Funny thing happened at the LGS today

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Nick_C_S

New member
Smith 629 Classic, 5" bbl.

Most of us have that one gun that we always wanted, but it never seems to get high enough on the priority list to actually buy. This one is mine.

Or should I say, was. I grabbed this beauty today. I only have one other 44 Mag and it's a 629-1 (1983) w/ 8-3/8" bbl - a "dirty harry," if you will. And yes, at the time, the movie franchise inspired my purchase of it. But that 8" bbl hasn't suited my shooting style in decades, so it's now a safe queen.

I like the caliber - especially 44 Special - but I needed a more "practical" (IMO) gun to take to the range. Now I have it - or will, after California's 10-day wait period, should I say.

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I got one just like it - dash 3. Shoots good but it is loud - probably quite a bit louder than your 8 3/8" bbl.
 
it is loud
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I have no doubt. My 8-3/8 bbl makes quite a racket too.

I always double up on the hearing protection (foam inserts, and muffs); and, this one will be fed a steady diet of Specials. Magnum rounds will be the occasional novelty. (I handload.)
 
That's a gorgeous revolver. I have a 629 Classic, 6" barrel. Love it. I like the full lugs...to me, they're...just so purdy! Congrats on your find!

U.L.
 
I like the full lugs.
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I do too. A lot. For me, it's not so much about aesthetics as it is weight distribution. I like front-heavy revolvers.

There's another thread about "what is your dream revolver." Well I didn't respond to it. But I wish there were a full lug K-frame 38 Special - 3" or 4" bbl. That'd be cool.
 
That thing below the barrel called a lug? Looks good but dislike the weight, too front heavy. Got rid of a 586 4" because of the front heaviness. Don't know why but a Python feels OK with it.
 
That thing below the barrel called a lug?
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Generally yes. Or "full underlug."

(I) dislike the weight, too front heavy.
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Definitely a personal preference thing. I like a little weight up front. I'm probably in the minority.

Got rid of a 586 4" because of the front heaviness.
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I hope you sold it for good dough. The 586 has something of a cult following; and the 4" is probably the most desirable.

Don't know why but a Python feels OK with it.
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Because I have a Python, I know that the "reach" - distance from trigger to back strap - is a little longer. That probably gives you more of a lever effect. Just guessing. My hand doesn't fit a Python as well as a Smith L-frame.
 
Ah, yes, the Dirty Harry revolver.
When the movie came out, the 629 became instantly scarce and high priced.
A young fellow that worked for me decided we needed them.
Of course there were none to be had anywhere.
Except for a very small town gun store that had two on the shelve that no-one local was crazy enough to want to buy.
So, we took off work and drove the 180 miles round trip to get them.
When he got a real job and moved away, he kept them both.
Might still have them, too.
Always wondered if he ever mastered shooting them two handed style, like Hopalong.
 
Dirty Harry

Ah, yes, the Dirty Harry revolver.
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I bought mine December 20th, 1983 - took ownership 1/4/84 (15-day wait period in California at that time).

At the time, Sudden Impact had just came out and I only had one gun (6" Python - still have it). I had my Python only a few months and I was already becoming a recoil junky (other than a .22 lr single action while camping, and a few pellet guns, I had no previous shooting experience.). Well, seeing Inspector Callahan with that big 44 sealed the deal :D

No regrets. I love that gun. I used to shoot silhouettes at 100 yds with it. (I used a Hornady 240gn Silhouette bullet, with 24.7gns W296 under it - still remember the recipe. The bullet has since been discontinued.) My knock down rate approached 50%. I also used to take it camping and go on hikes with snake shot in the holes and "real" bullets in the belt loops. Good gun. Fun times.

Times have changed. I'm older. Can't see as well; and I shake. The long range shots don't excite me any more. Nor does heavy recoil (save a few for the novelty of it). My 8-3/8" 629 sits in the safe now. It comes out to play maybe once a year. And that's fine. I still like having it around.
 
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