Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag vs Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Mag

Both are 6-shot stainless steel DA/SA revolvers with roughly 4" barrels, but the Redhawk is 4.2 oz heavier (47 oz vs 42.8 oz) and 0.3" shorter in grip height. That weight delta is the practical center of the decision: the Redhawk's extra mass settles full-house .44 Magnum recoil, while the 629's lighter frame is easier to carry all day in the field. The Redhawk also ships with a Hogue Monogrip as standard equipment where the 629 ships with a synthetic grip.

Pick the Smith & Wesson Model 629 if:

• You want 4.2 oz less weight on the belt for trail carry or all-day field use — over miles, that difference is real and the 629 has the lighter platform without giving up capacity
• You want access to the broader N-frame holster and grip aftermarket — Hogue, VZ, and most major holster makers cut more options for the 629 than for the Redhawk

Pick the Ruger Redhawk if:

• You want the extra mass to absorb .44 Magnum recoil — 47 oz against the 629's 42.8 oz makes full-power loads easier to control
• You want the Hogue Monogrip from the factory instead of paying for it as an aftermarket swap on the 629

Both are 6-shot, both have adjustable rear sights, both are satin stainless, and both handle unlimited .44 Special practice along with full-power Magnum loads. The decision is carry weight (629) versus recoil management (Redhawk) — capacity and barrel length are not the differentiators here.