Seeking advice on buying a 44 mag revolver

^^^That is very true

Personally , I'd go redhawk or super redhawk with my preference being the super. Super redhawk looks good in the same way a mack truck does, it's a big old rock solid chunk of "you can't hurt me". It's beauty is in its utility . I've owned one 629, it shot loose twice within a few thousand rounds, looked good but didn't have the durability I expected. I'm hard on everything though, all my gear gets used.

Dan wesson would work too but service parts in the future may be an issue.

I'm not a s&w hater but I had a couple bad rides and I really doubt I'll try again. Nice guns but not what I consider robust .

I can't comment on the colt, I'd certainly give one a try but if it ended up being fragile I wouldn't be very surprised.

Rugers are working man's guns. They just work. If you're trying for the best looking revolver, ruger isn't your gun. If you're looking for something to survive you, your kids and their kids, I'd pick pick ruger without hesitation.

JP:
Why 44 Mag ?
Especially if you don't handload and hunting need is minimal?

Suggest considering an M25 in 45 colt ?
Broad range of loadings available from plinking to hunting.
Effective on deer and hogs.
Easy and inexpensive to handload, when you get there.
Shoots well, lacking huge muzzle blast and flash?

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.

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If you are concerned about the "Millinial Built" in those names, look for older models that have been proven by the test of time. I have a 40 year old 629 4" . They are good guns. Find one that hasn't been shot to pieces and the value of that gun is more likely to continue the same direction it has been moving BEFORE you bought it. Buy a brand new one and, well, what would you pay for a brand new one or a used one just like it?

Any of those guns you mentioned are quality guns or have the rep of being and were quality guns. I have a couple 7-8 inch range Redhawks, Super blackhawk and Black hawk. I would not go under a 4 inch barrel but I don't think I'd deliberately LOOK FOR anything over the 7.5 max and preferr just a little less than that.

I have an S&W 6 inch half lug 629 and a new Colt Anaconda 6 inch, both are solid and recommended. They are easily my favorite handguns I own.

Both the SRH and Model 629 have pluses and minuses, of the two the SRH has a couple few minuses IMHO.

(My 629’s are a 6.5” PowerPort and a 4” Mountain gun,, my SRH is a 7.5” .454 Casull but I shoot mostly .45 Colt through it.)

The S&W looks better and (to me) has a better sight picture when I’m shooting. The SRH is a behemoth, but has an easier time mounting scopes and the grip feels better to me when shooting hard kicking loads.

Both are accurate guns, both will serve well in the roles you’ve stated.

Personally I’d opt for the 629 if aesthetics play a big part in the decision, the SRH if bear stompers will be the primary diet.

No experience with an Anaconda so I can’t give an intelligent opinion on one.

Stay safe.

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.

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All of the above, but add a 29-2 mate..

Thewelshm

bangswitch said:

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

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I agree, and since I am not collector, the only N-frame revolver I would purchase is one with Endurance Package. Also. I would look for firing pin on the hammer. Those revolvers have mechanism made from solid steel, not done by MIM. Here is how to recognize revolver with Endurance Package, look for elongated slot for cylinder stop, protruding more on front side from the ramp:

jpricewood said:

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?

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As far as looks go...the original S&W M29 with the 6 1/2" barrel is THE classic .44 mag. With respect to "issues" with the 629....I have a 629 that I bought new 40 years ago....I have shot full power and powderpuff loads in it..A steady diet of full power loads will cause the revolver to lose time and you will have to replace the "hand" to correct it...My Rugers laugh at full power loads however..

roval said:

i nView attachment 1053441 .

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No offense to an owner, but looking at this comparison picture, the Ruger looks like someone stuffed a skinny barrel into a 2” gun.

I don’t find that look appealing at all.

jag1954 said:

I've been a Model 29 and 629 aficionado for decades, IMHO it's the best bet out there, but then again I'm slightly prejudiced towards S&W. This is mine with the 6" barrel.View attachment 1053394

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I think the 6" has the best balance. My 8+ inch 41 Mag S&W was hard to shoot without a rest. My own choice, having tried many of the DA and SA choices, is a Super Blackhawk Bisley cut from 7.5 to 6. The 629 was a great gun, but I didn't have the most desirable generation. I have zero interest in any new S&W.

A short 29-2 is handy as a sidearm. It is before the "endurance package."

629-3 has the endurance package and can handle more factory ammo than you can.

29-5 has all the "updates" (no lock, hammer firing pin) but is a little unwieldy as a sidearm.

roval said:

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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Had this issue with a 686, sent it in and they said "no, it's not" , it drove me nuts so I dumped it. I've had to use rugers CS, no cost, no hassle, no weird questions about what I've been doing to the poor thing, no blame - replaced everything that was possibly involved and I had my gun back in 2 weeks. Issue resolved (rough patch just in front of the forcing cone), unlikely but possibly caused by my nuclear handloads. couldn't ask for better service .

I've had to use CS from various companies over the years and ruger stands out as better than most. Worst CS I ever experienced was from sig several years ago, s&w was somewhere in the middle - fixed my 629 twice but denied the issues with the 686- both are long gone.

