S&W Model 29 vs. South Dakota LEO Handgun Qualification

[@hrfunk]

I won't be able to be here on Saturday morning, but I wanted to set the premier so all of you would get the notice. Be sure to leave me a comment!

[@hrfunk]

I would respond to that but then I’d get drool all over my phone.

[@henryschmidt636]

Skeeter's load is some kind of accurate in your hands. Fine shooting.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Henry!

[@smithsurp7859]

Dirty HRFUNK should be the name of the video :-). I bet it will make our day. If the qualification calls for a head shot, I wonder if the 29 will blow the target's head clean off

[@hrfunk]

"This is a .44 Magnum. The most powerful handgun in the world." Of course it will!

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

Out Standing I love the S&W Mdl 29 & 629 That 240 Grain Keith cast lead bullet with Gas check was very accurate and deadly on deer .I had a 8 3/8 " , 6" , 4" Mdl 29 the 4 " was my carry weapon back in the late 70s early 80's .But money would get tight and I would sell my firearms .It has cooled off here in SC Soon the deer will be in the rut ,I would love to hunt with my old mdl 29 I even had a marlin 44 rifle to go with it .I cast my bullets from lead wheel weights they were awesome in Deer with a big mushroom bullet .The gas check made all the difference shooting soft lead bullets .Keep up the good work friend keep your powder dry I hope we can meet some day we have much in common Military & Law Enforcement .

[@hrfunk]

Thanks you! I would like that too. Hopefully on one of my future trips down your way we can meet up.

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

@@hrfunk Like I said Dinner or Lunch is on me !

[@jasonashley3393]

I've got a 5.5 inch redhawk in 44 magnum but I'd love a Smith 29, 4 inch preferably, man those first three holes he made, Game Over, no continues.

[@jamesthompson9999]

Keep the revolver love coming. Great job as usual, thanks for time and effort you put into these videos. I know you're on the lookout for a Colt of some type to use for one of the qualifications. The Colt trooper series was popular with law enforcement in my area and a few Pythons for those could afford them.

[@hrfunk]

I would love to get my hands on a python! Unfortunately, I would have to borrow it because there is no way I could ever afford one.

[@mdd1963]

My first handgun, circa 1982! Good ole Model 29!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chrispetersen113]

Do you still have it?

[@mdd1963]

@@chrispetersen113 Alas, no, sold it to a fellow USAF member when I was in an 'auto pistols only' sort of mood, and, let it go...

[@hrfunk]

Too bad you let that one get away.

[@LYLEWOLD]

great shooting, as always, and that gun is a beauty. not as much to this course as some others, but still enjoyable. stage 4 had me a little puzzled, though. i couldn't see their reason for doing the 3rd portion of that stage requiring 1 fewer shot, but still the same time and distance. somebody below suggested it may be a course designed for an 8 round gun (that'd make sense), but then you figure they'd shorten the time, or go one-handed, something. not a knock, just something that caught my attention.

[@hrfunk]

I was puzzled by that too. There was nothing in the course description to explain it, and I agree, reducing the time limit would have made more sense.

[@dewell1993]

Excellent job on performing the qualification course. That model 29 is a beauty to have. Maybe once I move to a free state I might grab a model 29 to have especially when hiking in the woods.

[@hrfunk]

I hope you get one. They are very fine revolvers. Thanks for watching!

[@frankvandornis4373]

Thanks once again for a great video. I have enjoyed each one. You're one of only a few that are both informative and entertaining. Keep up the excellent work. There's nothing like the feel of an N frame in your hand is there?

[@hrfunk]

No there is not! Thanks for watching Frank!

[@usriflelatewar]

I have enjoyed this series. The courses of fire are interesting. The different firearms really show your skill. Thanks.

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome David. Thanks for watching!

[@joep4235]

not my favorite course, but far and away my favorite gun in the series !!!!!! Thanks so much !!

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Joe!

