Hunting Choice

[eujamfh]

Was hoping to get some info from the group...been looking and pondering a hunting revolver. Never hunted with a pistol so am starting fresh. Will use the piece for deer, and possibly pig. But really for deer. Any thoughts on the S&W 629 in 44 mag, 6.5" barrel, "6-shot n-frame" with an etched bears head? Is 6.5" barrel long enough? And will that accept a scope? The one I found is as stated with a ported barrel for $550 new...seems like a good deal and easy way to get into handgun hunting. Please let me know what you think, not only about this particular payout, but what criteria should I use to narrow my purchase. (FYI - wife loves shooting so I have some room on price. Would like to buy "the best" so I can steer clear of "upgrading" in the future...)
Thanks,
Matt

 

[LHB1]

Hi Matt,
My "short" deer guns are a pair of S&W M629 Classic revolvers in .44 Mag with 6.5" barrels and 2X Leupold EER scopes. My hunting load is a 250 cast lead bullet at 1400-1425 fps using W296. Have taken 2 deer and 2 wild hogs. My guns are sighted in at 75 yds with five shot groups from rest running 3 inches or less. Thus my vote is Yes for the S&W M629 Classic which is already drilled and tapped for the Leupold scope mount.

BUT that ported barrel MAY throw bits of powder/etc. back into the front lens of scope. Besides that, the ported barrel would be especially loud in an enclosed blind to the point of possibly damaging ear drums. I prefer NON-ported barrels.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[eujamfh]

Thanks

Roger...great points. It is not soo good a deal if it is not "exactly" right...not looking to get and spend lots of time and money negating the "good deal price."

Appreciate the help.
Cheers,
Matt

 

[mete]

Forget the porting.A 29 will do well for deer and pigs with a good 240 grain bullet.Just work up an accurate load, 1 1/2 " groups or better at 25 yds.Then Practice because accurate placement is the most important thing.My M29 has seen lots of use in metallic silhouette and taken a few deer also.