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Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver
Review Over the years I have shot several .44 magnum revolvers, but for some reason I've never made the commitment to get one for myself. I'm not sure why, other than cost, because there are many good .44 Mag revolvers on the market and each one that I have shot has been accurate and fun to shoot. Last year, my son came into the office with the June 2011 issue of Guns Magazine and said, "We have got to get this one!" Guns Magazine featured a review of the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter titled "The King of Six Guns" and I must be honest that I immediately agreed with my son's opinion. The photographer did a great job with the photos and the magazine had a centerfold spread that was pure art (click here to see). After reading the article, I was sold and it was time to make the investment. Not knowing how long it would take to receive the revolver, I waited around until September of last year to make the order thinking I would have it in time for deer season. Little did I know that stock was out at Smith & Wesson and my revolver would be in the next manufacturing batch. After about a 9 month wait, I got word on July 4th to come pick my new S&W .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver up at my local gun store. It was a complete surprise and I felt like Santa had just come to visit. I'm not sure who was more excited, my son or myself. After receiving the pistol and dusting off my copy of the magazine to look at the article again, I immediately noticed one difference. The cylinder on my new revolver comes fluted and matches that shown at the Smith & Wesson website. Personally, I think S&W made the right call by going back to a fluted cylinder because I believe it looks better than the un-fluted cylinder shown in the Guns Magazine article. OK, that's enough about their review and my opinion on the appearance of the .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver, now it is time for my own attempt at a detailed review of this Smith & Wesson revolver.
During my reviews I like to compare my results to the manufacturer's claims where possible so the following text in colored italics was taken directly from the Smith & Wesson website on July 7th, 2012, and gives an Overview and Specifications for the Model 629 .44 Magnum® Hunter Revolver. The , and are my way to keep up with details that I have covered in this review with either photos, commentary or both. I may also add commentary after these marks as necessary to explain some items if needed. Overview
Specifications
This review is broken down into multiple parts with this page providing links to each part along with an overall summary of the specifications, pros and cons, and my final "bottom line" comments. Make sure you take time to checkout the other parts of the review because they contain many photos and lots of commentary. Also, there is an extreme amount of detail in those parts which is not covered on this page.
As you read these Pros and Cons below, keep in mind that it is hard to keep my particular preferences from creeping into the equation. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to look at the other parts of this review so you can decide for yourself on items which may be more of a personal preference. Pros:
Pro/Con/Comment? You Decide:
Cons:
Bottom Line: Maybe I'm cheap, but I struggle with spending over $1000 on nearly any handgun and with the .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver having a street price between $1100 and $1200, it is most likely not a handgun that most people will purchase as an impulse buy. However, for those in the market for .44 magnum hunting style revolver, this one should be at or near the top of your list for consideration. The revolver is very attractive and proved to be extremely accurate. I have no doubt that it will see some real field time over the years to come. My biggest concern with this revolver will be getting it from my son so I can hunt with it. As always, before you make a purchase, I recommend reading reviews and visiting various forums so that you are happy with your investment. At this time, I have had the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Hunter Revolver for just over two months, studied it in great detail while writing this review, and have had several sessions at the range. I can honestly say that I'm very pleased with my investment. Or If you would like to be notified about future Gunsumer Reports reviews via Facebook, make sure "You Like This" by clicking the Facebook "Like" button at the bottom or top of this page. If it already says "You Like This" beside the button, clicking it again will uncheck the "Like" status and you will not be notified.
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