[@skipboyer1889]

Great video my friend! Still plenty of recoil in those 44 special loads! Recently, we had a local PD Inspector retire. His carry gun was a S&W 629 that was highly engraved and he carried 180gr JHP handloads. Something you don't hear of at all these days. I wish I would have had some inkling that you were going to shoot that old girl, I would have send you some really cool home cast Keith bullets to you! You didn't need them, but, it would have been cool to have you use them! Got any other 44 caliber handguns for future courses? Hey, friend, good shooting!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Skip! I have a few more .44 Magnum revolvers that will be appearing in these videos before I’m done. I’m not sure just yet which course/state I’m going to use them for.

[@brianharris4275]

Special Request " SUPER REDHAWK " 7 INCH. BEST WISHES.

[@arshooter1]

Very respectable Sir, outstanding video and the 44 Special round did very well. The Model 29 is one of my favorites, had two at one time. Semper Fi.

[@hrfunk]

Semper Fi Sir! Thanks for watching.

[@survivalcomms]

Pretty straight forward course. Got to respect the LSWC with that load . Good punch / counterpunch with nice clean holes. Thanks for sharing !

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@GunSam]

Who's "WE" sucka? "Smith, Wesson, and ME".

[@mauwalker]

I suspect that when they originally designed this course of fire, South Dakota state law enforcement was being issued some semiautomatic that had an 8 round capacity. Most all the exercises are for eight rounds, and there wasn’t a speed reloading drill like you see with the courses like Florida’s that hasn’t changed since we shot revolvers.

[@hrfunk]

You may well be right. Thanks for watching!

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Well done! I can only imagine what the seat in your CVPI or your blazer jacket linings would look like after a career of carrying that M29. Still would be worth it, though.

[@hrfunk]

Ha, ha! I don’t remember ever carrying the Model 29 at work, but I have had a wild notion once or twice and carried my 629 Mountain Gun!

[@apbiggins8mm]

Fantastic video as always.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Andrew!

[@brianharris4275]

Another "Great One" ! Totally addicted to your videos! I am living vicariously through the fun your having along with other gun guys like yourself. Gotta get up to the club and try some of this. Love the model 29 ! I have a Super Redhawk and like shooting the reduced 240 gr. Load. Very Best

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Brian, and thanks for watching!

[@red_haired_ken]

Did he fire 6 stages?, or only 5? I kinda lost track myself in all the excitement.... keep up the great vids👍

[@hrfunk]

Thanks! Will do.

[@oper12m]

I use that same load for general plinking with my .44 Henry rifle.

[@hrfunk]

I really like the “Skeeter” load. It’s great for general purpose shooting. Thanks for watching Sean!

[@oper12m]

@@hrfunk Thank you for your videos I really enjoy them.

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Sean!

[@WImob420]

Wow. Love the series

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@mikethomas5412]

Enjoyable video. As always, thanks!

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Mike!

[@bertcollicutt8121]

I love the 29, it is a real beauty. Also great shooting as usual, wish i could shoot half as good.

[@hrfunk]

You can! All it takes is practice.

[@chadfette901]

Great job! I always enjoy these videos. Keep them coming!

[@hrfunk]

Will do, thanks for watching!

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

Shooting double action at 25 yards that takes some skill, most people would switch to single action. The model 29 is probably my second favorite revolver of all time. You seemed to clear the course with relative ease. Do you think it would have been possible to complete the course with magnum loads? I know the added recoil would make it difficult for most people, but you’re a better shooter than the aveage guy, I think you could do it.

[@hrfunk]

I think it would certainly be possible. I just don’t see the need to do it. For defensive applications, the added horsepower of the full power loads isn’t really needed.

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

Unnecessary, true, but without the full power loads you can’t blow up cars, or say all of the Dirty Harry lines “I know what you’re thinking, did he fire 6 shots or only 5. Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I’ve lost track myself. But seeing as this is a .44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, it would blow your head clean off. So you gotta ask yourself one question, do I feel lucky? Well do ya punk?”

[@hrfunk]

That made me laugh. It is one of the most iconic movie lines of all time! I guess inspector Callahan still gets to be the hero, I’ll just be HRFunk.

