Looking for a $400 .44 Mag

[Macchina]

I have a Marlin 1894 in .44 and love it. I'd like to get a handgun that can shoot the same ammo (I currently shoot 240gr. XTP's over 24gr. of H110). I've heard great things about the Blackhawk, but they are over $500 around here for the standard versions. I also don't like the looks of the blackhawk (looks like a cowboy gun), and much prefer the looks of the more modern revolvers (I like the looks of the Ruger Alaskian below, but it is out of my price range and the barrel is a tad too short). Any recommendations of a tough $400 .44 revolver, or is the blackhawk it? I love the Ruger SP101, did Ruger ever make anything like that in .44?

 

[earlthegoat2]

Maybe a Blackhawk or Redhawk or Super Redhawk. Your going to have to do some shopping but you should be able to find one for your price.

 

[frankiestoys]

Try R&R Arms an on line site good prices but you will need a FFL to help you out, Charter Arms makes a 4 inch target bulldog 44 cal ss for $409.61 and Taurus tracker model 44 blue for a modest price of $420.81 I own Rugers and smiths but looked at the taurus nice looking wheelgun but its not a Ruger, or Try your local shop for something used. Happy hunting.

 

[Macchina]

The ironic thing is, this money has been saved over the last few months for a .22 handgun for practice the gun has been on order for over 2 months. The Ruger Mark III Bull Stainless refuses to be in stock, so I'm starting to get ideas of other ways to spend it...

Does Ruger have a bad habit of keeping guns out of stock for long periods of time?

 

[Walkalong]

Won't run across them every day, but I got this Astra off GB for $340, plus $25 shipping & $20 to my FFL. It is nice and shoots great for a sub $400 gun. Lots of bang for the buck IMHO.

 

[Floppy_D]

Honestly, your best bet is to get over the looks of the Rugers, and get a Super Blackhawk Hunter. They meet your price range. I didn't like cowboy looking guns until I got one of these:


The barrel is a bit long, but it sure makes 44 easy to shoot. You said that the Alaskan was too short... so this may be a consideration. Disregard the aesthetics for a minute, and try the trigger and sights. Also, the Super Blackhawk is built like a tank, so it's a handloader's dream. If I felt the need to be a handgun hunter, I'd want to do it with the Ruger SBHH 44.

 

[C-grunt]

In that price range the Ruger Blackhawks are going to be your best choice. I had one that was a great shooter, but ended up selling it to get a Ruger Mk III because I couldnt afford the ammo.

I have heard good things about the Taurus 44 revolvers.

 

[warnerwh]

The best deal for a .44 are the Dan Wessons. Unusually accurate and very strong. Do a Google and read up on them. You'll have to look to find one for 400 but it is considered a superior double action revolver by many serious shooters compared to the mainstream.
The Super Blackhawk is as good although single action and can be found for that much and with a trigger job is also an excellent revolver. Better yet get one of each.

 

[surjimmy]

Try the Taurus Tracker, there are 2 on gunbroker for under $500 right now. Blue item #135514707 for $475 and a SS for $476 item #135516934 both are a buy now for these prices.

 

[MovedWest]

Seriously, if you can find a Ruger super blackhawk in a 7.5" barrel in decent shape for $400 you have a friend for life. Keep looking... you'll find one. Just be patient. Firing these bad boys are like throwing javelins. If your aim is steady enough you can sight it in at 200yds. There's a reason they've kept making them for over 50 years.

Old model 3 screw's are wonderful if they haven't had the conversion done, but good luck on getting a good one for under $600 in good shape. New models are nice as well, but the trigger isn't as crisp and they require "fiddling with" during reloading.

I wish you much luck in the hunt.

-MW

 

[kanook]

just wondering, doesn't your Marlin look like a "cowboy gun" ? Have you considered the Redhawk?

 

[Six]

We've got a Marlin 1894 and a Super Blackhawk 7 1/2, they really make a nice pair.

Edit:
For double actions: Around here, if you're lucky, you can find a Super Redhawk .44 for about $400. I've seen some Smiths at around the same price.

 

[Bush Pilot]

People seem to be proud of their SRHs, around here you can't find a used one for under $500.00. Your best bang for the buck IMO is a used SBH, a local dealer has (had?) a nice blued model for under $300.00.

 

[bluetopper]

I found a nice Smith 29-2, with a recessed cylinder for $450 on a hanguns for sale forum. Good deals are out there just be patient and have cash ready.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Got this Taurus for less than $400, but it was prolly 5 years ago.

 

[jbkebert]

I picked this one up with one of the knives, two speed loaders, 200 rounds of ammo, and two holsters all for $400 there are deals to be found.