I think it's time for a 44 magnum

[10-Ring]

Well, it has been a while...no new guns for more than a year (not counting an incomplete AR project in the safe). Lately, I have developed a need for a 44 magnum... for hiking, camping, SD and all around revolver shooting fun.
Now, I'm trying to make up my mind as to which one...S&W, Taurus or Ruger. Now the CA DOJ has provided me w/ a list of handguns they have deemed as safe and available for ownership in my state so they have narrowed the field some what, I just need it narrowed to one or two.
Personally, I'm looking for 4 or 6 inch barrel, maybe ported, med to large frame and capable of withstanding a lot of handloaded 44 mag
Thanks for the help

 

[Lost Dutchman]

Ruger. Tho, there's a lot to love about a smith 29.

 

[sm]

Does the Gubmint of CA consider a Older Model 29 "safe"?
These are classic, have great triggers and the various stocks availible afford a good comfortable fit.

Next up, if the great State Of CA deems safe of course. Would be a Ruger. Tough gun, with some work the triggers are better, just not S&W "butter" smooth.

Don't rule out a SA Ruger if you choose to and allowed to, lots of great learning to have fun with, and you drive fence posts with it if you get tired of shooting it.

 

[MCgunner]

I'd move to Texas and buy any danged thing you want. It's none of the government's business what you buy.

 

[10-Ring]

Yeah, the idea of moving (although attractive to others) is not option. I'm sticking it out in the Golden State & doing my part to help initiate change...:banghead:
Anyway, I would like a model 29...would go well with my model 19 Just curious, would it be strong enough to stand up to magnum rounds as well as the beefier Ruger? Also, I came across a Taurus Tracker that seemed like a nice little revolver...are they ay good?

 

[MCgunner]

I really, really like the two Tauri I have. They have VERY smooth triggers and are quality built guns. I hear complaints about this one and that one so I wouldn't buy one sight unseen, but I have been very happy with mine.

The Ruger will likely take a lot hotter handloading than a M29, but if you're shooting factory ammo, the 29 would take anything a factory can dish out. Really, I don't know how much you can improve on the .44 by handloading, though. I don't load it. I know there are some GREAT heavy bullet loads for the caliber for big toothy critter defense and hunting, stuff shooting up to 320 grains. A 29 would not be a bad choice comparing to a Ruger and, heck, you can buy a copy of "Dirty Harry" and practice the "speech". "I know what you're thinkin', did he shoot five shots or did he shoot six......"

I've been thinking a lot about that Titanium Taurus tracker in .357 or maybe one in .41 mag. I'd like to get into .41 mag and it would be a powerful round in a handy revolver to carry afield I think. I need another gun like I need a hole in my head, but hey, I might trip over a big back of money sometime, you never know. The titanium tracker is like 24 ounces, would be GREAT carried IWB. Be kinda neat having such a comfy revolver to tote in .41 mag!

 

[BigG]

Anyway, I would like a model 29...would go well with my model 19 Just curious, would it be strong enough to stand up to magnum rounds as well as the beefier Ruger?

Yes, and of course there is going to follow right after me somebody who will say "It won't stand up to the **** rounds produced by **** that nobody every buys or let alone shoots. Believe me, anything you can buy in a factory box or load according to safe SAAMI data will not hurt a Model 29.

I have bought several Model 29s, Model 57s, etc. that had the original box of ammo with it, sans a couple of shells. The folks that *claim to* shoot those nuclear loads are just like the guys who told you what they did with those girls they took out in high school. I hope I have made myself clear.

 

[Tiny in Ohio]

I have a Ruger Super Redhawk .44 magnum for sale of trade for a 1911. PM me if interested, or shoot me an e-mail at [email protected]. It will stand up to all but the most insane reloads.

 

[22-rimfire]

Consider a 41 mag over the 44. You won't regret it.

 

[Surefire]

You only considering double action?

In double action, I like the Super Redhawk.

However, if you are thinking of possibly single-action, my choice is the Bisley Hunter.

 

[Kurac]

Let me post a picture of what I think you are looking for

 

[CAnnoneer]

I'd vote for a Redhawk. It is the single most beautiful revolver. Fun to shoot with .44spl. I could not shoot more than 50 of the .44mag - too much pain.

 

[Euclidean]

I have a 5" bbl Model 629-4. It's the last generation with the forged controls vs. the MIM. I feel like I can hit a fly with that thing if I do my part. Balance is wonderful, feel is perfect, and it makes little girls cry when you shoot it at a public range. It's ideal for getting a crowded pistol range to yourself on a Saturday. I love it.

 

[ARTiger]

My '94 vintage 6" 629 has taken everything I've thrown it's way including some 315 grain hard cast solid loads that bring tears to your eyes. Nothing you're going to find in a reloading manual is going to hurt a 29 or 629.

The trigger is way better than the Ruger or Taurus. Find a 10-20 year old S&W in good shape and you'll not be disappointed.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I doubt there's such a thing as a bad time for a .44 magnum.

 

[jrou111]

I'm very fond of my Taurus 44 Tracker. Stock porting and rubber grips help with recoil ALOT.



Groups well

 

[sm]

Kurac,

May I ask what those stocks are please?

I really like the gun in your pic, thank you.

Steve

 

[JMag]

You might look around for a nice Colt Anaconda in 4" and make yourself proud. I love mine.

 

[10-Ring]

JMag - thanks for adding to the confusion! Adding another player wasn't fair! :banghead: Tell me tho, on the newer Colt revolvers, how are the triggers? The few I've played w/ have been gritty & heavy But these were mostly 357 magnums...I believe they were Cobras (?)

 

[scorpucla]

hiking?

Hey 10 ring, just curious, how do you plan on carrying a 5 or 6" while hiking? I'm thinking about getting an older 629, but not sure how I'd carry it while out in the sierras.

 

[MCgunner]

I think as for carrying a big handgun, those cross chest bandolier style holsters would be best. I have a standard Uncle Mikes shoulder holster for my Contender and I've been thinking a cross chest style would be better. However, I don't know how such a rig would work with a back pack. I always carry on the hip, but never more'n a 40 ounce Blackhawk and I don't do long back pack hikes, just day hiking with a day pack. I'm too old and out of shape to go too far anymore. LOL

I think if the cross chest holster didn't work, I might try a cross draw. A big N frame would be a little much to draw from a traditional hip holster I'd think unless it was a 4 inch. I have carried my 6.5" blackhawk from a hip holster and the draw was rather long.

 

[duckjihad]

I have 2 629 classics. One 5 inch and one six inch ported. Liked the five inchher so much I bought another and scoped it. Nice guns. Tight shooters. Have killed a deer and a hog with them.

I have a bandoleer style holster for the scoped rig and a hip holster for the 5 inch. Think I'm going to get an El Paso Saddlery 1942 chest holster for the 5 inch. Nice way to carry one. Can't go wrong with the smiths in my opinion. They're not bad withh magnums, but the 44spcl's are much fun in these pistols. Think if I had it to do over, I'd get a moiuuntain gun for holster carry. Nice package.

 

[Kramer Krazy]

Between Missashot and me, we have two 6" Anacondas and a 6.5" Powerport 629. I LOVE my Anaconda, but for the money, I'd probably go with the 629 (despite the fact I'd love to have a 4" Anaconda).

 

[Doggieman]

sorry about the late reply, but Colt Anaconda is not avail in CA. Only Colt revolver on the approved list is the 357 Python.

 

[Mannlicher]

10-Ring, I agree with you. I highly reccommend the Model 29 Smith and the Ruger Bisley Vaquero.
This is my 629-3 Mountain Gun