Ruger Vaquero 44 Mag vs S&W Model 69 44 Mag?

[Macchina]

I have hunted with a JM Marlin 1894 for years and always carried a 4" 357 while hunting. A part of the reason I carry the revolver is to hunt with just in case (twice I've forgotten rifle ammo but my sidearm was loaded) but mostly for woods self defense. Where I hunt there are several boar black bears and a female with 3 Cubs this year. They are all on my trail cam 30 yards from where I put my stand.

The other (probably the main) reason I carry a revolver when I hunt is it's just cool to get to carry my longer barreled guns instead of my small autos and snubs I carry in town.

I would like to add a 44 revolver to my collection and I always thought it'd be the new S&W Model 69. It's 37oz., handy sized at 4.25" barrel and has great reviews. My sole 44 Mag load for the Marlin is a 240 grain XTP over max H110. This will hopefully also be my only load for a revolver. Just when I thought I was set, I see the Talo 44 Mag Ruger Vaquero in 44 Mag with a birdshead grip! This looks like an incredibly fun gun to shoot and far easier to carry than most any other 44 Mag out there.

Does anyone have one or the other to compare? How would the Vaquero with a birdshead fair with just 240 grain loads? It looks like a terrific gun to carry, is this the case?

 

[BSA1]

I personally would not shoot full maximum load of H110 in the L-Frame Model 69.

As for the birdshead grip I tried it on a 45 Colt Vaquero and did not like it.

Of the two choices you list I would choose the Vaquero with 4 3/4" barrel and wood grips. A Single Action Revolver is designed to rotate upwards in the hand making full magnum loads manageable.

p.s. I would also back a grain or so on your loads.

 

[dickydalton]

Be careful on your "backing down" with H110.

 

[Macchina]

Be careful on your "backing down" with H110.

Yeah, for both 357 and 44 it's full load H110 or nothing for me. I've tried a bit less and velocity just got a bit inconsistent, no noticeable reduction in pressure.

 

[Balrog]

I have the Ruger Vaquero 44 Mag with birds head grip and love it for carry in the woods. It has a 3" barrel which makes toting it easy. I prefer it to the S&W 629 in this role. 629 is a great gun but more bulky.

 

[JeffG]

Just when I thought I was set, I see the Talo 44 Mag Ruger Vaquero in 44 Mag with a birdshead grip!

I have the birdshead, in 44 magnum. The gun rolls rather than bucks. I have shot full house loads and it's not that bad...I prefer a 240 semi wad cutter at about 1100 fps for both my Vaqueros. It's a sweet carrying and sweet shooting gun.


https://www.facebook.com/jeff.gleason.75/videos/vb.100002853748715/881257508646032/?type=2&theater

 

[Macchina]

I have the birdshead, in 44 magnum. The gun rolls rather than bucks. I have shot full house loads and it's not that bad...I prefer a 240 semi wad cutter at about 1100 fps for both my Vaqueros. It's a sweet carrying and sweet shooting gun.
View attachment 759773

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.gleason.75/videos/vb.100002853748715/881257508646032/?type=2&theater

Awesome, thanks! Do you ever carry it for a day? How does it carry and does the birdshead make carry easier?

 

[DM~]

IF you are honestly running a MAX load with H-110, you can back off a grain without any problems at all.

The problem starts when you try to go below the "minimum" load with H-110.

DM

 

[JeffG]

Awesome, thanks! Do you ever carry it for a day? How does it carry and does the birdshead make carry easier?

I carry it in the woods, all day, it's great. I had a Tom Threepersons holster made for it by El Paso Saddlery. It definitely easier to carry that a Smith 44, or my 41/2 inch Vaquero. The birdshead makes it easier to draw from left crossdraw, so it doesn't bang up my rifle stock. Pretty easy to conceal under a light jacket or flannel shirt.

 

[leo96150]

My Talo birdshead Vaquero is my go-to ATV gun and carries well out of sight on a belt holster all day. I haven't tried full-house 44 magnums in it, but it is very manageable and accurate with a stout Unique load with 200gn hp's.

 

[CraigC]

Depends on what you want from it. The .44Mag birdshead will be great for carry but not so great for shooting. I don't like the standard Blackhawk grip frame for full steam .44Mag loads and would like the birdshead even less. I want more grip frame, either the Super or the Bisley for full pressure .44Mag. Or less gun for .44Spl level loads.