[@jasonsimone3523]

Great shooting!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Jason!

[@precisionmarksman5084]

Please let us know exactly what rounds you will be qualifying with. .44 special or .44 magnum? If magnum loads, what weight and manufacture?

[@hrfunk]

I can’t let any cats out of the bag right now, but I identify the load in the video.

[@imafunkyman]

Great shooting sir! Beautiful 29.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Mike!

[@johnnyholland8765]

I have just purchased a 29-3 6 inch built in 1983. It appears unfired. I kinda hate to shoot it but I purchased it to shoot and enjoy. I wanted a 29-2 but couldn't find one I could afford. The 29 is a lot of handgun to draw and fire repeatedly. Other than the one flyer I think you did a very good job.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Johnny! I really like the Model 29 with that particular load.

[@jims9249]

Can't go wrong with a Skeeter load.

[@hrfunk]

Nope. It’s one of my favorites!

[@jims9249]

@@hrfunk Mine too :)

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Outstanding. Very happy with my Model 29/629s. My 1rst ccw was a 4" 29. I used Win. Silvertip Special. Basically a 45acp in an N frame Smith. It was what I had so I carried it.

[@hrfunk]

I used to carry that same load. I think I still have a few rounds of it somewhere.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

@@hrfunk By the way, impressive grouping. The "heart" area took 7-8 rounds in a big 1 inch+ ragged hole. That would be a fight stopper for sure.

[@hrfunk]

Yep, I think those hits would have ended the problem. Thanks for watching!

[@craigbenz4835]

There is a lot missing in this course. Did the course description prevent you from shooting single action at 25 yards? The time limit seemed long enough to encourage that.

[@hrfunk]

The course description did not prevent me from doing so. However, since most defensive shooting is performed double action, I opted to shoot in that mode.

[@talkingrock7011]

Great revolver and load the adversary didn’t have a chance

[@hrfunk]

Thanks! I almost felt sorry for him!

[@BigRed-oi6ky]

Thanks for doing my state

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Andrew. I’ve visited South Dakota recently and I really like your state!

[@BigRed-oi6ky]

@@hrfunk were did u visit? I live in Sioux Falls

[@hrfunk]

We started out in Rapid City. While we were there, we went to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Devil’s Tower. Then we travelled up to Belle Fouche. There, we met up with a Paleontologist, and accompanied him another 75 miles or so north to Deer’s Ear Butte. We then spent several days digging for dinosaur bones. My daughter wants to be a paleontologist, and my wife found this particular guy who will take people to his dig site. My wife and daughter have been there three times, and they're planning to return next spring. So far, I only went with them last year, but it was a fun trip and you have a very cool state!

[@BigRed-oi6ky]

@@hrfunk I'm so glad u enjoyed your stay. I have lived In Rapid City area before its beautiful. I have been a resident of South Dakota since 2001

[@hrfunk]

It would not take very much persuading to get me to join you there!

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Beautiful firearm!👍🏾😀❤️🇺🇸

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Jeffry!

[@PARR53]

Unless you’re firing .44 Specials out of that weapon its about 3x more gun than any normal policemen would ever even dream of carrying. lol. It’s cool that your using a model 29 as it’s one of my favorite handguns. I’ve own one for many years but man those full house 180gr JSP and 240gr JSP would be like squashing a bug with a sledgehammer against a person.

[@hrfunk]

Ha, ha! Well, some bugs take more squashing than others! Thanks for watching!

[@PARR53]

hrfunk lol fair enough Sir. There’s no disputing how awesome the model 29 is. Huge fan of .44 Magnum. I’ve never fired the skeeter skeleton loads it seems like about that of the .44 Special I’ve shot. Anyways cool video brother. I like what you put out on KZbin.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@roykent5864]

What a beautiful firearm. Thanks for the video.

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome Roy! Thanks for watching.

