Backup choices

[gunman870]

Alright guys, multi faceted question here. I am in the market for a backup sidearm to carry out west, and for other purposes. These questions pertain to the Smith and Wesson line up as that is my flavor of choice. What I am interested in hearing is real world feedback from guys who do and or have carried a 44 revolver with them for quite a time and distance. The models I am looking at are the 329pd (scandium/titanium ultralight) 6 rounds, 4.13" barrel 25.2oz. The 69 stainless 5 rounds, 4.25" barrel 37.4oz, and the 629 stainless 6 rounds, 4.125" barrel 41.5oz. The major difference of the 69 over the other two is the L frame and one less round. Both the L and N frames fit me fine so there is no concern there, but, is giving up that 1 round a big factor? Next question is weight, there are obvious differences, but, in terms of actual usage, is the pound or so difference of unloaded weight going to be that noticeable? Lastly, I have mixed concerns for the ultralight model, I noticed buffalo bore for example, stipulates certain loads for or against the air weight Smith as opposed to the strength of a full stainless piece. The priority purpose of this sidearm would be backup in bear infested areas. Likely it will be carried a lot and shot only a little. I am sure any of the above models will fit the bill for what I want. I could go shorter barrel lengths on a couple of the models, but I don't want to go shorter than 4" and this keeps it a closer comparison wise. Just hoping someone has experience with one or multiple of the options and can weigh in a solid opinion one way or the other. And, before the keyboard warriors jump on, I don't want to hear about how great your xyz gun is. I have a ton of pistols and have my own opinions, but this is a very specific discussion. Thanks for your input in advance.

 

[pintopete]

Gunman870, I hesitated replying because I don’t have experience with the .44 caliber. However, I do have experience with others in both stainless, aluminum alloy, and the scandium/titanium alloy. If you shoot little, carry a lot, IMO the scandium/titanium fits the bill. But, if you haven’t fired one, try to test fire it prior to purchase. Maybe you have, but if not, I strongly suggest you try to. There is substantial difference in the recoil when comparing the stainless and alloy versions. I can understand why you would be pondering the choice. Hard to beat the certainty, corrosion resistance, and durability of stainless. PM me if you would like more detail.

Best of luck in your decision, Peter.

 

[tominboise]

I've had a few 4" S&W 44 Mags, as well as others, and I personally wouldn't get the 329 or the 69, if I intended to run full power loads through them. The recoil is significant with heavy loads. A 4" 629 will carry in a chest holster just fine and be easier to shoot (although still a handful with full power loads).

The correct set of grips can go a long ways to taming recoil, no matter what gun you are shooting. A set of Herrett's, fit to your hand, will help significantly. You can also put the rubber 500 S&W X Frame grip on the modern N Frames, and it has quite a bit of cushioning on the backstrap.

 

[Hohn]

It’s a lot easier to make a stainless N frame or L frame carryable than to make an air weight shootable or nearly as durable. Personally I’d get an x frame in 460sw if we’re set on a Smith.

I’m a Ruger fan so my answer to your challenge would be a super Blackhawk bisley in 454casull.

 

[RegionRat]

Best way to know is to try living with one for a while.

Depending on how many miles and climbs you are doing a day, the weight can be a factor.
When I was young, it didn't seem to matter but as the years and decades rolled on, the weight of the B/U side arm made you think twice.

ETA: Not sure how hard they are to find these days, but the DW 44Mag with the bbl set gives the ability to tailor the gun to the occasion. When I put on the 8" Vent Heavy bbl, it was the primary for the day.

 

[gunman870]

I've had a few 4" S&W 44 Mags, as well as others, and I personally wouldn't get the 329 or the 69, if I intended to run full power loads through them. The recoil is significant with heavy loads. A 4" 629 will carry in a chest holster just fine and be easier to shoot (although still a handful with full power loads).

The correct set of grips can go a long ways to taming recoil, no matter what gun you are shooting. A set of Herrett's, fit to your hand, will help significantly. You can also put the rubber 500 S&W X Frame grip on the modern N Frames, and it has quite a bit of cushioning on the backstrap.

