When I saw the title, I immediately knew the answer before I even hit play. I love my 44s, but my one firearm I would never get rid of is a 1911 that my father in law gave me, that he got from a neighbor lady that he and my mother in law use to care for before she past away. Her father carried it in WWI and the serial number dates it to 1915. Still shoots good and just knowing that your shooting something that was carried in the trenches during WWI is enough cool factor for me to never get rid of it. Being retired Army and having carried the 1911A1 for years adds some sentimental value as well. Both of my sons are combat veterans and Purple Heart recipients, so one of them will end up with it when I'm gone. As always, great video, thanks.
After I got out of active duty infantry, I said off weapons for many years. Hickok, you have helped me so much to appreciate weapons again and I am a proud, responsible gun owner once again. I hope u are happy and healthy, thank you sir.
In the 1970s the 83/8 barrel was king.People were sending their Smiths back to the factory to change it to the long barrel. Now the tide has turned and shorter barrels are in high demand. That being said,the 61/2 inch 29 will always be most sought after length,and I have had boatloads of Model 29s in nearly 60 years of shooting.
My sentimental gun in the S&W 5906. That gun has saved my life a few times on duty. I found one used at a local gun shop and carry it sometimes and embrace it always.
Your Number 1 gun looks exactly like you. No wonder you feel so close to that revolver. Look how you talk about and how you manipulate that gun. :) I was so sure from the start it will be one of those 2 black ones. The one you love the most have the most character, it fits perfectly in your hand...it is like a part of you. That revolver in your hand is so ...normal...natural... I do not own guns or live in the US but I love your channel immensely and I was really concerned about your health in this pandemic period. Dear SIR, you are an amazing person, a very elegant and distinguished man. You are a born teacher and instructor and an amazing speaker. The fact that you can talk so much and in so many details about these guns alongside with your posture, your hands' gesture, the voice you have...it is so relaxing and addictive. Each time I need to get rid of stress I come to your channel. Just to watch, listen, and learn things that I might never need but it is like reading a good book. God bless you!
I knew it sir! My very sentimental gun was Dad’s Colt Commander. It was built in 1959. 10 years older than me. It passed through a lot of family and ended up back with Dad. When he passed, I got it and it’s absolutely my favorite. Shoots like a dream. 4lb trigger, polished feed ramp, alloy frame and blued slide. I found some walnut grip panels with Colt medallions that I installed. It’s a beaut! My step dad recently passed and he willed me his Smith 44 in stainless. We haven’t found it yet as he hid it from us kids as we loved it. Not positive of model. Long barrel and stainless with nice grips.
I love N-frame Smith and Wesson revolvers. In the winter I use a 4" model 57 as my CCW. I have blued model 29's with 4" and 6-1/2" pinned and recessed. The 6-1/2" is older than me and my 4" was made in 1976 same year as me,lol. Great video as usual Mr.Hickok.
Michael Hatfield I too was made in 1976 and I think my 4” 57 no dash is my favorite firearm. I sometimes carry my 657 MG in winter as it’s a little lighter and I’m slightly more tolerant of losing it if I had to use it.
I’m with you guys: a 27-2 (five inch barrel, .357 magnum), a 625-9 (.45 Colt Mountain Gun), a 610 (4 inch barrel, .40 S&W and 10mm), and two 627s (Special Editions, 5 inch barrel, Partridge Site, .357 magnum). IMHO, these are all superior firearms, they have all been shot frequently, for decades and under many conditions, and not ONCE has there been the slightest issue or any dissatisfaction.
RandyPKsNubs my English teacher was also my history teacher. He brought his ww2 gun collection to school for class and we got to learn hands on about them. Then we got to go the school shooting range and shoot them all. Basically like a Hickok but know random things about the guns like RPM and weight.
@@gavinm1347 and unfortunately nowadays he would be jailed for such blasphemous pollution of young minds by exposing them to those death machines!! You were lucky to grow up in a time when he wouldn't be run out of town on a rail for bringing guns to school.
I knew at the beginning of the evaluations that he would choose the 8 3/8" version. He bought it back when Bangor Punta still ran Smith & Wesson. They still had counter bored cylinders, pinned barrels, bright smooth precision, rifled barrels and finely fitted side plates with equal hairlines seen around the plate. My favorite also. The company made pistols and revolvers extremely well. I also remember ivory grips made for these revolvers back then.
Yep, we all have the one or two that are special to us. Most of mine came from family and one came to me in 1960. Hard to think of willingly giving up even one unless its going to son or grand child.
Well, that demands to a very large degree on who draws, aims, and shoots first Hickok, or the intruder. What most people fail to understand is that in a real-world situation, you can have the most powerful gun in the world, however, if the other guy pulls his gun first and discharges before you can even get your gun out of the holster, then your pistol is about as useful to you as a box of tampons. Which by the way; Ironically enough, you will be in desperate of a box full of tampons to help stop the bleeding from all the holes the guy who pulled first puts into you. Shooting at stationary targets is one thing. However, it's an entirely different thing when the target has a gun of his own and is in the process of shooting at you-- especially when he has his weapon out first before you can get a handle on yours. Even cops are extremely vulnerable depending on who draws first, the perpetrator or the cop. 🏃 👉 🔫
My old English teacher showed up at my doorstep after 50 years. It was last summer, and we've become real good friends. We're both into firearms, he prefer modern arms, I'm more into relics. If I were to pick one of these guns you have on the table there, I'd take the one with 4 inch barrel. A .44 wouldn't be my first choice, though, a 38 Special or a .357 would sufice. Not that I can't handle a .44, but I'd like to be able to indentify the target afterwards. Besides, a smaller caliber is also cheaper. Cool collection you got there, btw.
