New .44 Which Gun
- Thread starter wcwhitey
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black mamba
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- Feb 29, 2020
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My vote goes for a 629 Classic 5 inch. You may have to look a while to find one for your $1200, but one that doesn't look too new will still probably be a great shooter.
Anchorite
Member
A good .44 is about as good as it gets. As others have pointed out, any reputable manufacturer today puts out a decent product that they will support in the event it’s ever needed. You just can’t go wrong with a modern, double-action .44 revolver. It’s going to come down to personal preference.
sabbfan
Member
I have a Smith Model 69 4.25” barrel. It’s accurate and pretty pleasant with my light lead loads, my full power loads are a handful. The full power ones are for my SRH and Henry rifle but tried them out in the 69 and it was manageable. I’ll admit the trigger isn’t as nice as my GP100 357 but I’ve put more rounds through the Ruger so the Smith might get just as good over time. I’d recommend it for an easily carried revolver when you’re out and about in the
woods.
woods.
tbob38
Member
In my view if you want a DA 44 magnum, you need at least one S&W Mod 29. If you want the 44 Special, one or more S&W Mod 24 or 21.
A question for the OP. You mentioned you have many 44 Magnum rounds already loaded. Does every round you shoot have to be a Magnum? It did for me, for about a decade, until I learned that a 44 or 45 caliber bullet at 900-1000 fps was more than enough for the type of hunting I did.
If you are still inflicted with magnumitis, get a 44 Magnum. If more sedates loads might appeal to you, get a 44 Special. Of course Specials can be fired in Magnums.
Either way, I recommend something that looks like this.
Kevin
If you are still inflicted with magnumitis, get a 44 Magnum. If more sedates loads might appeal to you, get a 44 Special. Of course Specials can be fired in Magnums.
Either way, I recommend something that looks like this.
Kevin
Targa
Member
You have the SBH to handle the hottest loads the .44 has to offer so I guess my vote would go to a 29 of some variation. If you want to stick with a steady diet of barn burning loads then my vote changes to the Ruger.
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roval
Member
what mount did you use for the ultradot on the SRH. which ultradot model is that ? been thinking of mounting one on mine. is that a 1 inch tube in which case i could use the mounts that came with the gun.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
It's the standard UltraDot 30mm in Leupold rings. I like them better than Ruger rings and they are lower to boot. The Ruger 30mm rings are way too high.
OP
OP
wcwhitey
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Narrowed it down to the following, sent the request to my favorite LGS's see what they come back with for availability.
S&W Model 29 Classic 4"
Model 629 3" or the 629 Performance Center
All 3 within budget, I will just have to get over the lock. I considered the Model 69 but I cannot get over the two tone latch, hammer and trigger.
S&W Model 29 Classic 4"
Model 629 3" or the 629 Performance Center
All 3 within budget, I will just have to get over the lock. I considered the Model 69 but I cannot get over the two tone latch, hammer and trigger.
brutus51
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There's a 629 pre-lock mountain gun available on gun broker.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/888200956
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/888200956
Jonny V
Member
Yeah get the one without the Hillary hole!
roval
Member
can you tell me the model number or name of the rings. I've been googling but all i see have the same height rings. doesn't one need to be taller than the other to mount a scope or red dot level.
Have three 44 specials, an original Bulldog, a 4" 624, and the new new model Blackhawk 44 sp. Barrels are 3, 4, and 4 3/4 respectively. Each has a purpose but for sheer enjoyment, the 624 shoots the best. I was looking for a Taurus 44 when my friendly dealer asked me if, for the same money, if the Smith, lightly used, might work. Duh.
Nothing the matter with several of the previously mentioned. Ruger , Dan Wesson , I liked my Taurus Tracker but was concerned about it holding up with heavy loads. Their Model 44 should do well. I shot standard 240 grain loads from the Tracker. Personal choice for me would be the S&W M29 or M629.
Gary W. Strange
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When I was younger, I was crazy about 44 magnums. I thought it was tops. I loaded my own and loaded pretty warm stuff. As I got older, the stiff recoil was not as easy on me. I started shooting more 44 special, in the 850-1000 FPS range. I found it would do everything I needed a handgun to do, in my neck of the woods. I then caught on to true 44 Special revolvers. I started out with one of the Ruger flattops and liked it. Later I found a like new S&W model 624, one from the run they did in the 1980s, and I fell in love with it. To me, there is no better looking revolver, than a N frame S&W, 4” tapered barrel. They just look, feel and balance right and they are a tad lighter than a model 29 or 629. Not much but if you carry it, in a belt holster, you notice the difference. Later on I wanted a good high grade single action 44 Special and started looking at what was available. I thought about having a Ruger worked over and customized, but found it would cost more than a Freedom Arms model 97. I was looking on the Freedom Arms website, one evening,at what they had in stock, which at that time, they didn’t have much stock and was backlogged 6 months to a year, and seen they had one model 97, 4 1/4” barrel in 44 special. I called to verify they had it, they did. I ask them to hold it, until I could get my dealer to order it it. The next morning, I had my dealer order it and had it in my hand, in about 3 days. It is about the weight of a Colt SAA and a little smaller, in frame size. I ordered an El Paso Saddlery, Three person cross draw holster for it. It has become my favorite woods carry revolver. For what most would need a big bore revolver for, the 44 Special would cover, in power. They won’t wear you out carrying it, in a holster and won’t beat you up shooting it. A good 250 grain bullet at 1000 FPS will take deer size game with ease. The 44 special is a fine round and the revolvers chambered for it are some very neat revolvers. I still own and shoot 44 magnums but not as much as I once did. The magnums have their place but why endure the recoil, when you don’t have too.
my S&W model 624
my Freedom Arms model 97
GeoDudeFlorida
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Sweet pieces. I have a 10" barrel for my Contender, a 7-1/2" Ruger SBH and a Ruger M77/44 carbine and that's it in .44Magnum. I have four .44Spl revolvers - two Taurus, one Rossi, and one Uberti/Colt 1872. I've had more over the years plus a couple of other .44 magnums but like you, I find unless I really need some range and penetration, the .44 Special does everything I need a handgun cartridge to do. Then again, my philosophy is, "The purpose of a handgun is to fight your way to a rifle." I carry a sidearm in the swamps and fields when close enough to home to walk but too far to shout. Beyond walking distance, I bring a rifle.
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ArkieVol
Member
I have a bunch of 44's but if it came down to just one it would this one...a 4" 624.
Others have their use and appeal and I like them all but, overall, the 624 is the most versatile.
Others have their use and appeal and I like them all but, overall, the 624 is the most versatile.
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