Looking for my first Revolver.

[GarMan]

Hey guys and gals. Recently, I went shopping around for a 44 magnum that I will use for hunting hogs out at my friend's ranch in Burnet TX. I've shoot 44 mags before, but I've never own a handgun before. I guess, a revolver for HD would be nice too. Anyways, I went to McBride's here in Austin, and started looking at their used pistols. I saw a Taurus, and asked if I could look at it. Looked solid. Hefty, which is what I am after. The guy behind the counter, then told me that the Taurus was a crap Brazilian gun and not American. Well, I thought I would ask you guys? First, what would you recommend? Second, was the guy right? I kinda didn't believe him, but I thought it would be a good idea to ask here first.

I don't care if it is double or single action. I am a Best-Bang-for-your-buck guy. I am not looking for a revolver that would break the bank. I think some of the S&Ws are expensive. I am sure they are more than worth it though. Thanks!

 

[PT1911]

Taurus makes quality guns... In particular their revolvers are well made... A friend of mine owns a gun shop and opts to carry a Taurus 44 mag when he decides to hunt with a handgun....

I own a Taurus, Smith, and a Ruger... all in 357 and the Taurus shoots as well or better than the others...

If you like the Taurus, I say go for it...

 

[GarMan]

PT1911, which model does your friend pack for hunting? Which model do you have? Thanks for your input.

 

[GJW1911]

I would not listed to the gun counter guy, Taurus makes good guns, but bad ones get out no matter who the manufacturer is, I had a older Taurus 357 that would lock up after one or two rounds. However I had a PT-92-AR that was an excellent gun.

With that said, I would and did buy a Ruger Super Blackhawk with a 7.5" barrel. I had mine ported and some action work performed, and it is an excellent hunting handgun. It will digest all of my hand loads and any factory ammunition I have tried with excellent accuracy.

GJW1911

 

[armoredman]

Even if it does have issues, Taurus has a lifetime warrantee that goes with the gun. It DOES take some time to get them to work on it, but they will.
I will say if you can squeeze the scratch, I'd reccomend Smith or Ruger for a good 44mag wheelgun.

 

[PT1911]

He has a Tracker 44 mag... not positive of the barrel length..

I have a model 608 and also a PT1911 that sees a lot of duty under a mech tech upper.

 

[Wolfeye]

The only American manufacturers of .44 magnum revolvers I know of are Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Freedom Arms, and Magnum Research. The best value is probably Ruger. Magnum Research & S&W are probably about the same pricewise, while Freedom Arms are quite spendy.

I'd put Taurus on about the same quality level as Charter Arms, an American company that makes smaller revolvers... that is to say, most of their guns are okay by reputation, but lemons aren't uncommon.

I own a Ruger, and it's noticeably tougher than a Smith when you compare the two side by side. Trigger pull isn't as nice, but that improves after a few hundred rounds.

For hunting, I'd pick a Ruger Redhawk with 7.5" barrel & scope mounts. They also have their Super Redhawk in the same caliber, but I think it's quite ugly.

 

[Lar1911]

Also look at the 41

The performance is very close, but less felt recoil in the 41 magnum

Search about the 41, its a cult round, everyone that uses it loves it.

 

[goodtime]

When you say "best bang for the buck," I immediately think to steer you toward a Ruger Blackhawk. I'd call it the bang-for-the-buck king. You can find 'em used for $350 - $450 if you look around, and new for about $500. Very durable and serviceable.

You might want to give some thought to the double action or single action question, if this is your first revolver.

Taurus makes good guns. I've owned a good few of em in the past, and currently own two. I guess the Taurus factory might turn out more lemons than some other more expensive makers. But, they're not inherently bad guns. I'd say buying one is not a poor decision.

For just a few bucks more, though, I'd recommend the Ruger.