Colt Anaconda
S&W 29
Ruger Super Redhawk
I really like Colts, own a couple. No Smiths in the fleet right now. Own several Rugers.
I'm by no means a revolver expert but here's a thought or two...
I've owned a S&W 29 (4", Mountain Gun configuration) for some time and I really like that gun. It's a later model with the infamous "Hillary Hole" above the cylinder release. Surprisingly accurate for a short-ish barrel revolver, fit and finish are excellent and, dare I say it, bluing almost rivals that of my RB Python.
Recently I bought a 6" Anaconda. Not that I needed another or a better .44, I've just wanted one for quite a while. However, I'm disappointed with the rubber grip. I have size 10 hands and it's a bit on the small side and too narrow for the recoil - I've been wondering if it'll eventually leave a "COLT" -imprint on my palm. I'll need a set of good, wide target grips for mine. Trigger is fantastic, which may mean that I just got lucky. Many Anacondas seem to have a timing issue, caused by a common machining fault; the fitting of the hand is slightly loose in mine and when you cock it very slowly, it sometimes fails to lock the cylinder in battery. There's an easy fix for that but I haven't had time to open the side plate yet.
It's over 20 years since I've shot a SRH but I still have fond memories of it. Built like a tank. Too bad I don't like the looks, but that's just personal preference.
To sum this up...
- (6)29: a very nice gun, the proverbial .44, works right out of the box, I'd try to find an earlier model without the lock if I was in market for one
- Anaconda: future collectible, full-lug Python looks, make sure the timing is correct before you buy, supposedly very accurate
- SRH: probably the ultimate .44 if you're into hot loads and shoot a lot, slightly tool-like, which can also be a good thing
IMO you can't go wrong with any of these three.