.44 Magnum guys, help me decide
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WestKentucky
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I'm on my 5th .44. First was a 29 then a 629 both medium barrel lengths and neither was pleasant to shoot. Then came a SBH which somehow was much worse, then my contender which is worst yet. The last was a Taurus m44 and I cannot say enough that porting works. Comparing the Taurus to the smiffs is actually a no-brainier towards the Taurus (I know, sacrelidge and such) but the gun was hand fitted just like the colt pythons were. It's stupid accurate and very pleasant. I attribute all of this solely to the porting... Now I wish I had my 29 back so I could send it off to magnaport or some other reputable group. So with all this said, it is a bigbore and has some serious thump. Buy what A feels good, B has a lower change in altitude from grip to muzzle, and is offered factory ported.
Mr.Revolverguy
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Broom Rider
Member
I'm somewhat of a 44 mag addict. My favorite Ruger is the Bisley. I also have the 50th anniversary flat top and a Redhawk. The Freedon Arms is nice but also costly.
My favorites to shoot are the 29/629 revolvers.
My favorites to shoot are the 29/629 revolvers.
Black Knight
Member
If you are considering a Ruger look at the Super Black Hawk. If you want fixed sights you might be able to find a used Ruger Vaquero in 44 Magnum. I have the stainless Vaquero in 44 Magnum and love it. I carried it for 2 days last week and almost no one noticed the big gun. Only one person asked if I were Matt Dillon. I looked at her and said, "No just Wyatt Earp". We both had a good laugh.
Here's my .02 cents worth.
I own a
Super Redhawk 7.5" in .44
Super BlackHawk 7.5" in .44
BlackHawk Bisley 6.5" in .45 (not exact, but close)
BlackHawk 5.5" in .45 (not exact, but close)
629 4"
629 6"
Of these, my number one favorite is the 629 4". This revolver is on my hip whenever I'm in the field. It's accurate, comparatively compact, swing out cylinder makes reloads easier and DA makes for quicker followup shots (for me).
The .44 RedHawk a friend has is a good shooter, but heavier than the Smith. I also like the grip better on the Smith.
These are personal opinions, but is added insight.
I own a
Super Redhawk 7.5" in .44
Super BlackHawk 7.5" in .44
BlackHawk Bisley 6.5" in .45 (not exact, but close)
BlackHawk 5.5" in .45 (not exact, but close)
629 4"
629 6"
Of these, my number one favorite is the 629 4". This revolver is on my hip whenever I'm in the field. It's accurate, comparatively compact, swing out cylinder makes reloads easier and DA makes for quicker followup shots (for me).
The .44 RedHawk a friend has is a good shooter, but heavier than the Smith. I also like the grip better on the Smith.
These are personal opinions, but is added insight.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Good descriptions of the differences above. I have liked every .44 I have ever shot; some fit my hands better than others, and they recoil differently. But for your stated purposes, I'd opt for a 7.5" Super Blackhawk Bisley. Targets or hunting, a SA is fine. But it all comes down to personal preference.
macadore
Member
If you really want to hit your target with your first shot get a Thompson Contender with a 10 inch bull barrel and a 2X Leupold long eye relief scope. It will shoot like a rifle.
I've owned several 44 magnums, and my opinions of each are:
S&W 629/29. Most accurate of the bunch, don't use wood grips, and stick with at least a six inch barrel. Not made for hot loads.
Ruger Redhawk. Very nice craftsmanship, can shoot anything, any barrel length is fine, better suited for large hands. If recoil is a problem get something else because it will drive the steel blackstrap into your hand.
Ruger Super Redhawk. Strongest I've ever seen, shoots anything, every barrel length is comfortable, fits smaller hands better than Redhawk, is butt ugly other than Alaskan model. Alaskan model with 2 inch barrel looks great and recoils about like a S&W with a six in h barrel.
Ruger Blackhawks/ Freedom Arms. Excellent accuracy, built tough, has a completely different grip setup than DA revolvers. You have to learn to let in roll in your hand, but once you do it is perhaps the most comfortable to shoot.
I currently own a S&W 629 with a six inch barrel and a SR Alaskan. The Alaskan is loaded with 44 sp and is my bedside drawer gun. I sold a Blackhawk and wish I had it back. If I could only have one it would be the 629. If I was going to hunt it would be a Blackhawk. I love the original Redhawks but they just don't fit my hands.
S&W 629/29. Most accurate of the bunch, don't use wood grips, and stick with at least a six inch barrel. Not made for hot loads.
Ruger Redhawk. Very nice craftsmanship, can shoot anything, any barrel length is fine, better suited for large hands. If recoil is a problem get something else because it will drive the steel blackstrap into your hand.
Ruger Super Redhawk. Strongest I've ever seen, shoots anything, every barrel length is comfortable, fits smaller hands better than Redhawk, is butt ugly other than Alaskan model. Alaskan model with 2 inch barrel looks great and recoils about like a S&W with a six in h barrel.
