Seeking advice on buying a 44 mag revolver

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Guns and Guitars

Guns and Guitars

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Hello Highroaders,

I'm new to the forum, but I've been using it as a resource for probably 10 years. I'm currently in the market for a new 44 mag revolver, but I'd like some input. I recently sold my Taurus M44 8.375" revolver because I wanted to upgrade to something nicer. I bought the Taurus when I was in grad school and broke. Now that I've been out of grad school for several years, I've been upgrading my collection of guitars and guns, primarily because I enjoy collecting, and I want my children to inherit some nice guns that they might not be able to find in the future. The Taurus had to be sent in for repairs right after I bought it, and there's no guarantee it won't have to be sent in again. I'm not going to make my kids deal with that mess.

I've narrowed my choices for a revolver down to the Smith & Wesson 629 6.5", Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5 or 9.5", and the Colt Anaconda (assuming I can actually find any of these in stock). I know the Ruger is built like a tank, but the gun is ugly. I know guns are tools, but my 44 is mostly going to be used for target shooting and looking nice on a shelf. My son and I might take it hog hunting, but that won't happen very often. I was thinking of buying a 629, but I'm reading just as many horror stories about them having problems as I did about Taurus revolvers failing. I've also heard that Colt Anacondas can be lacking in quality control, which is concerning given the price.

I'm admittedly vain when it comes to revolvers, so I want something that's attractive, but I don't want to waste money on a product that's going to give me and my kids headaches every 1000 rounds. If that's going to be the case, then I should just buy another Taurus M44, because at least they are nice to look at (I polished mine.). I'm not too worried about price, because even expensive guns are cheaper than nice American-made guitars. I'm just hoping for some unbiased opinions.

Thank you,
Jared

Edit: I should add that I already have a couple of SA revolvers, so I want the 44 to be a DA. I also like the full lug look. Weight doesn't really matter, because this will mostly be a range toy, and I'm a pretty big guy.
 
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In Double Action that Ruger SRH will serve you well. I have well over 1000 rounds through mine. I also have a SBH Hunter Bisley that is scoped and also has served me well but single action. I am a big fan of the Bisley because of the difference in recoil and the way it handles.. If you like the full under lug I guess you will need to hunt down an Anaconda
 
You mentioned a Super Redhawk but didn’t like the looks, how about the Redhawk? Here is a picture of mine, the trigger isn’t as nice as my S&W 629 but it isn’t bad either and I can shoot reloads through it that flat out can’t even chamber in the 629. With that said, when I can find a Anaconda at MSRP I am going to snatch it up.

AB5C6ACF-DC95-4754-85DB-404DE2FEB22B.jpeg

If you like full lugs here is my 629, very nice revolver and the trigger is wonderful

03B7743D-AC01-4261-908B-E97DEDAD32FC.jpeg
 
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Look around for a M29-3E or M29-4. They're old enough to have some collectability, but have the Endurance Package so they can take a high round count of full magnum loads, and nice to look at, but are not full lug. They are pre-lock and pre-MIM. They should sell in the $700-$1000 range for a Good condition or above
 
All the choices you mentioned seem like good ones, though I agree the Ruger is not the prettiest of the bunch.

I like to buy gently used revolvers when I can find them. If in your shoes I think I would be looking for an older S&W that doesn’t have the lock. If aesthetics are important, then the lock would ruin that for me. The 2 S&W .44s I have (a 29-3 and a 629-4) have very good triggers and work well. Look good too!

If you are looking for a 6.5” barrel IIRC that necessitates getting an older model as well. Good luck in your search and let us know what you get!
 
Thanks for the replies. I think I'm leaning towards the 629. Has anyone had issues with using standard loads. I don't reload, and I don't really have a need to shoot the hottest ammo available.

The Redhawk is nice, but there's just something about the full lug look. I only really fuss over triggers when it comes to hunting rifles. Ruger triggers are fine IMO (own several already).

I know of Dan Wesson firearms, but I'm not familiar with the models. Is there a big DW 44 that you'd suggest?
 
No flies on the S&W. I would go with one of the current models. Lots of nostalgia around the "good old days" - I've had both and would still go with a current production model. Certainly not "collectable" but a solid shooter, one that will last a lifetime (or several) with your stated use.

Just my opinion of course -- hope you enjoy whatever you choose.

