I have a 629 8 3/8" S/W classic; it's full lug. They are wonderful shooters with loads 240 grain and up. Mine doesn't shoot the 180 grainers very well; but the 250grain Winchester Supreme are very accurate--3-4" at 100yds. off the bench with open sights. These guns are long and a little bit heavy but a peach to shoot. They are deer killing machines. Personally; I prefer the 357 mag with 180 grainers but the long barreled Smith in 44mag. is much easier to shoot accurately than the shorter 357's. My long barrel Smith with be the last gun I will ever sell. Buy one; you will like it.