[@thespankdmonkey]

Very nice handgun and great shooting once again sir!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@wflccb83]

I also enjoyed the exercise today HR. But, as I watched I realized too, it wouldn't score very high on the eval. So why did I enjoy the video as much as I did? I think it was because of the SW model 29 used in the video. I like to see these drills shot as they would have been shot likely years ago when revolvers were more standard issue. It leads me to wonder how the qualifications have changed with the advent of the semi auto issue gun? It would be nice to see some retired LEO chime in with some historic perspective on how the courses have changed over the years.

[@hrfunk]

I can give you a little bit of perspective with regard to Ohio's courses. Back in the day, firearms instructors were at liberty to design any course they thought best served their agency. There were myriad courses in those days. Everything from shoot the coffee can off the fence post to Rambo Inspired "Combat Courses" were utilized for qualification. I suspect this was true for most other states too. In the mid-1990's, the state came along and declared there would be one handgun qualification course that would be used by all agencies. The original course devised by the state gurus wasn't too bad. Since then, however, it has been repeatedly watered down. Part of the reason I started this series was to see what other states were using due to the fact I was so underwhelmed with the courses currently being used in my home state.

[@876mpr]

Fabulous. I really need a 29-2 with a 6.5” barrel. Not sure who’s idea it was to stick the OGCA show in the SW part of the state. Makes things difficult.

[@hrfunk]

I don’t know either. I haven’t been to that show in years and I would like to go again.

[@likydsplit8483]

It’s probably best not to pick a gun fight with a grey-haired man and big revolver…he might just know what he’s doing.

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

Outstanding Brother !

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@straightpipec6099]

Nice. Smart load to choose.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I thought so too.

[@jellybryce7742]

for some reason I always hear anecdotes about highway patrolmen carrying these the most with regards to the 44.

[@hrfunk]

I think after the debut of Dirty Harry, a lot of real cops carried one version or another of the Model 29.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Love me some Model 29 revolvers. That was very impressive shooting with a 44 magnum Hrfunk !!!!!!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Jerry!

[@davidg.6751]

Like you said not very hard as long as you can draw effectively. You made it look easier. Thanks for the entertainment!

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome David! Thanks for watching!

[@frankbutta9344]

I was hoping you’d use Magnum loads. Great Job! 👍👍👍👍

[@hrfunk]

Thank you Frank!

[@GUNNYJones-zm5eo]

This course of fire is very repetitive and not very challenging. As you stated it's basically purposes on Marksmanship which of course is important. I'm going to have to look up that Skeeter skeleton load for my Model 29. I'm going on to presumption its basically a warmed up 44 spl +p

[@hrfunk]

Yep. That’s it. If you google “Skeeter Skelton .44 Special load” you’ll find it. It’s pretty well known.

[@TreeTop1947]

Gunny, that "Skeeter" load is sudden death on our deer and hogs down here in rural central Texas, I've taken many of both with my Old Model Ruger SBH. Never yet had to shoot an animal twice. Also, it's pleasant enough to allow plenty of practice w/o developing a flinch. Semper Fi, TreeTop ETA: All game shots were pass throughs, I haven't recovered a bullet yet!

[@chrischiampo7647]

Reminder Set 😀👍🏼

[@dangerman007]

I just love how everyone discounts the model 29 and the .44 as useless for self-defense.

[@hrfunk]

I didn’t know anyone discounted it. I do believe many folks opt for something else when it comes to defending themselves.

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

( Back in the Revolver Era ) The biggest issue was the lack of suitable ammunition . Full power .44mag was too much . Too much recoil to meet the times on plausible Qual Courses . .44 Special factory loads were way weak , with actual velocities of HP's running far below advertised , and significantly below .45acp in real world velocities . The " Hal Swiggit Load ", the 240gr lead ( RN/FP) at advertised 1,000 fps , actual from 4 inch same ballpark as " Skeeter Load " waa the right neighborhood for vrlocity/ power / recoil . But with non expanding bullet , would have waaay overpenetration . But at that , it did see occasional LE use . If today's boutique .44Spl +P had been around , it would have been the ticket . If my crystal ball could have come true , a 180gr JHP @ +/- 1250 fps would have been the Bee's Knees . But didn't happen back then . And most Ofc with freedom of Duty Weapons, with hankering for N Frames , were mainly inclined for M25 , M25-5 , and M57 .

