Got the call this afternoon (48 hour NICS turn-around) pick her up in the AM - S&W 629 44mag 4"

 

So, I know I am getting ahead of myself as I havn't fired her yet but...

 

Is it possible port/compensate this standard 629?

 

What would be the best approach: porting or compensating?

 

Anyone know an excellent Gunsmith who might take a job like this?

 

As always, thanks!

Why didn't you buy the Smith 629 v-comp?

Are you really going to shoot a lot of 44mag? Try the 44specials. They should be similar to 45acp.

 

IMHO this is the only way to go... http://www.magnaport.com/

 

These folks have been around for years and have an excellent reputation.

Why didn't you buy the Smith 629 v-comp?

Are you really going to shoot a lot of 44mag? Try the 44specials. They should be similar to 45acp.

 

Because Ray Ray (was it?) Said I'd be stroking it mostly - and I want to stroke the Pretiest - to me that is the standard/traditional look ;-)...Not going to shoot it "that much" (and I will not shoot specials - what would my Freinds and Familly say ;-)). - $$$ not an issue - so just want to enhance the performance/recovery btwn shots if I can.

IMHO this is the only way to go... http://www.magnaport.com/

 

These folks have been around for years and have an excellent reputation.

Wow cheep to put porst 95-125$ (+s&H and insurance)...Nice. Thanks,

Wow cheep to put porst 95-125$ (+s&H and insurance)...Nice. Thanks,

 

And when you call them mention every organization you belong to. You may be eligible for discounts.

You are getting ahead of yourself. Shoot the gun first. Never a fan of porting (but Frank is right, if you are going to have it done, Magnaport are the people to do it). Turns your front sight black. And not so cheap when you factor in that it will cost you $80 to $100 to FedEx or UPS the gun, round trip. JMHO.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I'm with my fellow wheelgunners, you're way ahead ahead of the horse here. Shoot it first. The reality is you'll find that full-house .44Mag won't be what you regularly shoot. Frankly, the benefit, or lack thereof, from porting lies with the shooter IMO. If you've got a good grip and firm wrist, it's not really offering much. Yes, I am of the club with the belief that you need to shoot it like it is out-of-the-box before you get mod happy! I've got a client who fancies himself a shooter, but he has several dozen custom competition guns that have never seen a single round in competition (not to mention he's a gawd-awful shot), but they got every widget, gizmo, doo-dad the internet says are must haves!

_{Good points everyone...Believe me I am not a widget guy. I have 3 rifles and 5 pistols and only widget i have is a surefire 400 light/laser for my px4 night-time home defender (anyone without a light on their @ night house gun is putting themsekves at a disadvantage...My m1a ia iron sights :-).......And absolutly agree that I will shoot it first - just trying to get some insight on options ahead of the curve...After reading up more on pros/cons of porting I will most likely not go that route...}

 

_{Now, is there anyway to slap an aftermarket compensator on the gun?}

Now, is there anyway to slap an aftermarket compensator on the gun?

 

Again, why? Short of rebarreling, I know of no way to install a compensator - nor would I want to. If it's that important to you, just sell the 629 you have coming and buy one of the PC comped models. As NJCK said, it is doubtful that you will feed this gun a steady diet of full-house loads anyway.

 

I used to shoot handgun metallic silhouette - as such my 29 did see a steady diet of full-house magnum loads and I never felt the need for any kind of compensator/porting. The easiest thing you can do to mitigate recoil and improve your hold on the revolver is to install a set of rubber grips - Hogue's or Pachmayr's. If your hands are large enough opt for grips that cover the backstrap.

 

Shoot the gun first.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Do whatever you want with it, since you already stated it's going to be stroked more than shot. Keep us posted as the work you might or will do.

Again, why? Short of rebarreling, I know of no way to install a compensator - nor would I want to. If it's that important to you, just sell the 629 you have coming and buy one of the PC comped models. As NJCK said, it is doubtful that you will feed this gun a steady diet of full-house loads anyway.

