[giese]

I will be purchasing a 44 mag early next year. What are some fo the pros and cons of each brand (ex. S&W 629, Ruger Redhawk, Taurus M44). Also does a 5 inch barrel vs a 4 inch make a huge ballisitc difference?

I will be using for backcountry carry in griz country with possiable hunting adventures in the future. I prefer to stay away from light weight models as they are a bit to pricey for me and I prefer to have the weight to handle recoil. I am also looking to go DA.

[kalibear45]

I've shot a 5" Red Hawk before and its pretty heavy and sturdy, recoil is manageable. You can probably shoot the heck out of it with magnum loads and it will keep on ticking.

I had a 4" Smith & Wesson 629-6, and it too was a nice revolver. I would say this had a better DA trigger than the Ruger, but I did not care for the internal lock (mainly for aesthetics, I guess). The exposed backstrap would sting you a bit shooting the higher velocity magnum rounds.

[jem375]

Ruger Super Redhawk and get some Garrett 310 gr. ammo for it for bear country........check out their website for ammo..

[Pappy John]

Ditto's on Kalibear's post., I have the Redhawk in 7.5" and a Smith 29 Mountain Gun and a 4.5" Vaquero, all in .44 Mag. The Smith's action is the nicest, but I've got some handloads that I run through the Rugers on a regular basis, that I wouldn't think of putting through the Smith.
I don't know anything about Tauruses.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All

giese, I purchased a NIB Smith & Wesson 5"
629-5 "Classic" in July of 2000. The fit and finish on this
stainless .44 magnum are perfect; with NO flaws or ugly
imperfections. I have owned numerous Smith .44's over
the year's, including some of the older model 29's. I'm
here to tell you, this one is a keeper. DA and SA trigger
pull are unbelieveable; or "as slick as a babys butt". And
accuracy is out-standing; as I usually shoot this weapon
from the 25 yard line, using mild handloads that would be
similar to the 44. Special factory fodder. With that said, I
highly recommend that you take a long look at this very
fine firearm.

As to the difference in velocity between a 4" and 5" barrel;
I believe that for every inch of barrel, it equals + 50 fps?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[singlestack9]

I'm debating which model of the S&W 629 to get. I know I want either 5 or 6", so that leaves me with:

1) Model: 629 Classic
Barrel Length: 5"
Trigger: .400" Smooth Target
Front Sight: Interchangeable
Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
Over all length: 10-1/2"
Weight: 45.5 ounces

2) Model: 629 Classic
Barrel Length: 6-1/2"
Trigger: .400" Smooth Target
Front Sight: Interchangeable
Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
Over all length: 12"
Weight: 49.5 ounces

3) Model: 629 PP
Barrel Length: 6" Full Lug
Trigger: .400" Smooth Target
Front Sight: Patridge
Rear Sight: Adjustable Black
Over all length: 12"
Weight: 54.5 ounces

4) Model: 629
Barrel Length: 6"
Trigger: .312" Smooth Target
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
Over all length: 11-5/8"
Weight: 45.0 ounces


Aside from barrel length and the weight, other differences are the sights. The Classic has the Interchangeable front sight and the Adjustable White Outline rear sight. Whereas the PP has the Patridge front sight and the Adjustable Black rear sight. And the regular 629 has the Red Ramp front sight and the Adjustable White Outline rear sight.

The Classic and PP model has the .400" Smooth Target trigger, whereas the regular 629 has the .312" Smooth Target trigger.

The PP mentions that it has a full lug. But I believe all the other models also have a full lug.

[Ala Dan]

Hello singlestack9!

I advise against the S&W 629 PP. Cuz when shooting
in low light conditions (really darkness), the muzzle
flash is brilliant, and will blind you temporarily.

For a field gun, I'm very comfortable with my 5"
629-5 "Classic". The -5 model does not have the
internal lock design, thank goodness!:D Yes, this
gun does have the fully lugged barrel.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[singlestack9]

Do you know what is the difference between the .400" Smooth Target trigger on the Classic model versus the .312" Smooth Target trigger on the regular model?

Similar question about the Front Sight. What's the difference between the Interchangeable front sight on the Classic model versus the Red Ramp front sight on the regular model?

Thanks!

[Ala Dan]

The "Classic's" trigger is a little wider than that found
on the standard model 629.

Looking at my Smith & Wesson 629-5's front sight, it
has what appears to be a hex screw between the red
ramp and the muzzle crown; which apparently allows
one to change sight's on this weapon? However, I
have always insisted on using the factory red-ramp
front sight on models that were available with this
feature.

FootNote- I think different colored inserts are available
from the factory? Also, the McGivern "gold bead" might
still be available; I don't know.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[singlestack9]

I guess it all really boils down to whether I like the 5", the 6", or the 6.5" barrel length.

Any feedback on the advantages/disadvantages of each choice?

[Ala Dan]

The 5" barrel is "just right" for pack'in and woods use.
Plus, its accurate enough for deer sized game.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[singlestack9]

Any thoughts on which barrel length is ballistically a better choice?

The difference of an extra 150 fps would probably have a significant effect on how the bullet interacts with the target. Especially given the way any particular .44 Mag load is designed.

Is there a standard barrel length that standard factory .44 Mag loads are designed optimally for?

[WESHOOT2]

Just get the gun that feels best to you; the ammo won't really know.

[Kamicosmos]

Recently I chrono'ed my 'slightly warm' .44 Mag load in my 3 .44s:
23 grains H110, 240 grain TMJ (Rainers)
5.5 Inch Redhawk = 1280 fps
12" Contender = 1650 fps
18" Marlin 1894s = 1800 fps

Same load, 3 different barrels. Recoil of this load is pretty stout out of the Redhawk, big boom and flash even at an outdoor range. The Marlin takes them comfortably, quite pleasant to shoot.

The next morning my shoulder was pretty sore though! heh....ouch.

As far as your question goes, in your application, I don't see how you can go wrong with the Redhawk. 5.5 in for easy packing, I wouldn't worry about getting a longer barrel. Even if you got the 7.5 inch, you'd only pick up maybe 50-75 fps anyways. Bullet selection is what you need to worry about.

[Hot brass]

I pack a 7.5 Super blackhawk, with 300gr hard cast lead bullets all in a cheep hunter holster. Works for me.

[giese]

According to what I have read here I should consider the ruger and the S&W. With no mention of the taurus I will remove it from my list. THis does involve saving a few more bucks especially if I go with the S&W but I want quality l and plan on keeping this piece for a while.

Now how much should I expect to pay for each? I got quotes for the 629 at $619 and a Super Redhawk at $539 but i dont think the super red comes in 5.5 in barrel or less, correct me if I am wrong.

[Ala Dan]

Hello giese!

First of all, the Ruger Redhawk series .44 magnum is
available with a 5.5" barrel; according to their
website.

I'm not completely sure about the price of the Ruger; but
the $619 figure seems real close to the Smith & Wesson
"Classic" model 629. Your best bet may be to try and
find a dealer that has a new 629 or Redhawk for that
matter, that has set on the shelf and collected a little
bit of dust. Often times these folks will bend over back
wards to make a sale; and you usually can negotiate
a reasonable price. Good Luck! and lets us know how
you come out?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member