S&W Model 629 .44 Magnum 20th Anniversary

Published on December 7, 2023
Duration: 11:51

Hickok45 reviews his Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum, a 20th Anniversary edition with a 4-inch barrel. He highlights its 'pinned and recessed' features from the early 1980s and discusses the versatility of the .44 Magnum platform, noting it can also fire .44 Special rounds for reduced recoil. The review touches on historical context with Elmer Keith and practical aspects like holsters and ammunition choices.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 629, especially early 1980s stainless models, features 'pinned and recessed' construction for enhanced durability. It can also safely fire .44 Special ammunition, offering reduced recoil, a key benefit with its 4-inch barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: S&W 629 & Elmer Keith
  2. 00:4520th Anniversary & Pinned/Recessed Features
  3. 02:26Sponsorship & Gunsmithing Education (SDI)
  4. 03:31Ammunition Versatility: .44 Magnum vs .44 Special
  5. 06:13Barrel Lengths & N-Frame Recoil
  6. 09:18Holster & Historical Anecdote

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson Model 629 special regarding its construction?

Early models of the Smith & Wesson Model 629, like the one reviewed, feature 'pinned and recessed' construction. This means the barrel is pinned to the frame, and the cylinder chambers are counter-bored to fully enclose the cartridge rims, indicating a higher manufacturing standard.

Can a .44 Magnum revolver shoot .44 Special ammunition?

Yes, a .44 Magnum revolver is designed to safely fire .44 Special ammunition. This is similar to how a .357 Magnum can fire .38 Special. Using .44 Special rounds significantly reduces recoil, making shooting more comfortable, especially with shorter barrels.

What historical firearm figure is associated with the 4-inch Model 29/629?

The legendary firearms figure Elmer Keith was a notable fan of the 4-inch barrel configuration for the Smith & Wesson Model 29 and its stainless steel counterpart, the Model 629. He appreciated this size for its balance and utility.

How does barrel length affect recoil in a .44 Magnum revolver?

Barrel length significantly impacts felt recoil. Shorter barrels on N-frame revolvers, like the 4-inch Model 629, will result in substantially increased felt recoil when firing full .44 Magnum loads compared to longer barrels.

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