.445 Supermag???

[TonyDedo]

I'm looking for an inexpensive S&W 629, and I think I found one.

However, the owner claims this particular 629 is chambered in .445 Supermag.

All I know about the Supermag cartridges is from a couple lines on Wikipedia - essentially it's a .44mag with a greater charge, and a gun chambered in .445 Supermag can fire .44 magnum & .44 special.

So, I have a couple questions:

If I want a .44 magnum and the price is right, is there any reason I SHOULDN'T buy a 629 chambered in .445 Supermag?

The S&W 629 is MA compliant, but I don't know if the compliance is specific to caliber - would I have any trouble getting a dealer to complete an out of state transfer for this gun?

If I wanted to load .445 Supermag, do I need to find .445 Supermag brass, or does the cartridge use .44 magnum brass?

Thanks guys!

-TD

 

[gerrycaruso]

44 magnum brass is about 1.27" long. 445supermag brass is about 1.6" long and is available from Starline. I'd guess you'd have the same issues you'd have loading .38 spl. for a .357 mag or .357 maximum.

 

[RKG]

I would be dubious about purchasing a used N-Frame S&W that had been fed what amounts to +P .44 Magnum loads.

At a minimum, have the revolver checked by a qualified S&W gunsmith. Look (amongst other things) for end shake, timing, forcing cone splites or erosion, and gas cutting of the top strap.

 

[TonyDedo]

I can't find reference to S&W making a 629 chambered in 445 --> can anyone help me on that one? I know some of you have a great S&W reference book.

 

[gerrycaruso]

I don't believe S&W ever chambered the 629 in anything other than .44magnum, which brings up another thought. I doubt that S&W would work on that gun because of the rechambering.

 

[TonyDedo]

Now the seller is telling me it's a Dan Wesson, but it says S&W on the side... Sounds to me like he just f*cked up his description.

I'm waiting to get the exact details, model & serial #, but it looks like the point may be moot --> there aren't any Dan Wesson models on the approved roster, correct?

 

[gerrycaruso]

Dan Wesson did chamber a handgun in 445supermag and as far as Mass compliance, that only applies to dealers.

 

[TonyDedo]

Dan Wesson did chamber a handgun in 445supermag and as far as Mass compliance, that only applies to dealers.

The gun is out of state - I need a dealer to transfer it for me.

 

[gerrycaruso]

I think you're out of luck on that one. Yankee Artifacts lists a 629-1 for $625.00. Four Seasons has a couple for a few bucks more.