Taurus M44 vs S&W 629

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Looking to get a .44 mag. It will not get shot that much - maybe 500 rounds per year.

How good is a Taurus? Can the trigger be worked on and come out pretty good? How well do they hold up?

Are the new S&Ws worth having? If not, what serial range should I be looking for?

Ultimately I am looking for a 4" gun. However, if they was a reason - a good deal - I would take and a 6" or an 8" and have it cut down or replaced.

Thoughts?

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Mo_Zam_Beek,

"Are the new S&W's worth having"?

Well sir, I've owned numerous Smith & Wesson model 29's
with assorted barrel length's, and currently my .44 magnum
choice is the 5" barrel Smith & Wesson 629-5 "Classic". And
it is most likely the best of all of those that I have owned.
The S&W 629-5 came from the factory with a "lightning
smooth", crisp & clean double action. Fit and finish
are both first class. Lockwork is as tight on this firearm,
as on any S&W I have ever seen. And the addition of
Hogue's rubber grip's make a good gun even better!

There is absolutely NO WAY that the Tauri .44 magnum
can compare to the S&W 629-5 "Classic". The few Taurus
.44's I've seen shave lead something awful! And who
would want to be shooting next to a "lead shaver"?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[stans]

You might be able to get a gunsmith to tune a Taurus 44 and make the trigger almost as good as a Smith, but how much are you willing to spend trying to make a Taurus into a Smith? Will that Taurus be as accurate as a Smith? The Smith & Wesson just does not compare to the Taurus. I have handled many Smiths and Tauruses, the Taurus is ok, but not the same as the Smith. When I was shopping for 44 Magnums I looked at Taurus, Smith, Ruger, and would have considered Colt if they were still available. I bought a Ruger Super Redhawk with the intention of putting a scope on it and shooting it with heavy loads. For a lighter weight 44, I selected the Smith model 29 over the Taurus. The Smith I bought was used, but in almost new condition and actually cost me no more than a new Taurus.