6 or 8 inch Barrel

[MrDig]

I'm thinking about a Taurus Raging Bull in 44 Magnum for hunting. What length Barrel?
I can see up sides to both the 6 or 8 what would you choose?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I prefer the 6". It's easier to holster.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It all depends upon what you will be using the revolver for. As a target only revolver the longer the barrel the easier it is to shoot accurately. If you will be carrying in a holster a 6" barrel would be better or even a 5" barrel which is my favorite length in a 44 Magnum.

 

[critter]

If you will be hunting with iron sights, the longer barrel will be a great advantage in accurately shooting the longer distances.

 

[sw282]

ln some states there is a minimum length for hunting. ln Ga its 5 7/8''. Check w/DNR in your state

 

[22-rimfire]

Either will be just fine. I use a 9.5" Ruger SRH and would rather have the 7.5" version after using it for a number of seasons. It's scoped. Both are large guns scoped. I use it as the primary gun and as a result will often carry the gun in my hand much like you would carry a rifle. I don't dislike the size enough to sell it and buy another. But I don't lug it around the woods when I am not hunting.

If you envision yourself hunting with the gun unholstered (still hunting), you will probably be comfortable with the 8" barrel. If you are going to tote a rifle too, go with the 6".

If you plan on toting the revolver a lot outside of hunting, I would go with the 6". Get a good holster and belt.

I do carry my S&W 8 3/8" M57 (iron sights) at times in the outdoors when I am not hunting, but I prefer the 4" M57 Mountain Gun for general purposes outside of hunting. The 8 3/8" was my first revolver I purchased for "hunting".

 

[DM~]

Anything over 6" gets a lot more cumbersome to holster/carry. So, only you know how much you are going to carry it compared to just shooting it.

DM

 

[NM Mountainman]

The 6" is much easier to carry in a holster than the longer barrel. I've seen many 8" barrels which showed only minor velocity gains over the 6" barrels.

 

[bluetopper]

You can get a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley for the same money and have something you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

 

[DWFan]

The reasons for choosing an 8" barrel over a 6", increased sight radius and added velocity, make a 10" a better choice than the 8". You'll probably find an 8" more comfortable to carry in a bandolier or crossdraw style holster anyway (especially if it's scoped) so a 10" isn't that much more cumbersome.
Do they make a 10" 44 Mag Raging Bull? I know they do/did in other calibers and had a 12" at one time.

 

[hardluk1]

What DWFan said. I have a 6" and 8" barrel with the 44 mag i have found that it is slightly easier to shot with the 8" barrel and the extra 100fps is a good thing. Most 44 mags for hunting are heavy enough they carry better on a good chest rig than on the hip and adding a red dot also helps shooting them well.

 

[willypete]

6". Easier to pack around and balances better. 8" guns get really tiring to shoot, IMO. 4" might not be long enough either in terms of sight radius or legal requirements.

Also, I'd recommend you check out Rugers or S&W instead of Taurus revolvers. Ruger because they're a lot tougher and a little nicer, S&W because they're a little tougher and a lot nicer. Oh yeah, and American

 

[hardluk1]

The gun is for hunting willy pete. Buy a rigger designed for big guns thry not a problem to carry ether. Some of use will take that 100 yard shot and 4" just don't get it. 4" barrel is a defence or back up. 10 to 15" T/C would be even better for the longer shots.

 

[22-rimfire]

8" guns get really tiring to shoot,

My 8 3/8" Smith M57 is quite comfortable to shoot. Also as hardluk1 said, it's for "hunting". I use a bandoleer type holster for both the Smith and Ruger SRH.

I suggest you pick one up and handle it in both barrel lengths and make a decision. If you are going to scope it, both barrel lengths will be clumsy to carry as compared to a regular holstered revolver.

And... I would get the 41 mag version. Somebody had to say it.

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

I think you should start with the 6" barrel, then when the barrel falls off your Taurus you can have them replace it with the 8" barrel. Shouldn't take too long for that to happen

 

[madcratebuilder]

IMO for hunting 7.5" is the minimum barrel length I would use. I have two scoped 7.5" .44mag revolvers and a iron sight 8.375" 357mag. I use a UM full flap chest rig for carry. Keeps the revolver and scope dry, well protected and very easy to draw into action. I have both hands free and don't worry about problems of a normal holster carry in wet brushy conditions. I carry a shooting stick to steady my shot, it has worked out very well.

 

[MrDig]

Thanks for the input I appreciate it. FWIW I am now looking at the Rugers I did not realize they were comparatively priced to the Taurus