Tom, Thank you for your input. I figure the recoil to be substantial in any of the options which is acceptable. I am no stranger to recoil in any firearms platform as I tend to like the "big boomers". Custom grips do make a big difference! I have a couple sets on Herretts on different revolvers already. I can say I hadn't thought about them for this particular gun but I have put them on the list now. I have a couple x frames and do agree the cushioned back strap is nice!

 

[gunman870]

Gunman870, I hesitated replying because I don’t have experience with the .44 caliber. However, I do have experience with others in both stainless, aluminum alloy, and the scandium/titanium alloy. If you shoot little, carry a lot, IMO the scandium/titanium fits the bill. But, if you haven’t fired one, try to test fire it prior to purchase. Maybe you have, but if not, I strongly suggest you try to. There is substantial difference in the recoil when comparing the stainless and alloy versions. I can understand why you would be pondering the choice. Hard to beat the certainty, corrosion resistance, and durability of stainless. PM me if you would like more detail.

Best of luck in your decision, Peter.

Peter, I too am lacking the experience of actually shooting an alloy 44. I am very familiar with the 44 in general, but it has always been in full steel revolvers. I know the recoil will be more on the alloy based off weight but I am more concerned about the actual durability and longevity of the revolver than the shooting comfort. Im 31 so looking at a long time carry companion.

 

[gunman870]

It’s a lot easier to make a stainless N frame or L frame carryable than to make an air weight shootable or nearly as durable. Personally I’d get an x frame in 460sw if we’re set on a Smith.

I’m a Ruger fan so my answer to your challenge would be a super Blackhawk bisley in 454casull.

Hohn, this is the kind of input I was looking for, i like you line comparing carryable to shootable. I too like the ruger blackhawks and red hawk for that matter, but i am stuck on smith for this partiuclar piece.

 

[gunman870]

Best way to know is to try living with one for a while.

Depending on how many miles and climbs you are doing a day, the weight can be a factor.
When I was young, it didn't seem to matter but as the years and decades rolled on, the weight of the B/U side arm made you think twice.

ETA: Not sure how hard they are to find these days, but the DW 44Mag with the bbl set gives the ability to tailor the gun to the occasion. When I put on the 8" Vent Heavy bbl, it was the primary for the day.

RR the weight difference is my primary concern. I am 31, so, young and dumb will hopefully prevail for a few more years of hard miles, but as age starts to win, the weight will be ever more concerning. As you side note, I have the DW kits in 38 and 44, but in todays climate they are more collectors than shooters so I think i will leave them home safe! It is a nice ability to change barrels and have a whole new gun for a specific purpose!

 

[mac86951]

I'll be the oddball, i really enjoy shooting my 329; though i did install X-frame grips on it. Definitely my back country carry, though our SW black bear are cute and small compared to just about anywhere, and i doubt I'll hear the mountain lion...

 

[10XSHOOTER]

I have carried a S & W model 58, 41 Mag, Satin Nickle, on both my trips to Alaska. .41 will do anything a .44 will do. Model 58 has fixed sights and a 4" barrel. Fixed sights, nothing to come loose or move. 4" barrel, easy and fast to draw if you need it.

 

[RegionRat]

RR the weight difference is my primary concern. I am 31, so, young and dumb will hopefully prevail for a few more years of hard miles, but as age starts to win, the weight will be ever more concerning. As you side note, I have the DW kits in 38 and 44, but in todays climate they are more collectors than shooters so I think i will leave them home safe! It is a nice ability to change barrels and have a whole new gun for a specific purpose!

Sounds like you have more than enough 44 mag experience to know the handling and accuracy issues.

When the adrenalin of being charged or hunted by a bear or cat (or human) hits your bloodstream, the gun handling has to be Zen and subconscious. So you have to practice with the rig the same way you will carry it every day, and practice a lot.

