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Posted: 4/8/2024 8:13:46 PM EST
[Last Edit: Ruin]
Looking for a .44 Magnum with a 5”-5.5” barrel but I’m really torn on which one to go with.
Edit: or do I want a 4” and not realize it? What’s your preference and why? |
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Posted: 4/8/2024 8:17:22 PM EST
[#1]
Prelock Smith is always the proper choice. Your wallet may vary.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 4/8/2024 8:21:06 PM EST
[#2]
I have a 629 snub and a 5.5" Redhawk. Those Redhawks have serious issues with light primer strikes and it is a well known problem. I had to get custom hard to find heavy springs for my Redhawk and finally got it functioning just right at a 13 pound double action pull. Any lighter and its back to light primer strikes. The brand new factory trigger that gave an 11 pound double action pull gave me a 50% light primer strike rate. Redhawks are nice guns, but I just seriously hate light primer strikes. Never had that type of issue with any Smith and Wesson revolver. I don't think the Super Redhawks have that issue though so there's that.
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Posted: 4/8/2024 8:27:41 PM EST
[Last Edit: dogsplat]
[#3]
629 4”
 
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IA, USA
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Posted: 4/8/2024 8:34:17 PM EST
[Last Edit: Urimaginaryfrnd]
[#4]
629 4 in would be my pick but there is no wrong choice here.
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Posted: 4/8/2024 10:23:21 PM EST
[Last Edit: 50-140]
[#5]
Purpose dictates barrel length. I have a 4" because I wear it in a Denali holster and a 4" is a lot easier to draw when needed.
Picture of model 29 after 15 years in the field, boat and general outdoors. 
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Posted: 4/8/2024 10:30:54 PM EST
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By VersaceDesertEagle: I have a 629 snub and a 5.5" Redhawk. Those Redhawks have serious issues with light primer strikes and it is a well known problem. I had to get custom hard to find heavy springs for my Redhawk and finally got it functioning just right at a 13 pound double action pull. Any lighter and its back to light primer strikes. The brand new factory trigger that gave an 11 pound double action pull gave me a 50% light primer strike rate. Redhawks are nice guns, but I just seriously hate light primer strikes. Never had that type of issue with any Smith and Wesson revolver. I don't think the Super Redhawks have that issue though so there's that. I haven’t read that as an issue for the Redhawk, is this a systemic issue with the gun? Troubling and a big “con”, if so. |
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Posted: 4/8/2024 10:31:57 PM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 50-140: Purpose dictates barrel length. I have a 4" because I wear it in a Denali holster and a 4" is a lot easier to draw when needed. Picture of model 29 after 15 years in the field, boat and general outdoors. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/103648/DSC00142-142175.jpg I’ll never CCW it or take it backpacking. I’d bring it hunting and carry it a few miles with the hopes of killing a pig with it. That’s about it. Still 4”? The 5.5” looks great. |
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Posted: 4/8/2024 10:42:39 PM EST
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By akethan: Prelock Smith is always the proper choice. Your wallet may vary. FPNI. |
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IA, USA
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Posted: 4/9/2024 12:35:45 AM EST
[Last Edit: Urimaginaryfrnd]
[#9]
If you want the 5.5 go for it.
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Posted: 4/9/2024 7:04:02 AM EST
[Last Edit: 1168RGR]
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ruin: I haven’t read that as an issue for the Redhawk, is this a systemic issue with the gun? Troubling and a big “con”, if so. I wonder if the people having problems with them have a burr somewhere on the inside that increases friction enough to need a heavier spring? The other “reasons” I sold it was that the Hogue grips it came with are designed backwards, with the cushion on the frontstrap instead of the back. That’s an easy fix, though. The front sight insert was less than perfect, but again, not a huge deal. |
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IA, USA
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Posted: 4/9/2024 8:12:51 AM EST
[#11]
Have owned both. The Smith is a bit more refined. The Ruger is more rugged. Either will do the job. I've never had light primer strikes with the Redhawk, or any other Ruger, so am a bit skeptical.
