Hi! I'm new to the Firing Line.
A little background info: I'm not new to guns but I'm no expert. I have owned or currently do own several semi's, a couple revolvers, and a shotgun.
I'm currently looking for a HD revo. Conventional wisdom suggests I should buy a 4" .357 and in general I think this is sound advice. However, everyone I know who has done this loads the .357 with .38+ due to the recoil/blast/flash of the .357. .38+ is good, but I'd like a little more stopping power.
My solution is to go with either the S&W 625 .45 ACP, or the S&W 629 .44 magnum. First of all, I LOVE the way the N frames fit my hand. I have shot the 625 and love it...very accurate and soft shooting. As far as stopping power is concerned, I prefer .45 ACP to .38+. I am a little concerned about the moon clips. I've heard they bend easily and that a bent clip can keep the cylinder from turning. Is this something I should be concerned about? I am also wondering about the new 4" barrel...is this enough length to build up the necessary velocity for reliable HP expansion? Do they still make the 5" barrel?
As for the 629, I know some of you are thinking I'm crazy. Well, the .44 seems to me to be a very flexible caliber. For HD there are several manufactered loads (I don't reload) that will give me .45 ACP-like perfomance. If I want to take it into the woods or have some fun at the range I can go with the high-powered stuff. Also, there are no moon clips to wory about. The only drawback I can see is that the ammo for .44 magnum is very expensive.
What do you think?
A little background info: I'm not new to guns but I'm no expert. I have owned or currently do own several semi's, a couple revolvers, and a shotgun.
I'm currently looking for a HD revo. Conventional wisdom suggests I should buy a 4" .357 and in general I think this is sound advice. However, everyone I know who has done this loads the .357 with .38+ due to the recoil/blast/flash of the .357. .38+ is good, but I'd like a little more stopping power.
My solution is to go with either the S&W 625 .45 ACP, or the S&W 629 .44 magnum. First of all, I LOVE the way the N frames fit my hand. I have shot the 625 and love it...very accurate and soft shooting. As far as stopping power is concerned, I prefer .45 ACP to .38+. I am a little concerned about the moon clips. I've heard they bend easily and that a bent clip can keep the cylinder from turning. Is this something I should be concerned about? I am also wondering about the new 4" barrel...is this enough length to build up the necessary velocity for reliable HP expansion? Do they still make the 5" barrel?
As for the 629, I know some of you are thinking I'm crazy. Well, the .44 seems to me to be a very flexible caliber. For HD there are several manufactered loads (I don't reload) that will give me .45 ACP-like perfomance. If I want to take it into the woods or have some fun at the range I can go with the high-powered stuff. Also, there are no moon clips to wory about. The only drawback I can see is that the ammo for .44 magnum is very expensive.
What do you think?