Loved this video, I will NEVER part ways with my grandfather's S&W 44mag model 629-1 8 3/8 barrel. Or my Ruger Super Blackhawk 44mag 7 1/2 barrel. Great heirloom 💥🔫.
Come on - we knew the old lady was going to win this one. You do not hold to a gun for 46 years, put 75,012 rounds through it and not be the last one standing...I got two of those 8 3/8 29-2s - a blued and a nickel one because of the old lady in this video. Most accurate revolvers I own! So pretty as well - the long straight barrel matches the large cylinder and the target grips so well, perfect proportions!
I bought my first Model 29 44mag, 9 3/8 in 1978, it cost me $249.00usd..it was a Fun revolver then as it is now, funny thing I bought it on Base, while stationed in Sheridan Kasserne, Augsburg, Germany.. had to surrender it to the Captain of the plane while flying back to stateside. Returned to Fort Carson, Colorado. Had lots of fun with it in the mountains. 1980 my Sargeant bought it from me for $600.00......I regreated it since then...even today. (Look at them prices for it now)
I chose the * 1/2" as your choice. I have seen maybe 25 video's; have commented a couple of times and have talked about your video's with the guys at work. I think the one thing that really draws me into your video's is that you remind me so much of my mentor. He was from Macon, GA. You look enough alike that I would call you doppelgänger's and you even sound alike (must be that southern accent). You are both into guns and hunting. I have small hands and may never feel totally confident in owning a 44 but it is the one gun I have always wanted to own!
I don't think I've ever seen a short barreled 629 round butt like that. Combat grips and a high polish makes for a beautiful revolver. I have a 4 inch no dash like the one at the end of the line, that's my "last gun to go". Great video !
Figured it would be the 8 3/8 or the 6 1/2 you'd keep. Tough choice for sure but the 8 3/8 has been with you so long it's like family ! Have a Blessed Day !
The .44Mag is such an incredibly versatile cartridge. Anything from a fire-ball belching big game cartridge, where you practically fill up the case with W/W296 and put a 300gr JSP bullet on with a really heavy crimp, to a terrific bowling-pin competition load with practically no recoil, but enough "oomph" to take pins cleanly off the table, to light plinkers. I used to have a Power Custom Grand-Master built on a 629, bought it used, and had it for nearly 15 years, but since I wasn't shooting it, I sold it back to the person I bought it from. Never fired a single full-power load through that revolver, only pin-loads. My Redhawk is for full power loads. I'm also fond of .41Mag as well. Not quite as versatile, but still a great cartridge!
You finally got to me sir. I have owned several revolvers in my life time, but i traded them all away over the years. I recently purchased a used 629-1 with a 6" barrel on it. I look forward to trying it out this weekend. "There is something about a revolver"
I have one, but it's the Western Marshall single action 7 1/2" barrel in .44 mag. But I'd love a model 29 in .44 mag in a long barrel! Esp one made in 1974, the year i was born!
In late 1972 a group of us decided we were going pig hunting again except this time with pistols. I decided to bypass the .357mag (yes because of Eastwood) and was prepared to purchase a Model 29. 2 different gun stores informed me that the 29 would not handle (as they put it) the super hot loads so I ended up with a 7.5” Super Blackhawk. What was the story on the 29 back then, or did they just want to sell me the Ruger. I didn’t complain because although the Smith was not that much money by today’s standard the Ruger was right around 100.00 out the door. I figure someone out there will have the straight scoop on this, I haven’t shot the .44 in over 10 years and Hickok’s video made me think of it. Great way to spend a little time with all that’s going on.
I know nowadays revolvers might not be the most popular, with all the glocks that carry 15, but are they a beauty, man?? I love them! Especially the 629-4, what a beauty, yes sir!
I love my 29, curiously enough, though, I wouldn't ditch my Taurus Raging... something, one of the new ones, because there're some 44 cartridges whose boxes explicitly say that they're not safe to be shot in S&W revolvers, but happen to be ok in Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson, etc. One of the cartridges I remember clearly is the equivalent to a 44+p. Yeah having a great day remembering technical terms today. Fortunately, I'm certain that anyone who reads this knows exactly what I'm talking about. Cheers, and may you all have a nice day.
The very first pistol I ever acquired was a Ruger Super Blackhawk with euro stag grips. That was 1982. I still have it. In the past 10 years I acquired a 29-2 (the Dirty Harry special). I think both would be among the very last firearms I would ever sell.
I had several long barreled M-29-2 and I had a 4", too. When it all shook out, my 6.5" M-29-2 is the beast. Long enough for a good sight radius and milder recoil but short enough for great balance and better portability. THE very last gun I'd get rid of. My next to last is my Model 78 (HighWall) Browning .25/06 w/octagon barrel I bought the year they first hit the market.
