.44 Magnum: Ruger or S&W?

[ARTiger]

The Ruger is stonger - especially a SRH. However, the 629 has a MUCH better trigger and reputation for accuracy out of the box. I have a 629, 6" and love it. You're not going to break a S&W with normal or even hot .44 mag loads. Only think I wouldn't shoot in mine (for cylinder spacing issues vs. strength) is Buffalo Bore's 340 grain +p+ load. which the Redhawk will handle well.

 

[shark40sw]

Over the years I have owned both. I still own a Redhawk but not the 29. I have nothing bad to say about the 29 I just like the Redhawk that much better.

 

[azredhawk44]

I favor my redhawk over my friend's model 29.

Just look at the cylinder walls... much thicker on the redhawk.

I replaced the stock grips with a hogue monogrip and haven't looked back. An excellent gun. Trigger gets better with age. The more you rattle its teeth, the smoother it gets.

Cheers.

 

[peanutlover]

Thanks for your responses

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful responses. I'll make up my mind here pretty soon.

I'm going soon to a local range where they have both S&W and Ruger Redhawk in .44 magnum. I'll run a box through them and see how I like them.

I may want to get the Ruger only because I like its looks and also because the consensus seems to be that it might handle the heavier loads better over a long period of time. If that's the case I may choose the Ruger and do some hunting with heavy loads. Who knows? I like the idea of the heavy Garrett loads during the occasional hunt.

Again, thanks a lot and I'll post if I pick one soon.

 

[dogngun]

Since you stated a preference for heavy loads, get the Ruger.
I have owned both, and now own only the S&W Model 29-5, but I shoot only factory loads or lighter handloads, and mostly use the gun for defence against humans when in the wilds.
I also have a SAA type revolver (Not Ruger) in .44 mag, but I really love the S&W.
I have been shooting Smiths for nearly 35 years and all my handguns but 2 are S&W, even my only auto.
Mark