6" or 8" .44 mag?

.44 barrel length

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gofastman

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just wondering what everyone's preference is.
I'm looking at the Taurus Raging Bull revolvers, just because I think a big bore revolver is probably necessary for the collection sooner or later.
I loved my Taurus 66 (6") but I'm thinking a bit more barrel may be better for the bigger round
 
6" is a good compromise for the caliber and portability. I had an M29 that had a 6"bbl and my Vaquero is 5 1/2". I kind of wish I had gotten the Vaquero with the 4 5/8" bbl, but I mostly shoot it in .44Spl anyway. For carry, the 4" is certainly the better choice. I'd be hard pressed to shoot a .44Mag in a shorter barrel than that.
 
The only way I would consider the 8" would be if this a primary hunting revolver and then I would have to feel both to see which I preferred. (I'm not a Taurus man so I don't have any experience with them.)

But in general, I prefer longer barrels for hunting. They're not so long once you're out there.
 
If you plan on carrying it as a trail gun or something similar I'd go with 4 inch. Primarily for hunting I might consider the 8 inch but would most likely go with a 6 inch.
 
well after almost a year, im finally getting it tomorrow, lol

I'm still torn between the two, im leaning tward the 8" but
the 6" balances a tad better. Is there a significant difference between a 6" and 8" in terms of recoil and muzzle blast?
 
I have a 4" and a 6"...The 6" is a tad friendlier with full house loads. However, the 4" is just an all around nicer gun for carrying. I can carry it in the same pancake I carry 4" .357's in. With the 6 incher, I have to either use a shoulder holster or be uncomfortable when sitting from using a belt holster....8"? No, thanks unless I only planned on using it for the range or hunting from a stand.
 
My 44's are used for hunting and have the 8 and 3/8 " barrels. Really like them. I have a Vaquero with a shorter barrel for carrying when I am scouting.
 
6" for hunting, 4" for defense and hiking.

I think the 6 or 6.5 inch is best for hunting. You are not giving up that much sight radius or velocity when compared to 7.5" or 8.375" barrels 6.5" barrel is the longest I can carry comfortably in a belt holster without it feeling awkward or hampering walking in the field.

7.5 " and longer barrels work best with a shoulder holster or an across the chest holster for me.

4" is the best for frequent holster carry while hiking or for defense while camping. Forget barrel lengths shorter than 4"; they have no advantages.
 
I prefer the longer barrel length, the slightly longer sight radius helps my aim, and the extra weight helps tame the recoil a bit.

When I carry a .44, it's usually a primary hunting weapon. I also do a fair amount of plinking, and the longer barrel lengths are just easier for me to shoot.

Just my $.02. Hope you enjoy your new toy. :)
 
well I think you guys may have swayed me to the 6" one with the poll results.

In an email resopnse from him, Randy Garrett (of Garrett Cartridges) also said he would prefer the 6", and from what I gather he knows a thing or two about the 44mag
 
For shooting I like the 6" or 6.5". For carrying I like the 4". A 5" would be a compromise between the two. I know not everone agrees with this, but I have always felt if you are going to have more than 6"-7" of barrel, you might just as well get a carbine instead of a handgun. If you are going to hunt, I understand some places have a minimum barrel length, so check those regs before you buy.
 
For general purpose, the 6" wins easily. For strictly hunting or long range pursuits, the longer barrel might be better.

For those that don't think they can belt carry a 6" revolver apparently haven't used a cross-draw holster like the Bianchi Cyclone #111, because it allows very comfortable carry.

Add a shoulder holster and you can carry any barrel length easily.

But if I had to choose between my 4", 6" and 8 3/8ths, it'd be the 6" hands down.
 
Since I've opted to shoot hot loads with heavy projectiles I bought the 8-3/8" barrel to help with recoil. I realize this makes for a somewhat awkward carry piece but I can't walk very far anyway. Mine is just in case really BIG feral hogs show up in my area. Oh... and for fun at the range.:)
 
I think four inches is the most useful length for general purpose DA's. Six inches is probably best for a dedicated hunting weapon. Anything more than that is just unnecessary.
 
I agree that 4 inches is probably best for general purpose/ all around type use; that's why I have a 4 inch 357. But for a dedicated .44 mag. hunting gun I really like my 7.5 inch Redhawk and the only place it gets carried to is either the deer woods or the range.
 
here is how I'm gonna rationalize getting the 6" :p

the 8 3/8" barrel raging bull is nearly the same size as the Smitty XVR460 8" and only 10oz lighter, if I need more power than the 44 ill get the .460
 
Got my eye on this :)

S&W%20170135.jpg
 
My favorite to carry was a 4" 629, the gun also shot quite well.. Wish I never sold it.

My favorite to shoot is my 8" wesson 44VH, very tame recoil and it'll do 3 1/2" 100y groups from all 6 cylinders from a rest with sierra 220FPJ's at 1500fps. Not too bad to carry with a good, well fitted leather holster. A real pain with a cordura POS holster.
 
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