The crowned muzzle was nicely done. At the range we feared that this revolver would brutalize our shooting hand. The ejector rod was long enough to get the empties started, but as always, gravity is an asset when unloading and reloading revolvers. S&W Model 629, .44 magnum, snub nose, Performance Center model. J-frames are so small, even the heavier all steel guns are a bit snappy to shoot with standard pressure .38s. We did not like the sharp edges of the barrel, as it required more effort reholstering. Taurus has several .44s suitable for carry, in particular the Tracker and M445. With the Sellier & Bellot load, the 629-8 had a muzzle velocity almost 100 fps more than the other revolvers. Eastwood played it. Team members felt the difference in recoil between the two calibers: The 41 Magnum had a quick snap to it, while the 44 Magnum had a big wallop. They are all six-shooters, have 2- or 3-inch barrels, small compact grips – except for one model – and are chambered in bone-bashing 44 Magnum or 41 Magnum. Drawing the 629-8 from concealed carry, the outside of the revolver was smoother and more snag free than the other revolvers. This snub-nose revolver is accurate and quite reliable through well over 100 rounds. For a bullet weight of 200g, that translates (according to the tables) into a muzzle velocity of 750 to 1000 ft. lbs. These are all fine revolvers. Unlike the other three revolvers, the cylinder of the 329PD locks via a detent in the elector rod shroud; it snaps into a hole at the end of the ejector rod. A grizzly bear and Alaska Backpacker IV are engraved on the right side of the frame. The front ramp sight with red insert was dovetailed into the barrel, allowing the user to swap out the front sight to sync up point of aim with the ammo used. The design of these revolv… It is difficult to balance size with power due to a .44 cartridge’s diameter. For carry, we looked at four juiced-up S&Ws: A 329PD Alaska Backpacker IV and three from the companys Performance Center: a Model 629-8, a Model 657-5, and a Model 629-6.S&W Performance Center Model 629-6 170135 44 Magnum, $1079S&W Performance Center Model 657-5 41 Magnum, $750-$850S&W Model 329PD Alaska Backpacker IV 150545 44 Magnum, $750-$900S&W Performance Center Model 629-8 44 Magnum, $900-$1000. The 629-8 also had a slightly longer sight radius, which also made the revolver easier to aim. .44 caliber snub nose revolvers lay moribund for decades after World War Two. They are, as a rule, built on a gun maker’s smallest revolver platform so they are the most concealable snubbies available. Here, then, are the best snub nose revolvers—ever—in each caliber. The surface of the trigger was smooth and made DA mode feel less than it actually measured. There are other, less well known gun makers with .44 snubbies as well. Keith had tremendous input on developing magnum cartridges for revolvers and also had his hands in the development of the 41 Magnum, which was introduced in 1963 as a cartridge to bridge the gap between the 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum. Photos are representative, one revolver from a small lot we were fortunate enough to get. From a niche ammo loader we grabbed Buffalo Bore loaded with a 230-grain Keith-style bullet. Small, concealable wheel lock, flint lock, and percussion cap muzzle loaded pistols were quite popular in their day. We feel a carry revolver should have all the sharp exterior edges broken to make it snag free. I had a tip that Davidson’s was having Ruger make them a special Redhawk version in .41 Magnum with a 2.75 inch barrel. This revolver, like the rest, is a brute in recoil, but we felt it was easier to manage compared to the 629-6 and 657-5. The front-sight blade is pinned in the shroud and uses a gold bead. There was muzzle flip, and getting back on target took slightly longer. Ruger offers the Super Redhawk .44 Magnum with a two-inch barrel and their GP-100 in .44 Special. The matte-stainless finish on the frame and cylinder was well executed, and the chrome-flashed finish of the trigger and hammer matched nicely. This profile makes the snub revolvers extremely easy to keep hidden, and with options in caliber ranging from 22LR to 357 Magnum and more, powerful companions for daily carry. We gathered two big-factory loads – Winchester Super X 175-grain JHPs and Federal Power Shok 210-grain JHPs. On average, the 329PD gave slightly more velocity than the other 2.6-inch-barreled revolvers. Tough question, there are and have been so many good ones. The round barrel was longer than the other revolvers, but it featured an oblong port between the muzzle and front sight. In the past decade the .44 Special has risen from the ashes. Today, there even more choices. It could be easily swapped, if a user so desired. 