[zombienerd]

I'm kinda new to the revolver world, but not new around handguns.

I'm looking for a "seriously overpowered" hand cannon... I've looked at quite a few recently (500S&W, 454 Casull, etc), and I'm leaning toward the Ruger 44 Remington Mag mostly because of the price point. All the other "Big" revolvers are far too expensive for my Christmas budget :D

My question to you all: Can you think of a better revolver with equal or more "bang" for the buck at under $500?

The specific Model I'm looking at:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70182

Also, if anyone knows of a downside to the Blackhawk line, I'd be more than glad to hear that also :)

Thanks.

[Colton White]

I have the ruger never ever had a problem with it. 44 mag is as big as anyone needs to go for a practical pistol. get the ruger you will have your cannon and you can afford to own and shoot it.

[oneounceload]

If you reload, then the 44 can be loaded down for all day "plinking" or loaded up for serious bear-type defense loads

[Floppy_D]

I'm leaning toward the Ruger 44 Remington Mag mostly because of the price point.
Fair enough.

Can you think of a better revolver with equal or more "bang" for the buck at under $500?
No, not even a little. Shop around, and you can find them used for around $400.

Also, if anyone knows of a downside to the Blackhawk line, I'd be more than glad to hear that also.
Me too. They're built tough, accurate, I like the sights, I like the looks of it. It's really going to tame the recoil of the 44. I had a Super Blackhawk Hunter with a 7 1/2" barrel, and decided I wanted a shorter barrel, so I went with a 4 5/8" blued model.

I can't remember if you are a reloader or not, but you probably will be if you enjoy shooting it. Big revolver cartridges are really worth reloading for. Plus what oneounceload said.

[MichaelK]

I just bought one of the 50th aniversary Ruger .44's. It was only 350$ NIB at my gunshop.

[WalkAbout]

Maybe this? After taxes/transfer fees you'll be right at $500... Though there probably isn't much difference between the .44mag and .45LC. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable could give you bullet weights/velocities etc.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/774/products_id/411538407

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/774/products_id/411538328


HTH

b

[BlkHawk73]

Everyone's posting links to Buds but I'm wondering if it's for purchases or for simply a suggestion for which model. Remember, if you support your local dealer it'll pay off later on. Buying a regular model elsewhere and using them just for a transfer is kinda a slap in the face IMO. Sometimes saving a few dollars isn't worth it. ;)
That all said, I guess if someone simply wanted a big hole to make a loud noise that was "seriously overpowered" :roll: A Ruger would be a great choice.

[Magnumite]

44 Mag is one of the best cartridges ever. Virtually any power level up to its maximum pressure is achievable with handloads. The Super Blackhawk is one of the best revovlers out there in that cartridge. You can't go wrong with either the cartridge or the gun.

[swoter]

I have a Blackhawk in 44 mag with the 5.5" barrel. It balances very nicely, and doesn't have the dragoon type grip like the Super Blackhawk has. I load mine down to around 45 colt velocities with cast bullets, but occasionally buy some hot factory ammo just for the fun of it.

[Virginian]

I have owned a bunch of 44 Magnum wheelguns, in single and double action. All I have left is a Ruger Blackhawk and a Ruger Vaquero. Fun with 44 Specials too. You can get VERY serious when you want to with 44 Magnums.

[zombienerd]

Wow... Not one bad response :P That settles it :)

I think my mind is made up. I don't currently handload, but I have a feeling that a press is in my near future :)


Thanks for the input guys.

[zombienerd]

Edit... Answered my own question by reading the manual... Go figure...

[PattonTime]

I noticed that your link was for a Stainless Model, I have owned blued Blawkhawk in 45 Colt and a Blued Super Blackhawk in 44 mag , sold both , didn't like something about them.
Then I bought a Stainless Blackhawk in 45 Colt, I found it to be much more to my liking
the only difference I can tell is that it is all steel, the blued models have a alloy frame , or at least mine did.
I don't know why , but it made a lot of difference to me at least.
I would try to handle each at a store and see , maybe others like the blued guns feel and more traditional look.
I have also owned a Freedom Arms Model 97 45 Colt and Model 83 454 Casull I have settled on Ruger as my brand for Single actions. I like the looks of the Freedom guns but don't shoot them any better and would rather put my bigger budgets into Old Smiths and Colts.

[zombienerd]

For me, the Stainless is for Looks... I prefer a nice stainless finish over bluing any day. That's interesting that the frames are different between the two models though, I didn't know that.

[depcon3]

The gripframe is aluminum alloy. The frame of the gun itself will still be steel. The stainless Blackhawks use the stainless gripframe instead of the aluminum.

[svtruth]

A Redhawk and a Vaquero. Love 'em. Also have a Rossi levergun in .44, lots of fun.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The blued Super's have a steel grip frame--the regular Blackhawks's have an aluminium one.

[wheelgunslinger]

Yeah, buy it and start reloading.

If you truly are a nerd, reloading will tickle your nerd bone in ways that urbandead.com and Shaun of the Dead never could.

[SlamFire1]

A SuperBlack Hawk is an outstanding revolver. I bought a stainless the first production year it came in stainless, which was around 1983.

The mechanism is durable, has adjustable sights, a trigger job will give you a real decent trigger, it is accurate and strong.

I have kept mine.

[AKElroy]

I absolutely endorse the blackhawk. I love mine. Many will say it is heavy for caliber, even the .44. I disagree; it simply makes it fun to shoot. The way it rolls under recoil is unique to powerfull single actions & takes a little getting used to. You will come to see it as a virtue.

One word of caution--Any current auction that you solicit feedback on may instanly pick up a few bids & force a higher price point. Guess how I know---

[Maj Dad]

Got my Super Blackhawk at the Osan AB (Korea) Rod & Gun Shop in '75; carried it for almost a year on the DMZ (we were Intel Cowboys, 2d MID, Camp Casey :cool: ). Killed deer there, here & everywhere, and it's fired a million rounds of hot JHPs and mild lead SWCs and it's as tight as new. Doesn't look it by any means, but it's my favorite of a whole bunch of wheelguns. Go for it!
Cheers,
Maj Dad

[nulfisin]

One thing to consider, though: the bashing the Blackhawk trigger guard will give your "swear" finger. With a full-house .44 mag load, the trigger guard on my Blackhawk smacks my middle finger hard enough to make more than a half-dozen shots unpleasant. So, consider Bisley grips or a shooting glove if you are going to shoot magnum rounds very often.

.44 specials are a piece of cake. In fact, they're my favorite round. Enjoy,

[doubleh]

I love the Super Blackhawk but I'm not tough enough to shoot the regular Blackhawk in .44 mag. It makes mush out of my middle finger quickly.

[ilmonster]

I've had a SuperBlackhawk for two years now, and really like it (blued, 4 5/8"). I just bought a Square Deal reloader, and $6 for a box of .44 Spcl's is more like it. I shot 3 rounds of 1400 fps .44 Mag Gold Dots and wow, three was enough. 900 fps .44 spcl loads are just plain fun to shoot all day long. Love the versatility, well made and can't break it.

[owlhoot]

Others have mentioned the finger bashing issue with the SBH. This is no small matter, believe me. For me the problem is the squared off trigger guard. That right angle scapel can cut to the bone with hot loads. However, it isn't a problem with milder loads. I've had my SBH for 35 years, so I'm not looking to get rid of it, but I sure wish it had a round trigger guard.

With stout loads the perceived recoil is less with the SBH than either the Red Hawk or the S&W M29.

If I were in the market today, I believe I would look for an old model Bisley in .44 Mag. with a 5.5" barrel.

[zombienerd]

With all the "finger" problems, does anyone put a "recoil pad" on the bottom of the trigger guard? Small bit of silicone rubber, maybe wear a rubber o-ring on the middle finger when shooting?

If it's that bad, I'll figure out a way to make it stop without sacrificing power.

[Magnumite]

I tried that, didn't work out well. The dragoon trigger guard was put on there to get the trigger guard away from the hand more. I think, not sure, you could use a rounded trigger guard, but that doesn't change the dynamics of the gun. Your knuckle will still get 44'd. Until I went the different grips route, I even bandaided (3 of them) my finger for long shooting sessions with it. I still have a callouse on my middle finger knuckle after all the years shooting that revolver (got it new in 1980) without the grips. After some work it became apparent I'd be better off with different grips. I use the not so pretty Pachmyers on mine and can't complain a bit about the performance aspect of how it shoots. The rubber even causes a good of friction with the hand. Between the shape of the grips and the friction, much of the single action roll is gone.

In another thread on this site, I believe, I had stated these are the best grips for that pistol for me. Been on there for years and I intend to keep it that way. Not much for looks, but they work.

I had a Bisley 45 Blackhawk. Really didn't care for the grips and I like DA revolvers. I shot a friend's 475 Linbaugh conversion with a Bisley grip frame. The Bisley grips do work for heavy recoil.

[nulfisin]

As stated above, adding a Bisley grip (not cheap) or wearing a glove are really the only things that work on this gun. This may be heresy, but I just don't shoot the mag loads very often. What's the point of banging up your hand unless you're hunting or practicing for hunting? The .44 special rounds are a breeze to shoot and a great round in all respects; I'd stick with them if you are using a Blackhawk.

[swoter]

If you find a Super Blackhawk with 5.5" barrel, they came standard with a fluted cylinder and round trigger guard. Looks just like the rest of the Blackhawk family and has a steel grip frame. No finger bashing with this one. I don't care for the dragoon type grip either.

[goon]

One thing to consider, though: the bashing the Blackhawk trigger guard will give your "swear" finger. With a full-house .44 mag load, the trigger guard on my Blackhawk smacks my middle finger hard enough to make more than a half-dozen shots unpleasant. So, consider Bisley grips or a shooting glove if you are going to shoot magnum rounds very often.

.44 specials are a piece of cake. In fact, they're my favorite round. Enjoy,

I had a .45 Colt Blackhawk that smashed my middle finger as you describe. Didn't take me long to sell it.
Never owned a Super Blackhawk but I did shoot one before and even with full power factory loads it didn't have that problem. Somehow the squared triggerguard or the larger grip must have made a difference. I also didn't have that issue with the Bisley grip but that gun was only a .357.
A SBH is on my wishlist.

[Maj Dad]

The square guard on my SBH has never bothered me, full-house or mild loads. I never knew there was an issue with it until I read about it. Maybe I unconsciously accomodate my grip, but it's not a problem for me... :scrutiny:

[batmann]

The 5.5" and the 4 5/8's versions have the round trigger guard. I too do not like the squared guard and have had the same problem, wacking my fingers.

[Dark Tranquility]

Do these have the stupid integral locks under the grip panels or is it just a few specific models?

Thanks,

Dan

[Nick5182]

For an economical single action, Blackhawks are awesome. I own a new model convertible in .45 colt that also came with a .45 ACP cylinder. It's stainless with a 7.5" barrel. My brother owns the consecutively numbered twin. They are fantastic firearms both accurate and affordable. Can't go wrong with a blackhawk.

[OrangePwrx9]

As to the finger bashing from the squared trigger guard; there is a solution. I put a set of Pachmayr Presentation grips on mine a couple of decades ago. No finger bashing since. The grips fill in some of the space between the back of the guard and the grip frame. They extend up to the right angle on the squared trigger guard, so the guard can't hurt you.

They don't look quite as cool as stock, but they get the job done. Pachmayr Presentation grips have also helped my scores considerably with both my Super Blackhawk and my Redhawk. Cheap but effective.
Bob

On edit: My SBH has the 10.5" barrel and was a confirmed finger basher prior to the PP grips.

Also, handloading will enable shooting a wide variety of loads in a SBH. But the variety will also shoot to a variety of different POI's. Be prepared to alter your sight settings when you switch loads. Particularly when going between 'sledgehammer' and 'tackhammer' loads. Because of barrel time and recoil, I think this is worse in the longer barrelled guns.

[-eaux-]

never had any problem with finger-bashing from my SBH. 10.5"barrel a factor maybe?
i put a set of Hogue grips on it anyway, just to make it even easier on the paws (and to match the set of Hogue's on the 7.5" BH .357mag)
the SBH is really just a big bang and a push. the .357BH will wear me out much faster simply because the recoil is so much more of a snap.

[MADDOG]

Try to find an Old Model SBH [three screw]. Then you will have the original "4 clicker" SBH. I have one with a cut down 5" barrel. Great gun. Also I have no trouble with the squared trigger guard.

[Rugg_Ed]

I have had no problem over the last 40 + years with the Blackhawk, Supper Blackhawk, or the Red Hawk, in 44 Rem Mag. Hand loading gives a wide range of options to choice from. A vary mild plinking round to a full house big boom make noise, kill bear, deer, elk. I have shoot every thing from target to hunting loads with no regret.
Enjoy

[Radaray]

Buy that Ruger! You can't go wrong.
I've owned a 10 1/2" SBH for over 20 years and it has a Leupold 4X scope mounted on it. It is all the "hand cannon" I'd ever want. If it was any bigger, I'd have to put wheels on it to tote it around.
The squared off trigger guard that some complain about is no big deal. A pair of Hogue grips get rid of that in quick order. Your Blackhawk does not have that, so that is no concern of yours.
The 44 Remington Magnum is a great cartridge. You made a wise choice.

[thunder173]

My "most often carried" handgun for woods work is the .44 Mag SBH in 4 5/8's barrel. Pretty hard to beat with full mag loads,..accurate,...and is a hoot to shoot with .44 Specials as well. I have it matched up to a .44 mag Winchester 94AE Trapper. A great combination. Had them both out today in fact.

[goodtime]

Yeah, the Super Blackhawk is the "bang for the buck" champ. A bunch of guys have testified; there's not much more to say, but -- the 5.5" barrel version , as you've picked out, has the rounded trigger guard so you won't have the finger smashing issues with it. (that problem can easily be solved with aftermarked grips, anyway.) And regarding your desire for a "seriously overpowered" revolver, check out BuffaloBore.com for their 44 Mag ammo made specially for the Super Blackhawk et al, which comes very close to 454 Casull specs.

[ArmedBear]

The 5 1/2" and 4 5/8" guns don't just have a round trigger guard, they also have smaller grips.

I don't have any real trouble with the square one, and I shoot nothing but high-powered handloads in it, at fairly long ranges. If I ever pull the appropriate tag, I'll hunt with it. I have a regular .357 Blackhawk for messing with, so I have no real need to cook up downloaded ammo for the Super.:)