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  1. #1
    Contributing Member Ovidio's Avatar
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    Question for the more experts about S&W revolvers

    Hi everybody,

    I was thinking about buying a 29 or 629 model.
    I like them with 6 or 8-3/8" barrels.
    Among the 6" models, I'm feeling pretty much intrigued by the Classic Hunter model.
    Anyone with experience there who could tell me the pros and cons of the Hunter and of the 8-3/8" barreled ones?
    It's just a last ditch try to show myself I'm not really milsurps addicted;-D

    Thanks for any advice you will give me.
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    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.
    34a cp., btg. Susa, 3° rgt. Alpini

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Contributing Member Ovidio's Avatar
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    Sorry for misplacing the thread.
    34a cp., btg. Susa, 3° rgt. Alpini

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    Contributing Member Gil Boyd's Avatar
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    Ovidio,
    I was fortunate to trial many of S&W's handguns for the Home Office for Police use many light years ago.
    I know of the models you speak, but the 29 was priced out of the market even then with a 6.5inch barrel and blued for Police use, so we decided on the Model 10 and I think the alternative for Special use was the Model 10 snub nose for under jackets "civvy" wearing use by Detectives/SB and the like at Airports in .38.
    The 629 is a more recent specialist shooting match pistol which I know little about, I am sure there is someone else who can pick up the reigns on that beast, but I am sure its big bucks too. Not my choice if its a mgnum you seek.

    Are you married to a rich banker?
    Last edited by Gil Boyd; 09-13-2017 at 05:31 PM.
    'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

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    Legacy Member Brit plumber's Avatar
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    I used to have a 586 many years ago before the ban. Loved it, very smooth and very accurate. I used to put .38 wad cutters through it rather than .357 due to the costs. I do remember it being very dirty with .38s and having to do lots of cleaning after.
    Last edited by Brit plumber; 09-13-2017 at 06:42 PM.

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    Legacy Member RCS's Avatar
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    Smith & Wesson

    You can always shoot better with a longer barrel and either both hands or a rest when outdoors. I have a very old S&W K-38 (Model 10 frame) with a 8 3/8 inch barrel in 38 Special and custom grips and is more accurate (for me) with a two hand grip.

    Also like my Model 25 in 45 Colt with a six inch barrel very accurate inside or outside.

    The 629 indicates stainless while the steel model is the Model 29 as the blued steel models are discontinued and much in demand. I have seen the Model 24 in 44 SpecialAttachment 87148 sell for over $2000 used now.

    photo shows my S&W K-38

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    Contributing Member Woodsy's Avatar
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    The Classic Hunter is a heavier gun than the 29 or 629 which has the advantage of taming recoil with full-power .44 Magnum ammo. The disadvantage is the slightly heavier carry weight. I have used an 8-3/8" Model 29 for the past 30-odd years and am delighted with it. I use Elmer Keith's original load of 22 grains of Hercules 2400 and a hard cast 245 grain semi-wadcutter (Lyman 429421) which is superbly accurate at moderate pressures (cases just fall out). My loads have a firm crimp and achieve a consistent 1500 fps. My best group is 3 shots into 45mm (1-3/4") at 100 metres with a Leupold LER 4x scope on my own manufacture 'no-gunsmithing' mount. This revolver has taken several deer and has also won me metallic silhouette competitions in the USAicon and NZicon. Do I like it - hell yes! Note that pre-2000 S&W revolvers in good condition are a far better product than the later production. The early 586 and 686 are also excellent if you want a .357 Magnum.

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    Contributing Member Ovidio's Avatar
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    Thank you all for your answers.
    Gil, the 29/629 runs here from 650 to much more for the Performance Center models, but in the end, 8-3/8 barrel goes on average between 800 and 950€. Like or even more than a good milsurp rifle (which is the reason I still have no revolver. I usually just go to get a rifle when I have the money).
    Not too much market for them, apparently.
    But I still would be open to know a beautiful and rich banker;-)
    Just don't tell my wife.
    My question is actually more generic. Considering a use for target shooting at 25 meters (maybe even longer ranges if they let me), considering the few technical differences, which one do you guys prefer and why.
    Just a help to make up my mind a bit.
    I actually like them all, but lacking the aforementioned rich banker, I'll have to make a choice sooner or later.

    ---------- Post added at 05:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------

    Quote Originally Posted by Woodsy View Post
    The Classic Hunter is a heavier gun than the 29 or 629 which has the advantage of taming recoil with full-power .44 Magnum ammo. The disadvantage is the slightly heavier carry weight. I have used an 8-3/8" Model 29 for the past 30-odd years and am delighted with it. I use Elmer Keith's original load of 22 grains of Hercules 2400 and a hard cast 245 grain semi-wadcutter (Lyman 429421) which is superbly accurate at moderate pressures (cases just fall out). My loads have a firm crimp and achieve a consistent 1500 fps. My best group is 3 shots into 45mm (1-3/4") at 100 metres with a Leupold LER 4x scope on my own manufacture 'no-gunsmithing' mount. This revolver has taken several deer and has also won me metallic silhouette competitions in the USAicon and NZicon. Do I like it - hell yes! Note that pre-2000 S&W revolvers in good condition are a far better product than the later production. The early 586 and 686 are also excellent if you want a .357 Magnum.

    Thank you very much.
    These are the info I was looking for.
    Pre 2000 gets to -3, right?
    Later versions are lesser quality?
    34a cp., btg. Susa, 3° rgt. Alpini

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    Contributing Member CINDERS's Avatar
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    I had 2 x 357 Magnum S&W 686 L frames for a few years one set up for Service (Blued) open sights the other Action match (Stainless) with an aimpoint both using 38 +P cases with wad cutters they were reliable and smooth to use the 4 position adjustable front sight was a bonus on the Service one as we shot from 50, 25, 10 & 7 yards.
    I did finish in 2nd place (Silver) in my division in the State Service shoot in 1991 the only thing that got me there was scoring on the last stage 12 bullseys (120 points) on 2 targets un-sighted firing from the draw @7 yards in 15 seconds I think, the pistol was held 2 handed at or about the level of your hips holding the other speed loader in your teeth...........
    Last edited by CINDERS; 09-14-2017 at 06:54 AM.

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    Contributing Member Gil Boyd's Avatar
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    Ovidio,
    If, where you are in Israel, the laws allow you to hold a pistol in the first place, surely the gunshop you intend buying from will have a range, and bring a variety of your selection for you to try and fire before you decide.
    If you are about to invest in whatever S&W model, you could be very very dissapointed, if for instance you are not aware of the "kick of a mule" in any Magnum size and buy the wrong one.

    Test fire someone elses at your range if the dealer can't do that for you. My strong advice, they are all very different, so test fire before purchase and get "fitted" grips, trust me you'll wish you had firing those monsters............get a good set too IMHO
    'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

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  18. #10
    Contributing Member Ovidio's Avatar
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    Thanks Cinders. I really like the idea of the adjustable front sight.
    Gil, thanks again. I'll have to find a good samaritan. In Italyicon gun shops don't have ranges, unfortunately.
    34a cp., btg. Susa, 3° rgt. Alpini

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