 

I used to shoot handgun metallic silhouette - as such my 29 did see a steady diet of full-house magnum loads and I never felt the need for any kind of compensator/porting. The easiest thing you can do to mitigate recoil and improve your hold on the revolver is to install a set of rubber grips - Hogue's or Pachmayr's. If your hands are large enough opt for grips that cover the backstrap.

 

Shoot the gun first.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

^^^^^THIS^^^^^

 

To the OP:

 

I've owned a S&W Model 29 since November of '79, so let's say I speak from experience about .44's. If you think you have to have a compensator or a Magnaport job to handle the recoil, this is the WRONG gun for you, PERIOD! Maybe you've done a little too much reading or have disposable income that you don't know what to do with? In any case, this is NOT a .500 Magnum (most or all of which come ported from the factory). The BIG question in my mind is, "What are you planning to do with the gun"? Is it for Executive Protection? Or is it mostly a "safe queen" that you'll shoot every once-in-a-while to impress your Buds? It doesn't need a compensator or Magnaporting if that's the case.

 

Next question is how good of a Pistolero are you? These guns can hit a #10 can @ 100 yards with regularity if you're not a Flincher. I know this through doing it myself. Compensators don't compensate for a flinch--never have & never will. Just hold onto that puppy and take the ride to see if you're "man enough" to hit anything with it. Practice for hours dry-firing AND then at the range with a couple rounds in the cylinder so that when the hammer strikes an empty case, the gun doesn't move. THEN you'll know IF you need to have any work done. And while I'm on the subject of work getting done, I'd have a good Smith stone the action and make it all "buttery" on double action and crisp on single action before I'd spend a dime doin' anything else. Just MHO. As everyone else who has experience with these has told you, shoot the gun first, both specials & magnums. Then decide what you need to do....

 

Good luck with your new Blaster and welcome to the "Do YOU feel lucky Punk?" Club!

 

Dave

^^^^^THIS^^^^^

 

To the OP:

 

I've owned a S&W Model 29 since November of '79, so let's say I speak from experience about .44's. If you think you have to have a compensator or a Magnaport job to handle the recoil, this is the WRONG gun for you, PERIOD! Maybe you've done a little too much reading or have disposable income that you don't know what to do with? In any case, this is NOT a .500 Magnum (most or all of which come ported from the factory). The BIG question in my mind is, "What are you planning to do with the gun"? Is it for Executive Protection? Or is it mostly a "safe queen" that you'll shoot every once-in-a-while to impress your Buds? It doesn't need a compensator or Magnaporting if that's the case.

 

Next question is how good of a Pistolero are you? These guns can hit a #10 can @ 100 yards with regularity if you're not a Flincher. I know this through doing it myself. Compensators don't compensate for a flinch--never have & never will. Just hold onto that puppy and take the ride to see if you're "man enough" to hit anything with it. Practice for hours dry-firing AND then at the range with a couple rounds in the cylinder so that when the hammer strikes an empty case, the gun doesn't move. THEN you'll know IF you need to have any work done. And while I'm on the subject of work getting done, I'd have a good Smith stone the action and make it all "buttery" on double action and crisp on single action before I'd spend a dime doin' anything else. Just MHO. As everyone else who has experience with these has told you, shoot the gun first, both specials & magnums. Then decide what you need to do....

 

Good luck with your new Blaster and welcome to the "Do YOU feel lucky Punk?" Club!

 

Dave

I am quite a "pistolaro" - you asked...I was a US Navy Sharp-Shooter with a 1911 back in the day -- way back! I shoot about 500 rounds a month of 45 cal...I have a 44mag 1894 (i think that is the year) Marlin lever carbine - so I know all about how accurate this cartrage is...Really awsome...Bullseys at 100 yards all day (haven't shot at cans though ;-))...I am just thinking ahead really, asking a technical question as to if it is technally feasible...I appreciate yours and everyones thoughts (even if they come with the phyco-analisis ;-)).

