Help with my first big bore revolver.

[blueskyjaunte]

That is the great benefit of .460 S&W. The downside is that you have to lug around an enormous X-frame.

 

[buck460XVR]

That is the great benefit of .460 S&W. The downside is that you have to lug around an enormous X-frame.

IMHO, That's only a downside if you are looking for a secondary or backup. You'll see earlier in this thread that I did not recommend the .460, nor even the .454. I recommended the .44 mag as that is all most folks need or want. While the .454 is quite tame outta a X-Frame, it is brutal outta many other platforms. If one wants a .460 platform, then shooting .454 outta it is a viable option. That said, my 10 1/2'' P.C. Compensated Hunter weighs no more than the handgun caliber carbines I hunt with, has more energy, easier to maneuver and more accurate, and carries in my hands or with the sling just as easily. This even in applications of stalking and or still hunting. So I don't consider it as "lugging" around when being used as a primary hunting firearm. If I am carrying a carbine, I don't even consider it as a backup or secondary firearm....that's what the shorter piped .44s and .357s are for. I also have a P.C. 7 1/2'' .44 Magnum Hunter that is a primary hunting weapon carried in a bandolier holster, but not considered when wanting a back-up or secondary firearm. It, like the X-Frame is not a do-all firearm, but very good at what it does. They are not for everybody, or every application, but not many firearms are.We are fortunate that at this time in history, if we can find one for sale, there are a multitude of options out there for handguns. Many are do-alls and many are job specific. Some are for the masses and some are for the few. One should define the priorities and the parameters of usage before deciding on any.

 

[TwoEyedJack]

I started out with a SBH in .44 mag, back when you could only get a 7.5" barrel. It was a nice shooter, but the square trigger guard was hard on the knuckles of the left hand. I hated how it rode in a holster. So I sold it and bought a BH in .41 mag that had a 6.5" barrel. One inch does not sound like a big difference, but it is. My particular .41 has a factory fitted steel grip frame. This makes it very comfortable to shoot even full power (1,000 ft. lb.) loads. If I could have gotten a .44 with the round trigger guard and a 6.5" barrel, I probably would have stayed with the .44. But the .41 really does grow on you. I now have a companion rifle in .41, a Marlin 1894FG. In terms of performance, there is really very little difference between the .44 (.429) and the .41 (.411).

 

[35 Whelen]

A good, stout .44 Special can be handloaded to the levels of standard factory .44 Magnum ammunition. Armed with that information, get your hands on a new production 5 1/2" Ruger Flat Top or one of the Ruger Bisley's in .44 Special. Hold it. Touch it. Daydream... From that point on, you'll either understand forever, or you never will.

35W

 

[Eb1]

I had the battle of choosing a Lipsey blued .44 SPC and the stainless .44 MAG when I bought my SA Big Bore. I went with the Magnum. Both were 5.5 inches.
The special had cylinder clicks that stopped the hole in the gate. The magnum does not.
The Lipsey looked better. I kick myself sometimes for passing on it, but I bought the magnum for my only son the day he was born, and I figured the Magnum would be a nice keep sake for the boy.
Plus I like to push it past 1200 fps evey now and then. I will probably get the Lipsey one day. I know I will.

 

[CraigC]

Here are two of the Taffin books you need.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=172473

 

[22-rimfire]

Making my way through the posts, but I do recommend buying Max Prasac book "Big-Bore Revolvers". He obviously has his preferences and pretty much deals only in currently available guns. His book speaks common sense and the realities of shooting big bore calibers.

I think buying a big bore for protection and hunting entails two separate revolvers. Double action revolvers have a lot of appeal for protection and double versus single action makes no practical difference hunting.

Look at the 475 Linebaugh/480 Ruger closely. For protection, I would choose the Ruger Alaskan in 480 Ruger with loads around 1000 fps and a hard cast bullet. I just hope Ruger starts making them soon. Nobody has seen a newly made one. For hunting, I would choose a 6.5" BFR in 475/480. If you prefer a shorter barrel, Magnum Research can build you one with a shorter barrel. I have a Ruger SRH in 480, but I like the BFR better if not going with a custom.

