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Joined: Jul 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5 |
For packing on a belt, a 4" is about ideal. For hunting and long range work, I find I do my best work with a 6.5" Model 29. For an "all around" that is comfortable to pack on a belt, yet still has a sight radius that allows precise longer range shooting, as well as better recoil management than the shorter 4" tube, I have yet to find anything better than a 5" Model 29. The full underlug -4s and -5 blued versions make for some phenomenal hunting guns that are easy to shoot well, and have the modern upgrades. They command a premium when you find them but are worth the price of admission as far as I am concerned. The flip side is my hands down favorite is an old 29-2 8 & 3/8ths" that I had customized, to include being cut down to 5"s. It is funny this subject has come up, as the day before yesterday (the day of the eclipse) I had some guests at my cabin (including one some of you might recognize) and we were discussing Model 29s and snapped this pic on the porch: Both of us are fans of 5" Model 29s, as well as Elmer Keith/the .44 Magnum.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Gotta be a 4"
Ken
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2004
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For packing on a belt, a 4" is about ideal. For hunting and long range work, I find I do my best work with a 6.5" Model 29. For an "all around" that is comfortable to pack on a belt, yet still has a sight radius that allows precise longer range shooting, as well as better recoil management than the shorter 4" tube, I have yet to find anything better than a 5" Model 29. The full underlug -4s and -5 blued versions make for some phenomenal hunting guns that are easy to shoot well, and have the modern upgrades. They command a premium when you find them but are worth the price of admission as far as I am concerned. The flip side is my hands down favorite is an old 29-2 8 & 3/8ths" that I had customized, to include being cut down to 5"s. It is funny this subject has come up, as the day before yesterday (the day of the eclipse) I had some guests at my cabin (including one some of you might recognize) and we were discussing Model 29s and snapped this pic on the porch: Both of us are fans of 5" Model 29s, as well as Elmer Keith/the .44 Magnum. Mr. Hackathorn! I bet that was a heck of a visit!
Last edited by jds44; 08/24/17.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5 |
Well is wasn't just KH. A whole slew of friends had come to see the eclipse. We did a small BBQ/picnic/social type thing. My very dirty little minions who had been playing in the dirt for hours were running wild and having a great time. All in all a very fun day. When the total eclipse happened the temps dropped very quickly so i built a fire and a number of us stuck pretty close to it. A great group of people to spend they day with! The amount of dirt that came off of those 2 little minions when we got home was incredible. Literally showers before baths!
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5 |
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,383
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2004
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It don't get much better than that.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 16,000
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 16,000 |
those girls are just priceless. I have been fortunate to have a number of them around through the years, my case granddaughters. Many good times with them out running around.
THE BIRTH PLACE OF GERONIMO
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Joined: May 2009
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
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Milt made me a Hackathorn Special for a 5" Classic while he was still in Idaho City. Great holster except for the exposed hammer... A 329 PD now lives in it - a joy to carry and a bear to shoot.
The time of totality was simply a blur, way cool but way too short!
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5 |
Craig,
I too have a Hackathorn Special. It is great when not wearing an over garment, but if I am wearing a coat or whatever, I prefer the 200AW. The things last about forever. I have some rigs that are stamped Idaho City, and I forget the years that I bought them, but they are still doing a solid job.
Funny you mention the 329. I traded into a 329 from one of the guys from the Sparks shop. My medium load of 240 grain SWC and 10 grains Unique is about all I shoot out of it. Beyond that, and the old injuries in my right wrist will ache for days afterwards.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5 |
those girls are just priceless. I have been fortunate to have a number of them around through the years, my case granddaughters. Many good times with them out running around. Thanks for the kind words all, in regards to the kiddos! They are a real handful!! Seriously wild and headstrong. Someday I have no doubt that they will be shooting their own .44s from my meager collection.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,378
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,378 |
Mackay,
I too have been shooting your 10 grains of Unique load and it is at my upper limit for extended shooting sessions. The 25 grains of 296 is reserved for the FA-83, and then I find that I am shooting the 10 grain load more and more. John Taffin has it right on backing off the powder can and having more fun..
Looks like you had a great eclipse party! Loved the pictures of your daughters.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,759 |
Looks like you guys had a great time, I love the weekend getaway spot..congrats.....Hb
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44,356 Likes: 7 |
Beautiful scenery, Mac. And some very cool people pics, too.
Do you ever have any problems with break-ins at your cabin, being remote?
Slaves get what they need. Free men get what they want. Rehabilitation is way overrated. Orwell wasn't wrong. GOA member disappointed NRA member 24HCF SEARCH
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Joined: Jun 2008
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
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For a carry gun the standard 4" rules. The mountain gun version is not enough lighter to notice a difference on the hip and the slight loss of weight in the barrel results in a slight gain in recoil/muzzle flip. I currently own a 629-4 mountain gun and a 629-3 standard 4".
I shot no better and did not notice any increase in shooting comfort/recoil reduction between my 629-4 6" and 629-3 4" non lugged versions so the 6" went away.
For a range shooter or hunting version the 6.5" Classic with its full lug really tames the recoil/muzzle flip,its probably the best for a shooter. I own two 6.5" 629 Classic DX versions.
No flies on the 8 3/8" classic as a dedicated hunting revolver but its a little too much for anything else. I own a 629 Classic DX version.
The most versatile and best all around IMO is the 5" classic in either 29 or 629 form. I own a 29-6 5" Classic, a 629-3 5" classic and a 629-3 5" Classic DX.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,759 |
Sweet! I never knew Smith made a Classic DX model with a 5" barrel, I had one with a 6.5" barrel and it was the most accurate handgun i have ever owned, so naturally i sold it....ha! What a dumbass!.....Hb
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 459 |
4" 629 is my favorite to carry when hunting but 8 3/8" is a very nice shooter
Benefactor Life Member NRA, Arizona Hunter Education Instructor
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 1,887 |
5" always seems right for a N frame.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5 |
Beautiful scenery, Mac. And some very cool people pics, too.
Do you ever have any problems with break-ins at your cabin, being remote? "Knock on wood" Not so far, but the one full time neighbor within about a 10 mile radius is only a few hundred yards away and he keeps an eye out. He is a super great guy, and keeps a close watch on anything and everything.
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,867 Likes: 5 |
THE CHAIR IS AGAINST THE WALL. The Tikka T3 in .308 Winchester is the Glock 19 of the rifle world. The website is up and running!www.lostriverammocompany.com
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 17,821
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 17,821 |
Like a 6" half lug for hunting. But for fun/all around.........4" half lug (reg contour). 8 3/8 is just too long (shot great, whacked a few deer...went back to 6")
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