Greeting's Malpaso-
you really gave us some hard choice's to consider. I could
write for hour's; singing the prasie's of the 625, 629, and
the 686. But due to both time and space constraint's I'll
limit my response to a briefing.
a) first of all is the Smith & Wesson 625. Available in .45
ACP or .45 LC. An appealing caliber, especially to persons
who like myself handload. Applications: .45 LC for hunting,
.45 ACP for plinking, or serious target work.
b) second, lets look at the 629. .44 magnum, most powerful
caliber you mentioned. Another widely handloaded caliber,
as there are lot's of load's (and data) to choose from. Basic
applications: Truly a remarkable hunting handgun for most
North American dangerous game; excluding the grizzly bear.
For serious target work, one quite often downloads the .44
magnum, to .44 Special pressure's and velocities; cuz factory
.44 Special ammo is quite expensive.
c) last, by certainly not least is the Smith & Wesson 686. The
great .357 magnum caliber; but can accomodate the milder
.38 Special offering's. With this caliber being as popular as
it is amongest handguner's; I think its a safe bet too say
that the .38 Special is the most widely handloaded caliber
in North America. Applications: .357 magnum for small game
hunting; with the .38 Special being for serious target work,
plinking, and shooting small critter's. By far, in all my studies
its agreed upon that the .38 Special is the most accurate
caliber listed among your choice's.
So, to sum thing's up nicely-
I guess I would have to opt for the Smith & Wesson 625,
in either offering; cuz I already own the 629 and the 686.
However, there is NO bad choice's here; any and all should
serve you well. Shoot straight and have fun-
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
?). I'm also looking into one of the Mountain Guns. 