I've owned a S&W Model 29 since November of '79

 

You're starting to show your age Rosey.

^^^^^THIS^^^^^

 

To the OP:

 

I've owned a S&W Model 29 since November of '79, so let's say I speak from experience about .44's. If you think you have to have a compensator or a Magnaport job to handle the recoil, this is the WRONG gun for you, PERIOD! Maybe you've done a little too much reading or have disposable income that you don't know what to do with? In any case, this is NOT a .500 Magnum (most or all of which come ported from the factory). The BIG question in my mind is, "What are you planning to do with the gun"? Is it for Executive Protection? Or is it mostly a "safe queen" that you'll shoot every once-in-a-while to impress your Buds? It doesn't need a compensator or Magnaporting if that's the case.

 

Next question is how good of a Pistolero are you? These guns can hit a #10 can @ 100 yards with regularity if you're not a Flincher. I know this through doing it myself. Compensators don't compensate for a flinch--never have & never will. Just hold onto that puppy and take the ride to see if you're "man enough" to hit anything with it. Practice for hours dry-firing AND then at the range with a couple rounds in the cylinder so that when the hammer strikes an empty case, the gun doesn't move. THEN you'll know IF you need to have any work done. And while I'm on the subject of work getting done, I'd have a good Smith stone the action and make it all "buttery" on double action and crisp on single action before I'd spend a dime doin' anything else. Just MHO. As everyone else who has experience with these has told you, shoot the gun first, both specials & magnums. Then decide what you need to do....

 

Good luck with your new Blaster and welcome to the "Do YOU feel lucky Punk?" Club!

 

Dave

I should use more precise launguage, the "bullsyes" at 100 yards with the 44 marlin carbine are about hand size groups around the bullsye...I have had this carbine since the early 80's and is as close as I will ever come to a "Gun Hairloom"....Use to go shooting with my buddies all the time with it back in the day...I would never sell or give up this Marlin...As far as what I will use the 629 for: the fun and callange of shooting. It will be used - obviously not 500 rounds a month like my 45s but no safe queen...It is very unlikely I will compensate or port it after learning more about it and what is involved and the benifit- unless I may use it for compitition someday.

I am quite a "pistolaro" - you asked...I was a US Navy Sharp-Shooter with a 1911 back in the day -- way back! I shoot about 500 rounds a month of 45 cal...I have a 44mag 1894 (i think that is the year) Marlin lever carbine - so I know all about how accurate this cartrage is...Really awsome...Bullseys at 100 yards all day (haven't shot at cans though ;-))...I am just thinking ahead really, asking a technical question as to if it is technally feasible...I appreciate yours and everyones thoughts (even if they come with the phyco-analisis ;-)).

 

First and foremost--THANK YOU for your service! And for letting us know a little more about YOU. Sometimes we get bombarded with questions from "Keyboard Commandos" who've never fired a shot, so sorry for the phyco-analysis. I apologize. If you'd like to try my unported, uncomped, antique (thanks Alec) Model 29 to see if you just want to get yours "done", just give me a pm and we'll hook-up, and the range time & coffee are on me.

 

I have a Henry Big Boy in .44 Mag, so we share a lot more in common, lol!

 

Dave

I should use more precise launguage, the "bullsyes" at 100 yards with the 44 marlin carbine are about hand size groups around the bullsye...I have had this carbine since the early 80's and is as close as I will ever come to a "Gun Hairloom"....Use to go shooting with my buddies all the time with it back in the day...I would never sell or give up this Marlin...As far as what I will use the 629 for: the fun and callange of shooting. It will be used - obviously not 500 rounds a month like my 45s but no safe queen...It is very unlikely I will compensate or port it after learning more about it and what is involved and the benifit- unless I may use it for compitition someday.