When Ruger came up with the 480 Ruger... it didn't catch on primarily due to the same gun (SRH) in 454C and the introduction of the 460 and 500 S&W in the X-frame guns. But the 480 Ruger can really do it all. It's sad that hunters have not taken to that caliber. The 475L= +1.

The 454C has little appeal to me. But it truly IS the caliber that brought big bore shooting to the common man. I just think there are better choices available now. If these big ones don't appeal to you, then I would go for a 44 mag (although I prefer 41 mags). I saw a 3" 629 the other day and that would be a good choice for defensive purposes.

 

[CraigC]

For protection, I would choose the Ruger Alaskan in 480 Ruger with loads around 1000 fps and a hard cast bullet.

Agreed on the .480, it is truly a shame that it hasn't caught on. It really is a better and more practical cartridge than either X-frame chambering. For the Alaskan, there is very little a 425gr@1000fps won't handle.

 

[Kachok]

I like the idea of the 480 Ruger, but I have never known a person in RL that owns one, nor have I ever seen one in person. I know the ins and out of the 44 vs 45 cal handguns to some extent but I will give the 480 a closer look, being a handloader I am not scared of an oddball caliber if it performs it's intended task perfectly (hence the 6.5x55)

 

[35 Whelen]

I'm fairly new to big bore revolvers, so bear with me. In the OP, he states he wants a handgun for hunting and hog protection. I think it's safe to say that having to protect oneself from a wiild hog attack is akin to winning a Power Ball Lotto. I say this having tromped through the hunting fields following bird dogs. calling turkeys and hunting deer for nearly 40 years in Texas where it's a safe assumption that every river and creek bottom in the state is gonna have hogs in it. Every hog I've ever seen, including some pretty big boars and sows with babies, ran like greyhounds at first hint of human beings.

That being said, are the gigantic revolvers hurling close to 1 oz. chunks of lead really necessary for hunting deer and for protection from a hog attack that likely will never happen? When I was heavy into quail hunting, I often carried an S&W 25-5 stoked with 250 gr. SWC's @ 1000 fps. Never occurred to me that I didn't have enough gun.

I certainly don't begrudge anyone for wanting to carry such a handgun....

 

[22-rimfire]

I agree with you 35 Whelen. The 45 Colt is enough gun for hawgs. When I made my 480/475 suggestion, I was thinking that maybe protection would include something larger than a hawg. You can get something like 4 or 5 feet of penetration with hardcasts from either a 480 or 475. It is a serious bone crusher.

I would personally carry a 4" 41 mag because I shoot them fairly well for hawg "protection", but would see little reason to carry it in addition to my 6.5" BFR 475/480 if I were hunting with ranges within 125 yds. Yeah, the longer barrel would make the revolver a little slower at close ranges. Beyond that, I think you are better off with a 454C or 460 S&W.

 

[CraigC]

A properly loaded .44Spl also makes a wonderful woods packin' pistol. A 250gr at 950fps (Skeeter load) is all one usually needs.

 

[35 Whelen]

A properly loaded .44Spl also makes a wonderful woods packin' pistol. A 250gr at 950fps (Skeeter load) is all one usually needs.

Agreed. My Flat Top slides in the same holster as my Colt clone. Reasonably light and oh so handy with more than enough power.

 

[Catpop]

Not trying to change the line of thought, but curious, is a.38 spc enough for wild hawgs. I used to cruise timber everyday in the 1970 to 1990 era. I carried a .38 M60 S & W everyday, mainly for snakes and wild dogs. I've done many hog killings, but all we ever used was a .22. Do I need to up grade to a bigger piece?

 

[Eb1]

I have killed hogs with a .22 LR with shots behind the ear, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with a.38 SPC revolver. Maybe at 10 yards I would.
I wouldn't go out specifically with a .38 SPC revolver to hunt hogs.

The .22 LR in a rifle is a little different story. It is more accurate with it being scoped, and I know I could hit behind the ear with it.

