Which S&W .44 mag?

[titsonritz]

I have a 6 inch 357 in model 629. I want the larger frame "n" I think it is for my 44 mag.

But which model is best ? 29, 629 ......which would you buy and why?

I want a 6 inch barrel and I want a 44, what else should I consider. What model would you get ?

I jumped on gunbroker and got confused real fast.

Your 357 is not a 629, the 629 is a SS N-frame in 44 mag, a 29 is the same thing just blued (Dirty Harry packed a 6" 29). Your 357 is mostly likely a 19/66 K-frame or 586/686 L-frame assuming you have adjustable sights. You can't go wrong with either 29 or 629, just decide if you want blue or ss. What ever you get make it an older model they are much nicer than current models. My dream 44 mag is custom Bowen GP-44 (Ruger Redhawk/Super Redhawk hybrid) but for a factory 44 mag I'd want a 29-1 or 29-2.

[titsonritz]

This is exactly what I'd want but than I dig 4" N-frames, they make you smile

The top photo is an older 4" 29 the bottom is a semi-newer 4" 686. Note the difference in the cylinder release on these two S&Ws and the pinned barrel on the 29 vs no pinned barrel on the 686 (the pin is located on the frame just ahead and above the cylinder), this is a quick visual indicator of older vs newer Smiths. The older 29 will also have recessed chambers, another quality bonus gone from today's S&Ws.

[titsonritz]

I've even considered that M&P 8 shot 357 in black with rails and all that craziness. I like that gun.

You can have 'em, I'd rather take an older 13 or 19 K-frame

[Eurodriver]

titsonritz, you seem to know a lot about revolvers from my threads and this one. Where do you get these older guns from, though? I would love a good, solid, older .44 but have absolutely no idea where to get them.

[HKGuns]

Based on your response P. Bear, I give you exactly what you are looking for........

629 PC This one has Nills purchased separately.

[titsonritz]

titsonritz, you seem to know a lot about revolvers from my threads and this one. Where do you get these older guns from, though? I would love a good, solid, older .44 but have absolutely no idea where to get them.

You have to keep your eyes open on various gun forums and be patient. Since it is a little different that buying a Glock, I prefer local ones so you can see and check it before you buy it. When I lived in Oregon I would check out NWFirearms.com and Outdoorstrader.com pretty regularly for local sales. I am hanging with my folks in Oklahoma right now and one of the first thing I did was join OklahomaShooters.com. But there is always gunbroker.com and armslist.com and such.

[hotrodder636]

I never put too much thought into it but my 2 S&W .357s are bead blasted.

BTW, great thread , I have been wanting a 4 inch S&W .44 Mag in stainless for a while now.

Yes, they are glass bead blasted, very different than not being stainless.

See the finish description of this pistol which has the same finish as the one in your picture.

Finish Description

[ucrt]

I have a 6 inch 357 in model 629. I want the largIer frame "n" I think it is for my 44 mag.
...
...

Your 357 in SS could be a 627. The original N frame was a 357 some time pre-WW2 & then SS came out a "few" years ago.

.

[HKGuns]

I never put too much thought into it but my 2 S&W .357s are bead blasted.

BTW, great thread , I have been wanting a 4 inch S&W .44 Mag in stainless for a while now.

This has a lock, but is a great little bear defense pistol. This one isn't bead blasted either.

ETA: Not that I have actually tested it in this capacity, but it is what I carry when in Bear country.

[kihnspiracy]

My tromping around in the desert gun is a Smith 29-2 4 inch wheelgun.