I knew from the start which gun you would choose... Just like my first gun was a S&W 686-3 and I will never sell it... You never forget your first time...
Hardest ever to let go was a model 57 4 inch nickel. Got it from Craig's 10 years ago, had to sell something that would go in minutes and at top dollar. It was new in box, I bought a bianchi leather holster, speed loaders and ammo. Sad thing is for the 7 years I owned it I never shot it! I was a beauty. Very sad to let it go! Next worst was a model 96 I bought from the Smith factory store in Pigeon forge just before it closed. Sold to a K.P.D. officer to get something else. NO MORE!!! I CAN'T PART WITH ANY MORE OF MY OLD SMITHS!
its funny how movies affect people differently. everyone remembers the s&w m29 because it was in dirty harry, but i always remembered it from taxi driver, because i watched that before dirty harry.
Smith & Wesson 649 Stainless 6” 44 Magnum was my very first handgun at a very early age. Love the cartridge. After expecting the worst when I first shot it, I smiled as it was no biggie and fired the next five with pleasure in my purchase. Would love another some day.
My first handgun was a 10 5/8" Mod.29 I bought in 1985. I am so disappointed that I sold it in 1990. I have had a # of N frame Smiths over the years. I think I would trade them all for my first 44. Thanks Hickok.
I'll share the story from my grandfather, who was in Iwo Jima. After the war when they were loading up troops on boats (after they had returned their issued weapons, sadly), the docks were full of brand new supplies that were being dumped in the harbor. My grandfather grabbed a crate with two brand new 1911s, a buddy of his grabbed a crate with a new Thompson. Everyone on the docks was doing this. About 15 minutes after leaving port the captain comes on and says there will be inspections for contraband in ten minutes. He decided to do the 'right thing' and tossed the 1911s out the nearest porthole. He said when he looked out it was just a rain of stuff flying out other portholes. His buddy hid the Thompson. The whole thing was a bluff and there never was an inspection. As soon as he got home, he bought his own 1911. The family has had people make outrageous offers when it gets taken to the range because it is apparently fairly rare due to being manufactured during WWII but was NOT government property. Not that any of us would ever be stupid enough to sell it. (I also got to shoot a 1911 that was manufactured in 1912 that belonged to an instructor, was his father's that he carried in WWI.)
I enjoy all your videos Hickok45 but I really enjoyed this one. I think we all would love to see more videos like this with your top picks for other revolvers, pistols, rifles and black powder. Thanks Hickok and God bless.
@@rowhaus5478 Bought a used Model 19 from an Oakland PD motorcycle cop about 1974 so I was ok with the recoil. The Model 29 with the 8 3/8" is a force within itself though. When I pull it out at the range most people don't realize what it is till that first round goes off. My wife says just about everyone around us flinchs except me. Gotta love it!
I’m kinda a collector of .357 revolvers, I have one of every .357 K-Frame. I saw a model 29-2 with 8 3/8 barrel in an auction and I thought it would look nice next to my 686 with 8 3/8 barrel so I bought it with the wood display box, my first time owning a .44 and first time owning a N-Frame, I bought it two days ago and haven’t shot it yet but it’s really nice. As a millennial I have no desire to have a Dirty Harry revolver so I’d rather have the 8 3/8 over the 6.5”. I have seen the movie, I like the movie but I won’t let it be the reason I’d pick a 6.5 over any other barrel length. I’d actually like to a have a 10 5/8 silhouette model 29 one day. But I have a lot more N frames to buy before then. Icing on the cake was Hickok45 picking that as the last .44 he would sell. We have similar tastes, my last .357 I’d sell is my Model 65 3”, I do own a model 13 3” but I like the 65 more, Hickok45 likes his 13 over his 65.
The winner didn't surprise me. A warm and fuzzy feeling is sometimes the most important specification. 6" to 6.5" tends to be my favorite barrel length in .357 and .44 Magnums.
You know Hickok I knew you were going to pick that one I've been watching you for over 10 years on UA-cam and I even got sentimental thinking that maybe you weren't going to pick that one and I kind of got sentimental but I'm glad you picked the old eight incher great video like always God bless
I certainly do not own as many guns as this fine fellow apparently does, but I do have to say that I have NEVER sold one! I gave my Ithaca Model 37 to my son, and I gave my Ruger Single-Six to my grandson on his first-gun birthday. Both were given with the provision that they not be sold! They can be given to anyone you might wish to give them to, but do not sell them!
Yup! The 8 3/8" would have been my choice too, and I sort of expected the same from you. I am not surprised! What a great gun. I sort of have a half an eye ball out for one myself.
My fave...my .44 Magnum 3" 'Special' made In 1989. Unfluted cylinder, full underlug, if you do your part in training...it's just as accurate as another with a better sight radius. But MUCH easier to carry!! Thanks!!!
I purchased my early 1970's 8 and 3/8 for the same reasons you cite. It has the Dirty Harry look, but with that extra inch and seven eights of barrel it is that more menacing looking. It does kick like a mule, but a bit easier with .44 Special ammo. I pretty much thought you would choose your 8 and 3/8ths and confirmed it the more you talked. I only have the one, but it's a keeper. Thank you again for an excellent video.
