.44 mag

[Bazooka Joe71]

I recently bought a marlin 1894s .44mag for a critter gun for camping...She just told me she is lonely and needs a smaller companion.

It'll mainly be used for a trail gun...So here is what I am looking for:

1. .44mag
2. Light(er) weight
3. I'd like to keep it around or under $500, but could change my mind if i had to.
4. 3-4 in barrel.

It will mainly be a SD gun, but I don't want it to be so short and light that its not still fun at the range...What are my options?


Thanks for the help.

 

[glockman19]

I jsut got the same setup a Marlin 1894SS & a S&W 629 5". Tehy are very happy together.

Next I'm looking for a Stainless 1894 ,357 to go with my S&W 686.

 

[TexasRifleman]

I just absolutely love my 329 for carry and PD. Not gonna make it under $500 new but there are LOTS of used ones. Many people shoot them a couple of times and decide they can't take the recoil.

When it's in the holster it's so light you will forget it's there.

It's bad yes but it's not a range gun for me and if it is, it shoots Specials SWEET!!!! In fact I have more fun shooting Specials out of this than shooting any other revolver I own. So if you really want to shoot Magnums at the range, forget I was here

 

[brasskeeper]

S&W 4" model 29
S&W mountain Gun
Ruger redhawk

 

[Beowolf1911]

I love my ruger super blackhawk, something about a single action that pairs well with a lever gun. I am actually lookin gat getting a 1894 at some point to go with her.

 

[mavracer]

4" S&W629, 4 or 5.5" ruger redhawk or 4 5/8" blackhawk.

 

[461]

My 1894SS has a 4" Redhawk and a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk to keep it company. Haven't shot the Super yet but the Redhawk is a keeper.

I also have a 9.5", Scoped Super Redhawk but it pretty much takes the place of a rifle and handgun.

 

[Hutch]

I have 2, count 'em, 2 S&W M629 in 3". 1 is ported bbl/fluted cylinder, a Trail Boss, and the other is unported, non-fluted. I think they're wonderful.

 

[mnrivrat]

Not mentioned yet ,and worth a look, is the Taurus Tracker in .44 mag. 4 inch. They are about the same size as the L frame S&W so carry nicely for trail.

 

[Gustav]

For an old western pairing how about a Ruger Vaquero with w 4 5/8" barrel?

For hunting or protection a 4" S&W 29 or 629 is a great addition they often turn up used as some people buy them and simply do not care for the recoil, most used ones never see much use.

Check

www.auctionarms.com

www.gunbroker.com

www.gunsamerica.com

 

[Diggers]

You will be able to find a used 629 4 inch out there In that price range if you look around for a bit.

That is what I bought for my camping gun. I usually shoot a box of winchester 240 grain SP when I take it to the range with not much problem. It does kick some but its not that bad. I am going to get the Pachmayer gripper grips so the back strap is covered. I think this will make a big difference I felt recoil.

Oh and specials are supper fun…..well except the part when you have to buy them. OUCH. I need to learn to reload.

Enjoy the search

 

[PigPen]

I know that it has already been mentioned but I enjoy my 629 stainless 5" custom "Classic" maybe.

It's a good shooter, fit for any North American game (including 2 leg ones), shoots readily available ammo and appears to be sturdy and robust enough for the rigors of the trail.

I do not see the need for anything heavier to carry or with a bigger kick.

PigPen

 

[jwxspoon]

I picked up a 329 similar to TexasRifleman's weapon pictured earlier in the thread, but it had been magnaported. The porting made a huge difference to the recoil and the weapon is very manageable.

jw

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

Thanks for the opinions guys!

I really like the 329, and if I can find one used for the right price, then that might be her(1894) companion...

I also like the taurus tracker and I know I can get one of those in my price range, so this is probably my second option.

But then theres the 629 as well....


Too many decisions.

Wish I would just win the lottery, so I never had to decide.

 

[Walkalong]

Redhawk 5.5", but that is heavy and you said light. Model 29 or 629 4". They can be had under $500 if you shop carefully.

Might find one like TexasRifleman has for cheap from someone who could not stand the recoil.

 

[warriorsociologist]

4" Redhawk or 4-5/8" Blackhawk.