I’m thinking about picking up either a Ruger Redhawk or a Smith model 629 to carry hiking and backpacking this summer. Cost seems pretty comparable (from a quick look on GunBroker). Other than brand loyalty, anyone have any strong feelings one way or another on these two models?
I think Ruger is offering the Redhawk in either or both a 4" and 5" bbl offering. Seems like a nice sized platform for what you are seeking. Rugers are great out of the box, even better with a little action lovin’!
Smith & Wesson 29 or 629 Mountain Guns FTW
Man that is a beautiful Smith! Is that a current offering from s and w?
Not a current one.
S&W Mountain Guns are special editions, mostly of N frames. Though there was a run of 686+ Mountain Guns some years back.
The major changes are a tapered vs straight profile barrel, narrow trigger and hammer vs wide target ones, and sometimes the front edge of the cylider is given a slight chamfer to aid in reholstering. All Mountain Guns have round butt frames, though they all have come from the factory with either Houge rubber or Ahrends hardwoods round-to-square conversion stocks.
The weight reduction is small, but IMO the balance is better with the tapered barrel.
You can find new and used Mountain Guns in .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, .41 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .357 Magnum.
I don’t have any experience with .44 Rugers, but I do have a 4" GP100. It’s heavy (approx 40 oz) but built like a tank. If the Redhawk is similar in build, it might be worth a look.
Rugers in general are built like battle ships. If your going to handload or shoot heavy hunting loads, the Ruger is superior IMHO. If your using standard loads and want a lighter pistol with a smooth action, the S&W is better. I personally wish Ruger would incorporate the GP100/Super Redhawk grip frame into the Redhawk. The ability to have the grip frame encased by a rubber grip makes the gun comfortable to shoot.
i’m a pretty big fan of the super redhawk alaskan…
i’ll get one, someday. 
nice and beefy.
I really don’t think you can go wrong with either, and there are many models of 629’s
both are great guns, as anyone in their right mind would tell you. i, however, am partial to the rugers. they are very stout weapons. the gp100 is my longtime favorite.
double post
this stout enough
One of each?
I’ve got a 5" 629 and a 4" Ruger. I really like the S&W; I’ve not shot the Ruger enough yet but it seems promising.
For what you’re wanting it for, the Smith (particularly the Mountain Gun) would be a better choice. It’s lighter, more refined, has a smoother action and noticeably shorter lock time. Loaded with 200gr Blazer .44 Spl, my MG is only 4 oz heavier than a K Frame heavy barrel model 10 with 125gr loads.
If you had said hunting I would have said the Redhawk. It’s stouter and can handle heavy loads better.
I appreciate the feedback. As I’m looking for something that would provide a little piece of mind in bear country, I’m leaning towards the Ruger. I already have a SP101 .357 that I periodically use as a carry gun and a S&W .460 XVR (which is a tad heavy for backpacking). Seems the Ruger .44 would make a good “in the middle” handgun for what I’m intending to use it for.
The smith 629 is the king of al 44 mags it is lighter and the action can be made much cleaner.
We do a lot of guns for people who are going to go in to bear country you will walk more than shoot.
With that what about a smith 329 that is the job it was made for.
Lightweight Bear Defense
Concur with Mr. Smith. For backbacking/hiking you want less weight. I would look at the Smith & Wesson 329 series;
329PD 4" at 26oz,
329PD Alaskan Backpacker 2.5"at 29.7 oz
329NG 2.5"at 29.3oz with night sights.
If you want more weight the move up to the standard 629s(4" 41.5oz) or Mountain Guns (4" 39.5oz)(which are availible in limited quantity SKU: 163653). In between weights at 40oz is the 629 Trail Boss with 3" and lanyard loop
Lightest Redhawks are the 4.2" at 47 oz.
SP101 weight in between 25-27 oz depending on bbl.
CD
for me I’ll carry a 357PD or 357NG in .41 Mag but that’s me.
We do lots of sight work on those guns the sights are a bit fragile for us. We use Bowen custom rears and gold bead fronts for that application.