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Posted: 4/9/2024 8:20:57 AM EST
[Last Edit: chase45]
[#12]
My 629 has been a great revolver
Perhaps my best Smith 4" makes a great packing gun. Not sure I would want much bigger personally 
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Posted: 4/9/2024 8:27:49 AM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ameshawki: Have owned both. The Smith is a bit more refined. The Ruger is more rugged. Either will do the job. I've never had light primer strikes with the Redhawk, or any other Ruger, so am a bit skeptical. Yeah, my Redhawk smacked the shit out of any magnum primer I put in it. If I had a Redhawk that didn’t, I’d look for burrs or hammer drag before changing springs. I doubt it’s a seriously flawed design, though occasional poor execution of the design wouldn’t surprise me. Same goes for any Smith, particularly models with one-peice barrels. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/9/2024 8:57:44 AM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By chase45: My 629 has been a great revolver Perhaps my best Smith 4" makes a great packing gun. Not sure I would want much bigger personally https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000004197-3119018.jpg If you are going to "carry" or "pack" it, with other gear, the 4in 629 is a great choice. |
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Posted: 4/9/2024 11:43:59 AM EST
[#15]
Redhawks are beefy.
 Attached FileAfter a year of edc I sold it. It just didn't fulfill what I wanted. Now I have a mountain gun  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/9/2024 5:51:23 PM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ruin: I'll never CCW it or take it backpacking. I'd bring it hunting and carry it a few miles with the hopes of killing a pig with it. That's about it. Still 4"? The 5.5" looks great. It's weight helps tame the recoil and they are very accurate. No light primer strikes with this one and a trigger like a GP100. |
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Posted: 4/9/2024 7:08:13 PM EST
[#17]
Does the 4” give up much velocity to a 5” or 5.5” gun?
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/10/2024 5:44:23 PM EST
[Last Edit: SDGlock23]
[#18]
Get the 5" 629 Classic. The Redhawk has a terrible trigger. The 5" isn't bad to shoot, the shorter barrels do recoil more, I've had the 3" 629 and have a 4" 29 as well, the 5" is kind of the sweet spot to me plus it has the DX front sight system, so putting a different front sight on is super easy.
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Posted: 4/10/2024 8:02:02 PM EST
[#19]
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Posted: 4/10/2024 10:10:25 PM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mississippiflush: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264774/20240208_135838_jpg-3184470.JPG Nice collection and no Hillary hole. |
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Posted: 4/10/2024 10:10:53 PM EST
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SDGlock23: Get the 5" 629 Classic. The Redhawk has a terrible trigger. The 5" isn't bad to shoot, the shorter barrels do recoil more, I've had the 3" 629 and have a 4" 29 as well, the 5" is kind of the sweet spot to me plus it has the DX front sight system, so putting a different front sight on is super easy. https://i.imgur.com/R1yK3IG.jpg Sharp looking pistol. |
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Posted: 4/11/2024 5:56:21 AM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ruin: Nice collection and no Hillary hole. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ruin: Originally Posted By mississippiflush: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/264774/20240208_135838_jpg-3184470.JPG Nice collection and no Hillary hole.  Attached File |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 4/11/2024 6:29:47 AM EST
[#23]
I have a 4” 29 new production model and went with it because I really like the looks of a blued Smith revolver, I shoot mainly specials through it and it does really well, I guess if I had it in mind to shoot full house loads and hunt with a 44 I might lean toward the Ruger, last time I looked it seems like the RedHawks had shot up in price a bit.
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OR, USA
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Posted: 4/11/2024 10:17:24 AM EST
[#24]
I have had & have a few 44 mag revolvers. To me, a 4" is nice to pack, & miserable to shoot, out in the field, where you might not have ear protection at the moment. The Redhawk does not like lighter springs without some action work. Factory springs tend to work just fine but cannot compare to the S&W trigger. in my experience.
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Posted: 4/11/2024 4:37:16 PM EST
[#25]
Ended up going with the 629 Classic with 5” barrel.
It will realistically spend 98% of its life at the range. Are modern M629’s all roundbutt guns? I need some proper grips. |
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NM, USA
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Posted: 4/11/2024 11:40:16 PM EST
[#26]
VZ Grips still makes round, square and round to square conversations I believe.
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AK, USA
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Posted: 4/12/2024 5:59:44 PM EST
[#27]
I don’t mean to hijack the OP’s thread, but on the subject of the 629 “mountain gun” I heard there was a .357 variant.