All of the ones you mentioned are capable of that rigor, and as far as we know they will all do well when cared for after exposure to dust and weather.

Your choice of holster will be as difficult as the choice in the rig. Where that weight hangs on your body has an effect, so you may as well get comfy with the one you shoot the best and try it for a while. You will know after a few weeks of hills if that is too much weight. You may not get it right on the first try, so you will figure it out with time.

I mentioned I ran with a DW. I also ran it two ways, one as a B/U and I was good enough with it to run it as a primary when the circumstances were right. I carried it high when fishing or wading, but that would interfere with binos or rifle work, so I carried it on my hip on those days. You may want to have the flexibility of more than one gun and more than one way to carry them depending on the day.

 

[tominboise]

Just for grins, here's one of my backup woods guns - 624 S&W in 44 Special. The light weight barrel profile is also used on the S&W 44 Mag Mountain guns.

 

[gunman870]

I have carried a S & W model 58, 41 Mag, Satin Nickle, on both my trips to Alaska. .41 will do anything a .44 will do. Model 58 has fixed sights and a 4" barrel. Fixed sights, nothing to come loose or move. 4" barrel, easy and fast to draw if you need it.

This is another valid option. I have a couple different 57's. Never seen a 58 but may be worth a look. I do have a love for the forgotten 41... I do like the fixed sight, no fuss.

 

[darkangel_r2]

I always carried a light weight pump gun with some brenneke 3" magnums or 000 buck. I don't like pistols for bear defense. Can't line up a pistol shot as well with a bowl of pudding in your pants. Much easier to hit from the shoulder.

If you feel you need a pistol so its literally strapped to you. I would suggest Ruger super redhawk in 44 mag or 454 casull. Or a S&W in 460 or 500 mag. Any pistol caliber smaller than these will be nearly matched in muzzle energy by a 10mm auto. If you don't think you can handle the weight or recoil of a full house hard cast 44 mag then I would suggest a glock 40 in 10mm.

 

[ken158]

Model 329 or 69 with X frame grips. Anything heavier will be a burden and you may consider going without at a time you will need it.

 

[Prose]

I carried a .44 model 629 4" SS for about 4 years in Alaska. Loaded with high intensity cartridges is was not an enjoyable shooter. I can't imagine shooting buffalo bore out of anything lighter. Hard to send rounds down range defensively if your wrists are broke. You don't need to shoot buffalo bore and stress the limits of the frame. If you want to have a better frame go to the 460 or 500 s&w or shoot a ruger. S&W is not the preferred .44 frame in bear country.

 

[swd]

A different option.. I find double action revolvers hard to shoot especially in an emergency situation. My trouble country gun is a Glock 20 10MM. Buffalo Bore loads are 41 Mag level with 14 rounds in the magazine. And it's very easy to shoot. It's also a little cheaper than a nice revolver and if you scratch it up it's no big deal.

 

[Hohn]

A different option.. I find double action revolvers hard to shoot especially in an emergency situation. My trouble country gun is a Glock 20 10MM. Buffalo Bore loads are 41 Mag level with 14 rounds in the magazine. And it's very easy to shoot. It's also a little cheaper than a nice revolver and if you scratch it up it's no big deal.

I’d recommend the long slide g40 and take the additional 100fps of the 6” barrel. And yes, with hot 200gr hardcast, 10mm is absolutely sufficient for critter defense.

 

[Minshooter]

For me, the difference between the 40+ oz and 25oz. 44 mags with max loads is way past "substantial".
No one who has insisted on shooting such in both revolvers has ever finished all 6 shots in my 329.
That said, if you actually do manage to stop a charging bear, you'll be too busy kissing the gun
to even notice your hand.
As far as carrying 5 shots vs. 6: You'll only know the answer after firing five shots at the bear.
After some attempts at .44 double action drills, with a bear target on a wagon -pulled towards him,
my Montana dwelling brother now carries 2-1/2 revolvers (15 rounds of max 10mm, in his Glock).