44 magnum revolver for sale and auction. The barrel was longer yet slender compared to the other revolvers. The crane also had a ball detent that locked into the frame rock solid. Snub nose revolvers can fit in your pocket, but they also have enough power to keep you safe. GT. Before actual firing, many testers felt the grip seemed too small compared to the revolvers bulk. They liked that with all of the 44 Magnum revolvers, there is a variety of ammo to choose from. Yeah, I sold it. Snub nosed revolvers have been produced in almost every handgun caliber ever invented. Many testers assumed finding 41 Magnum ammo would be a difficult quest, but they found out there are many big-factory offerings and smaller niche-ammo companies that loaded ammo. The High Polished Stainless Steel finish is … The revolvers are available from production, Night Guard, M&P, Classics, Champion Series and Performance Center in a variety of chamberings in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum® and .45 ACP. Compare all 44 Magnum ammunition manufacturers on one easy to read chart. The trigger is pretty good, to boot. A secondary benefit is a shorter barrel clears a holster’s mouth quicker on the draw than a longer weapon. The rear sight is fully adjustable and finished matte black, with the rear-sight base serrated to reduce glare. All three safety features work unseen inside the frame and under the sideplate and make the revolvers very safe, guarding against accidental discharge from being dropped on a hard surface or a hammer slipping out from under a thumb. The 329PD is marketed as an Alaska Backpacker to provide defense against dangerous beasts. One should also consider training. in 1998. Whats left is still a large frame and cylinder that holds six cartridges. However, which are the true greats? Between two and two and a half inches is most common, though. The Model 629-6 comes from S&Ws Performance Center constructed of stainless steel, a non-fluted cylinder, and quite usable sights. In my experience, the triggers lighten up a bit as they are used, and some basic practice will let you master what is still a smooth, even, pull. You’ll recall that in the October 2020 issue, I cut-and-pasted almost all of then-presidential candidate Joe Biden’s gun-regulation plans listed on his website, with... Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Since these guns were just short barrel service-sized revolvers with steel frames, they were on the large and heavy side compared to a J-frame. We also used HKS speedloaders that allow loading of all chambers at the same time. The hammer had a larger hammer spur that was plenty toothy. By continuing to browse our website you agree to our use of cookies. Even with the optional, easier to shoot three-inch barrel it still took up less room in a waistband than its rivals. It is the lightest of all three tested at 32.8 ounces loaded. At 15 yards, we were able to consistently shoot five-shot groups at one inch. The 329PD is a departure from the stainless-steel revolvers tested as it is constructed with a matte-black scandium-alloy frame and a brightly finished stainless-steel cylinder. To learn more about how we use cookies, please review our privacy policy here. In evaluating this revolver I felt the only thing that really needed improving was the rear sight. Hunters, however, found the cartridge was plenty powerful for medium-size game, including black bear. The best .44 snub nose revolvers offer a balance between bulk and power. If carrying around a huge revolver for everyday concealed carry literally sounds like a pain in the hip, consider this: For everyday carry, Keith wore a Model 29 with a 4- or 5-inch barrel. Our Team Said: The correct holster and belt are required for any of these revolvers. Recoil was stout, requiring testers to rest their hands between sessions. It weighed less, too. SN #AN02975. Not for the faint of heart nor faint of recoil. GET YOUR CLOTHING HERE!!! 36 total results ? Gun Tests has been independently reviewing firearms since 1989. I’ve shot a custom three-inch barrel S&W Model 57 in .41 Magnum. Firing in double action, we found we shot these revolvers slower due the muzzle flip and recoil. We have fired 329PDs with the titanium cylinder and prefer to carry those guns a lot and shoot them very little. Things have changed, though. They were mated well to the frame. Today, snubbies are, in the main, offered in just a few: .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and either .44 Special or .44 Magnum. We surprised ourselves at how accurately we could shoot this revolver and feel it was due to the larger grip. Today, snubbies are, in the main, offered in just a few:.38 Special,.357 Magnum, and either.44 Special or.44 Magnum. It is Smith and Wesson’s ubiquitous J-frame. Handguns; Pistols; Big-Bore Snubnose Revolvers In 44 Magnum and 41 Magnum. It could digest the stoutest .357 loads as a steady diet and not shoot itself loose like some medium framed guns will. The 629-8 came out of S&Ws Performance Center a few years back and is not currently catalogued. Smaller revolvers are often made with "bobbed" or "shrouded" hammers, and there are even "hammerless" models, all allowing the gun to be drawn quickly with little risk of it snagging on clothing. The 41 Magnum was designed to bridge the gap between the 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum and does it well. Lighter, more compact guns, such as the Bulldog and M445, ramp up the .44 Special’s recoil and they