Smith & Wesson's Performance Center M629 Stealth Hunter Part I

It seems enthusiasts have achieved a state of equilibrium when it comes to auto loaders and revolver; they each serve a purpose and they each have their applications and there is some degree of overlap.Subsequently, I will no longer compare high capacity auto loaders to buying an automobile with a 100 gallon gas tank, when there are gas stations every five miles.

The Smith And Wesson Model 629 Stealth Hunter is by no means a new model. Introduced in 2008, it remains are part of Performance Center catalog, an indication of its success. The Model 629 is a stainless steel derivative of the N frame Smith & Wesson of 1955. The roads from the firearm industry are paved with the relics of discontinued products that once seemed like good ideas. A model in production for 60+ years is reflective of more than just a good idea.

Stealth Hunter features for handgun hunters

Above, the S&W has a wide hammer hammer spur to facilitate cocking for light trigger pull, single action operation. The 1.25″ aperture, black face rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, the one piece barrel is topped with an integral Weaver type mount, the dovetail mounted ramped front sight contains a high contrast red insert. The Mag-na-port slots adjacent to the front sight reduce muzzle jump and reduce recoil by approximately 15%-20% for greater shooter control.

Where I have not been able to measure a significant increase in velocity when moving up to 5″ from a 4″ barrel, I can with a 7.5″ barrel. Additionally, the 9″ sight radius contributes substantially to precise metallic sight shot placement. Unlike some other Model 629 revolvers, the Stealth Hunter has a one piece barrel with a full underlug that contributes significantly to the revolver’s steadying, recoil absorbing 55.2 ounces of heft.

In deference to the 44 Mag cartridge, the cylinder is retained at three points when discharged; cylinder stop, cylinder center pin and a ball detent in the front of the crane. The chamfered cylinder is intended to eliminate swearing while holstering. The key lock above the thumbpiece serves two purposes, it allows the owner to determine if the hammer is to be locked when the revolver is stowed and it causes people in gun forums with a lot of theories and little experience to burst into flames.

The Smith and Wesson M629 Stealth Hunter, while a large N frame revolver, is actually narrow and an easy carry in a hunting holster. The revolver measures 1.720″ at its widest point, the cylinder.

Overall

By today’s standards, the S&W Model 629 is a relatively compact hunting revolver. By today’s standards, the 44 Remington Magnum with its 36,000 PSI SAAMI MAP is civilized magnum. Even if for just those comments, the S&W M629 Stealth Hunter is an excellent hunting handgun. Good for hunting hogs and deer and similar size game, the 44 Mag has often been used to take down much bigger. Lethality is a team effort; firearm, cartridge and the person behind the trigger.

The matte black finish is achieved by bead blasting stainless steel, then treating with Black Magic and sealing. A chemical reaction with the stainless steel, a process not unlike black oxide, the finish is well suited to a hunting application as it is durable and corrosion resistant. The subject revolver has been shot a good deal, but even the cylinder stop drag line is barely visible on the surface of the finish.

The revolver’s Performance Center’s double action pull was expectantly long but smooth, single action pull was brief, clean and light, backing up against the over travel stop. Cylinder lock up was tight, cylinder gap was a snug feeler gauge 0.008″, and a range rod dropped cleanly through all chambers. With generalities out of the way, I’m going to take a break, round up some ammo and get in some range time with the Stealth Hunter.