S&W 629 Backpacker

[spentbrass]

Is anyone familiar with this revolver?  I'm looking for a compact, powerful, short barrel revolver for close range use in the woods.  I'd like to stick with 44 mag caliber.  I have found a new S&W 629 Backpacker (2 1/2") at a local dealer for $795.  I have an old Ruger Security Six 357 to trade on it.  The Dealer said he'd sell me the Backpacker for $475 plus my 357 and holster.  I've never been able to afford a Smith and I'm kind of excited about the possibility this presents.  All comments and input are greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[tombogan03884]

The trade in on your Ruger sounds pretty good, He is not likely to mark it up more than $100 or so.
I don't think I would part with the Ruger though.
Every game animal in North America has been taken with the .357  (some big name shooter/hunter back in the 30's who's name I can never remember ) For lighter loads 38 is much easier to find than .44 Sp, and the Ruger is still compact enough for CC. (assuming 4" barrel ).
21/2 inch .44 Mag ? Definitely "try before you buy"

[Ping]

Good luck on your choice. Are you going to be in bear country? I agree with Tom that the .357 should be enough but your choice man. 

[fightingquaker13]

I would definately ask where and what are you buying this for? If its for grizzlies, I would go with the 2 1/2" Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull. This also has the advantage of shooting .45 colts which are cheaper than .44 specials. The guns themselves ought to be around the same price with the Ruger probably a little cheaper than the Smith. The upside to .44 mag (or the .357 you have) is that there a lot of companion carbines out there. I think Rossi is the only one who makes one in .454, but it looks nice.
FQ13

[Badgersmilk]

I would definately ask where and what are you buying this for? If its for grizzlies, I would go with the 2 1/2"Rogerr Alaskan in .454 Casull. This also has the advantage of shooting .45 colts which are cheaper than .44 specials. The guns themselves ought to be around the same price with the Ruger probably a little cheaper than the Smith. The upside to .44 mag (or the .357 you have) is that there a lot of companion carbines out there. I think Rossi is the only one who makes one in .454, but it looks nice.
FQ13

Plus .44 magnum's about the most flexible caliber in existance.  You can hand load it, or buy off the shelf ANY type ammo you can think of.  Loaded down to 850 fps like a .45 ACP for personal protection, or up to 2,000 fps and slay deer all day.  

Anything from 180 to 300 grain bullets to.

Good trade in my book!

[Sponsor]

[fullautovalmet76]

....Every game animal in North America has been taken with the .357  (some big name shooter/hunter back in the 30's who's name I can never remember ).....

Elmer Keith?

[tombogan03884]

Not EK, I would have remembered him, besides, his work was with the .44 and lead to the Magnum.

[spentbrass]

I would definately ask where and what are you buying this for? If its for grizzlies, I would go with the 2 1/2" Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull. This also has the advantage of shooting .45 colts which are cheaper than .44 specials. The guns themselves ought to be around the same price with the Ruger probably a little cheaper than the Smith. The upside to .44 mag (or the .357 you have) is that there a lot of companion carbines out there. I think Rossi is the only one who makes one in .454, but it looks nice.
FQ13

Although there are some grizzlies in the areas I frequent, confrontations are rare.  I've looked at using the Garrett Hammerhead cartridges.  They are designed for stopping aggressive bears according to Randy Garrett.  I've looked at and handled some of the 454's and they just don't fit or feel anywhere as good to me as the S&W in .44.  I guess another advantage is the size and weight for packing on the hip all day in the brush.

[tombogan03884]

Keep the .357, it's more appropriate to your needs.
In fact the Ruger is a much BETTER gun if the S&W has the safety lock.
They are known to cause jams in heavier loads.

[fightingquaker13]

Spentbrass
If you're not looking for a bear gun just keep the .357 and be happy with it. If you want to hunt, maybe upgrade to a .44 mag with a 6" to 8" barrel. But for just a woods gun that can drop a deer, a hog, a man, or give you a "maybe" vs a griz? I'd keep that security six in its holster unless you're jonesing for a Smith. I've owned both. They both have their upsides, but I wouldn't spend a dime more for a Smith versus a Ruger wheel gun. They have their pros and cons and I think they balance out. Model to model, do your homework, but don't judge on brand.
FQ13