.44 MAG Single or Double Action?

[Eb1]

Thanks, for looking out for my MachIVshooter. I really do appreciate that, and hope I didn't come across as a know it all. I do appreciate you looking out for my safety.

Thank you,

 

[GoodKat]

Most people feel the opposite. There are a bunch of different big bore calibers that are single actions.

Like I said, just my opinion. I just don't like having to re-grip my gun between shots.

 

[MachIVshooter]

and hope I didn't come across as a know it all

Not at all. There are sooooo many model variations out there that even those of us who spend wayyyyyy too much time trying to know what they are probably never will.

As well, IMO, Ruger really goofed with their new Vaquero. They were so well known for being the gun you could push the limits with (so much so that there's tons of Ruger-only load data), that to alter the guns in such a way that they can't handle it anymore was foolish. People who aren't as familiar and don't visit sites like this one may risk life and limb adhering to the old wisdom, whilst being completely unaware of the change in the guns.

I wouldn't be surprised if newer handloading manuals make the distinction in bold print "Not for new model revolvers" or somesuch. I hope they do, anyway.

 

[dgarvin1]

Double action can do both, so what's the point of SA for any practical application?

For a .44 mag, a early 1980's double action smith 629 with a 4" bbl with hogue grips is heaven on earth.

 

[Eb1]

Well. I just like SA better for shooting, or if I am carrying out on the farm. I like the grips better on a SA better than DA, and the SA are much more beautiful in my eyes. I have made up my mind on getting a SA. I think it is going to be a Ruger in SA .44 SPL. Not the magnum, but also not a slouch either. And in the Ruger can shoot a 240 grain bullet on the stout side for when I am walking to the deer stand, and may be confronted with a porker. At close distance my .25-06 with a Bushnell Elite 4200 is hard to get a sight picture. A cross draw of the SA in .44 SPL will help me out in this aspect, and also I am more inclined to drop the rifle, and find a fence post or a tree to get in. Then I will use the SA .44 SPL to get me out of trouble.
I am still looking at the .45 Colt, but I don't really care for the guns I have seen around my area. The Ruger Blackhawks have been a little loose, and the ejector doesn't line up good.
This wooden handled .44 SPL Blackhawk FT lines up good, is tight, and fits right in my hand. Also the weight of the gun is very balanced in my hand compared to the .45 Colt Blackhawk.

 

[Eb1]

I would also like to add that my wife is 3 days past due birthing my 1st son. So I wanted to buy a pistol that I could leave him when I die, and I think a Ruger wooden handle FT Blackhawk in .44 SPL would be a good choice.
The five year old daughter has already claimed the Marlin 30-30 with hand made leathers, and the Heritage .22LR/.22WMR 6.5" revolver. What a great shooting pistol.

 

[Sam1911]

It sounds like you're on the verge of making a fine, fine choice! Congratulations and post pics when you can!

 

[MachIVshooter]

Not to throw a monkey wrench in the works here, but Uberti just introduced these Blackhawk-esque models in .44 Mag. Real world price should be around $500.

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/images/1873_cattleman_callahan_steel_lg.jpg

And, of course, all the other guns in the Cattleman series:

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/single_action_cattleman.php

And the Bisleys and Bird's heads:

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/stallion_bisley_and_cattleman_bird_head.php

The Rugers are good guns, I had an old model Vaquero .44. I've handled the new models, and they are more svelte. But IMO, the Uberti's just feel better, and have prettier finishes. They can handle the same kind of "+P" .45 Colt loads the new Vaquero can. Most of the Uberti's are also available in .44-40, which is pretty much your hot-ish .44 special and then some.

Here's Buffalo Bore's "heavy" .44 Special.

Out of a handgun, .44-40 will get closer to your 1,200 FPS (safely) with 240's than the .44 spl. will. I did a little digging, and loads that get 1,150 with the .44 special exceed SAAMI maximum 15,000 PSI in a 7" test barrel. (Generated 15,400 per Hodgedon).

The listing of +P loads will get you there, but they are specifically denoted for large frame guns (Blackhawk Hunter, Redhawk, S&W N-frame, etc) The new model BH and new Vaquero are considered medium frame guns, though I'm sure the heavy topstrap on the NM BH can handle the "+P" stuff.

Just food for thought.

 

[Eb1]

Updated with pics!

Well I went to get my .44 SPL, low and behold right below it was a Stainless Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum for the same price. I immediately changed my mind because it dawned on me that the ability to go from mild to wild was/is a plus. I know that full loads are going to be a handful, and I will have to work up. I am not use to magnum loadings, but if I want to go with a 250/240 at 1200 or 1100 fps now I do not have to worry with safety.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Now for some reloading dies!

 

[Sam1911]

Wow! Pretty! You sure won't be disappointed with that gun.

Have fun!

 

[MachIVshooter]

but if I want to go with a 250/240 at 1200 or 1100 fps now I do not have to worry with safety.

Sure don't! Congrats!

Super Blackhawks are fine guns, if not a little heavy. I think you will be glad forever that you opted for that instead of the medium framed .44 special model.