44 Magnum 629 Trail Boss

Published on May 10, 2012
Duration: 22:42

This review of the Smith & Wesson 629-5 Trail Boss .44 Magnum revolver, presented by firearms instructor hickok45, highlights its compact 3-inch barrel, versatility with both .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges, and suitability for trail use and defense against dangerous game. hickok45's extensive experience is evident in his detailed discussion of handloads, bullet weights, and shooting techniques for this powerful, pre-lock revolver fitted with Ahrends stocks.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 629-5 Trail Boss is a versatile .44 Magnum revolver with a compact 3-inch barrel, ideal for trail use and defense. It reliably fires both .44 Magnum and .44 Special rounds, with the latter offering reduced recoil for practice. Expert hickok45 notes its effectiveness against dangerous game and praises the ergonomic benefits of its Ahrends wood stocks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Initial Shooting
  2. 00:42Model Features and History
  3. 01:35Barrel Length and Portability
  4. 02:08Ammunition Variety: Blazer Aluminum
  5. 04:11Handloads and Bullet Weights
  6. 05:01Application: Trail and Bear Defense
  7. 07:09Long Range Accuracy
  8. 09:38.44 Special Versatility
  9. 12:59Heavy Loads: Garrett Cartridges
  10. 16:14Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson 629-5 Trail Boss suitable for trail use?

The Smith & Wesson 629-5 Trail Boss is considered a 'Bulldog' package due to its compact 3-inch barrel, making it highly portable for hiking. It offers significant .44 Magnum power in a manageable size, suitable for defense against dangerous game encountered on the trail.

Can the Smith & Wesson 629-5 Trail Boss effectively shoot .44 Special ammunition?

Yes, the 629-5 Trail Boss is designed to chamber and fire both .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges. Shooting .44 Special rounds provides significantly reduced recoil, making it ideal for extended practice sessions and target shooting.

What are the advantages of the Ahrends wood stocks on the 629-5 Trail Boss?

The Ahrends wood finger-groove stocks enhance the grip and handling of the 629-5 Trail Boss. They provide a more secure and comfortable hold, which is particularly beneficial when managing the recoil of potent .44 Magnum loads.

What is the significance of the 629-5 being a 'pre-lock' model?

Being a 'pre-lock' model means the 629-5 was manufactured before Smith & Wesson incorporated their internal safety lock system. Many enthusiasts and collectors prefer these older models for their traditional design and perceived simplicity.

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