Lacking the sentiment . . . the 6-1/2" 29-2 has got to be the be-all n' do-all winner! Just revolver perfection! But I'm a biased owner . . .hee, hee! My early Mil-Spec Springfield .45 comes in second on my big bore handy's and even over my old Colt .45 in the repeatable fun factor. FYI...Have watched tons of your vids and only just subscribed. Seems like yer flush with us anyways--I think mostly because of your insane marksmanship and easy-goin' candor!
Yes, we've become good friends over the years. I need to plan something special for "our" 50th Anniversary. If UA-cam gun videos still exist, I'll make a special video. :-)
I took my brother to the law enforcement range with me to shoot the departments full auto Tommy gun. Later when he purchased a Derringer in .44 I brought him back to test fire it. The range master gave him two .44 Magnum shells. It kicked worse than a 12 gauge loaded with 3 & 1/2" Magnum slugs!
I look older than you, but in in ‘74 I was a kid in high school, proud to be responsible enough to have a drivers license while you were out buying .44’s. Since we seem to be of the same generation “Get it on, bang the gong”.
Love the USA and the people been over twice from Australia the last couple of years ......found middle America and the people very friendly and it's a great place to be , your in a nice part of the world and if this crazy unpleasantness ever ends we would love to visit again. thank you
My Model 29 is a little over a year old. It's not pinned and recessed but I did finally install some original vintage grips and it looks fantastic. Gr8 vid. 🔫
When I saw the title, I immediately knew the answer before I even hit play.
I love my 44s, but my one firearm I would never get rid of is a 1911 that my father in law gave me, that he got from a neighbor lady that he and my mother in law use to care for before she past away. Her father carried it in WWI and the serial number dates it to 1915. Still shoots good and just knowing that your shooting something that was carried in the trenches during WWI is enough cool factor for me to never get rid of it. Being retired Army and having carried the 1911A1 for years adds some sentimental value as well. Both of my sons are combat veterans and Purple Heart recipients, so one of them will end up with it when I'm gone.
As always, great video, thanks.
Great story
Good story, man.
Three unsuccessful marriages, and I still have my 44 with me. Got it when I turned 15 from grandpa.
LOL...I Should Have Kept The First One To...Still Have The First 44 To Remember Her By
John Ford Nice. I'm sure it's a treasured thing.
That’s kinda beautiful
Get a room
thots dont lasts... 44. does
After I got out of active duty infantry, I said off weapons for many years. Hickok, you have helped me so much to appreciate weapons again and I am a proud, responsible gun owner once again. I hope u are happy and healthy, thank you sir.
In the 1970s the 83/8 barrel was king.People were sending their Smiths back to the factory to change it to the long barrel. Now the tide has turned and shorter barrels are in high demand. That being said,the 61/2 inch 29 will always be most sought after length,and I have had boatloads of Model 29s in nearly 60 years of shooting.
No suspense...watching you for so many years I knew which one you’d pick straight away! Thanks for all the great years of videos!
Same here....
Now I'm gonna watch the video and see if I'm correct.
I finished watching: Yup...I was right.
I do love your videos. America is truly a free country! It’s just so joyful to watch your shooting. Greetings from Germany.🇩🇪🇺🇸❤️😄
I'm sure this has been said a lot, but I just discovered this man and he is definitely the Bob Ross of shooting lots of guns.
I said that on one of his other videos, he’s awesome 👍
My sentimental gun in the S&W 5906. That gun has saved my life a few times on duty. I found one used at a local gun shop and carry it sometimes and embrace it always.
75,000 rounds is a lot of memories.
hell, thats a lot of MONEY lol
That's like 75K
Your Number 1 gun looks exactly like you. No wonder you feel so close to that revolver. Look how you talk about and how you manipulate that gun. :) I was so sure from the start it will be one of those 2 black ones. The one you love the most have the most character, it fits perfectly in your hand...it is like a part of you. That revolver in your hand is so ...normal...natural... I do not own guns or live in the US but I love your channel immensely and I was really concerned about your health in this pandemic period. Dear SIR, you are an amazing person, a very elegant and distinguished man. You are a born teacher and instructor and an amazing speaker. The fact that you can talk so much and in so many details about these guns alongside with your posture, your hands' gesture, the voice you have...it is so relaxing and addictive. Each time I need to get rid of stress I come to your channel. Just to watch, listen, and learn things that I might never need but it is like reading a good book. God bless you!
I Agree With You Blue Line
I knew it sir! My very sentimental gun was Dad’s Colt Commander. It was built in 1959. 10 years older than me. It passed through a lot of family and ended up back with Dad. When he passed, I got it and it’s absolutely my favorite. Shoots like a dream. 4lb trigger, polished feed ramp, alloy frame and blued slide. I found some walnut grip panels with Colt medallions that I installed. It’s a beaut! My step dad recently passed and he willed me his Smith 44 in stainless. We haven’t found it yet as he hid it from us kids as we loved it. Not positive of model. Long barrel and stainless with nice grips.
Is it taking up space where a long rifle should be?
Even though I only purchased it 13 years ago I would never part with my smith and Wesson 6 1/2 “ 629 classic.i love this revolver.
