S&W Model 629 .44 Mag "Backpacker"

I'm a bowhunter and after nearly getting stomped into the dirt by an irrate cow moose because I accidentally wandered in between her and her calf, I wanted a special sidearm for the hunt. So I bought the 629 with a 2 1/2" fluted barrel. The idea is to have a weapon that has both a bark and a bite since after all, I really don't want to have to shoot a moose or a bear or any other critter in self defense. And this gun definitely has a bark! I'm confident that if the situation arises, the report itself will stop any animal long enough for me to make tracks out of there. And if I'm wrong, well, it is a .44 Mag after all.

The 629 isn't the ideal concealed carry weapon, but I can hide it well under a jacket or heavy sweater. In town, I load with .44 Specials. (I think a .44 Mag is too much in the city.)

Despite the short barrel, the 629 is very accurate. The rear sight adjusts quickly and easily for elevation and that comes in handy since I'm changing loads often. My only complaint is that the stainless finish is difficult to keep clean on the cylinder, around the flutes and on the front sight. But if you're into hand cannons, the 629 is a great choice.