No doubt about it the S&W has the best trigger. Even reworked my Blackhawk never really got close to a S&W.
I carried a 629 for a few years as a duty gun. That was in the days when personal handloads were allowed. I shot a 250 grain Keith at 1000 fps. Recoil was well within limits and the load was accurate as all get out.
I also shot a large number of hot loads through the 629 and never had a problem.
As for the backup when hunting. I'd have to say I think its a good idea. You are right about doing the job with your rifle but I'd be concerned about the rifle becoming disable just when I needed it most. Heck it don't eat any hay as they say.
But I go armed with a pistol 99% of the time why not when hunting?