 

[MaxP]

I have one of the new Vaqueros in .44 Mag with the short barrel and the birdshead grip and it's okay with typical 240 grain fodder, but gets a little painful with the 300 + grain loads I shoot through it. That grip is miserable for actual use.

 

[BSA1]

IF you are honestly running a MAX load with H-110, you can back off a grain without any problems at all.

The problem starts when you try to go below the "minimum" load with H-110.

DM

Dittto.

All gunpowder manufacturers recommend not starting with max loads. There is no danger starting with beginning loads listed in reloading manuals.

I have spent a lot of time working with W296 (H110) in the 44 Magnum for hog and deer hunting. I started at beginning loads and worked up a grain at a time. The result was 1) I got a LOT of practice in, 2) it is a waste of time working with starting and mid-range loads and 3) W296/H110 performed best in my guns one grain below listed max with 240 gr. JHP.

I strive for a balance of accuracy, controllability and velocity with controllability followed by accuracy getting the edge for hunting purposes. I think you will quickly find out that the birdshead grip on a Vaquero with full power magnum loads is not any fun to shoot although you may not want to admit after spending the money to buy one.

 

[CraigC]

I have one of the new Vaqueros in .44 Mag with the short barrel and the birdshead grip and it's okay with typical 240 grain fodder, but gets a little painful with the 300 + grain loads I shoot through it. That grip is miserable for actual use.

Folks, please bear in mind t hat this is from the guy who torture tested the new .480Ruger Bisley with 5000rds of factory ammo in a matter of only a few months. Max's recoil tolerance can only be described as superhuman.

 

[Varminterror]

In general, I've found if 23.5grn H110 under a 240grn XTP crimped firmly in the cannelure doesn't shoot well in any .44mag, there's most likely something wrong with the firearm.

I don't have one of the Talo's, but I built a pair of revolvers which strongly resemble them about a year and a half before the Talo version was released. Mine are a bit different - the similarities of course are the short barrel, birdshead grip, and the SBH hammers. I'll probably buy one (or a pair) of the Talo New Vaqueros in 44mag to complement my collection of 44mag Vaqueros, eventually. I shoot almost exclusively 300grn XTP's from these "Mean Lil' Revolvers," - as I call them - and only over full house H110 charges (seated in the 2nd cannelure to be Ruger Cylinder length) - the recoil and muzzle flip is brutal. With Bisley hammers, I received a few stabs to the web of my thumb and index finger as the revolver rolled back. I haven't had said issue with SBH hammers, but it's always a possibility with that much muzzle flip. As others have mentioned, stiff recoil with full house 44mag loads isn't great, but it's manageable. The 69's better grip, or more importantly, better grip OPTIONS will be a huge advantage.

Personally, I don't ever recommend carrying a single action for bear defense. I know Craig & Max will disagree, we might even get another link to Max shooting the 454C SBH blisteringly fast, but as much as I love carrying big single actions, the advantages of double actions are real, especially so for a guy who might be under-practiced with his defensive revolver.

Since you're also considering this piece as an alternative hunting option, the longer barrel and the adjustable sights of the 69 are additional critical differences. I've hunted for over 25yrs with fixed sight revolvers, and I love taking game with Vaqueros in 44mag, but I did so as a kid coming up out of necessity, as I only had access to fixed sight revolvers, and I only do so today more out of whimsy and passion than any practical motivation.

Undeniably, sex appeal oozes off of the 44mag New Vaquero, but for bear defense, hunting, and simple high-recoil control, the 69 is the better option. Both will work for the desired applications, but the 69 will work better.

It should go without saying - but the Vaquero is the more durable and stronger of the two, so it would be tolerant to higher loads, but the 69 will hold up normal practice volume associated with hunting & defensive carry.

The new GP100 in 44spcl with Elmer-esque loads might be another option for you to consider. The 329PD is another one to consider, if you're a glutton for punishment - although it is assuredly lacking in sex appeal.

 

[leo96150]

That grip is miserable for actual use.

I quickly discovered that and bought a set of nice smooth maple grips that feel great with any loads.