Which 44 mag?

ruger
or bfr

You should be able to find a SBH used that will scratch that itch. Mine is a great shooter. (But I don’t have a lever gun—yet!)

I don’t think you can go wrong with the Model 29. The new 29-10 is stronger than previous versions and sells new for less than the earlier guns, which have become collectible.

BFR.....love mine.



Can't go wrong with the Ruger in both flavors - Super Blackhawk and Super Redhawk.

I've had a S&W model 29, a Ruger Redhawk, and a super blackhawk. All are excellent shooters, but the S&W I shot out of time, so I vote Ruger of some variety.

adcoch1 said:

I've had a S&W model 29, a Ruger Redhawk, and a super blackhawk. All are excellent shooters, but the S&W I shot out of time, so I vote Ruger of some variety.

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Smith and Wesson addressed that problem years ago.

http://www.sixguns.com/range/SmithWesson44Mag.htm

Rudolph31 said:

Smith and Wesson addressed that problem years ago.

http://www.sixguns.com/range/SmithWesson44Mag.htm

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The Endurance Package does not fix the inherent weaknesses to the design, however, they are better with the Endurance Package than without. I love my Model 29s, but I don't do any heavy lifting with them anymore.

629 Classic

I own the Redhawk, my wife shoots light loaded 44spl out of it, I shoot moderate, and just below magnum loads out of it.

Super Redhawk, even comes with the rings to mount your scope.

MaxP said:

The Endurance Package does not fix the inherent weaknesses to the design, however, they are better with the Endurance Package than without. I love my Model 29s, but I don't do any heavy lifting with them anymore.

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You are obviously more experienced with these guns than I am, so I’ll concede the point. It looks like a M29 would be a poor choice for a competitor that shoots thousands of rounds, but what about normal use? I only shoot a couple hundred rounds a year with mine and it looks like it will outlive me.

brewer12345 said:

I have always wanted a 44 mag revolver

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Have you shot many (or any) with high-end loads? I ask because different grips and grip frames make a big difference to the experience. The right grip/grip frame can make it easy. The wrong grip frame can make it miserable. And you won't know til you try.

Rudolph31 said:

You are obviously more experienced with these guns than I am, so I’ll concede the point. It looks like a M29 would be a poor choice for a competitor that shoots thousands of rounds, but what about normal use? I only shoot a couple hundred rounds a year with mine and it looks like it will outlive me.

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It was the Metallic Silhouette shooters who really tested the limits of their revolvers. Normal use (240 grain loads) should be no issue with the Model 29, but when you ramp it up, you will shoot 'em loose. Just a fact of life. No criticism to S&W as there probably is no more elegant a .44 Magnum, but the N-frame was designed around the .44 Special and never intended for a cartridge as powerful as the .44 Mag. I however still own Model 29s and always will. I just don't beat on them.

Perhaps a 5 1/2" Uberti Cattleman might do the trick, nice match for your lever gun.

A single action is a perfect match for a lever action rifle. Ruger Super Blackhawk with scope rings is a good choice if that is to your liking. However, the double action revolver does have advantages in the loading and unloading as well as speed of fire. S&W DA revolvers of recent manufacture are factory drilled and tapped for optics and a plenty strong enough for anything but the hottest handloads. I have a 1974 model 29-2 that has digested thousands of factory and handloads without a hitch.I also have a modern 629-6 that is an excellent revolver also. The Redhawks are good revolvers but I prefer S&W action as well as it’s appearance. You may feel otherwise after trying both.

Rudolph31 said:

Smith and Wesson addressed that problem years ago.

http://www.sixguns.com/range/SmithWesson44Mag.htm

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As maxp stated, they are a lot more durable with the endurance package upgrade, but not Ruger or BFR strong. I just wish I would have known since that S&W was my favorite handgun ever. So, if only for occasional magnum use, and a healthy diet of 44 special type loads, by all means get the 29. If you want to ONLY shoot magnums? Go Ruger or better.. My $0.02

brewer12345 said:

I have always wanted a 44 mag revolver to go with the lever. What I have in mind is a 6 inch barrel, suitable for hunting, solidly built and with good accuracy. Can be new or used. The ability to add an optic at some point is a major plus. Is a super black hawk the default here?

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Before buying a SBH I would suggest seeing if you can shoot one before you do. I like mine but at my age the plow handle really sucks with anything over a 44 special load.
If it had a Bisley grip it would be awesome.

The Super Blackhawk Hunter would be a good option for you.
I like the lines of a single action to be paired with a lever gun.
And if you really want an optic, they have integral mounts.

Ruger, Redhawk for double action, Super Blackhawk for single action.

I like my 629-4 quite a bit. Pondered a Redhawk or Blackhawk as well but found the Smith first.

Hi...
Look for a used Dan Wesson double action revolver.
It will handle any sane load and if anything like mine deliver superb accuracy. The interchangeable barrels are a big plus.

Ruger Super Blackhawk or Redhawk, both stainless.
Rugged, accurate, and simple construction.
No side plate on the Redhawk, so a solid and stronger frame, and easier to disassemble than a Model 29 Smth.
Stainless is just more attractive, I think, and easier to tune up with slip stones, emery paper, and polishing compound, should you need to.
No cold blue needed for a touch-up, and holster wear is invisible.

I'm a big fan of the 629's, but don't shoot anything over 240gr and I keep them under book max.

Currently, I've only got this 5" 629 classic.


But it does everything I need a large handgun for.