Paul
 
The 29/629 is a great choice. No problems with factory magnum level rounds, but, they will get tiring. .44 Special or light to medium .44 Magnum rounds is a pleasure to shoot out of mine and is 90% of what I shoot in it. This will more than likely be the same with any of the choices. New or old, that’s personal. My 629 is a newer Deluxe model with the “lock”. Some hate it some don’t care. I bought mine to shoot, not for the investment and have gotten over it for that reason. If it bothers you do your research, plenty of 29/629’s out there just a matter of how much you want to spend. Buy what makes you happy!
 
I recommend what I already own. A Ruger Redhawk. Blued or SS with a 5.5 barrel. You won't be disappointed. Hunt, shoot, carry or display. It will do all and more. Will outlast you, your kid and his kids. If you reload, your ammo options are endless.
There are no Flies on this gun.
 

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jpricewood said:
Hello Highroaders,

I'm new to the forum, but I've been using it as a resource for probably 10 years. I'm currently in the market for a new 44 mag revolver, but I'd like some input. I recently sold my Taurus M44 8.375" revolver because I wanted to upgrade to something nicer. I bought the Taurus when I was in grad school and broke. Now that I've been out of grad school for several years, I've been upgrading my collection of guitars and guns, primarily because I enjoy collecting, and I want my children to be proud of what they inherit. I grew up very poor, so passing guns down to my kids, which they may not be able to find in the future, is important to me. The Taurus had to be sent in for repairs right after I bought it, and there's no guarantee it won't have to be sent in again. I'm not going to make my kids deal with that mess.

I've narrowed my choices for a revolver down to the Smith & Wesson 629 6.5", Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5 or 9.5", and the Colt Anaconda (assuming I can actually find any of these in stock). I know the Ruger is built like a tank, but the gun is ugly. I know guns are tools, but my 44 is mostly going to be used for target shooting and looking nice on a shelf. My son and I might take it hog hunting, but that won't happen very often. I was thinking of buying a 629, but I'm reading just as many horror stories about them having problems as I did about Taurus revolvers failing. I've also heard that Colt Anacondas can be lacking in quality control, which is concerning given the price.

I'm admittedly vain when it comes to revolvers, so I want something that's attractive, but I don't want to waste money on a product that's going to give me and my kids headaches every 1000 rounds. If that's going to be the case, then I should just buy another Taurus M44, because at least they are nice to look at (I polished mine.). I'm not too worried about price, because even expensive guns are cheaper than nice American-made guitars. I'm just hoping for some unbiased opinions.

Thank you,
Jared

Edit: I should add that I already have a couple of SA revolvers, so I want the 44 to be a DA. I also like the full lug look. Weight doesn't really matter, because this will mostly be a range toy, and I'm a pretty big guy.
Click to expand...
First, you have to decide what you are going to do with that 44 Magnum revolver. If you need it for hunting, and have intention to shoot full power loads, using heavy bullets, I would go for Ruger Super Redhawk. Yeah, Redhawk looks more elegant, and is bit lighter, but Super Redhawk has better mechanism, and it comes from the factory with more usable grips, IMHO it's better revolver. Ruger Super Redhawk (and Redhawk also) is brutally strong revolver, and you just cannot wear it out with any sane load.

If you just want to have a nice 44 Magnum, shooting mostly 250 grains bullets, up to 1200 fps, I would go for S&W 629 DX. It costs somewhat more than standard 629, but you will get factory tested revolver that makes 1.5" at 50 yards:
 
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I once had an 8" Model 29, was pleasant to shoot and I regret selling it. Then had a 4" Model 29, which I traded for a 4" 29 Mountain Revolver. I really like that one, if you can find one you might consider it. I also have a 329 PD, the super lightweight one, and I'd suggest thinking pretty hard before buying one of those. .44 Sp is OK but after 5 shots of magnum you're ready to surrender.
 
i think the Super Redhawk looks great. My model 29 has an 8 3/8 full lug barrel so it is nose heavy. The SRH balances better as the weight is closer to the hand. I don't know how the 6.5 inch barrel or shorter would feel but compare the balance of the 2. The hogue tamer grip on the SRH makes shooting a 44mag quite comfortable. i didn't understand what the big deal was about shooting a full house 44 magnum load till i shot the smith with it's stock grips. the grips in the pic are n 20190309_075742_copy_2016x1134.jpg ot the stock grips. If you do get a smith make sure barrel isn't canted. if you have to send the gun back it seems ruger has a much better customer service with markedly shorter turn around times.
 
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