best 44mag

[unreal45]

Hi all
This is my first post
I wanted to get opinions on the best .44 mag for deer, hogs, and a little nightstand duty. (even though i have a 1911 i use for home defence)
Right now it is a toss up between a redhawk(i love rugers) or a 629.
also suggestions on barrel length would be a big help.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

If you are going to hunt, I would say ruger, hands down.
Why?

1. Handles heavy loads all day long(the smith won't handle an extended diet of heavies).

2. Easier to field strip when you fall in the mud.(And you will eventually).

3. If you're thinking of scoping it, go with the super redhawk. It comes with scope rings from the factory.

I would say the 7.5" would be best for multi-purpose use.

While the smith is admittedly more "graceful", the ruger is just tougher, and that's what I expect in my serious guns.

BTW: The corbon 165 grain load would be an exellent SD round regardless of witch gun you go with.

 

[JoeHatley]

Just a personal preference, but I'd go with a 6" 629. I really enjoy N Frames.

However... for you, I'd advise the Redhawk. For hunting, it would be hard to beat, especially with a 2X scope mounted. The Redhawk ring set up would also allow you to easily pop the scope off, without losing zero, for when its doing nightstand duty.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Ben Shepherd]

I apologize for my lack of decorum earlier. Forgot to give you the customary "WELCOME ABOARD".

Now that's out of the way, be sure and let us know which one you pick.

 

[unreal45]

Thanks for the replies Ben and Joe
I am leaning towards the standard redhawk
I dont like scopes on my handguns
if they are far out i will use my .308

 

[critter]

I'm with Ben. Love my Redhawk .44!

 

[Marshall]

Redhawk. Possibly even the Vaquero or Blackhawk

 

[aug e. dog]

I do not have a Redhawk or a 629, but I do have a Blackhawk and Model 29 as well as several other S&Ws and Rugers. For the most part, I find the S&Ws to be more accurrate and easier to shoot for me, especially N-Frames. Additionally, the 629 can handle ammo sufficient for deer and hogs all day long without a problem. Bottom line, if you have the opportunity, try out both and see which you prefer. Either would suit you well.

 

[M16]

Since you said the "best." That would have to be the Smith & Wesson 29/629 with a six inch barrel. Even better would be a Freedom Arms .44 magnum.

 

[tc300mag1]

any of the ruger 44 handsdown i prefer the super redhawk but any are good

 

[cheygriz]

I presently have a Redhawk with 7 1/2 inch barrel. I like it much better better than my previous 44s, which were a S&W 29 with 4 inch barrel, and a Super Blackhawk with 7 1/2 inch.

I might have liked the S&W little better with an 8 3/8 inch barrel. A 4 inch barrel 44 Magnum is, IMHO, kind of a joke.

Before you buy the Redhawk or Super Redhawk though, take a hard look at the Colt Anaconda with 8 inch barrel. That is one neat weapon! I have a 6 inch version in .45 Colt. I would have purchased another Anaconda instead of the Redhawk if it weren't for the price. (Colt is kinda proud of their Anacondas)

 

[field70]

I have the 629 with 8 3/8" barrel..I like the "feel" and balance of it better than the Redhawk..but that's just me..It's very accurate...You couldn't go wrong with any that has been mentioned..Just check them out and go with the one that you like the best...It would take a very long time and a lot of shooting to wear out either a Smith or a Ruger.

 

[cratz2]

Yeah, for the 'best for hunting if bought after winning the lotto' I'd go for a Freedom Arms.

'Best for hunting if bought from money that I worked to earn' would be the Ruger Super Blackhawk.

Best for night stand or carry duty would be a 3" 629.

'Best for scaring the crap out of a new shooter that pretends to be oh so macho' would be that new S&W Ultralight 44.

 

[Ala Dan]

Well guy's and gal's, I'm a S&W 629 fan, and of
5" barrels.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[P95Carry]

I love my 629 but .. to really get the job done .... and take the ''punishment'' then this fella is my choice .... hunting revo par excellance. SRH, with Millet red dot.

 

[tex_n_cal]

I go with what Ala Dan said...

The 5" heavy Barreled Classic 629 is an awfully, awfully good all-around revolver - handy enough to carry and enough sight radius for hunting.

A 250 Keith Hardcast at 1400 fps will drop any game in North America, let alone hogs and deer.

 

[M16]

I can't remember meeting a .44 magnum that I didn't like. Rugers are solid guns but a bit crude. Excellent value for the money. Smith's are what balance the best for me and work well out of the box. The Freedom Arms is as good as it gets. Here is a pic of some of my .44s. You just can't own enough of them!

 

[P95Carry]

M16 ...... hmmm a mere 20 .... well dude you's just gonna have to do something about that .... so go get buyin!

I do so like enthusiasts .. makes me feel less ''odd'' ......

 

[field70]

MAN!!!!! That's impressive, M16....

 

[P95Carry]

M16 ... 2nd from bottom on right .... is that a ''Performance Center''?

 

[M16]

Yes, that is the pc light hunter with detachable muzzlebreak.

 

[Hal]

best 44mag

2nd down, far left M16's picture

 

[unreal45]

thanks for the input everyone

I thing i will get a ruger to start with for hunting
I will get a smith 29 later because it is a legend and i want one so bad
not that I need a reason to by a new gun

 

[Pappy John]

M16, I'm with Hal...is that a Trailboss?

 

[M16]

actually it is a very early performance center 3" 629 comp model.