Smith & Wesson Model 629 44 Magnum 4-inch Revolver

Smith and Wesson 629. The Smith & Wesson’s large frame revolvers are a favorite choice among handgun hunters, competitive shooters, and revolver enthusiasts. These revolvers are available from production, M&P, Classics, Champion Series, and Performance Center in a variety of chamberings in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 ACP. Offered in several different barrel lengths, Smith & Wesson provides the user with plenty of options for a variety of shooting applications.

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 629 4″ Barrel
Caliber: 44 Magnum 44 Special
Capacity: 6
Color: Black
Length: 9.63″
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
Action: Single/Double Action
Grip: Synthetic
Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel
Frame Material: Stainless Steel
Barrel Length: 4.125″ (10.477 cm)
Weight: 41.5 oz.
State Compliance: CA MA

Smith & Wesson Model 629 — The Stainless Standard for .44 Magnum Power

Smith & Wesson Model 629 44 Magnum

The Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum revolver is the stainless evolution of one of the most respected big-bore handguns ever made. Built on the proven N-frame and chambered for the authoritative .44 Remington Magnum, the 629 blends durability, balance, and refined double-action performance into a sidearm that has earned trust with hunters, outdoorsmen, and revolver purists for decades.

At TASTYTSUNAMI, interest around the smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum, smith & wesson model 629 .44 magnum revolver, and specific barrel configurations like the smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum 4 inch revolver and smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum 6 inch revolver comes from shooters who want real magnum capability in a platform that is as shootable as it is powerful.

This is not a novelty magnum. It is the working standard.

Heritage: From Blued Steel to Stainless Authority

The Model 629 is the stainless counterpart to the legendary Model 29. Where blued steel demanded care, the 629’s stainless construction invites hard use in the field—rain, sweat, brush, and backcountry miles.

Why stainless matters here:

Superior corrosion resistance
Easier maintenance after harsh exposure
Reduced glare with satin finishes
Long-term durability for high round counts

For many owners, this practical upgrade is the reason they choose the smith & wesson model 629 .44 magnum revolver over earlier blued counterparts.

N-Frame Control with Magnum Power

The N-frame is critical to why the 629 is so respected. Large enough to manage recoil, balanced enough to point naturally, and strong enough for steady diets of magnum ammunition, it turns raw power into controllable performance.

What shooters notice immediately:

Manageable recoil impulse compared to lighter frames
Excellent double-action trigger geometry
Natural sight alignment
Stability during rapid follow-up shots

This is especially evident in the smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum 5in stainless revolver and 6-inch models where weight and sight radius further enhance control.

Barrel Length Options: 4″, 5″, and 6″

Smith & Wesson Model 629 44 Magnum

Each common configuration serves a purpose:

4-Inch — The Trail Companion

The smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum 4in stainless revolver is ideal for:

Chest holster carry
Backpacking and fishing trips
Defensive use against wildlife
Easier packing without sacrificing power

5-Inch — The Perfect Balance

The smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum 5in stainless revolver is often considered the sweet spot:

Excellent balance
Improved sight radius
Still highly portable
Exceptional all-around performance

6-Inch — The Hunter’s Choice

The smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum 6 inch revolver excels at:

Maximum velocity from magnum loads
Superior accuracy at distance
Whitetail and hog hunting applications
Range precision work

Double-Action / Single-Action Refinement

Smith & Wesson’s action work is a defining trait of the 629.

Smooth, consistent double-action pull
Crisp single-action break for precision
Positive reset and reliable ignition
Tunable with springs for enthusiast refinement

Few big-bore revolvers offer this level of trigger quality out of the box.

Practical Accuracy with Heavy Loads

The Model 629 is capable of excellent mechanical accuracy. Combined with the long sight radius of the 5- and 6-inch variants, shooters can confidently engage targets well beyond typical handgun distances.

This is why handgun hunters and silhouette shooters continue to favor the platform.

Field Use: Built for the Outdoors

Smith & Wesson Model 629 44 Magnum

In real field conditions, the 629 shines:

Reliable in dust, rain, and cold
Easy to maintain after exposure
Powerful enough for bear country defense
Suitable for hunting medium game

This is where the 629 earns its reputation—not in display cases, but in holsters.

Recoil Management and Grip Options

Factory wood or synthetic grips absorb recoil well, but the N-frame also supports a vast aftermarket:

Rubber grips for recoil reduction
Target stocks for precision shooting
Compact grips for carry

Shooters can tailor the revolver to their exact use case.

Ammunition Versatility: .44 Magnum and .44 Special

One of the strengths of the smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum is flexibility.

Full-power .44 Magnum for hunting and defense
.44 Special for low-recoil practice and range sessions
Wide load selection from light target to hard-cast penetrators

This versatility makes the 629 approachable for new magnum shooters and endlessly useful for experienced ones.

Durability Over Decades

The stainless N-frame is known for longevity:

Handles sustained magnum use
Minimal timing issues when maintained
Robust lockwork design
Long service life even with heavy loads

Many 629 revolvers remain in service after tens of thousands of rounds.

Sights and Sight Picture

Most models feature:

Adjustable rear sight
High-visibility front ramp
Excellent sight radius (especially 5″ and 6″)

These features contribute heavily to the platform’s practical accuracy.

Why the 629 Remains Relevant Today

Despite modern polymer pistols and high-capacity semi-autos, the Model 629 continues to thrive because it offers:

Mechanical simplicity
Absolute reliability
Magnum power in a controllable form
A trigger system few autos can match

For many outdoorsmen, it is still the definitive sidearm.

Ideal Owners for the Model 629

The smith & wesson model 629 .44 magnum revolver is perfect for:

Hunters wanting a sidearm or primary handgun
Hikers and anglers in predator country
Revolver enthusiasts who appreciate N-frame balance
Shooters seeking a lifetime handgun
Collectors of classic American revolvers

What Owners Consistently Report

Common praise includes:

“Surprisingly manageable recoil”
“Incredibly accurate for a big bore”
“Built like a tank”
“My go-to woods gun”
“The trigger is exceptional”

Maintenance and Care

Stainless construction simplifies ownership:

Wipe down after exposure
Standard bore and cylinder cleaning
Occasional lubrication of action
Check screws and sights periodically

The revolver is forgiving and durable.

The TASTYTSUNAMI Perspective

At TASTYTSUNAMI, the smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum represents what a magnum revolver should be:

Powerful but controllable
Durable but refined
Classic but still completely practical
Capable in the field, on the range, and in the collection

Whether you choose the smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum 4 inch revolver for carry, the 5in stainless revolver for balance, or the 6 inch revolver for hunting precision, you are getting a revolver that has proven itself for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 629 good for beginners?
With .44 Special loads, yes. It allows gradual progression into magnum performance.

Which barrel length is best?
4″ for carry, 5″ for balance, 6″ for hunting and maximum accuracy.

Is it suitable for bear defense?
Yes, with proper hard-cast magnum loads.

Final Thoughts

The Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum revolver is not simply a powerful handgun—it is a benchmark for how a big-bore revolver should feel, handle, and perform. Stainless durability, N-frame control, and decades of refinement come together in a platform that continues to earn respect in real-world use.

For those researching the smith & wesson model 629 44 magnum, comparing the 4in stainless revolver, 5in stainless revolver, or 6 inch revolver, the answer is consistent: the 629 delivers enduring performance that few handguns, of any type, can match.