intimidate some shooters. At first glance, the 629-8 looked like a traditional revolver, but the features are what pushed this revolver ahead of the others. You could get S&W’s large N-frame with a three-inch barrel, but this gun proved big and quite heavy. This 41 Magnum wheelgun is not catalogued by S&W any more because it was not a big seller, though a small, but passionate, group of shooters like the cartridge. It also wore a set of the Secret Service-style grips that we grew to appreciate. OUT OF STOCK (0) Swift 10005 A-Frame Heavy Revolver 44 Remington Magnum 300 GR H. OUT OF STOCK (5) Smith & Wesson M69 5RD 44MAG/44SP 4.25" OUT OF STOCK. There is some overlap, when you consider the magnums can fire their special counterparts (but not vis-a-versa). Snub nosed revolvers have been produced in almost every handgun caliber ever invented. If Elmer and Harry can carry around long-barrel variants, we figured these compact versions would be easier and more convenient for concealed carry. Most snub nose revolvers on the market today are .38s. A cut-out in the ejector shroud allowed dirt or sand to be removed easily or fall out on its own. The big round was based on the .44 Special and featured a significant boost in energy and velocity. Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver. The hammer was compact, with a teardrop shape. The notch is shaped in a V on the Backpacker. That’s a rare combination, and it’s a good reason for anyone to keep one in their collection. The 41 Magnum has more power than the 357 and less recoil than the 44 and was designed with law enforcement in mind, though it did not have a big impact on the LE market. Plus, use by infamous “Son of Sam” serial killer, David Berkowitz, in the 1970s cast a pall over the Bulldog in many people’s minds. The trigger was smooth but not as smooth as the PC-produced revolvers, nor did it have a trigger stop. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. The large frame guns are less than comfortable to carry concealed all day, but they offer the best shooting dynamics when stuffed with .44 Specials. Still, these other guns don’t offer the SP-101’s wonderful balance between size, weight, power, and price. This website contains many older reviews. The compromise was more concealable grips for less shooting comfort. We liked the chamfering on the front edge of the cylinder. As with any defensive tool, finding the best snub nose revolver is vital for staying safe. Charter Arms is still around and has improved the Bulldog. To make an S&W N-Frame revolver into a compact carry gun means reducing the revolvers barrel length and grip. They were smaller than the other sights, yet very usable and since we are looking for a concealed-carry revolver to be used at spitting distance, the 629-8 meets that spec. The grips were fitted well to the frame and allowed use of a speedloader. Subito a casa, in tutta sicurezza. The .44 magnum revolver will certainly pack a punch with each shot, and it’s part of the reason why it’s considered one of the most feared revolvers out there. Team members felt that the 44 Magnums, due to their compatibility with the softer recoiling 44 Special ammo, made them a better candidate for concealed carry. Unless otherwise noted, these reviews carry the guns’ prices at the time of the original review. It took a while, but Smith got the formula right when they debuted the alloy-framed, steel cylinder Model 642 in the 1990s. We checked the gap between rear of cylinder with Brownells Go/No Go 60/68 Cylinder Gauge (080-633-668WB, $36). Above the barrel in the scandium frame is a steel heat shield that protects the scandium from hot gases that escape between the barrel and cylinder gap. The rear blades notch had a white outline and the top corners were rounded – another nice touch to reduce the possibility of snagging on draw. Author's pick for best .357 Magnum snub nose. Bullets designed by Keith, often referred to as Keith-style semi-wadcutters, feature a wide nose and convex sides. We liked the sights as they were since they were fast on target, especially when using the red insert to aim at a dark target. A trigger stop was built into the trigger, which is a nice feature to reduce rear movement of the trigger to the barest minimum. The Model 29, along with the 44 Magnum cartridge, debuted in 1955 due to Elmer Keith arm twisting and convincing Smith & Wesson that shooters needed a more powerful revolver cartridge. As good as these guns are, there is one snubbie which still dominates and looks poised to maintain the lead for a long time. Taurus Model 444 Raging Bull .44 Magnum Black Revolver (6.5-inch Barrel) Update: Coronavirus is still hammering stock levels and some guns just aren’t there. As we stated, Keith had a hand in the 41 Magnum, as did former Border Patrol officer turned gun writer and fast-draw shooter, Bill Jordan, and the legendary gun writer Skeeter Skelton. Smith & Wesson Model 629 "Performance Center" with custom weighted barrel and scope rails (right) - .44 Magnum Also known as the Model 629 "Performance Center" the Competitor features a number of special customizations aimed at