I would how ever feel much better with a .44 Magnum or larger for hogs. A lot of difference with a .44 Magnum and a .38 SPC.
Although if you feel like you can hit a 3" circle every time with a .38 at 40 yards. Then it might work out.
I wouldn't shoot at the should with a .38 SPC. I'd take a bow over a .38 SPC.

 

[wlewisiii]

Given my understanding of the OP, he should have a double action in either .44 Magnum or .45 Colt. I personally prefer the Colt but there is no real world difference if you hand load. Beyond those you get into silly stuff like X-Frames that are best ignored as the fantasies of bean counters counting on foolish buyers.

This is a backup weapon so it needs to be easily handled - a 4" barrel would be best, it seems to me.

Beyond that I doubt there is anything other than personal preference. Find a gun that fits your hand and learn how to draw it fast and aim it accurately. I have a 625-9 Mountain Gun (that's .45 Colt) with Ahrends grips on it. In a bad situation, I'd take it over anything else I've ever owned and would recommend one in either .44 or .45 to anyone in need of such a weapon.

 

[Catpop]

Thanks for quick response Eb1. Looks like I may need start toting my sp101 in lew of the m60 . But the m60 is so light and compact. Drats!

 

[336A]

I think that a properly loaded .38 SPL would be ok as long as it was used within it's capabilities. On another forum a member told his story of taking a doe in deer season beneath his tree stand. His S&W Model 60 was loaded with the Lyman #358430 200gr bullet ahead of 2400. The bullet broke the spine, went through the chest cavity, traveled the length of the front leg and shattering it before exiting and plowing into the frozen earth never to be recovered.

I would think that a load like that should work nicely on a porker. Over at the cast boolit forum NOE was comissioned to do a 200gr SWC group by mold. From the testing that I've read that was done with that bullet is that it drives deep and straight as an arrow. Even the Lyman #358430 200gr bullet made it through 6 water jugs when started at only 750fps. Granted there are a lot of times that I'd like to have my .41 mag on my hip, but there are no shot shells made for the .41 mag unlike the .38 SPL.

 

[Eb1]

I have taken wounded deer that was shot in the hind quarters at 8 yards with a 32 H&R stub nose, but I wouldn't go hunting with it.
I shot it in the neck, broke two vertebrae, and severed the spine. Optimal hunting caliber? Possibly out of a rifle with a limitation of 50 yards.
My 32 H&R magnum stopped in the opposite side skin after breaking the neck. Total bullet penetration at 8 yards was 9". The 100 grain XTP mushroomed perfectly.

but there are no shot shells made for the .41 mag unlike the .38 SPL.

Sure there are. You just have to make them. Easily made with playing cards #9 shot and a Classic Lee Loader. Oh yeah, Elmer's glue.

This is all off topic though.

 

[RCL]

I'm gonna throw my 2 cents in here ..... there's probably more components out there right now for the .44 than most other big bore cartridges, even in today's tight conditions. Should be able to scare up a pound of Unique, 2400 or 110/296 some where, along with bullets and primers. Having loaded .44 Mag, .45 Colt and 454 Casull, it always seemed like it was easier to get the .44 to perform well than the others. And there's always some .44 Special brass kickin around for some light play time loads.

My take on a good packin gun.....I like the Model 629 4", but with a standard weight barrel.....seems like it tames the recoil some over the light tube on a Mountain Gun. Not that the recoil is harsh, just seems "whippy" to me with the light barrel. With a proper holster and belt, you won't notice the little bit of extra weight.
I never really got used to the feel of the one Redhawk I had, although I really liked the gun overall. I never found an aftermarket grip that didn't leave the gun sitting to high in the hand, and the stock grip, while it shot the best, never had that perfect feel to me, not like an N frame Smith does with Hogue's.

For a single action my preference is for a Bisley model Blackhawk as others have said.....I like the way the Bisley frames feels and shoots as compared to the standard or dragoon style grip frames. Again in .44 of course, although the one I have now is a .45.