I've owned mine for about that long too, shoot mostly 300 JHP of of it
Yep love my 629-6 stainless, would be hard to part with for sure.
I love N-frame Smith and Wesson revolvers. In the winter I use a 4" model 57 as my CCW. I have blued model 29's with 4" and 6-1/2" pinned and recessed. The 6-1/2" is older than me and my 4" was made in 1976 same year as me,lol. Great video as usual Mr.Hickok.
Michael Hatfield I too was made in 1976 and I think my 4” 57 no dash is my favorite firearm. I sometimes carry my 657 MG in winter as it’s a little lighter and I’m slightly more tolerant of losing it if I had to use it.
I’m with you guys: a 27-2 (five inch barrel, .357 magnum), a 625-9 (.45 Colt Mountain Gun), a 610 (4 inch barrel, .40 S&W and 10mm), and two 627s (Special Editions, 5 inch barrel, Partridge Site, .357 magnum). IMHO, these are all superior firearms, they have all been shot frequently, for decades and under many conditions, and not ONCE has there been the slightest issue or any dissatisfaction.
Roy Kiefer For sure; I think N-frames with 4 or 5” barrels are the best, most versatile handguns available.
Coolest ex-english teacher in existence
RandyPKsNubs my English teacher was also my history teacher. He brought his ww2 gun collection to school for class and we got to learn hands on about them. Then we got to go the school shooting range and shoot them all. Basically like a Hickok but know random things about the guns like RPM and weight.
@@gavinm1347 and unfortunately nowadays he would be jailed for such blasphemous pollution of young minds by exposing them to those death machines!! You were lucky to grow up in a time when he wouldn't be run out of town on a rail for bringing guns to school.
RandyPKsNubs I disagree. My mother taught English for 55 years. She carried a pearl handled revolver.
Lmao
RandyPKsNubs he was an English teacher ????? Would’ve never thought like that. 😲
I knew at the beginning of the evaluations that he would choose the 8 3/8" version. He bought it back when Bangor Punta still ran Smith & Wesson. They still had counter bored cylinders, pinned barrels, bright smooth precision, rifled barrels and finely fitted side plates with equal hairlines seen around the plate. My favorite also. The company made pistols and revolvers extremely well. I also remember ivory grips made for these revolvers back then.
Yep, we all have the one or two that are special to us. Most of mine came from family and one came to me in 1960. Hard to think of willingly giving up even one unless its going to son or grand child.
I sure would like to get ahold of a “ Dirty Harry Special “. Love that 6.5 barrel!
S&W is making them again.
I’m pretty sure the model 29 comes with a 8 .3/8in barrel in the movie “ Dirty Harry”.
@@jmk.459 the posters had the 8 3/8 but in the movie he walked around with 6.5.
got one, has about a 4 oz. (😉) trigger pull and is just scary accurate, bought it from a friend many moons ago
Imagine breaking into a house and hearing
"Hickok45 here and today..."
CoollikeDat 007 wrong house
"...and today we are going to deaaall wiithh...an active shooter siuation."
Well, that demands to a very large degree on who draws, aims, and shoots first Hickok, or the intruder. What most people fail to understand is that in a real-world situation, you can have the most powerful gun in the world, however, if the other guy pulls his gun first and discharges before you can even get your gun out of the holster, then your pistol is about as useful to you as a box of tampons. Which by the way; Ironically enough, you will be in desperate of a box full of tampons to help stop the bleeding from all the holes the guy who pulled first puts into you. Shooting at stationary targets is one thing. However, it's an entirely different thing when the target has a gun of his own and is in the process of shooting at you-- especially when he has his weapon out first before you can get a handle on yours. Even cops are extremely vulnerable depending on who draws first, the perpetrator or the cop. 🏃 👉 🔫
@@legacy4179 cool story bro
@@ACDC267 i wonder if he smokes like pot then he started blastin
My old English teacher showed up at my doorstep after 50 years. It was last summer, and we've become real good friends. We're both into firearms, he prefer modern arms, I'm more into relics. If I were to pick one of these guns you have on the table there, I'd take the one with 4 inch barrel. A .44 wouldn't be my first choice, though, a 38 Special or a .357 would sufice. Not that I can't handle a .44, but I'd like to be able to indentify the target afterwards. Besides, a smaller caliber is also cheaper. Cool collection you got there, btw.
Loved this video, I will NEVER part ways with my grandfather's S&W 44mag model 629-1 8 3/8 barrel. Or my Ruger Super Blackhawk 44mag 7 1/2 barrel. Great heirloom 💥🔫.
Come on - we knew the old lady was going to win this one. You do not hold to a gun for 46 years, put 75,012 rounds through it and not be the last one standing...I got two of those 8 3/8 29-2s - a blued and a nickel one because of the old lady in this video. Most accurate revolvers I own! So pretty as well - the long straight barrel matches the large cylinder and the target grips so well, perfect proportions!