I assume they’re out of production? Closest I could find on the site was the 66 but that barrel looks longer than four inches. Next best thing being the 686? |
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Posted: 4/12/2024 8:36:02 PM EST
[Last Edit: mississippiflush]
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By UnequivocalLiberty: I don’t mean to hijack the OP’s thread, but on the subject of the 629 “mountain gun” I heard there was a .357 variant. I assume they’re out of production? Closest I could find on the site was the 66 but that barrel looks longer than four inches. Next best thing being the 686? There was a 686 mountain gun Smith forum |
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AK, USA
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Posted: 4/12/2024 9:26:15 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryTy! Sure is purdy. I’m not a fan of the full underlug, but a 686 may have to do if I can’t locate one. Also contemplating a 629, so I’ll be watching this thread. Hope OP delivers on photos 
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Posted: 4/12/2024 10:10:27 PM EST
[Last Edit: W_E_G]
[#30]
Five-inch 625-3 ("Model of 1989") stopping in to say 5" is the ideal barrel length for N-frame.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 4/12/2024 10:17:19 PM EST
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By UnequivocalLiberty: Ty! Sure is purdy. I’m not a fan of the full underlug, but a 686 may have to do if I can’t locate one. Also contemplating a 629, so I’ll be watching this thread. Hope OP delivers on photos I promise I will update with some pix when the gun comes in. Ordered it from the BX as they only had a model 69 3” (I think) on hand. |
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Posted: 4/12/2024 10:22:35 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: Five-inch 625-3 ("Model of 1989") stopping in to say 5" is the ideal barrel length for N-frame. I got this second hand. I think the round-butt grips LOOK a little weird. But they FEEL great in the hand. I've considered getting a set of Magna "target" grips for a more "classic" look. But I've had guns with Magnas. While the appearance of the Magnas is very appealing, the Magnas don't fit my hand anywhere nearly as nice as these "weird" roun-butt redwood grips. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105614/Smith_and_Wesson_-__Model_625-3_jpg-3186399.JPG Nice looking gun! I’m on the hunt for a good field holster as well as new grips; I probably will get a set of nice wood for presentation but want something “field practical” for the range and occasional hunts. Looking at something like this for when it’s not lying around in the safe:  Attached File |
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KY, USA
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Posted: 4/13/2024 5:54:00 AM EST
[Last Edit: SDGlock23]
[#33]
Good choice on the 5" 629. The grips that come on it aren't anything to brag about, VZ makes good grips (it's a round butt frame) and to be honest, the Hogue Tamer grip is good too, it has the gel in it that soaks up some recoil. I think you'll like it, mine has VZ grips on it and I put a Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight on it. Altamont makes some pretty good wood grips as well.
Oh yeah don't forget about the rebate S&W has going on right now with their revolvers, I think it's $75 back. |
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Posted: 4/13/2024 6:42:23 AM EST
[Last Edit: W_E_G]
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ruin: Nice looking gun! I’m on the hunt for a good field holster as well as new grips; I probably will get a set of nice wood for presentation but want something “field practical” for the range and occasional hunts. Looking at something like this for when it’s not lying around in the safe: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/100831/IMG_9266_jpeg-3186405.JPG I probably will end up getting a set of large knock-off Magna-type “target” grips. I sort of want a holster for this gun. But I have QUITE A FEW handguns. Many better suited for self-defense carry than an N-frame revolver. Bianchi sells a $100 five-inch holster that looks good, and can be worn strong-side and cross-draw. https://a.co/d/0BCWEP3 Serious commitment to the break-in process required! Not sure I’m “committed “ enough to the break-in to justify buying ANOTHER HOLSTER, and the storing it. I’ve already had to up-size the HOLSTER BOX several times. The holster situation is getting kinda ridiculous. A 5-inch N frame is a big gun to wear on your hip. Maybe doesn’t matter if you have no concerns about concealing. An inexpensive cordura holster might be a good option if you almost never carry it. At least it skips the break-in ordeal. I don’t have any advice for holster-storage except GET A BIGGER BOX. Here is how it compares to a Glock 17. And I consider the 17 to be a bit too large for ideal conceal-carry. The N-frame is Longer, taller, wider.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/13/2024 12:01:16 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By W_E_G: I probably will end up getting a set of large knock-off Magna-type “target” grips. I sort of want a holster for this gun. But I have QUITE A FEW handguns. Many better suited for self-defense carry than an N-frame revolver. Bianchi sells a $100 five-inch holster that looks good, and can be worn strong-side and cross-draw. https://a.co/d/0BCWEP3 Serious commitment to the break-in process required! Not sure I’m “committed “ enough to the break-in to justify buying ANOTHER HOLSTER, and the storing it. I’ve already had to up-size the HOLSTER BOX several times. The holster situation is getting kinda ridiculous. A 5-inch N frame is a big gun to wear on your hip. Maybe doesn’t matter if you have no concerns about concealing. An inexpensive cordura holster might be a good option if you almost never carry it. At least it skips the break-in ordeal. I don’t have any advice for holster-storage except GET A BIGGER BOX. Here is how it compares to a Glock 17. And I consider the 17 to be a bit too large for ideal conceal-carry. The N-frame is Longer, taller, wider. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105614/IMG_2935_jpeg-3186498.JPG Damn, that’s a great comparison between the two. I have no intention of concealing it, ever. I absolutely do not need this but dang it, I just wanted a .44 Magnum. I prefer the aesthetic of square grips on these guns based off what I’ve seen so far. The round just seem small and don’t “balance” the gun, I thought the same with my L-Comp 586 with the bantam grip. |
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Posted: 4/13/2024 5:11:44 PM EST
[Last Edit: W_E_G]
[#36]
I agree, I prefer the LOOK of the square-butt grip.
You can buy grips that fit round-but that look externally just like square-butt. But if you've held the two, unless you have Yeti-hands, the round-butt grips fit the hand vastly better on the N-Frame. Form over function an all that jazz. I didn't "need" 99% of the gun shit I bought. |
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Posted: 4/17/2024 10:19:14 PM EST
[#37]
Let the waiting begin.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 4/17/2024 10:43:20 PM EST
[#38]
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Posted: 4/18/2024 4:34:36 PM EST
[#39]
Nice! Congrats. This thread hurts my wallet and makes me want to get a .44 mag. All I have is .22lrs, .38s and .357s for revolvers.
You guys suck. 
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Posted: 4/22/2024 3:04:10 PM EST
[#40]
Too late but I was going to say it depends on what you want it for. If you're shooting standard run of the mill factory 240 grain loads with the occasional 305 grain stuff, the S&W is a good choice but if you want to shoot the top end, hot stuff, the Ruger is definitely the way to go.
I haven't had need of shooting the hotter/heavier stuff so my 629 V-Comp is just fine. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 5/12/2024 8:16:00 AM EST
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ameshawki: Have owned both. The Smith is a bit more refined. The Ruger is more rugged. Either will do the job. I've never had light primer strikes with the Redhawk, or any other Ruger, so am a bit skeptical. Me either, and I changed out the hammer spring for a better pull and nary a LPS. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 9:57:50 AM EST
[#42]
As far as a holster, I have these for my 629's. Galco Phoenix
Buy once, cry once... It will out live you. |
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Posted: 5/12/2024 10:27:37 AM EST
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BigKahuna13: As far as a holster, I have these for my 629's. Galco Phoenix Buy once, cry once... It will out live you. This is probably my favorite woods holster for S&W N Frame revolvers with barrels less than 6 inches. The versatility of either strong side or crossdraw is well worth the price of admission. I found that cross draw worked best for me when sitting in a tree stand. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 5/12/2024 10:32:36 AM EST
[#44]
I've actually been wanting a 44 blackhawk
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PA, USA
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Posted: 5/12/2024 1:08:10 PM EST
[#45]
I’m a self admitted ruger fanboi. A 4” RedHawks is on my list.
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Posted: 5/12/2024 6:16:22 PM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BigKahuna13: As far as a holster, I have these for my 629's. Galco Phoenix Buy once, cry once... It will out live you. Damn, nice looking holster. I ended up ordering one from Simply Rugged as well as a 2x2x2 ammo pouch. |
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AK, USA
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Posted: 5/13/2024 10:31:23 AM EST
[#47]
Both great guns. I just prefer Ruger's cylinder latch. The push button is, to me, a more natural setup and is seemingly easier to manipulate.
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FL, USA
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Posted: 6/4/2024 9:13:49 AM EST
[#48]
Easy fix on the Redhawk light primer strikes. From a retired Ruger smith, "...basically file .01-.02 off the hammer nose so the transfer bar is struck more forcefully."
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MD, USA
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Posted: 7/27/2024 5:41:59 PM EST
[#49]
I’ve been wanting a 629 classic for a few years now but now find myself eyeing the Colt Anaconda.
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/10/2024 12:53:41 PM EST
[Last Edit: MadDogDan]
[#50]
I have a 2.5" Super Redhawk Alaskan and love it. It is my back country gun carried in a chest rig. I do have a Model 29 but that has an 8" barrel so it pretty much lives in the safe and goes to the range a few times a year.
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