Model 29 or 629

[rmcc]

If you had your choice, which one and why? Would like to get your opinions.

rmcc

[Charliemac]

M29, because I like nicely polished blued steel.

[oldblinddog]

25

Because I like blued steel and the .45 Colt.

[NSB]

629. I’ve owned a couple of each (I’ve owned a LOT of handguns). For forty years I hunted exclusively with handguns for deer and prior to and afterwards, I always carry a handgun when hunting. They both shoot equally well so that’s not a decision point. What is, is the fact that the 629 shows less holster wear and is less prone to problems with finish due to hunting in all conditions such as snow and rain. It’s just an issue of wear and weather.

[Captain O]

629. I’ve owned a couple of each (I’ve owned a LOT of handguns). For forty years I hunted exclusively with handguns for deer and prior to and afterwards, I always carry a handgun when hunting. They both shoot equally well so that’s not a decision point. What is, is the fact that the 629 shows less holster wear and is less prone to problems with finish due to hunting in all conditions such as snow and rain. It’s just an issue of wear and weather.

This is an accurate assesment of the handguns.

[Cast10]

629 all day long. Had both/few, 629 in 4” & 6” barrel. Better in the weather in hunting conditions. Seemed easer to clean, too.

[Bigslug]

629, because as pretty as it is, blued steel is functionally a PITA. When we ask ourselves what a handgun is FOR, and more specifically what a magnum handgun is FOR, the answers usually include: being carried, collecting lint and environmental crud, banged into things, sweat on, rained on, covered with the same deer blood you're covered with, etc... They're only new once. 60 year old cars that have been driven tend to look like 60 year old cars that have been driven.

There's reasons for buying blued, and they're usually far more sentimental than practical. Nothing wrong with that, but ask yourself the question: "Is it a tool, or a toy?"

[Hickok]

Had both, but prefer the 629 due to durability of the stainless steel and the ease of "up-keep" from holster wear, fingerprints and corrosion when using or carrying.

[memtb]

I’m a user not an admirer…..I want my “tools” to be as impervious” to the elements as is reasonable!

In fact, I had wanted a 29 for years, but couldn’t justify the expense. When the 629 was brought out……I immediately found a way to finance it. I have zero regrets! memtb

[HWooldridge]

I bought a 6-1/2” 29 in 1980, complete with box and cleaning rod - there wasn’t an option for a 629 then. I also owned a 4” for a while but it went on down the road. Still have the original one, but I don’t shoot it much anymore.

[rintinglen]

629. I’ve owned a couple of each (I’ve owned a LOT of handguns). For forty years I hunted exclusively with handguns for deer and prior to and afterwards, I always carry a handgun when hunting. They both shoot equally well so that’s not a decision point. What is, is the fact that the 629 shows less holster wear and is less prone to problems with finish due to hunting in all conditions such as snow and rain. It’s just an issue of wear and weather.

That is it precisely.
I sold my 29-2 when I bought my 629. I do not care to subject such a beautiful piece of work to rain, dust, dirt and twigs