I bought my first Model 29 44mag, 9 3/8 in 1978, it cost me $249.00usd..it was a Fun revolver then as it is now, funny thing I bought it on Base, while stationed in Sheridan Kasserne, Augsburg, Germany.. had to surrender it to the Captain of the plane while flying back to stateside. Returned to Fort Carson, Colorado. Had lots of fun with it in the mountains. 1980 my Sargeant bought it from me for $600.00......I regreated it since then...even today. (Look at them prices for it now)
I chose the * 1/2" as your choice. I have seen maybe 25 video's; have commented a couple of times and have talked about your video's with the guys at work. I think the one thing that really draws me into your video's is that you remind me so much of my mentor. He was from Macon, GA. You look enough alike that I would call you doppelgänger's and you even sound alike (must be that southern accent). You are both into guns and hunting. I have small hands and may never feel totally confident in owning a 44 but it is the one gun I have always wanted to own!
My morning coffee, Hickok and 44 Magnums. Great way to start the day.
I don't think I've ever seen a short barreled 629 round butt like that. Combat grips and a high polish makes for a beautiful revolver. I have a 4 inch no dash like the one at the end of the line, that's my "last gun to go". Great video !
25 years ago a coworker had a S&W .41 Mag with 8-3/8 barrel from the custom shop. It was a joy to shoot!
6.5 "model 29, it was the one forever was hard to find. Before watching this vid.
Also the last gun I’d ever get rid of. My grandfathers 29-2 8-3/8 love it
I met Hickok at NRAAM a few years ago. Total gentleman.
Figured it would be the 8 3/8 or the 6 1/2 you'd keep. Tough choice for sure but the 8 3/8 has been with you so long it's like family ! Have a Blessed Day !
The .44Mag is such an incredibly versatile cartridge. Anything from a fire-ball belching big game cartridge, where you practically fill up the case with W/W296 and put a 300gr JSP bullet on with a really heavy crimp, to a terrific bowling-pin competition load with practically no recoil, but enough "oomph" to take pins cleanly off the table, to light plinkers. I used to have a Power Custom Grand-Master built on a 629, bought it used, and had it for nearly 15 years, but since I wasn't shooting it, I sold it back to the person I bought it from. Never fired a single full-power load through that revolver, only pin-loads. My Redhawk is for full power loads. I'm also fond of .41Mag as well. Not quite as versatile, but still a great cartridge!
Hickok45: I like Billy better than Tommy.
John: 😞
raidwolf 😃
Just lookin at them all,made my day.............
I see what you did there
LOL!
I love my semi-autos, but when it comes to revolvers, some of them are works of art.
That one might be worth the most too. They are all so nice. Love my .44 mags as well. By far, favorite cartridge.
My favorite is a Smith 629 5" Classic nd love it.
You inspired me to buy a 29-2 in the 8.75 and I love it!
They are really sweet shooters. I've enjoyed many decades of shooting mine.
You finally got to me sir. I have owned several revolvers in my life time, but i traded them all away over the years. I recently purchased a used 629-1 with a 6" barrel on it. I look forward to trying it out this weekend. "There is something about a revolver"
I have one, but it's the Western Marshall single action 7 1/2" barrel in .44 mag. But I'd love a model 29 in .44 mag in a long barrel! Esp one made in 1974, the year i was born!
7.5" bisley Blackhawk! Birthday gift from my beautiful wife!
I'll have it forever.
Hello Luke, I'd say you're a lucky man. Hang on to that Blackhawk, and more importantly, hang on to your wife.
@@lindanelson8400 You Got That Right...
Only .44 I have is a 6" Colt Anaconda and I couldn't imagine selling it.
vagariousviewser I have that same one!
That's the one I have too. Love it. Only .44 magnum I own.
I am a S&W guy ( 629 Classic 5” 44 magnum) but I must admit the Anaconda and Python are awesome revolvers.
I love the 44 Magnum. I have a Black Hawk and a Red Hawk. Plus I reload the .44 magnum ❤️. It is a devastating round 😎
In late 1972 a group of us decided we were going pig hunting again except this time with pistols. I decided to bypass the .357mag (yes because of Eastwood) and was prepared to purchase a Model 29. 2 different gun stores informed me that the 29 would not handle (as they put it) the super hot loads so I ended up with a 7.5” Super Blackhawk. What was the story on the 29 back then, or did they just want to sell me the Ruger. I didn’t complain because although the Smith was not that much money by today’s standard the Ruger was right around 100.00 out the door. I figure someone out there will have the straight scoop on this, I haven’t shot the .44 in over 10 years and Hickok’s video made me think of it. Great way to spend a little time with all that’s going on.
Just listening to you sir drops my BP by 10 points. Who would have imagined talking guns could be so therapeutic.
I know nowadays revolvers might not be the most popular, with all the glocks that carry 15, but are they a beauty, man?? I love them! Especially the 629-4, what a beauty, yes sir!
I love my 29, curiously enough, though, I wouldn't ditch my Taurus Raging... something, one of the new ones, because there're some 44 cartridges whose boxes explicitly say that they're not safe to be shot in S&W revolvers, but happen to be ok in Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson, etc. One of the cartridges I remember clearly is the equivalent to a 44+p. Yeah having a great day remembering technical terms today. Fortunately, I'm certain that anyone who reads this knows exactly what I'm talking about. Cheers, and may you all have a nice day.
