My Smith 686 got a big brother today!

Recently acquired a six inch 686. Revolvers are fun to load for and shoot, so I couldn't resist getting a 629 "Classic" model, 6.5 inch, underlug barrel. It looks like the 686 on steroids and weight-training. I'd post photos if I knew how.


I wrestled with 686 / GP100 and ended up with the Smith. Same issue here. I just like the Smiths better. If I were loading hell-for-leather bear loads, I'd have gotten the Redhawk. But for the Smith I'll actually be loading mostly down from SAAMI spec, so I didn't need mega handgun strength.

Hogue rubber grip is on order. Can't wait to take this gun to the range. Fun!

What, no photos? Total fail. :dirol:

Yeah, let's see both. I love both of those guns, prefer the 586 though.

Good work. I wish my 629 had a 686 for a little brother. Someday...

If I could figure out how to post photos, I'd do so.

They do look like peas in a pod, and when the Hogue black rubber grip for the 44 comes in, even more so.

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Took it to the range today. Ammo was 240 grain JSP over 12.0 grains AA5. This load was not published by AA as all their .44 mag loads are full power. I extrapolated up from .44 spl data and compared it against .45 Colt, which has a similar case volume and similar weight bullet. It is in-between .44 spl and .44 magnum. This is an accurate load! The gun and this load are more accurate than I am, for certain. Recoil felt about like a full power load in my 686. Way cool. Big boy gun is fun.