competitive shooting sports including (but not limited to) a weighted barrel to reduce recoil, match-grade trigger, and accessory rails for mounting optics. The 41 Magnum is similar to the 16-gauge shotgun in terms of compromising power and recoil as well as popularity. Abbiamo testato il revolver Smith & Wesson 629 Performance Center in calibro .44 Magnum della con canna da 2½”, che ha rivelato caratteristiche interessanti The grip worked well to mitigate recoil, but it was too large for concealed carry. It’s not as bad as you might imagine. Ruger’s newer LCR comes in .357 as do several S&W J-frames, and Kimber’s new K6s offers the smoothest trigger in the segment. The sights were fast on target but plenty tall. The left panel was scooped out to allow use of a HKS-type speedloader. The ability to run 44 Special in the 44 Magnums was a plus. We saw immediately the faster velocity from the 657-5 compared to the other 44 Magnums. Keith was a gun writer, outdoorsman, and big-bore revolver aficionado who hand-loaded the 44 Special to its maximum potential. Some people want a big bore carry gun and the market has responded. The cylinder latch was similar to the other revolvers: Small, well checkered, and worked precisely. The porting, longer sight radius, and lower sights exclusive to this model, along with the other features that were on some of the other models (trigger stop, grip, trigger pull, chamfered chambers) made this revolver a better choice for our shooters to carry concealed. These bullets, when loaded properly, are a benchmark in power and penetration. - https://kentuckyballistics.com/ Today on Kentucky Ballistics we try out a custom Magnum Research BFR 45-70 Snub Nose Revolver! They also allow more powder to be loaded into the case. LJ Bonham is a semi-subsistence hunter, hunting magazine editor, and firearms enthusiast who lives in the Rocky Mountains. The fact it can shoot either specials or magnums gives it a versatility which the dedicated .44 Special guns do not possess. Not the best to cart around tucked into a waistband when you’re in summer attire. The 629-6 felt tall in hand due to the high sights. Thats an important feature if you are going to run hot loads or a lot of rounds through a revolver. To live it means to carry it, and that is what we did with the four revolvers in this test. It is big metal, compared to an S&W J-frame, Ruger, or Taurus compact revolver normally used for concealed carry. These sights were quicker to align that the 657-5s or 629-6s ramp and square notch, our shooters said. Complete 44 magnum ammunition ballistics Chart. We actually tested some Keith-style bullets loaded by Buffalo Bore for this report. The grips were slim with finger grooves and nice friction to the checkering. The Ruger brought innovative polymer frame technology to the revolver world. We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Catalog. The gun was well made and filled with great features, but the 44 Magnum chambering offered more for the investment. 8" Ported Barrel with an excellent bright bore with defined lands and grooves. Sell your 44 magnum revolver for FREE today on GunsAmerica! My guess is a similar size and weight .44 Mag. The ejector rod was housed in an enclosed shroud under the barrel and was more streamlined than any of the other revolvers. Smith & Wesson Model 329PD 44 Magnum Revolver with HI-VIZ Sight $1,199.99; Notify Me When Available; Brand: Smith & Wesson; Item Number: 163414; Smith & Wesson Model 629 44 Magnum 4-inch Revolver $979.99; Notify Me When Available; Brand: Smith & … I also felt the gun weighed too much to justify the .38’s reduced punch when fired from so short a barrel. The 41 Magnum cartridge really performs with 180- to 210-grain bullets. Serrations run on the top side of barrel frame. Its light weight means you stash it just about anywhere on your person as either a primary or backup gun. The thickness of the revolvers is 1.7 inches, which is big. Smith and Wesson Model 642. Favored as last ditch problem solvers by well-heeled gentlemen, women, lawmen, gamblers, and general riff-raff alike. This is important since the rear sight was a groove machined in the frames top strap and was not adjustable. Buy a 44 magnum revolver online. The weight of the 629-6 was in the middle of all the revolvers tested at about 42.7 ounces loaded. Yes, use gravity. By the late 19th century, snubbies (the British called them “Bulldogs”) evolved with the then new double-action revolver into the form we recognize today. If I ever go this route again, I’ll get a Model 65 with a three-inch barrel and its attendant full-length ejector. The hard-rubber grip had a pebble texture and pronounced finger grooves; it reminded us of a Hogue-style grip, though the 329PDs grip wore the S&W logo. No wiggle. You have entered an incorrect email address! The concealed hammer can’t get caught on anything. No one had ever seen anything quite like it. This helped tame felt recoil. The 629-6 and 657-5 are identical in appearance, except the 629-6 is chambered in 44 Magnum and the 657-5 is chambered in 41 Magnum.
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