Help me with my revolver choice

I would encourage you to look at the Ruger GP100 as well. I was not a ruger fan at all until I picked one of those up. I was basically all but set on the 686 until I found the GP100. It also comes in a 5" limited edition barrel.

I'd rather have the 629. I prefer the balance of a Smith with the smooth trigger, and a 44 mag is a bigger hole than 357. I used to be an opponent of the 44 mag/spcl but have seen the light so to speak.

If your the type that likes to punish yourself with hot loads I'd get the Ruger. I don't like how I can feel the trigger 'stage', I had a really nice 41 Mag SRH for a while.

For hunting, I really like my Ruger Blackhawks. I have a Hunter Model in 41 Mag that I adore.

If the DA is more your style, go for the 629 or look at a Redhawk.

I prefer bigger holes for hunting. Depending on where you are and what you hunt, 357 may or may not be adequate.

Of the choices you listed I would go with the S&W 629. I carry one almost every day but it is a 3" 44. For deer hunting or virtually any thing else I prefer the 44. The exception is CC but then I use a 1911.

For deer, either bigbore you listed. A load adequate for deer in a pistol will be punishing on your hand and wallet and still limit you to about a hundred yards for a small deer, less for a thick bodied mulie or such. A 41, 44 or 45 will give you that extra bit of punch to extend your range and ensure a ethical harvest. Less walking too. Of the pistols you listed, I'd tend toward the Ruger SBH Hunter. Tough as nails and a fool proof recoil proof scope mount included with the purchase price.

Being different, of those listed I'd go with the Talo 686 .357. It'll allow the most shooting for your dollars invested and will be plenty adequate for deer. I'd prioritize my most frequent use over a "maybe" use that it will still be be able to handle.

Question for the OP.

What wild game will you be hunting?

R-

At what range?

I'm with Schwing.

If you're looking for a .357, I would very seriously look at a GP 100.
They're built like tanks, to last until your great-great grandchildren fight over who gets it.

The 686 is, IMHO, absolutely one of the finest revolvers ever produced. I leaned towards the GP100 but will own a 686 as well in the future... You do need at least one for each hand.

629 will increase take down power and thus versatility for hunting. 357 is more fun and cheaper to shoot.

I like the 686 TALOs, but I don't care for the 7" version. It seems a bit off balace to me when I handled one, but I realize you want the long pipe for hunting.

I wanted one I could shoot a deer with, and slap targets with out a ways. I just picked this one up a few weeks ago.

S&W 686 Performance Center Competitor

Just throwing it out there as another option.

After taking maybe a dozen deer or more with a .357.........I would suggest looking at .44mag or .45 Colt for deer. (you asked)

.......That SBH Hunter sounds good to me.

Since hunting is an issue, I prefer the 629 but I enjoy shooting my 686 more.

I like the N frames a lot, but the SBH Hunter can handle a steady diet of real .44 Mag loads.
Not the watered down, glorified .44 Specials the ammo companies currently make in deference to the weakness of the N frame (when it comes to shooting full power mag ammo)
N frames are damned nice guns. No question. But, they can not handle a steady diet of full power mag ammo.

I have to agree with Jaymo, that of the three revolvers listed the Super Blackhawk is best suited for the full house loads you would use when deer hunting. The Model 686 (or a Ruger GP-100), would be a great choice if used more for target shooting or for the occasional deer.

I am assuming you had problems with the 357 getting the job done.

Click to expand...

I never lost a deer that I shot with a .357. My tracking skills have been put to the test though. I suggest premium hp or sp bullets if you are taking deer with a .357. If you dont get any expansion or energy dump, a .357 punches a pretty small hole. Don't get me wrong...I like my .357s, and have several. My SD, CCW, are .357s, but I bought a .45Colt to hunt deer with.
Illinois had a "handgun only" season for antlerless deer for several years before it became "late season" and any legal firearm was allowed.....and I just like hunting with a handgun.

get the 629 44 magnum. the other two are heavier. you already have a 686 for 357mag deer hunting.

44 special loads for punching paper and a 240 gn xtp at about 1300 fps for the deer.

murf