Help me chose my next .44 magnum revolver

[the count]

What can I say, I just love big hunks of stainless steel
I already have several nice wheel guns in 357, 454, 460 and 500 but more is the enemy of some...

 

[Varminterror]

Can't really cast a vote among these unless you offer some info for application?

 

[200Apples]

The next .44 Mag whirlenpopper on my list is a 5" 629 Classic!

But that doesn't help you much. [Edit: Since I wouldn't be interested much by a snubnose .44 Mag (I'd prefer a .44 snub in a Special chambering), I voted for a Ruger Alaskan. Perhaps a 4"? if one is available...]

Merry Christmas!

 

[cfullgraf]

I'd prefer something with a 4" or longer barrel and Blackhawks don't agree with my knuckles unless they have neoprene grips on them.

Given that, I voted for the Ruger Alaskan.

 

[Dframe]

Colt Anaconda

 

[MaxP]

I'd prefer something with a 4" or longer barrel and Blackhawks don't agree with my knuckles unless they have neoprene grips on them.

Given that, I voted for the Ruger Alaskan.

Which one busts your knuckles up, the plow handle or the Bisley?


I opted for the SBH but with one change. I would choose the Bisley version, like the one below belonging to a friend. Great little package!

 

[cfullgraf]

Which one busts your knuckles up, the plow handle or the Bisley?

Both.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Ruger Redhawk Backpacker .44 or .41 magnum.

2 3/4 inch barrel and a long tang like a Security Six.

Deaf

 

[Crowman]

Of the three listed in original post, I have both the Performance Center .44 snub i.e. And the Ruger Alaskan, but in .454 Casull. I have no use for single actions except to play cowboy. Of the two...

The Alaskan action is rough and heavy, and the front sight sucks. I'm an old fart who needs something bright out front so I can see it. I have planned to send it off to C&S for remedial work, but it disappeared into the back of my safe. I think it's hiding.

The Performance Center .44 has a veeerrrry slick double action. It shoots well and has enough weight to be manageable. The first thing I did was to install a set of Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips. These really soak up the recoil and I use them on my alloy frame guns to save my hand. The wood grips look pretty but suck in the pain felt, which increases with age. The red insert front sight is doable for me but may be replaced by something brighter.

So my vote is... Hands down, the S&W Performance Center .44 Magnum.

 

[CraigC]

Give me a Ruger Bisley every time. Definitely NOT for "playing cowboy".

 

[DWFan]

Dan Wesson M44. Just as beefy as the Redhawk. Trigger isn't as smooth as S&W but better than the Redhawk. Barrel & shroud sets available again from CZ/USA. I prefer the DW grip to the Ruger. Other profile grips are available from Hogue and LB Custom.

 

[Flechette]

Can't really cast a vote among these unless you offer some info for application?

What can I say, I just love big hunks of stainless steel
I already have several nice wheel guns in 357, 454, 460 and 500 but more is the enemy of some...

My next .44 will be a S&W 69. I think it is the perfect ergonomics for me with the 4 in barrel to get good velocity.

It has the top notch S&W trigger of course.

It only has 5 shots but that makes the cylinder stronger as the indexing notches are in between the chambers.

And how many shots of .44 Magnum do you need!

 

[bannockburn]

Given my druthers between the three choices I would probably opt for the S&W Performance Center Model 629.

 

[.308 Norma]

My next .44 will be a S&W 69. I think it is the perfect ergonomics for me with the 4 in barrel to get good velocity.

It has the top notch S&W trigger of course.

It only has 5 shots but that makes the cylinder stronger as the indexing notches are in between the chambers.

And how many shots of .44 Magnum do you need!

I sure like my own S&W 69. I've had/have several .44 Mags., but it's my favorite - especially for just bumming around in the hills with.
I don't load my Smith 69 with real fire-breathing, full house .44 Mag. loads though. My loads for it are more like hot, .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum cases.

 

[RealGun]

Looks like none-of-the-above wins the poll. Maybe we can go back and talk about barrel length for those not into fireballs or merely shooting 44 Special.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

I guess if you were giving me one I'd be happy to take any of the three equally. I like all three of those guns, each have their advantages, but have no desire for a 44mag with such a short barrel. Not enough desire to buy one anyway.

 

[ClemY]

Among my .44's is a stainless .44 Mountain Gun. It weighs in at 40 oz. with the Hogue grips I have on it. It has enough recoil with full power loads. I don't want anything any lighter or shorter.

 

[jdavis123]

 

[Crowman]

After reading subsequent posts, am adding that I'm also a big fan of the S&W model 69. It is a darn good carry gun for packing in the woods. Weighs within an ounce of several 357 magnums. It is my principle side arm when hunting or ridge walking in the fall / winter months. The picture on the left of my post is my model 69 in a Diamond D Guide's Choice chest holster. It is stoked with Buffalo Bore 255 grain Keith style hard cast SWC critter loads. I have aluminum cased 240 grain JHP in the leather cartridge loop slide (less corrosion than brass for extended carry in leather loops) and there are 5 more Buffalo Bore boomers in an HKS speed loader in a pouch on the chest strap.

My main complaint with the standard production model 69 is that the double action pull is stiff. Not nearly as smooth as my 629 Performance Center snubbie, which I keep in the Kawasaki mule's driver's side glove box when trail / dirt road riding. My mailbox us a good half mile down the mountain so it goes with me.

Plan to send the 69 out for action tuning after deer season... If I can remember... Plagued with CRS... Otherwise, I shoot the 69 well enough due to the longer sight picture, though the 629 PC does shoot tight because of the smooth double action pull. Long barrel vs. better trigger... Oh well. The 69 is lighter and more comfortable to carry in a chest rig than the 629 PC despite the barrel length difference.

Incidentally, I found that the 629 PC fits my Galco DAO holster that I use for my Ruger Alaskan 454. Got a 2-fer! Also have a Galco open top OWB pancake holster for it and have worn it to town concealed with a long vest or light jacket. Then change cartridges for new mission. I only load it with 44 specials as anti personnel rounds. Magnums are for critters. Too much penetration.

 

[the count]

Well, you know how you plan on doing one thing and it turns out differently? Went to my favorite gun store just to check out what he's got and I saw this 'used' Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag. Looked unfired, complete with box and papers. Even though not what I really had in mind I could not pass this deal by. Traded in my Ruger SP101 plus $200 bucks! She's a beauty for sure. Now that my largest caliber handgun is a 500 S&W magnum a 357 just doesn't do it for me anymore ....

 

[Tallball]

Sweet! My SBH is my favorite firearm. I hope you enjoy yours just as much.

 

[Cemo]

I recommend staying above 4" and even 5" in a 44 mag. The recoil is not bad but the muzzle blast is extremely loud.

 

[LoneGoose]

I have a 629 - great gun. I've never owned a Blackhawk, so I voted for it.

 

[JeffG]

The SBH got my vote, but my TALO Vaquero 3.75" in 44mag is my sweetheart,

 

[stchman]

I just ordered a SRH 9.5" in 44, can't wait to get it.