Battle of the 44 mags: Ruger vs. S&W

[cookekdjr]

Between the Ruger Redhawk and the Smith and Wesson 629, which double action .44 magnum do you prefer, and why? Let us know if either is your general-purpose, self-defense, target, or hunting-only weapon.
Thanks,

David

 

[461]

The Redhawk is a perfect platform for the .44mag, I like Smith's too, but for a rough duty full power .44 shooter the Redhawk wins every time.

 

[swiss 210]

The smith just looks so much better !!!! Thay should have fully underluged rugers

 

[el44vaquero]

It's like choosing between a tank and a mustang. Both are cool, but are made for different things.

I'll take the tank.

 

[ewb45acp]

Between the two, I'de opt for the Smith. But I like the single action guns better so for me it's a Super Blackhawk.

 

[Shooter973]

44 Mags......

I have both S&W's and Ruger 44 mags, and use them all!!! It just happens to be the one that suits my fancy at the time I'm getting into the safe!!!
I use both single and double action Rugers, or a 629, what ever hits my fancy at the time.
Should have put BOTH as a option!!!

 

[djl4570]

Shooting a S&W is like dancing with your mistress. Shooting a Redhawk is like dancing with your ex. The only down side to the S&W is that they require more maintenance and TLC.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I bought a Ruger Mark II .22 long rifle pistol a couple years ago. I'll never buy another Ruger anything.

I've had good success with all my model 29s and 629s over the years.

 

[Giolli Joker]

I prefer the Redhawk on the 629 mainly because the Ruger is also offered blued, I don't like ss guns...

 

[6inch]

My vote went for the 629 Classic 6 1/2".

Fit and finish plus the looks were a factor but the real kicker, for me anyway, was the smooth (out of the box) trigger.

 

[RCL]

I couldn't choose, so I bought them both

 

[bpisler]

I voted for the ruger redhawk cause
it's the only 44mag i've ever owned.

 

[Master Blaster]

I have both, I shoot the 629 more, and I prefer the feel of it to the ruger.

Although the redhawk weighs almost the same as the smith 629, the redhawk is huge and clunky in my hand, and does not balance as well or feel as good.

I also have a circa 1980 Super Blackhawk which feels much better than the redhawk as well.

 

[Marshall]

With Hogue rubber, you can't beat a Redhawk.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a Ruger SRH in 480. I hate the edge sharpness of the hammer and it should be wider to make it easier to cock the gun in single action mode. Smith has just listed a Blued Model 29 with 6.5" barrel in their online catalog. The 6.5" is just about perfect for outdoor use. I definitely prefer Smiths to Rugers although I have both. When these hit the shelves, may just have to take a careful look at the new Model 29 for a shooter.

 

[Quantrill]

Super Blackhawk and S&W#29

 

[riverdog]

I don't need the strength of the Ruger because I prefer polite .44 Magnum loads. The trigger on the S&W 29 & 629 (I own both) is much nicer. If I needed a full house .44 Magnum load I'd buy a rifle

 

[Kramer Krazy]

I like my wife's 629 with 6.5" barrel and PowerPort, but I prefer my 6" Colt Anaconda.

 

[Camp David]

Between the Ruger Redhawk and the Smith and Wesson 629, which double action .44 magnum do you prefer, and why?

The Ruger is stronger, in both cylinder and top strap, so my vote goes to the Ruger every time! However, if I had a choice, it would be neither as the Colt Anaconda .44 is a much better firearm in all categories in the same design!

 

[Biker]

I went with 'other' as in a three-screw Ruger Blackhawk. Beautiful trigger and the gun just rolls in my hand when it recoils. I usually shoot mid-power loads and she puts 'em out where I point 'em.
I've never really seen the need for a DA 44 mag unless you're shooting 44 Special loads in it.
Biker

 

[P. Plainsman]

I'd pick the S&W 629 if you want a gun to run lots of .44 Special in while also having magnum capability -- similar to how the Model 19 splits between .38 and .357. The 629 would also be the best choice for personal defense. My 629 is my favorite handgun.

I'd pick the Redhawk if you want a dedicated DA .44 Magnum for feral hog hunting, bear defense or similar dangerous outdoor duty. (Actually, if you can put up with a 7.5" barrel, I'd go with a Super Redhawk. More modern design; typically a better trigger.)

The only context in which I'll need to launch full-strength .44 Magnums is if I decide to hunt whitetails with a handgun. In that scenario, I'd do just as well to choose a single action revolver. Thus, my plan is to get a .44 Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter to complement my S&W 629, and that pair should cover all the .44 Magnum niches I might need.

 

[cookekdjr]

is it possible to get a good trigger on a Redhawk?
-David

 

[tc300mag1]

Ruger all the way never cared for how my smiht 44's shot ...now my anaconda is pretty slick too

 

[klover]

Hate the feel of a ruger. I could only shoot with a 629, and love it very much.
For many years I felt 44 was simply too powerful. Then I tried a 629, bought three of them with a matching marlin lever. Went on and got a 500 SW 8 3/8 barrell. Love em all, can shoot em all accurately.

 

[LeonCarr]

When discussing Redhawk vs. 29, I put it this way: For durability, get a Ruger. For shootability, get a Smith.

I prefer Rugers over Smiths myself.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr