Posted: 11/16/2010 3:56:59 PM EDT
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Been looking at the S&W 629 Classic, on "sale" locally for 849.00 + tax. Better prices are around all over the net...but this is local and all. I had hope to pick up a nice lever action carbine, in 44mag, next spring.
Is a new 629 Classic a good place to wet my feet on revolvers? Are there some super combo revolver/lever carbines that I should look at? Not necessarily looking for "top shelf" but good quality is a must. I don't care for buying used stuff unless it is from someone i know. The revolver will be used sparingly for shits and grins and the occasional deer or unlucky groundhog 
Thanks 41 |
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I assume it is a new production gun ?
You could do far worse, a .44 mag is a very useful handgn and the Smith is a great gun. If its not going to be an all out hunting gun I would only buy the 5 inch barrel version, great balance with added sight radius and less recoil than the 4 or 6 inch sandard half lug guns. The five inch carries great in a Galco Phoenix or Bianchi cyclone or 5 BHL holster. The 6 inch plus classics are just too heavy IMO. I would go with a standard 6 inch 629 in a -3 or -4variant (endurance package, forged hammer and trigger, no lock, no mim) As far as price goes you could probibly do better depending on whats generally avaliable in your area. I think it is worth your time and effort to wait/ look around more an buy an excellent condition used or new pre lock 629 classic. I would look for a 629-3 or -4 variant and take my chances on a gun from a reputable seller on gunbroker or guns america. |
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Correct, the gun i'm looking at is a new production gun with the dreaded lock.
They also have only the 6" in stock, not sure if a 5" is possible as they have advertised 6" barrels in their flier. I will have to ask about that. Are the used no lock guns running about the same price as the new production guns? thanks for the feedback. |
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Quoted: I would say that that a 44 magnum is far from the best place for a person to start their wheelgun shooting––especially if that person doesn't handload. Don't talk him out of it. It adds to the likelihood that in 5 years, there'll be another N frame with "just a box of rounds" through it for sale. |
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I would say that that a 44 magnum is far from the best place for a person to start their wheelgun shooting––especially if that person doesn't handload. +1 sometimes poeple learn the hard way. or, if theyre rolling in $$$, it wont make a dif. my first CF revolver many years ago, was the 629 and even back then it made me realize that the only way i could afford to shoot it was to reload. buf if youre stuck/enamored with the 44, then you have to pay to play. if you havent handled any of them do so before you put any $$$ down. also, i would second the 5" tube. imo, it has the best balance both visually and physically. |
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I would say that that a 44 magnum is far from the best place for a person to start their wheelgun shooting––especially if that person doesn't handload. I load 10mm, so it is just some different dies. What is the best gun/caliber to start with? I really don't get out to shoot nearly enough right now, but who knows what the future will bring. I just thought everyone should have a 44 in the safe. The trigger in single action is the cats ass, makes the M&P's seem really bad. They advertised 6" barrels and if i want a 5" i will have to pay full price... So I will begin looking for a gently used 5 inch at some local gun shows. I really don't want a safe queen, as i intend to shoot it. |
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For a first revolver, I would recommend a nice S&W 4" or 6" .357.
You have the option of light .38 spl. loads or step-up to .357 mag if you need something hotter. You should be able to take a dear with a good .357 hunting load. Nothing wrong with a .44 mag, but I would work-up to it from a .38/.357. |
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For a first revolver, I would recommend a nice S&W 4" or 6" .357. You have the option of light .38 spl. loads or step-up to .357 mag if you need something hotter. You should be able to take a dear with a good .357 hunting load. Nothing wrong with a .44 mag, but I would work-up to it from a .38/.357. 357 is the smallest handgun allowed for deer in Ohio so it is good to go. Is there a 5" barrel in the 686? What are the -? marks of the pre lock models, and which ones balance the best? 5" is the minimum barrel length for handgun hunting here.. Thanks 41 |
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I would say that that a 44 magnum is far from the best place for a person to start their wheelgun shooting––especially if that person doesn't handload. I load 10mm, so it is just some different dies. What is the best gun/caliber to start with? I really don't get out to shoot nearly enough right now, but who knows what the future will bring. I just thought everyone should have a 44 in the safe. The trigger in single action is the cats ass, makes the M&P's seem really bad. They advertised 6" barrels and if i want a 5" i will have to pay full price... So I will begin looking for a gently used 5 inch at some local gun shows. I really don't want a safe queen, as i intend to shoot it. Not a bad plan. But, if you already reload for 10mm, why not look around for a S&W 610? Not as easy to find as the 44, but sometimes you need to able to be flexible if opportunity knocks. Good Hunting! |
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I would say that that a 44 magnum is far from the best place for a person to start their wheelgun shooting––especially if that person doesn't handload. I load 10mm, so it is just some different dies. What is the best gun/caliber to start with? I really don't get out to shoot nearly enough right now, but who knows what the future will bring. I just thought everyone should have a 44 in the safe. The trigger in single action is the cats ass, makes the M&P's seem really bad. They advertised 6" barrels and if i want a 5" i will have to pay full price... So I will begin looking for a gently used 5 inch at some local gun shows. I really don't want a safe queen, as i intend to shoot it. Not a bad plan. But, if you already reload for 10mm, why not look around for a S&W 610? Not as easy to find as the 44, but sometimes you need to able to be flexible if opportunity knocks. Good Hunting! Ahhh yes the 610... heard about them but have yet to actually see one. Are there pre lock 610's as well? Most defiantly on my short list. Just don't have the time to be vigilant on the auction sites. |
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Here's a recent thread on the S&W forum with some 610 info:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/161158-new-me-model-610-a.html One of the posters reports that S&W made approx. 5,000 No Dash 610s in '89-'90. Those would be pre-lock. Seems like those that have them don't often let go of them. 
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I would say that that a 44 magnum is far from the best place for a person to start their wheelgun shooting––especially if that person doesn't handload. I load 10mm, so it is just some different dies. What is the best gun/caliber to start with? I really don't get out to shoot nearly enough right now, but who knows what the future will bring. I just thought everyone should have a 44 in the safe. The trigger in single action is the cats ass, makes the M&P's seem really bad. They advertised 6" barrels and if i want a 5" i will have to pay full price... So I will begin looking for a gently used 5 inch at some local gun shows. I really don't want a safe queen, as i intend to shoot it. Not a bad plan. But, if you already reload for 10mm, why not look around for a S&W 610? Not as easy to find as the 44, but sometimes you need to able to be flexible if opportunity knocks. Good Hunting! Ahhh yes the 610... heard about them but have yet to actually see one. Are there pre lock 610's as well? Most defiantly on my short list. Just don't have the time to be vigilant on the auction sites. the 610s are nice, but good luck finding any carbine in 10mm. unless you want an AR style. iirc, S&W is still making the 610 w/ the IL. if you want some type of revolver/rilfe combo, you will need to stick to 38, 357, 44 mag or 45LC. of course if you want semi custom, then the skys the limit and on what caliber. just stick to the name brands and you should be okay. btw, there were some 686s with the 5" tube, but a really small run. you would have better luck finding the 610. if you really, really want a 5" tube on the 686, you could have it chopped and a new FS installed. |