Big back country revolver

[YammyMonkey]

Looking into getting a big-bore revolver for back country trips in Colorado, Washington State and Alaska. Looking for something that would even out the playing field between me and a large bear but still be relatively easy to pack along in a holster.

So...Double or single action? I'm thinking DA that I can cock and use as a SA as needed and faster follow up shots from a DA revolver should they be needed.

Caliber...Shot a friend's Ruger SA .44mag and the recoil didn't bother me much at all. The slick wood grips were pretty horrid, but the recoil wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Would this be a reasonable caliber or should I consider something larger such as the .454 or .500mag? Looks like you can shoot the "cheaper" .45Colt out of the .454, would that be a decent load for smaller animals such as Deer and Hogs?

Also thinking about a low or zero power scope or Aimpoint for this gun, any opinions? I don't know a thing about handgun optics beyond unlimited eye relief and low power good.

As it stands right now I'm considering the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter (SA .44mag), the Stainless Super Redhawk (DA .44mag) and the Stainless Super Redhawk (DA .454/45Colt) all with the 7.5" bbl as I'd imagine anything longer would be cumbersome for the intended purpose.

Thanks a lot guys

Edit to add: How does the recoil from the .45 Colt compare to the .44mag?

 

[R.H. Lee]

http://www.swfirearms.vista.com/store/index.php3?cat=293531&item=831458&sw_activeTab=1

 

[Dionysusigma]

http://www.magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=BFR45-707
Nothing quite like Magnum Research's Biggest F***ing Revolver in .45-70

 

[Dr.Rob]

Suggestions?

Leave the optics off of it. If it's meant for close-in defensive work it doesn't need optics.

As far as cost of ammo goes, the 44 magnum is cheaper to shoot than the 45 Colt stuff that's loaded "hot" for rugers.

I'd suggest a 4 inch DA 44 mag or a 5.5 inch Ruger 44 SA.

Simpler is better.

 

[Black Majik]

The classic 629 4" gets my vote, but if its just for defensive purposes... go for the scandium brother and get the 329PD.

 

[Wildalaska]

S&W 329

WildcarrymorethanshootAlaska

 

[CRridermike]

i would get a .44 mag DA and put a set of laser grips on it, then you dont really have to aim if it is sighted in good. i wound get a 6" barrel as long as you dont have to conseal it.

 

[Jim March]

Actually, start with the caliber.

44Mag will do it, with good shot placement. With bad shot placement, your odds don't go up much more...with one exception (based on my READING, not experience!):

On a charging bear, if you miss the headshot in the windage direction, your round may skim the sides of the bear's head and/or neck, and plow into the shoulder. A big enough round will at that point slow it down some, buying time for more shots.

This is where the stronger (and heavier) slugs in 454, 475, 500, etc. may have an advantage. But MAKE your shots with 44Mag, you won't need more.

Garrett makes some wild-child 44Mag "+P" fodder only for the Ruger Redhawk/SuperRedhawk:

http://www.garrettcartridges.com/products.asp

Redhawks are good guns, but the grips are a bit funky unless you can find something aftermarket that fits your hands. SuperRedHawk stock grips are pretty dang good, and anything that fits the GP100 will fit SRHs too, so finding something that fits you tends to be easy. Either in 44Mag will be among the lowest-cost guns that could be taken afield in Alaska.

Costs go up from there! SRHs in 454 or 480 will be a couple hundred more, usually. The Magnum Research mongo-single-actions in various wild calibers is...what, about $800 if you can find one discounted.

Single-actions: my opinion is, they'll work great IF you're willing to put the time in to master them. But for God's sake don't bet your life on one in the field unless you've already put the time in to be ABSOLUTELY confident on your "cock on draw/cock to fire" mental wiring. That takes a lot of ammo downrange. If you don't have that, an SA will kill you when the balloon goes up.

 

[strambo]

.44 Ruger Redhawk 5.5" (That's what I'm gettin next anyway ) It will take the hot, heavy hardcast 300-325gr loads, which will do the job. It's carryable, not that expensive especially used and ammo is easy to find. The next step up in recoil is 480 Ruger I believe, and personally I know my limitations stop at hot .44mag. YMMV .454 is a lot worse than .44Mag recoil wise according to the #s, but I aint shot one so that opinion is more worthless than my other ones.

 

[Plinkerton]

Nothing quite like Magnum Research's Biggest F***ing Revolver

Common now... We all know it's supposed to be the Biggest FINEST Revolver...

 

[Dionysusigma]

I know, I know... it's just that "finest revolver" (in my mind) goes to a nice, original, well-maintained Colt SAA.

Plus, you've gotta admit it is a big friggin' revolver (as is the .500).

 

[WT]

Another bear thread ................