Smith & Wesson Model 629

Model 629 vs. Model 29: What’s the Difference?

The Model 29 and Model 629 are mechanically identical—same N-Frame, same .44 Magnum chambering, same six-round cylinder, same action geometry. The only meaningful difference is finish: the Model 29 is blued carbon steel; the Model 629 is stainless. The stainless 629 resists rust and holster wear far better than the blued 29, making it the more practical choice for a working hunting revolver carried in the field. The blued Model 29 retains a collectible appeal and is the gun Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry carried, which sustains its cultural cachet. For a shooter who plans to actually use the gun, the 629’s stainless finish is the better choice.

Model 629 Barrel Length Options: Which Should You Choose?

S&W produces the 629 in 4″, 5″, 6″, and 6.5″ barrel lengths depending on the variant. The 4″ barrel is the most compact and handles best in a hip holster for field carry, but gives up meaningful velocity with .44 Magnum loads. The 6″ and 6.5″ barrels are the hunting configurations—the longer barrel maximizes velocity (pushing a 240-grain JHP to over 1,400 fps), extends sight radius for precise long shots, and provides better balance with a mounted scope or red dot. The 629 Classic features a 6.5″ barrel with a round-butt frame and a Hogue monogrip, making it the most popular hunting variant. The 5″ is a middle-ground option that many shooters find offers the best balance between portability and performance.

Hunting With the Model 629: What Game Can You Take?

The Model 629 in .44 Magnum is legal and effective for any North American big game. Handgun hunters use it for whitetail deer, black bear, elk, and moose at distances typically under 75 yards. A 240-grain hard-cast load at 1,350+ fps from a 6″ barrel delivers complete penetration on large game and enough energy transfer for reliable kills. For bear defense, the 629 is a proven platform—lighter than the X-Frame Model 629 but handling more quickly. Many Alaskan guides and backcountry hunters carry the 629 as a woods gun. The integral scope rail on Classic variants allows mounting a low-power red dot or handgun scope for longer shots.

Model 629 vs. Ruger Super Redhawk: The .44 Magnum Revolver Showdown

The Ruger Super Redhawk is the 629’s primary competition in the stainless .44 Magnum hunting revolver category. The Super Redhawk is built heavier and stronger—its triple-locking cylinder and extended frame ahead of the cylinder are specifically designed to handle sustained full-power magnum use. The 629 has a smoother factory trigger and finer adjustable sights, and most shooters find it more comfortable to carry at hunting weight. For a shooter running thousands of full-power .44 Magnum rounds per year, the Super Redhawk’s durability edge matters. For most hunters and range shooters, the 629’s better trigger and ergonomics make it the more enjoyable gun to shoot and carry.

Shooting .44 Special in the Model 629

The 629 is fully compatible with .44 Special, and many owners run .44 Special for the majority of their range sessions to reduce cost and recoil. .44 Special is a genuinely effective defensive cartridge in its own right—a 200-grain .44 Special JHP at 950 fps produces terminal performance comparable to hot .45 ACP loads, with the additional benefit of the 629’s six-shot capacity. Shooters who carry the 629 for bear defense in camp typically keep it loaded with full-power .44 Magnum; those who carry it for general field use or occasional range work often prefer the more manageable .44 Special. The 629’s adjustable rear sight may need a slight zero adjustment when switching between .44 Magnum and .44 Special due to differing point of impact.

Frequently Asked Questions: S&W Model 629

What is the S&W Model 629?
The Model 629 is Smith & Wesson’s all-stainless steel N-frame .44 Magnum revolver — the stainless steel successor to the classic Model 29 made famous by the Dirty Harry films. It is available in barrel lengths from 3 to 8.375 inches and is one of the most widely used .44 Magnum revolvers for hunting, silhouette shooting, and field carry.

How does the S&W 629 compare to the Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 Magnum?
The 629 is lighter, slimmer, and has a more traditional revolver profile that makes it comfortable to carry. The Super Redhawk is heavier and more robust with integral scope mounts for hunting optics. For field carry and general use, the 629 is more practical; for extended hunting use with an optic, the Super Redhawk’s mounting system is the advantage.

Is the S&W 629 good for bear defense?
Yes — the Model 629 loaded with heavy hard-cast .44 Magnum loads is a standard recommendation for backcountry bear defense. It provides proven stopping power in a relatively portable package compared to a rifle. The 4-inch barrel configuration balances velocity with packability for this application.

See Also: Smith & Wesson • Revolvers • .44 Magnum Ammo • Ruger Super Redhawk