Dont like Redhawks.
Super Redhawk in 9.5 w grip change and a reflex might be worthwhile ( hunted w a scoped one- removed scope and shot deer out a ways w irons- gun was stock, not tweaked....and shot great ).

Have had 5 Superblackhawks over the years. 3 OM and 2 NM. Only one OM was a turd. Grew to dislike the locktime. First handgun deer was w a 3 screw. Currently have a brass frame, inherited, so am stuck with it.

Had 4 Smith 629s over the years, all -3 or older. Loved em. Def want one new enough to have endurance package, but no lock. Think that might be a -4.

Have shot 329 PD w wood grips and medium hot loads of 255gr. Was a pleasant surprise. Whip was substantial but recoil not bad. Didnt like sights though.

Note: i hunt deer and target shoot. So I stay away from 300 gr loads. They hurt me.
Older and banged up, 240s are as big as Ill load. Proly stay w 200s for deer.

Would not shoot over 240s in a non endurance package Smith.

All this .44 talk has sent me to the safe to drag out my 629-3. It's taken 3 deer, and one engine block. Had a lugless iteration, and swapped it on the current 6" lugged gun; tames some of the bounce.
Haven't shot it in years; after a 1400'sec/240JHP load was worked up, zeroed it, and called it good.
Did slick up the action, and I'd forgotten just how nice it was.
May have to think about something in the 1000'sec range to shoot for grits and shins.
It's a great gun, and a handsome one.
For the OP, I've had great customer service from Smith, regardless of the gun being used or new.
Forty fours are kinda like Airweight Centennials; most owners really don't want to shoot them a whole lot.
So for used ones, look for end shake, and other signs that it's been pounded; otherwise, you're good to go. The forged/hardchromed works do slick up really well.
Let me throw this in as well; a PP mentioned a .45 ACP 625 as a great choice if you don't need full power loads, especially since you don't reload.
Moon

The .44Mag is one of my favorite cartridges and I have quite a few guns that chamber it. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that no other double action revolver looks as good as a S&W model 29. So if beauty is your requirement, you have your answer. They also tend to be very accurate, have excellent triggers and sights. However, they also have limitations and those limitations should probably affect your choice. Endurance package or not, they will prematurely shoot loose with factory ammo. The fans will always deny this but talk to enough gunsmiths and the truth will become clear. It is a turn of the 20th century design that was merely adapted to high pressure cartridges like the .44Mag. I love my N-frames but I treat the .44Mag's as slightly stronger .44 Specials and shoot them with no more than a 240gr at 1200fps. That's still plenty potent but the guns will last a lot longer.




When Bill Ruger designed his .44Mag sixguns, he had the opportunity to start from scratch, with no existing designs or history to build upon. When the cartridge debuted in 1956, he already had a solid single action design in the Blackhawk, that effectively eliminated all the shortcomings in the Colt SAA design. When he designed his double action Redhawk, he had another +20yrs of shooters' experience to build upon. Silhouette shooters in particular had discovered the N-frame's limitations and Bill Ruger decided to eliminate them, just as he had done with the Colt SAA. A few years after that, a problem surfaced with Redhawk barrels breaking off during shooting. So Ruger updated the Redhawk with the new GP100 style lockwork, a grip stud rather than a full tang and they extended the frame 2" to more fully support the barrel. It wasn't until later they discovered the cause of the Redhawk barrel issue was a set of barrels with thread adhesive that were left to dry over a weekend and then forced onto the frames the next week. By then, the Super Red was already on the market and selling well. The two guns are so overbuilt that not only are they capable of digesting a lifetime of factory .44Mag loads but there are factory and handloads designed specifically for them that run in the 50,000psi range. They are also robust enough that they were easily adapted to the .454 and .480 chamberings while maintaining six shot capacity. People will say that the Super Redhawk is ugly and I used to agree with them. However, once you actually own and shoot one, you'll start to appreciate that their beauty is in what they do. They are highly accurate, have a very comfortable grip arrangement and that frame extension allows you to mount an optic while maintaining the iron sights. For a heavy duty hunting revolver, you'll be hard pressed to find something better without spending a lot more money. Where the S&W is limited, the SRH is capable of launching a 355gr hardcast at 1350fps with loads that won't even fit the S&W's cylinder. They might as well be two guns in completely different chamberings.



You might find yourself collecting the whole set.



They are also highly accurate. This is what it does with a 310gr at 1400fps.

@CraigC well written and spot on.

Onty said:

BTW, all N-frame revolvers with this feature have Endurance Package, regardless of caliber.

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They don't necessarily have the full-blown endurance package, just some of it. The 25-9 in .45 Colt only has the longer stop notches and corresponding bolt...but not the rest of the package, such as the bolt-block.

DR505 said:

They don't necessarily have the full-blown endurance package, just some of it. The 25-9 in .45 Colt only has the longer stop notches and corresponding bolt...but not the rest of the package, such as the bolt-block.

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Thanks for info, didn't know that. That's the reason we like forums like this one.

Very nice!!! They are a lot of fun you will enjoy it.

Even though you have decided, mine:

Walkalong said:

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YES!!!