Best .44mag for under 1k?

[Monkeybear]

I was gonna buy a gun safe with the money but then I saw a Ruger Alaskan 3" .44 kit and decided I'd rather have another revolver than a big cheesy glorified storage locker. The one I saw was priced in the high 9's so before I grabbed one I thought I'd ask if there was something else I should look at in the same price range. Hopefully with a 4" barrel.

 

[Wil Terry]

A 44 "kit"?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

If you don't have a gun safe, spend the money on a gun safe.

If you are dead set on a .44 Mag and have $1k to spend, I wouldn't go Ruger Alaskan.
I would go with a single action first off, like a Ruger Blackhawk or Bisley.
If I was going to go with a double action, I'd go with a Smith.

You'll get 100 different opinions on it, but there's mine.

 

[Monkeybear]

Yeah a "kit", with the holster and some other stuff included as opposed to just a gun.

And I just cant buy a gun with an internal lock. It just bothers me for some reason.

 

[horsemen61]

Then get a good single action

 

[98Redline]

Under $1K?

If you want a double action, a Super Redhawk would be a good choice.
If you prefer single action, then a Super Blackhawk Hunter.

But, I agree with the other poster, get the safe first.

 

[tomrkba]

I love the Ruger Alaskan. The 2 1/2" barrel is a bit short, but adequate. A 4" barrel is better, but the Alaskan is a nice gun.

 

[critter]

Ruger somethingorother-whichever one fits your tastes and wallet. I have had SA's and the Redhawk. FINE firearms. Good deer taking handguns. Works wonders on hogs too!

 

[Kernel]

When it comes to 4" .44 Mags under $1K it's an embarrassment of riches. So many great guns to choose from. Many good recommendations so far. I'll throw the prelock S&W Mountain Gun into the ring. There were stainless (M629) and blue (M29) versions. Many Smith & Wesson aficionados consider it an ideal balance of weight, power, form, and function.

 

[Monkeybear]

Well I have an AR, a 4" .357 and my girl has a shot gun. I have a CZ 527 Carbine on the way too. So thats four guns total. Gonna wait on the safe till I get a few more revolvers.

That M629 looks real nice though. Gonna have to drive around and shop the used market on my day off.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Sounds like money is burning a hole in your pocket. Forget about it for now, save a few more bills and buy a Colt Anaconda if you must have a .44......Ten years from now you will thank me.

 

[Ric]

Many 44's for sale used, shot very little most of them

 

[19-3Ben]

I would go with a single action first off, like a Ruger Blackhawk or Bisley.

Yup. My LGS has a .44mag Blackhawk in excellent condition for $450 right now that is very very tempting. If only I were hand loading, i'd get one. I just don't want to be stuck buying factory ammo.

I agree with others who said that if you don't have a safe yet, get a safe first. Then fill it, and buy another one. We've all been there or will be there at some point.

 

[BobWright]

I really can't see any use in a 3" barreled .44 Magnum. That's a mighty big gun for .44 Special performance. I'd suggest a good .44 Special such as a New Model Flat Top from Ruger, or maybe the Bisley model. Or even a good .45 Colt.

A 3" barreled .44 Magnum is really a loud flamethrower.

Bob Wright

 

[bluekouki86]

I've got a 6" s&w 629-4 that I feel is the perfect .44 mag setup. It is buttery smooth and perfectly balanced. I paid $600 for it.

 

[crazysccrmd]

Many 44's for sale used, shot very little most of them

That's the way to go. I just picked up a never fired stainless 44 mag Blackhawk (still had the factory goo in it) with 75rds of assorted ammo and all the factory stuff for $475.

I found myself shooting my 629 mountain gun almost entirely single action, figured a real single action was the way to go. Eventually when I find a model 69 in stock I'll pick that up too.

 

[rswartsell]

A Dan Wesson is another viable alternative. Their owners love them.

 

[C5rider]

Plenty of choices

Are there 44s for a grand? Sure! But there are so many that cost much less. You COULD get a nice 44 AND a safe if you keep your eye peeled and be patient.

 

[bluetopper]

Be lucky enough like me to find a used Freedom Arms 44 Mag in great shape for $900.

 

[buck460XVR]

Sounds like money is burning a hole in your pocket.

I tend to agree. You want folks to tell you what gun to buy for $1000 or less but give no purpose to the gun other than you want one. While the Alaskans are nice for what their intended purpose is, their intended purpose makes them not a pleasant gun to shoot. If this is to be your 3rd firearm, I assume that you are going to shoot it and not just caress it and look at it. This would mean to me that safe queens and unpleasant shooting handguns are not a priority. But then, again, you have not given us a purpose. You want the best .44 for under $1000. To many the S&W 629 is that firearm. There are many out there used without a lock and new ones can have the lock removed in a matter of minutes. The hole on the side is no more a distraction when shooting than the billboards on the barrels of Rugers. Both turn folks off for some reason. Me, I can't see either when I'm behind the sights.

Those with small collections of firearms tend to purchase their firearms carefully, trying to fill a gap in need or desire. That gap cannot not be discerned by others as well as it is by the intended user. Decide what your purpose and desires really are and then you will have a much easier time determining what is "best" for you.

 

[Jlr2267]

Under $1000 there are many options. I would go with either a S&W or Ruger and you will be happy either way.

To me, the Alaskan is not appealing from a practical standpoint (although it is a very well made and nice looking revolver). I can't find a reason to want 44 mag thru a 2.5" barrel .

 

[MCMXI]

While the Alaskans are nice for what their intended purpose is, their intended purpose makes them not a pleasant gun to shoot. If this is to be your 3rd firearm, I assume that you are going to shoot it and not just caress it and look at it. This would mean to me that safe queens and unpleasant shooting handguns are not a priority.

I have an Alaskan chambered in .454 Casull and I really enjoy shooting it. I also have a S&W 629 with a 4" barrel but I don't enjoy shooting it.

The Alaskan in .44 Mag is available for $800 (see link). I've thought about buying one but it wouldn't do anything that my .454 Casull can't do ... except shoot .44 Mag ammunition of course.

http://www.onlinegundeals.com/ItemDetails/752454459/RUGER_SUPER_REDHAWK_ALASKAN_44_MAG_NEW_KSRH_.htm

 

[XTrooper]

If you don't have a gun safe, spend the money on a gun safe.

If you are dead set on a .44 Mag and have $1k to spend, I wouldn't go Ruger Alaskan.
I would go with a single action first off, like a Ruger Blackhawk or Bisley.
If I was going to go with a double action, I'd go with a Smith.

You'll get 100 different opinions on it, but there's mine.

See above.

I agree on all counts.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

29/629