If you feel the need for more power, it's hard to beat the .454 Casull in a Freedom Arms revolver.....you should probably find someone who has one though and see if you can shoot a few out of it. The grip frame on the Freedom Arms revolvers is a love/hate kind of thing....I had the factory fitted micarta grips on mine, and I liked the way they fit my hand. I never had much problem shooting full house loads under a 300 grain bullet....learning to roll with the recoil helps.

I think a Smith 629 4" would probably be the most practical myself.....easier to do more things with it.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I like the idea of the 480 Ruger, but I have never known a person in RL that owns one, nor have I ever seen one in person.

I have not owned one, but I do have a little bit of real world experience with the caliber in a 7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk. It had a Leupold scope on it (not sure of the power), and it was wicked accurate.
Recoil was not nearly as bad as I expected, very manageable. Comparable to my .45 Ruger Blackhaw with "Ruger Only" loads.
The guy that owned it shot a whitetail doe with it at 110 yds and it was dead in it's tracks with complete penetration.

 

[Jitterbug]

I'm an old small guy and a 4" 629 in a Simply Rugged pancake works for me, I can easily carry it concealed with a cover shirt or jacket and this is important for me.

My "woods load" is a 280 gr. WFNGC Bear Tooth Bullet over enough H110 to get it going 1150 fps, I don't want to push the N frame with anything hotter or heavier then that.

I travel were there is lot's of Moose, Bulls and Buffalo and the occasional Grizz and I figure this load is a bear minimum.

There have been times when I wished I had the 4 5/8 SBH with a 300 gr. bullet in the honest to goodness 1200 fps range and one of these days will probably get one. For me that would probably be about all the handgun I'd want to pack on my hip or shoot.

This is about the most potent package I can handle carrying on my hip while on the trout streams and trails in my neck of the woods. For anything more powerful I'd probably want a carbine.

A 1911 Dan Wesson Commander in 10mm, pushing a 200 gr. WFNGC BTB at 1150 fps is a favorite and it's more comfortable to carry all day, it's the one that get's picked if the largest wild animal would be a black bear. If I were east of the Mississippi, especially in the southeast it would probably be all the gun I'd ever need.

But, when face to face with a cow Moose I have to admit the .44 feels a bit more comfortable on the hip.

 

[Kachok]

I'm fairly new to big bore revolvers, so bear with me. In the OP, he states he wants a handgun for hunting and hog protection. I think it's safe to say that having to protect oneself from a wiild hog attack is akin to winning a Power Ball Lotto

It is much more common then you would think, as I said my poor brother has been charged twice in the past five years, both times managed to get up a tree, another friend of mine was run up a tree recently too, seems pretty common around here though I myself have never been charged, but I don't often hunt the river bottom like they do.

 

[35 Whelen]

It is much more common then you would think, as I said my poor brother has been charged twice in the past five years, both times managed to get up a tree, another friend of mine was run up a tree recently too, seems pretty common around here though I myself have never been charged, but I don't often hunt the river bottom like they do.

I don't doubt in the least what you say, but I wonder if the hogs were actually charging, or just happened to run the wrong way as they don't have very good eyesight.

On a side note, when I was a teen, we raised hogs, mostly as show prospects. We had primarily Durocs although I had a Hampshire and a Yorkshire sow in addition to my Duroc and Dad had a herd of his own. Mine were VERY large sows, but very, very gentle as I had shown them in 4-H. Once in the farrowing house however, their personalitites changed and they could be very aggressive when their babies were handled for clipping needle teeth and ear notching. Contrary to legend, none of the boars I was exposed to including ours, and I mean not one of them, was aggressive in the least.

There are wild hogs on my property occassionaly, and they live on the creek north of the house. They very seclusive.

 

[Jaymo]

There's a huge difference between shooting a domestic hog in the brain with a .22, and trying to shoot a mean, pissed off feral 700+ pounder.
Pumphouse shots on swine require a lot of penetration, and the bigger the wound channel, the better.
Feral hogs get plenty big and mean in the Southeast USA. We had a 750 pounder killed in Fayette County, GA.
The longer they live in the wild, the meaner they get.
Kuhnhausen doesn't call 'em "Poor man's grizzly bear" for nothing.