[@hrfunk]

Personally, I’ve always been partial to the Skeeter load for general purpose handgunning.

[@patmancrowley8509]

I really enjoyed this one too, Howard. One thing that I did notice and I hope that you avoid out in the field. When holstering you side-arm you look down at the holster thus taking your eyes away from the scene before you. Range habits can be dangerous out on the streets.

[@hrfunk]

Good point. I don’t typically do that, but the barrel was so long on the Model 29, and my holster is high enough on my waist that I was having a hard time getting the muzzle started back into the holster.

[@maskedman1980]

And on the flip side...you wouldn’t put the firearm away if ANY threat was still viable.

[@1rockymtnrider]

Good shooting another great video

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@apbiggins8mm]

I was rummaging thru an online gun shop and they had a used s&w 1076 I believe that was the model number it was a 10mm. I think it would be cool if you had one and could do a loe coarse with it.

[@hrfunk]

I do have a 1076, and I’ll be using it in an upcoming qualification video. Stay tuned!

[@apbiggins8mm]

Wow seriously haha I cant wait to see that pistol in action cool beans

[@brianharris4275]

Outstanding! Ohrahh!

[@tommyj7087]

ActionTarget has multiple B21 targets available.

[@skipboyer1889]

I CAN'T WAIT! HOW ABOUT A "PREVIEW" RATHER THAN A "PREMIER?" Haha....

[@hrfunk]

Nope, sorry. You’ve got to wait. tick....tock........Tick..........Tock.............TIck......................TOCK!!!!!!!!

[@skipboyer1889]

hrfunk haha

[@granddad-mv5ef]

HR, if I can add a thought, it seems to me there is more in this test than meets the eye. As you mentioned, every stage is drawing from a holster, which in itself is not hugely significant. But, then you have a much more realistic time limit (in my opinion) and that induces a measurable stress level. Indeed that was as close to a miss as I have seen from you and a lesser shooter would probably miss a few times. I love the S&W revolvers, any chance you have a model 28 to counter that Colt Trooper?

[@hrfunk]

Indeed I do! See if you like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4W1gWuQlr5mn9U

[@samuelclayton4405]

Times have changed. 3yrd line was the last position you fried from and it was hip shoot only. The qualification course started from the 25 yrd line 6 rounds left hand barricade, 6 rounds right hand barricade. 70% to qualify. 50 rounds fired. Sedgwick County Sheriff Department , Sedgwick County Kansas.

[@hrfunk]

Yes, times have changed. Unfortunately, I don’t think they’ve changed for the better.

[@lj.7311]

Very gun and series topic.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@ObservingLibertarian]

Good show old son. More than a couple of times you were shooting as rapidly as possible on the clock: and keyhole'd the target by stacking rounds on top of each other. Not only does that suggest good recovery of sight picture between shots but also shows that the handloads were very consistent in powder charge.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@BuzzardBait48]

Great shooting... How would a S&W Model 41 Mac handle this course.

[@hrfunk]

I think it would handle it just fine. This course is fun with the big N-Frames!

[@kingduckford]

What bullet and OAL? I tried a bunch of Skeeter loads using hand cast 245 Keith's in 44 magnum brass, using Lyman's suggested long OAL and seating. 7.5 grains Unique didn't like the case space, and they ended up burning poorly and being "boomers" with bad ignition and a lot more smoke and report than what it should have been.

[@hrfunk]

I’m using commercially cast 240 grain LSWC (Keith style, I don’t remember the brand). They’re seated to the crimp groove. I use a fairly heavy crimp to get good combustion before the bullet starts to move. I don’t have any ignition issues.

[@kingduckford]

Guess I'll have to look over what I else I might have done. As always, thanks for making these videos.

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome!