Ruger Blackhawks/ Freedom Arms. Excellent accuracy, built tough, has a completely different grip setup than DA revolvers. You have to learn to let in roll in your hand, but once you do it is perhaps the most comfortable to shoot.
I currently own a S&W 629 with a six inch barrel and a SR Alaskan. The Alaskan is loaded with 44 sp and is my bedside drawer gun. I sold a Blackhawk and wish I had it back. If I could only have one it would be the 629. If I was going to hunt it would be a Blackhawk. I love the original Redhawks but they just don't fit my hands.
That, Mr. 98Redline is a real beauty. Or a great photo. Likely both.
I do agree with the perspective that when handheld shooting bigger bore on the range there is no reason or interest in rushing so requiring SA and a slow load and unload process seems like a non-issue.
OTOH you might want to take a look at the S&W PC 629 V-Comp (.44) or the 629 Stealth Hunter (.44). I have the V-Comp which is a 4" (plus the additional compensator) and it is fantastic. Compared to the single action shooters you are seeing here it is on the other end of the revolver periodic table of technology and flexibility with a comp, adjustable barrel weights and barrel weighting and some very nice trigger feel that I've had tweeked by Clark's. It is (loathe as I am to use the word) awesome. Damps some hot .44 mag loads, is not hampered by a too-long barrel, has little barrel hop when using the comp. The comp is removable and the gun comes with a barrel add-on with no gas ports but I haven't felt the need to use it.
Check out: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...75662_775655_757896_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
B
I do agree with the perspective that when handheld shooting bigger bore on the range there is no reason or interest in rushing so requiring SA and a slow load and unload process seems like a non-issue.
OTOH you might want to take a look at the S&W PC 629 V-Comp (.44) or the 629 Stealth Hunter (.44). I have the V-Comp which is a 4" (plus the additional compensator) and it is fantastic. Compared to the single action shooters you are seeing here it is on the other end of the revolver periodic table of technology and flexibility with a comp, adjustable barrel weights and barrel weighting and some very nice trigger feel that I've had tweeked by Clark's. It is (loathe as I am to use the word) awesome. Damps some hot .44 mag loads, is not hampered by a too-long barrel, has little barrel hop when using the comp. The comp is removable and the gun comes with a barrel add-on with no gas ports but I haven't felt the need to use it.
Check out: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...75662_775655_757896_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
B
I have one of each of the major flavors of Rugers big bore revolvers.
If I had to choose just one in 44mag for what you describe, it would most certainly be the Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter.
The Bisley seems to bridge the gap between a double action style grip and the old single action hog leg. The recoil pulse is not nearly as straight back as a double action grip (Redhawk or Super Redhawk) and the muzzle flip with hot 44mag loads is not nearly as bad as with the standard hog leg.
The flip out cylinder thing is really a non issue on a range or a hunting gun. It is slightly longer to load/unload time but not significantly so. Additionally, on the range, you are not going to blaze through a full cylinder of 44mags and not want a bit of a rest on the tail end.
My Bisley Hunter has shown well above average accuracy and continues to be my favorite hunting, and range big bore.
Boxhead
Member
If I were to own one 44 Magnum it would be a P&R'd M29/629 no dash in either 4, 6 or 6 1/2" persuasion. And I own a bunch of Ruger single actions both old and new.
My Ruger Redhawk has been my hunting revolver for 30 years. The trigger is excellent. I shoot single action (first shot) hunting whitetail. Second shots if required are simple with DA due to the Ruger cam double action system. The original grips are not adequate for control, but Pachmayr Presentation grips help make that revolver a very stable and accurate weapon.
dickydalton
Member
Pinned barrel and recessed cylinder.
Kayaker 1960
Member
.44
The only .44 that I've ever fired is my own 4" S&W 629. I bought it as a carry in the woods gun. I've found that shooting .44 specials is very pleasant, I'm pleased with the accuracy, at 10 yards I can keep all the shots in a 2-1/2" circle all day long with .44 specials and magnum loads. When shooting .44 mag rounds I have to take a break after 25 or so rounds because my hands start to sting a bit.
The only .44 that I've ever fired is my own 4" S&W 629. I bought it as a carry in the woods gun. I've found that shooting .44 specials is very pleasant, I'm pleased with the accuracy, at 10 yards I can keep all the shots in a 2-1/2" circle all day long with .44 specials and magnum loads. When shooting .44 mag rounds I have to take a break after 25 or so rounds because my hands start to sting a bit.
NorthGeorgiaHunter
Member
The trigger on a M29 is far superior to any other I've fired. If you want a .44mag, you must consider a M29.
Deaf Smith
Member
Next on my "gotta have" list is a .44mag, probably a Ruger. My question to y'all is DA/SA or SA? This will be mainly used for target shooting. Not SD, not HD, not carry, just shooting gongs and paper. And maybe, just maybe, try my hand at bagging a whitetail with it. I'm drawn to the single action Blackhawk Hunters, but I sure like the convenience of a swing out cyl.