 

I just used my Model 29 last night at the Old Bridge USPSA Indoor Action Match--with .44 Spl Cowboy Loads 240 grain--make IPSC Major and then some and are nice & soft to shoot, especially with the Pachmayer grips.

Combat,

 

As others have noted, hold off and shoot your 629 before porting. I'll bet you'll shoot more light loads and come to appreciate them over time. 7 grs. of Unique behind a 240 gr. LSWC or hardcast bullet is more than adequate for practice yet it is no slouch in the energy department @ 385 ft.-lbs. of ME.

If you'd like to try my unported, uncomped, antique (thanks Alec) Model 29...

 

Come on Dave, bet mine is older than yours (although not by much) - serial number: N439XXX

 

Whaddaya mean, compensating????

Come on Dave, bet mine is older than yours (although not by much) - serial number: N439XXX

 

Whaddaya mean, compensating????

 

LOL! I'll join in on the fun - my regular .44Mag shooter is a pre-29 5-screw 6.5" S-prefix. However, my gray hair content is less than Pizza Bob's!

Come on Dave, bet mine is older than yours (although not by much) - serial number: N439XXX

 

Whaddaya mean, compensating????

 

I'm not sure whose is older Bob, and mine is put away right now, lol! At 8 & 3/8" I tell everyone I'm "phallic-ally challenged" lol!

 

Good to hear from you my friend!

LOL! I'll join in on the fun - my regular .44Mag shooter is a pre-29 5-screw 6.5" S-prefix. However, my gray hair content is less than Pizza Bob's!

 

I'll trade my gray hair (and beard) for your 5-screw. Deal?

I'll trade my gray hair (and beard) for your 5-screw. Deal?

 

LOL! You're a good sport Pizza Bob!

First and foremost--THANK YOU for your service! And for letting us know a little more about YOU. Sometimes we get bombarded with questions from "Keyboard Commandos" who've never fired a shot, so sorry for the phyco-analysis. I apologize. If you'd like to try my unported, uncomped, antique (thanks Alec) Model 29 to see if you just want to get yours "done", just give me a pm and we'll hook-up, and the range time & coffee are on me.

 

I have a Henry Big Boy in .44 Mag, so we share a lot more in common, lol!

 

Dave

Thanks Smokin'...And BTW, I must come "clean". Somewhere deep inside, part of the motivation (at least at the margins) to buy guns is just to do my little part to piss-off the Fienstiens, Cuamo's, and other Gun-Grabers...Never thought I would aquire so many pistols in such a short time...But I got 6 permits in november and it would be ashame to let them go unused - they are worth many times their weight in Gold! ;-)

Combat,

 

As others have noted, hold off and shoot your 629 before porting. I'll bet you'll shoot more light loads and come to appreciate them over time. 7 grs. of Unique behind a 240 gr. LSWC or hardcast bullet is more than adequate for practice yet it is no slouch in the energy department @ 385 ft.-lbs. of ME.

 

This^^^^

 

I've shot a bunch close to this. I'm using 8.5 gr. Unique under a 240gr. LSWC. The nice thing about .44 Mag is you can tailor soft shooting to fire--breathing monsters with 2400. I would tailor loads or shoot 44 Sp before modifying a gun, but to each his own.

Thanks Smokin'...And BTW, I must come "clean". Somewhere deep inside, part of the motivation (at least at the margins) to buy guns is just to do my little part to piss-off the Fienstiens, Cuamo's, and other Gun-Grabers...Never thought I would aquire so many pistols in such a short time...But I got 6 permits in november and it would be ashame to let them go unused - they are worth many times their weight in Gold! ;-)

 

Kool beans Bro! Remember to look me up if you want to shoot at Old Bridge. Magnums are only allowed at the outdoor range. Bring the '94 as well. Coffee, Pizza are across the street from the entrance to the road that leads to the range.

 

Dave