I've been thinking about getting a new .44 magnum and I've narrowed it down to the S&W 629 (6 1/2") and the Ruger Super Blackhawk (5 1/2"). I've read that the 629s have had a lot of problems in the past, but the endurance package fixed most (all?) of these issues (timing, excessive wear, etc.). I can't find that much information about the Super Blackhawks. The main use of the gun will be target shooting. Thanks for any help guys.
Can't Decide on a .44 Mag
- Thread starter ColtBRH
- Start date
- Status
Marshall
Member
For target shooting I would pick up the Smith and for hunting, the Ruger.
Why a 44 Mag for target shooting?
Why a 44 Mag for target shooting?
JNewell
Member
If it's mostly for range use, go with the S&W. In all probability, you will mostly shoot lighter loads and the 629 will last indefinitely or nearly so under those circumstances.
For heavyweight bullets at higher velocities, the Ruger will be a better choice (especially with the Bisley grip).
For heavyweight bullets at higher velocities, the Ruger will be a better choice (especially with the Bisley grip).
targetshootr
member
Sometimes the square trigger guard on the Super BH can rap your knuckles pretty good but the Hunter model has the rounded type. For whatever reason I shoot single actions more often than Smiths and I always target shoot.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Once you develop the right load for your gun, it's an amazingly accurate cartridge.
Marshall
Member
I understand, I was looking for his answer.
M40A1
Member
I have had a bunch of large bore revolvers with 6 to 6 1/2 barrels as well as a few 5 inch barrels and one or two 8 3/8 inch barrels. Now I have only 4 inch barreled S&W N frames. They just ride on the belt so nicely, are very pointable with a great balance and are still very accurate. You can't go wrong with a 4 inch barreled N frame. Seems my longer barreled sixguns always stayed in the safe and the 4 inch versions were always the first I grabbed. The mountain guns are nice as are the standard 629s.
Yooper
Member
I have both a 6 1/2" 629 and a 5 1/2" Super Blackhawk. For me, the 629 is more consistently accurate, regardless of load intensity. If your intent is solely target shooting, the 629 is my recommendation.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
My Favorite
is a 5" barrel Smith & Wesson 629-5 Classic
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
is a 5" barrel Smith & Wesson 629-5 Classic
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Jim March
Member
For any normal 44Mag role that doesn't involve fast defense against dangerous critters, you could do a LOT worse than the Ruger "Hunter" variant SuperBlackHawks, with either the Bisley grip frame (and associated hammer/trigger) or the SuperBlackHawk "oversize plowhandle" with rounded triggerguard, whichever fits your hand best.
Hard to go wrong - heavy, stable 7.5" barrel, integrated scope mounts and provided rings, excellent aftermarket sight support front and rear. Adding a scope does NOT alter installation or zero of your "iron sights" which are still present. The rings are field-removable. This is in direct contrast to the S&W 29/629 platform. Just add a Belt Mountain base pin with set-screw ($25 or so with shipping, user-installable).
It's a wee bit bulky for fast defense plus you'd have to really master the SA drill to use an SA for defense of any sort. But for either range or hunting use, awesome gun for the money.
Hard to go wrong - heavy, stable 7.5" barrel, integrated scope mounts and provided rings, excellent aftermarket sight support front and rear. Adding a scope does NOT alter installation or zero of your "iron sights" which are still present. The rings are field-removable. This is in direct contrast to the S&W 29/629 platform. Just add a Belt Mountain base pin with set-screw ($25 or so with shipping, user-installable).
It's a wee bit bulky for fast defense plus you'd have to really master the SA drill to use an SA for defense of any sort. But for either range or hunting use, awesome gun for the money.
I also compete in target shooting disciplines calling for a .44 Magnum revolver. My first .44 Magnum revolver was a Ruger Redhawk 5 1/2". Not a bad gun for "bear busting", but it just had to take a back seat to the fine triggers provided by S&Ws. I bought myself a S&W M629 "Classic DX" 6.5" (tested for accuracy by the factory) some years ago and couldn't be more happy. I think this particular model has been discontinued. However, you can easily get the M629 Classic (non-DX) over the counter. I you do some looking around you might be lucky and find a nice DX, too. I am convinced you won't regret it.
