September 07, 2006, 11:31:48 AM

Thanks everyone for the input. I am going to pick it up tomorrow. I guess I got a good deal on it, $899. plus tax and a box of Remington 240 gr. HP's thrown in. It's NIB.

Lotsa luck with the new toy. I looked at that PC 629 and would have bought one if I didn't already have two 629's. I have one that I use for hunting and love it. you should have many good trips to the field with yours.

Here is mine at work:

This one put plenty of venison on my table.

Dixiejack · « **Reply #22 on:** September 24, 2006, 09:01:56 AM »

Nice piece. I am thinking about putting a Busnell Holosight on mine.

Lee Robinson · « **Reply #23 on:** September 24, 2006, 05:41:00 PM »

I had a 629 with a 5" barrel. It was a very accurate gun. I recall hitting a coke bottle (20 oz) from 100 yards with it...of course, I was resting on a bench...but I could repeat it and it was with iron sights.

I shot the 300 gr hard cast by Federal Hunting. Saw the biggest deer in my life hunting with that gun. It is the ONLY deer I have ever shot in my life that I didn't find...and this was after tracking it 600+ yards to a pond. I was disapointed. I sold the gun after that hunt. I shouldn't have. I have since come to accept that some times things just don't go right.

I however must also say I have always been attracted to single action guns myself as I prefer single action shooting...and even during the hunt, I shot single action repeating with 2 quick shots after my first hit didn't take him down and...like an idiot I stood there letting him run about 50 yards before firing the follow up shots as I expected the deer to fall over. I shot that deer from about 8 feet away while I was behind a home made ground blind (piled limbs). He was fighting another buck. It was the most exciting hunt I have ever encountered. After firing my first shot, they ran...and I stood watching (again like an idiot) waiting for him to fall over. Then after about 50 yards I realized he wasn't going to fall quick...so I shot 2 more quick shots...bam, bam...

Hind sight though is always 20/20. Oh well. Live and learn. I wonder if I should have done that "police style" double tap. I have never done this before, as with my riffles I always took them down. (BTW, I now don't blaim the handgun. I just think the deer was in an adreniline rush from the fight...and without a doubt I was too).

Sorry for getting off topic. Back to my point. S & W makes an accurate gun.

Catfish · « **Reply #24 on:** October 11, 2006, 08:46:28 AM »

I picked up a PD 629 Sunday at a gun show. It`s my 5 th .44 mag. and the next to last that I would deer hunt with. Mine has a 4 in barrel just like my 629, but the difference in recoil is tremendous. The PD 629 I can feel hit my hand alot harder than my .500 S&W by far. If you get one put rubber grips on it. For the money the Ruger Super Black Hawk the best hunting handgun. The 629 cost more but comes from the factory with a better trigger. I got my PD 629 for a CCW gun and won`t spend alot of time shooting it, it just not as much fun to shoot as some of my other handgun, but I see it as excellant for CCW.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #25 on:** October 11, 2006, 04:21:25 PM »

Like you, Catfish, I like the 44 mag for a SD gun. A lest robust caliber is just great if you're defending yourself against an old lady with an umbrella but if you're being assaulted by a tough ex-con with a fresh load of meth in his arm you'll need all the WHAM you can get and that's where the 44 mag really shines.

S.B. · « **Reply #26 on:** October 15, 2006, 11:58:18 PM »

My only drawback with the current S&Ws is the round butt. But, round to square conversion grips, are available.