JackBull
Hunter
Thinking of getting a MG in 44 Mag but only load with 44 Spl. to be used for a bedside gun. Thoughts?
Mountain Gun 44
- Thread starter JackBull
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I had a S&W 624 that I liked a LOT. Not quite a 44 mag but a fairly capable handgun.
Why a Mountain Gun?
What’s the thought process behind that particular gun?
What’s the thought process behind that particular gun?
OP
JackBull
Hunter
Much lighter than a RH.
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I recently found a 386 Mountain Lite 7 shot .357 for $600. it’s a really nice revolver. Either the .357, or .44 Mountain Gun would be a fine choice.
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I believe a Mountain Gun loaded with .44 Specials to be a very effective combination and a good choice for whatever purpose it's needed.
The L-frame .44 is a few ounces lighter than the Mountain Gun, and might be an option if 5 rounds are enough:
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-69
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-69
I have a 629 3” a 629 Performance Center 2-5/8” and a Super Redhawk Alaskan and i leave one on every floor of our three story home. The Redhawk is the quickest with follow-up shots because of its weight.
I changed the sights on the S&W guns to D&L Sport 3 dot tritium and like them very much. No snag no adjustment and work beautifully. The Ruger has D&L Unotch rear and a fiber optic front, i prefer the 3 dot tritium which he did not have at the time i purchased the sights.
I changed the sights on the S&W guns to D&L Sport 3 dot tritium and like them very much. No snag no adjustment and work beautifully. The Ruger has D&L Unotch rear and a fiber optic front, i prefer the 3 dot tritium which he did not have at the time i purchased the sights.
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The 69, although a bit lighter than the Mt. Gun doesn't have as much felt recoil, to me, than the MG. It's weight is distributed differently & has more muzzle weight. Pleasantly surprised at an L frame in 44 mag being reasonably controllable.The L-frame .44 is a few ounces lighter than the Mountain Gun, and might be an option if 5 rounds are enough:
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-69
When I shot the 69 I wondered why I should keep the MG. But heck, it's been with me since '89, no reason to send it away.
I also have a sadistic 329, but it's an entirely different animal & serves another role, so another subject all together.
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I have a 24-3. 44 Special that I like very much for the purpose. I loaded ammo for it last night - a variety of bullets, all running at about 1000-1050 fps. I'd like to find a 4" 624 at some point (the SS version of my 24-3).
There's really not much a .430 dia. 250 grain SWC at 900 to 1000 fps won't handle.
There's really not much a .430 dia. 250 grain SWC at 900 to 1000 fps won't handle.
That is a nice revolver! I wish I had seen one when I was looking for a short barreled 44.
I’ve had several 4” N frame Smith’s in 44 mag since 1980. They are a very nice 44 Special. As a 44 mag IMO they have a serious muzzle flip. They weren’t strong enough to handle the loads that people were using in them, until they brought out the -4 version.
It’s the reason I switched to the 4” Redhawk.
When using a Smith as a 44 Special, I can live with the Model 69.
Obviously the 629 isn’t the right model for the Ruger only loads. Unfortunately the loaders don’t always take those things into consideration.
It’s the reason I switched to the 4” Redhawk.
When using a Smith as a 44 Special, I can live with the Model 69.
Obviously the 629 isn’t the right model for the Ruger only loads. Unfortunately the loaders don’t always take those things into consideration.
I have been using the Ruger to develop controllable and accurate loads for the 44spl. If the pressure signs are not high then I test the load in the 629-6 2-5/8” barrel revolver since it has tighter cylinders chambers at the barrel cylinder gap. The gap is wider than the ruger but the gap is larger. I get better velocities out of the Ruger even with a 1/8” shorter barrel. 255 grain LSWC gas checked moving at 717 fps. I do not worry about bullet expansion as much as accuracy and penetration.
I have one of these S&W Mountain Guns in caliber .44 Magnum. Mine is a Model 629-4, though -not a 629-3. Not certain I know the difference in the generations.
Mine is in excellent condition with approximately 150 rounds fired through it.
Mine is in excellent condition with approximately 150 rounds fired through it.
I have a Glock 21, 45acp, and a Ruger LC in 45acp loaded with 230gr HP for home defense. Same mag and ammo for both.
Just get a 24 or 624 if you just want 44 special it is the same as a mountain gun just a slightly shorter cylinder. Also they are square butt guns which is my preference.
I personally think the mountain gun pattern is the apex of smith and Wesson with the very first “mountain revolvers” being the tip of that group as those are all forged parts with hammer mounted firing pin along with the square grip! Anyway this is a long way of saying I don’t think you can go wrong with any mountain and it will serve you well.
Here is my 624
I personally think the mountain gun pattern is the apex of smith and Wesson with the very first “mountain revolvers” being the tip of that group as those are all forged parts with hammer mounted firing pin along with the square grip! Anyway this is a long way of saying I don’t think you can go wrong with any mountain and it will serve you well.
Here is my 624
Stopsign32v
Single-Sixer
I couldn't agree with you more. I miss my 625 45 Colt that I was tricked into selling so much.
Hopefully that is the next caliber smith releases in this new mountain gun series! I shoot A LOT of 45 colt, heck I would even overlook the round butt and frame mounted firing pin lol
Durango Dave
Single-Sixer
So a mountain gun is 2 or 3 ounces lighter than a regular revolver. No big difference. I think there are more important qualities to look for in a home defense gun. It's not like you'll be lugging it over the mountains.
deac45
Blackhawk
I foolishly traded away an ideal for home defense Mt Gun...one chambered in 45ACP.
Stopsign32v
Single-Sixer
Well, that's ok to pass on that cartridge. Semi-auto cartridges should be shot in semi-auto pistols... Now if it was .45 Colt on the other hand ... then yes ....
I didn't want to say anything but I agree with this.
The Happy Kaboomer
Single-Sixer
The Smith mtn gun series are great...I have "em" in 22LR/357/44 magnum/45acp/auto rim/45 LC.........Probably my most used revolvers......Sine deer season is in I've been packin my 44 mag mtn gun everyday.
The .45ACP is fabulous in a revolver, single or double action.Well, that's ok to pass on that cartridge. Semi-auto cartridges should be shot in semi-auto pistols... Now if it was .45 Colt on the other hand ... then yes ....
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Well, that's ok to pass on that cartridge. Semi-auto cartridges should be shot in semi-auto pistols... Now if it was .45 Colt on the other hand ... then yes ....
Under normal circumstances I would agree, but the .45acp N frame has a very serious pedigree.
A .45acp Mountain gun could easily fit in my safe
I feel your pain @deac45. My biggest gun remorse is not buying a used 325 Night Guard. Sigh…..
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What seemed like a good idea at the time is bittersweet. A dual cartridge Mt. Gun, a 45 Colt machined to allow the use of 45 ACP full moon clips, while maintaining the ability to still shoot 45Colt.
The ACP is a lot of fun with lightning fast reloads (for a revolver) but the gun is very picky about what bullets it likes in that cartridge. The long jump to the the throats in the 45 Colt chamber present some challenges over a proper ACP chamber, & that's where a dedicated ACP gun is somewhat better.
The ACP is a lot of fun with lightning fast reloads (for a revolver) but the gun is very picky about what bullets it likes in that cartridge. The long jump to the the throats in the 45 Colt chamber present some challenges over a proper ACP chamber, & that's where a dedicated ACP gun is somewhat better.