[@TreeTop1947]

@@hrfunk The heavy roll crimp is the key, IMO, Howard. Especially with Unique. Redding makes the absolute best roll crimp dies for revolvers, again, IMO. The crimps look better than factory, I have Redding roll crimp dies for all of my center fire revolvers. With a proper crimp, Unique will usually burn much cleaner, as well. TreeTop

[@hrfunk]

I use the Lee Factory Crimp Dies. They probably don’t look as good as the Redding’s, but they work well!

[@TreeTop1947]

Howard, I noticed the pinned barrel on your gorgeous Model 29, is yours a 29-2, by any chance? Great shooting with a great revolver and load. Semper Fi, Brother!

[@hrfunk]

Semper Fi TreeTop! Yes, my revolver is a 1980 vintage 29-2.

[@TreeTop1947]

@@hrfunk I bought a 29-2 in 1980 as well. But, unlike you, I foolishly let my boss talk me out of it, years later! I have a beautiful old model, three screw, Ruger SBH so I don't *need* another .44 Magnum but I'm not going let that stop me the next time I see a mint -2 for sale, LOL TreeTop

[@hrfunk]

I went the opposite direction. My first .44 Magnum was a stainless Ruger SBH. I traded it for my first 629. I kinda wish I still had the Blackhawk too.

[@bdogg464]

What holster are you using in this video? Just picked up a nickle model 29-3 but have yet to get a holster.

[@hrfunk]

The one in the video is a Bianchi Cyclone.

[@Mrbeanutube]

Very kool

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@charlesphillips5906]

Why are you wearing your speed loader case on your left?

[@hrfunk]

For a left hand reload. The advantage is the revolver never leaves your shooting grip.

[@jyc2201]

@@hrfunk How do you like the left hand reload? It still feels slower for me than the traditional right hand reload. It also doesn't help that Jerry Miculek broke the 12 shot speed record with the traditional reload so I have started to neglect practicing the left hand reload. Thoughts?

[@hrfunk]

@@jyc2201 Both techniques have their advantages. With the right hand reload, assuming you are a right handed shooter, you control the speedloader or clip with your dominant hand. That feels easier and more natural for a lot of people. The advantage of using the left handed reload is that you maintain your shooting grip on the revolver while you conduct the reload. That results in less manipulation of the revolver. It also allows you to use your strong hand (again, assuming you are a right handed shooter) to forcefully strike the ejector rod and more positively dislodge any cases that might be stuck in the cylinder. If one is shooting hot .357 magnum ammunition, it is not uncommon for the cases to require a little extra force on the ejector to remove them from the cylinder. That's where the left hand reload has the advantage over using just your thumb on the ejector rod with the right hand technique. I like to practice both methods which is why you will sometimes see my speedloaders on my right and other times you will see them on my left.

[@talkingrock7011]

This will be interesting with that hog leg yew-ha

[@alainmorin]

... why not a full load e.g., Winchester 296 30g, 180 bullet?

[@hrfunk]

The full-power magnum ammo isn't really necessary for defensive use. Plus, I tend to baby this revolver.

[@876mpr]

Alain Morin I really think the ammunition manufacturers miss an opportunity by not offering mid-range loads for magnum cartridges. A 200 grain .44 Gold Dot HP at 1050-1100 fps from a 4” barrel would be an excellent PD round.

[@hrfunk]

Fortunately, such a load is readily available to handloaders!

[@2Aknight762]

Dirty Harry would be proud.

[@hrfunk]

Ha, ha! I hope so!

[@davidh9585]

Inspector Callahan must have retired to South Dakota!

[@hrfunk]

Ha, ha! I guess so!

[@XCELERATIONRULES]

Beautiful shooting..please let's see H110 full power loads in the dark..lmfao

[@hrfunk]

See what you think of this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWalhHesppyFjKs

[@tmartin3151]

Hi there Mr Funk. I use this website to order silhouette targets (though I’m sure you can find them anywhere online.) bakertargets.com. They should have everything and then some as far as paper targets.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@danhantheman]

Ok boomer 👍

[@eltequilenotapatio9419]

What a disrespectful asshole you are Don’t like it? Take a fucking walk!!