The very first pistol I ever acquired was a Ruger Super Blackhawk with euro stag grips. That was 1982. I still have it. In the past 10 years I acquired a 29-2 (the Dirty Harry special). I think both would be among the very last firearms I would ever sell.
I knew from the start but figured it be close between your first and the Clint Eastwood model.
Jimmie Burleigh *model 29
1959 S&W 38 special detective. Of all his cool guns it's the only one Grandpa let me shoot. When he passed I had to have it. It's priceless : ))
Thank you sir for what you do. My favorite guns are sentimental guns. No matter how big or small. God bless.
I have a 1972 Model 29 6 1/2" with the presentation box and tools. That is the one 44 I would never sell out of the 3 44's I have.
Best of .44 Magnum!!
Of course. Sir would never sell the best because there are the best.
I had several long barreled M-29-2 and I had a 4", too. When it all shook out, my 6.5" M-29-2 is the beast. Long enough for a good sight radius and milder recoil but short enough for great balance and better portability. THE very last gun I'd get rid of.
My next to last is my Model 78 (HighWall) Browning .25/06 w/octagon barrel I bought the year they first hit the market.
Can't say that I blame you, Hickok! I love the old and the new Model 29!
I knew from the start which gun you would choose... Just like my first gun was a S&W 686-3 and I will never sell it... You never forget your first time...
75,000 rounds though an old S&W, that's fantastic.
Hardest ever to let go was a model 57 4 inch nickel. Got it from Craig's 10 years ago, had to sell something that would go in minutes and at top dollar. It was new in box, I bought a bianchi leather holster, speed loaders and ammo. Sad thing is for the 7 years I owned it I never shot it! I was a beauty. Very sad to let it go! Next worst was a model 96 I bought from the Smith factory store in Pigeon forge just before it closed. Sold to a K.P.D. officer to get something else. NO MORE!!! I CAN'T PART WITH ANY MORE OF MY OLD SMITHS!
I love him, I can't understand how he manages to hit so many shots 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣❤
"This is a great gun for da fence." Hahaha
You'll never see the ol' 8 3/8" being used that way. But the Tactical Tupperware? Who cares. 🤣
Da fence......da wall.....da armour plate
I almost left the video and missed that golden dad joke
Purely as works of art, those Model 29s are drop-dead gorgeous. Gorgeous wood, checkering, and bluing.
The 626 doesn't have as much character.
its funny how movies affect people differently. everyone remembers the s&w m29 because it was in dirty harry, but i always remembered it from taxi driver, because i watched that before dirty harry.
Hickok45: "The last 44 Magnum I would ever..."
Everyone: "Model 29 with the 8 inch barrel"
Hickok45: "...sell."
Smith & Wesson 649 Stainless 6” 44 Magnum was my very first handgun at a very early age. Love the cartridge. After expecting the worst when I first shot it, I smiled as it was no biggie and fired the next five with pleasure in my purchase. Would love another some day.
Hickok you are as smooth as they come!!
Hickok is just what I need to deal with lockdown
My first handgun was a 10 5/8" Mod.29 I bought in 1985. I am so disappointed that I sold it in 1990.
I have had a # of N frame Smiths over the years. I think I would trade them all for my first 44. Thanks Hickok.
That makes me feel bad.I bought mine when dirty Harry came around and still have it.
@@oldwarmonger8750 Man am I glad for you. That is excellent. Good to go.
@@guardianminifarm8005 but I did sale a 1911 Colt from ww2 and I regret that.so I know how you feel.
No surprise to your answer. I need a 44 in my life.
Never ceases to impress, he just shot 2 succesive sub-MOA rounds at the gong, standing with his revolver 11:46
When you’ve seen enough Hickok45 videos you already knew the answer. 👍🏼
LOL...Yup
Best revolvers in my opinion would be from Smith and Wesson. Their .38s are a favorite of mine
I'll share the story from my grandfather, who was in Iwo Jima. After the war when they were loading up troops on boats (after they had returned their issued weapons, sadly), the docks were full of brand new supplies that were being dumped in the harbor. My grandfather grabbed a crate with two brand new 1911s, a buddy of his grabbed a crate with a new Thompson. Everyone on the docks was doing this. About 15 minutes after leaving port the captain comes on and says there will be inspections for contraband in ten minutes. He decided to do the 'right thing' and tossed the 1911s out the nearest porthole. He said when he looked out it was just a rain of stuff flying out other portholes. His buddy hid the Thompson. The whole thing was a bluff and there never was an inspection.
As soon as he got home, he bought his own 1911. The family has had people make outrageous offers when it gets taken to the range because it is apparently fairly rare due to being manufactured during WWII but was NOT government property. Not that any of us would ever be stupid enough to sell it.
(I also got to shoot a 1911 that was manufactured in 1912 that belonged to an instructor, was his father's that he carried in WWI.)
A man that has passion and loves his classic firearms like we do! Thank you Hickok 45!
I LOVE MY S&W MODEL 29 BOTH IN 44 MAGNUM & 357 MAGNUM 8 3/8 INCHES NICKEL-PLATED.
I enjoy all your videos Hickok45 but I really enjoyed this one. I think we all would love to see more videos like this with your top picks for other revolvers, pistols, rifles and black powder. Thanks Hickok and God bless.