By the way, I like Ruger's single-action revolvers much better than their DA models.
Good luck and good shootin'!
By the way, I like Ruger's single-action revolvers much better than their DA models.
Good luck and good shootin'!
Mikul
Member
I've been shooting my 5-1/2" Redhawk a lot recently. The accuracy is good even out to 100 yards. The reliability is good, but you really have to keep it clean (this seems like a generic revolver issue). Controllability of all magnum loads barring the nasty 300gr full-power loads, is very good. The double-action trigger is too heavy, but I have gotten used to it. Because I draw from a holster so much, the 5-1/2" barrel gets uncomfortable due to the looong draw. I'm thinking of having it cut to 4". The sights are GREAT, but I will be replacing them with night sights.
Highland Ranger
Member
Handle both, if you see no difference then the Ruger is going to be less expensive.
For me, Smith hands down. Finer piece of machining and a nicer all around artifact than the Ruger.
For me, Smith hands down. Finer piece of machining and a nicer all around artifact than the Ruger.
surfinUSA
Member
"Ruger for hunting, S&W for the range". I hear this all the time. the truth is that if you are using sammi spec ammo in your S&W you have nothing to worry about no matter what the bullet weight. Sure 29s made before the -3 had problems with the huge diet of heavy loaded 300 gr rounds the silhouette shooters were feeding them, but even the earliest 29s can handle the number of rounds a hunter will put throught the gun to ensure he is capable of hitting his target.
For me the light weight of the S&W, plus the better trigger (which helps me ensure a good shot) tip the scales in favor of S&W. I only use factory ammo and have no desire to reload. But I think I'm like a lot of guys and for us some of the heavy 44 factory loads are the limit of our recoil tolerance.
There is nothing wrong with Rugers, they just carry a lot of unnecessary weight and their trigger can be found lacking for precision shooting. The redhawks are real nice (especially the 5 1/2 inch blued version) but the super redhawk is just unnecessary bulk and weight for a 44. For the 454 and the 480 that may be needed to dampen recoil but not in a 44.
For me the light weight of the S&W, plus the better trigger (which helps me ensure a good shot) tip the scales in favor of S&W. I only use factory ammo and have no desire to reload. But I think I'm like a lot of guys and for us some of the heavy 44 factory loads are the limit of our recoil tolerance.
There is nothing wrong with Rugers, they just carry a lot of unnecessary weight and their trigger can be found lacking for precision shooting. The redhawks are real nice (especially the 5 1/2 inch blued version) but the super redhawk is just unnecessary bulk and weight for a 44. For the 454 and the 480 that may be needed to dampen recoil but not in a 44.
Pappy John
Member
ColtBRH, congrats on a fine choice, even though you wouldn't have gone wrong either way. Both are fine weapons.
From a Model 29 and .44 Redhawk owner.
From a Model 29 and .44 Redhawk owner.
Gunnutz13
Member
S&W 629
I have a 4 inch 629...love shootin the 44 specials when I'm at the indoor range punchin' paper, and the 44 magnum loads when up the mountains at the quarry (dump) shootin everything from old car doors, fridges, anything metal...awesome firepower in a small package. Also a great hip gun when hunting bear and deer...and in camp to ward off two legged predators.
I have a 4 inch 629...love shootin the 44 specials when I'm at the indoor range punchin' paper, and the 44 magnum loads when up the mountains at the quarry (dump) shootin everything from old car doors, fridges, anything metal...awesome firepower in a small package. Also a great hip gun when hunting bear and deer...and in camp to ward off two legged predators.
Valkman
Member
I found a 10 year-old 629 with a 6 1/2" barrel a few months ago. You can't beat an old smooth S&W trigger! It's a fine gun and while I own a Ruger SRH in .454 I'd get the S&W just for the trigger since it's for target shooting. I like reloading for mine and just blasting away!
Swamprabbit
Member
For target shooting, I have to chime in for the S&W 629. I currently don't have one but still have my 4" M29 that I've had since about 1978. It has had a steady diet of stout loads and does fine.
I also have a Super Blackhawk. Great utility guns - tough, reliable, accurate enough - but just not "refined" enough for target work.
I also have a Super Blackhawk. Great utility guns - tough, reliable, accurate enough - but just not "refined" enough for target work.
- Status