Pros, cons, opinions, bbl length thoughts, recommendations?
Now, if you're just going to say "get a Model 29" and not back that up with any insight, then just don't.
Since if I have carry a heavier handgun I'd just carry my 16 inch Ruger Compact .308 and be done with it (5+ lbs is all it weighs with a 30mm Leopold scope.)
And I believe in style to.. I decided long time ago this .44 was for me.
Deaf
Ric
Member
I really like my 44's.
Carry, target, fun
I would look for a used 6 or 8 inch model 29. Lots of great lightly used ones out there.
Adjustable sights
Red insert
Hundreds of grips to choose from
You can leave the trigger and still have a great shooter, or have it worked over for an excellent action.
Carry, target, fun
I would look for a used 6 or 8 inch model 29. Lots of great lightly used ones out there.
Adjustable sights
Red insert
Hundreds of grips to choose from
You can leave the trigger and still have a great shooter, or have it worked over for an excellent action.
I have owned both (Ruger and Smith DA) and currently own a 4" 29 for Bear Protection out west. While the triggers are better on the Smiths out of the box, IMHO the Ruger Super Redhawk is the creme of the crop in hunting revolvers. It can handle far bigger loads than the Smith, has far less felt recoil, and a superior included scope mounting system. In fact if you're going to go with conventional optics, to me the Ruger is head and shoulders above the Smith. It's just a stronger system. For the record, I was getting inch and a quarter groups at 50 yards with mine with a Leopold 2X. While Smith makes the best really big revolvers like the .460 and .500, for 44 mag in DA the Ruger super is the ticket if you're handgun hunting in a 44.
It's a shooter's preference.....I've had Model 29's, super Blackhawks, Taurus 44, and presently a 629 - 8 3/8". I prefer the S&W slightly, but only shoot single action. I'm a lot more accurate with it than a 357 or 45.
Just remember your ear muffs....
Just remember your ear muffs....
ADKWOODSMAN
Member
Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter would be my hunting favorite. You could even use it for SASS if you ever get to that competition.
I own S&W 629, Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag, and Blackhawk Vaquero 44 Mag.. My SASS guns are Vaquero's .45 bisley colts. The recoil is so manageable with light SASS loads. My Blackhawk vequero in .44 7 1/2 " is a blast to shoot and I use for the long range pistol event in SASS. That range is 80 yards and it's easy to hit a steel gong the size of a pail every time.
For hunting you may want to consider the Redhawk and for fast reloading you can use 629 speedloaders.
I own S&W 629, Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag, and Blackhawk Vaquero 44 Mag.. My SASS guns are Vaquero's .45 bisley colts. The recoil is so manageable with light SASS loads. My Blackhawk vequero in .44 7 1/2 " is a blast to shoot and I use for the long range pistol event in SASS. That range is 80 yards and it's easy to hit a steel gong the size of a pail every time.
For hunting you may want to consider the Redhawk and for fast reloading you can use 629 speedloaders.
I have loaded and shot the 44 Mag since the late 50's. We have a 200 yard steel plate at my gun club I shoot regularly with a 9 1/2" Super Redhawk. I have shot most 44's, and have settled on this model for my needs, accuracy with heavy loads at long range. At longer range, the slow lock time of the single action will cost you hits. BTW, I shoot two handed double action.
The SRH has a good double action, and shooting it will only make the action smoother. The Smith has a better double action, but even a few thousand factory loads will beat it out of time.
The 44 was originally loaded with a 240 gr bullet to over 1500 fps at 43,500 PSI. In deference to the weaker N frame Smith, the factory reduced the load to 1250 fps at 35,700 PSI.
I would say get the long barreled Super Redhawk if you are going to shoot it with heavy loads at long range. I shot the 7 1/2" SRH for years, but the longer barrel gets the bullet to the target more quickly, which is always a good thing.
DaisyCutter
Member
I currently have a 7.5" Superblackhawk (1982 vintage) and a 4.2" Redhawk (2008 vintage). This Redhawk trigger is better than most Smiths. I would testify to the Lord, it breaks cleaner than my SA Blackhawk.
But, straight-up... I love my Superblackhawk 10x more than the Redhawk. The SBH is sleek, and sexy, and recoil is nicer too. The SBH is my favorite handgun, PERIOD.
The SBH, with a 7.5" barrel can get a 210 gr JHP approaching 1600 fps. Do the math... Witness the fiery genie...
But, straight-up... I love my Superblackhawk 10x more than the Redhawk. The SBH is sleek, and sexy, and recoil is nicer too. The SBH is my favorite handgun, PERIOD.
The SBH, with a 7.5" barrel can get a 210 gr JHP approaching 1600 fps. Do the math... Witness the fiery genie...
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