Stay tuned.
Love every one of my Smith 44s 😁
My favorite also. My first brand new gun 1981.
You started with a 44? You really came out swinging lol
@@rowhaus5478 Bought a used Model 19 from an Oakland PD motorcycle cop about 1974 so I was ok with the recoil. The Model 29 with the 8 3/8" is a force within itself though. When I pull it out at the range most people don't realize what it is till that first round goes off. My wife says just about everyone around us flinchs except me. Gotta love it!
I’m kinda a collector of .357 revolvers, I have one of every .357 K-Frame. I saw a model 29-2 with 8 3/8 barrel in an auction and I thought it would look nice next to my 686 with 8 3/8 barrel so I bought it with the wood display box, my first time owning a .44 and first time owning a N-Frame, I bought it two days ago and haven’t shot it yet but it’s really nice.
As a millennial I have no desire to have a Dirty Harry revolver so I’d rather have the 8 3/8 over the 6.5”. I have seen the movie, I like the movie but I won’t let it be the reason I’d pick a 6.5 over any other barrel length. I’d actually like to a have a 10 5/8 silhouette model 29 one day. But I have a lot more N frames to buy before then.
Icing on the cake was Hickok45 picking that as the last .44 he would sell. We have similar tastes, my last .357 I’d sell is my Model 65 3”, I do own a model 13 3” but I like the 65 more, Hickok45 likes his 13 over his 65.
The winner didn't surprise me. A warm and fuzzy feeling is sometimes the most important specification. 6" to 6.5" tends to be my favorite barrel length in .357 and .44 Magnums.
Hickick doesn’t really miss when he shoots. Definitely had a day in every shooting competition hes been in.
You know Hickok I knew you were going to pick that one I've been watching you for over 10 years on UA-cam and I even got sentimental thinking that maybe you weren't going to pick that one and I kind of got sentimental but I'm glad you picked the old eight incher great video like always God bless
I certainly do not own as many guns as this fine fellow apparently does, but I do have to say that I have NEVER sold one! I gave my Ithaca Model 37 to my son, and I gave my Ruger Single-Six to my grandson on his first-gun birthday. Both were given with the provision that they not be sold! They can be given to anyone you might wish to give them to, but do not sell them!
Yup! The 8 3/8" would have been my choice too, and I sort of expected the same from you. I am not surprised! What a great gun. I sort of have a half an eye ball out for one myself.
.44 Magnums, you just gotta love this channel!
Back in the day, 70's and 80's, the .44 mag was a favorite of Houston cops. That and the .45 acp. Back when they purchased the own firearms.
44 Mag nice... I like all of them... Yes the one you owned the longest.
My great uncle gave my dad a 1954 model 17 .22lr. My dad gave it to me and i will give it to my son. Its not for sale.
My fave...my .44 Magnum 3" 'Special' made In 1989. Unfluted cylinder, full underlug, if you do your part in training...it's just as accurate as another with a better sight radius. But MUCH easier to carry!! Thanks!!!
I purchased my early 1970's 8 and 3/8 for the same reasons you cite. It has the Dirty Harry look, but with that extra inch and seven eights of barrel it is that more menacing looking. It does kick like a mule, but a bit easier with .44 Special ammo. I pretty much thought you would choose your 8 and 3/8ths and confirmed it the more you talked. I only have the one, but it's a keeper. Thank you again for an excellent video.
Lacking the sentiment . . . the 6-1/2" 29-2 has got to be the be-all n' do-all winner! Just revolver perfection! But I'm a biased owner . . .hee, hee! My early Mil-Spec Springfield .45 comes in second on my big bore handy's and even over my old Colt .45 in the repeatable fun factor. FYI...Have watched tons of your vids and only just subscribed. Seems like yer flush with us anyways--I think mostly because of your insane marksmanship and easy-goin' candor!
Beautiful collection! Sentimental value is the highest value! God bless!
I knew before I clicked that it would be your old 8 3/8"... Great video sir!
46 years with the 44. That’s incredible!
Yes, we've become good friends over the years. I need to plan something special for "our" 50th Anniversary. If UA-cam gun videos still exist, I'll make a special video. :-)
I took my brother to the law enforcement range with me to shoot the departments full auto Tommy gun. Later when he purchased a Derringer in .44 I brought him back to test fire it. The range master gave him two .44 Magnum shells. It kicked worse than a 12 gauge loaded with 3 & 1/2" Magnum slugs!
I look older than you, but in in ‘74 I was a kid in high school, proud to be responsible enough to have a drivers license while you were out buying .44’s. Since we seem to be of the same generation “Get it on, bang the gong”.
I love a reload I make with a 200gr X-treme bullet over a load of MP-300, its so awesome and fun to shoot!
Love the USA and the people been over twice from Australia the last couple of years ......found middle America and the people very friendly and it's a great place to be , your in a nice part of the world and if this crazy unpleasantness ever ends we would love to visit again. thank you
The sarcasm form this beautiful man is amazing.
My Model 29 is a little over a year old. It's not pinned and recessed but I did finally install some original vintage grips and it looks fantastic. Gr8 vid. 🔫
That was no surprise. It's been a great gun!
You no he would keep that 44 8inch 46 years spot on