Seeking advice on buying a 44 mag revolver

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CraigC said:
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.

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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.

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You might find yourself collecting the whole set.

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

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Craig, have you ever heard any stores about the rifling in the S&W 44 barrels? Seems somewhere, years ago, I read an article by none other than David Bradshaw (silhouette fame) where he stated something like the barrels were exceptional quality, and micro-honed, and so-on. Wish I could put my hands on that piece, or find some reference to that information.
 
jpricewood said:
I appreciate all the very informative replies. I decided to pick up this 460. I really love the look of the Smith more than the Rugers, so I decided to move up to the X-frame. It’s heavy, but it’s also versatile.

Someone asked earlier why I want a big bore revolver if I don’t have a real use for one. The answer is “just because.”
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Enjoy it! I surely like mine.
 
Anchorite said:
Craig, have you ever heard any stores about the rifling in the S&W 44 barrels? Seems somewhere, years ago, I read an article by none other than David Bradshaw (silhouette fame) where he stated something like the barrels were exceptional quality, and micro-honed, and so-on. Wish I could put my hands on that piece, or find some reference to that information.
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Doesn't ring a bell. The DX models were a cut above the standard models but I don't think the difference was anything in their production. They were just cherry-picked out of standard production due to above average accuracy.
 
I missed this thread.

My .44 mag is a 629 and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am currently watching for a 29.

And I live a couple of hours south of you. If you are ever driving down I 35 let me know and I'll take you to shoot it.
 
Looking to jump in with my two cents for whatever it's worth. I received a Colt Anaconda (44 Mag) with a 6 inch barrel for Christmas and I'm suitably impressed with this revolver both in overall finish and fitting, and trigger pull. Have not had a chance to shoot it yet because of the severe weather here but I'm anxious to get out. Have to say I do own both a S&W model 29 and 629 plus a Ruger Vaquero in 44 mag. The finish and fitting on the Colt Anaconda beats both S&W and Ruger in my opinion. Check out the Anaconda before you make a purchase!
 
Smith's are my favorite. I just like the way they point, feel, and look. As CraigC and others have said, the Rugers are bulletproof and the beauty is in the function. But since all of my loadings are 200-240gr at 1000-1250 fps, the Smith's are enough for me. (Nothing in Eastern NC that those loads wont take care of)

My 8 3/8" 29-3 with worn bluing that I picked up a few years ago for $450
29-3.jpg
 
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Personally, I don't see any major advantage to a DA Revolver in 44 Magnum to a SA in this caliber. When you consider the Bisley grip frame on the Ruger SA, it's almost a no brainer to me... The Bisley handles recoil much better than any other grip I've tried DA or SA. That alone, given what I use my 44 Magnum for, tips the scales in favor of the Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley... Hope that helps
 
Depending on how much the gun is shot, how well the gun carries, recoil tolerance, and looks:

sw 629 - personally I found the 4 inch balances the best in hand. 6 inch is not far behind. Hard to go wrong here BUT I’ve had some issues as follows: check timing, ejector rod finish (they can be rough and that makes sticky eject), cylinder inside finish (rough extraction). Trigger is quite good. They are snappy due to light weight. Sights are good.

dan Wesson 44VH- my old shilouette gun, 8 inch blue. Will need trigger work but can be made the equal of the smith. Nice looking gun. Weighs 64 ounces, 1 ounce heavier than my SW 500 6.5 inch. Shoots like a Cadillac and will out last the smith. 3 3/4 inch groups at 100y from all 6 cylinders.

sw 69 4 inch: carries well, needs X frame hogue grips if shot much, very snappy due to light weight. It’s a 5 shot L frame, not sure how well it’ll hold up, good so far at about 700?? Rounds
 
Since the OP is looking for an heirloom to pass to his children as well as some target use, an early pinned and recessed model 29 would be ideal. The collector value of that era of S&W revolvers will continue to increase over time making them perfect for a family heirloom. The demand for these revolvers is high so, expect to pay up for a good example with presentation case.
 
someguy2800 said:
I have that same copy of Speer #10 sitting on the couch next to me. One of the best manuals ever for revolver load data.
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Totally agree. When I bought my first reloading set (I was 15, that was 42 years ago), I didn't have enough money for the RCBS kit and the book so my mom purchased the book for me. She didn't want me to blow myself up. lol It is still my go-to and Mom, I haven't blown myself up. Thank you. :thumbup:
 
If you want to buy something that will really hold its value, buy the COLT.

The Redhawk would be number 2

And finally, look for a vintage 29 or 629. The new ones may be better engineered but not as desirable.
 
I'm a Smith fan...have been for 50+ years so take that for what it's worth.

I'm not a fan of longer barrel length's but have owned and still own Smith .44 Magnums in 6", 6-1/2" and currently a 629 with a full lugged 5" bbl. This last is by far my favorite; accurate with enough weight (~47 oz.) to allow shooting for a morning with heavy loads. For the most part I load and shoot my own version of Skelton's justifiably famous: 7.5 gr of Unique with any Good 240 gr LSWC for 950 fps out of a 4" bbl. (.44 Spl brass), or 8.5 with Magnum hulls.

I've had mine for 5 years, it's got a solid barrel but has the cursed lock, which hasn't bothered me whatsoever. Truth be told, I don't even notice it any more. The gun's very accurate...sub-2" groups at 25 yds, iron sighted, from a rest, on demand and a pleasure to use at the range. Carrying it in a belt holster is another story...that full lugged bbl. and almost 3 lb. weight is just too much...at least in an OWB holster. Cross-chest or in a shoulder rig of some sort (see pics of Eastwood's harness in Dirty Harry for example), and it'd be much more manageable.

Gotta agree with you...I think the Ruger RH is ugly, don't know diddly about the DW, suspect that Colt is trading on their history regards to price...so that leaves the Smith....it's a great gun, one that you'll not have to 'upgrade'. And will stand up to all day use with hot loads......if you can! BTW...get into reloading...and try that Skelton load...it's terrific.

Best Regards, HTH's Rod
 
loadedround said:
Looking to jump in with my two cents for whatever it's worth. I received a Colt Anaconda (44 Mag) with a 6 inch barrel for Christmas and I'm suitably impressed with this revolver both in overall finish and fitting, and trigger pull. Have not had a chance to shoot it yet because of the severe weather here but I'm anxious to get out. Have to say I do own both a S&W model 29 and 629 plus a Ruger Vaquero in 44 mag. The finish and fitting on the Colt Anaconda beats both S&W and Ruger in my opinion. Check out the Anaconda before you make a purchase!
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Are you talking about latest production Anaconda, or early one?

BTW, did early Anaconda had a timing issue, like Python from same period, after 2000-3000 rounds?
 
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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I have owned both the SRH 9.5" and 629 8 3/8". I never had an issue with either. I did like the S&W better overall and I was more accurate with it.
Note: I am looking hard at the S&W 69 for a hiking carry. I may hunt with it some, but mainly use it for hiking.
 
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I always find it,amusing that when someone asks about a magnum revolver, there is always a group who suggest the OP needs a gun to shoot unlimited rounds of over powered ammo that is beyond saami spec.

Over the last 30 years I have spent countless hours on the range at the two private gun clubs I belong to. It is extremely rare to see any regular shooters firing full power magnum ammo.

Most regulars who have magnum guns and clamberings like .454 cassull or .460, .500 S&W only shoot a few full power rounds to sight in for hunting.

The 629 you are looking at will be capable of firing way more magnum ammo than you will ever want to fire. .44 special level loads will be more fun to shoot and will not wear the gun out.
 
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