I know this is an old thread, but I've been "Googling" and came up with this. I've been "tire-kicking" a .44 Mag purchase since the beginning of the year.
It was a used blue 4 5/8''s Ruger SBH at the local funshop for $390 that got me started last winter and I almost went with a new SS version for just a few bucks more.
My one and only 44 Mag, was a 629 Classic DX with a 6.5" barrel and I let it go for a song back in 2008 because I really needed the cash…still kicking self.
I need a 44 Magnum that I can comfortably carry and even conceal, even though it will be primarily a woods gun in the central to northern Rockies, yes Grizz, Moose and Bison abound in the area’s a bit further north were I plan to hike, pick a few Huckleberry’s and catch some trout, whenever I can catch a break.
Not to mention the Moose and the overpopulated Grizz from up north are heading south and the ranchers around here are getting mighty fond of the Bison market.
I've carried a 4.25" 1911 in 10mm for this task for many, many years primarily in the Central Rockies and I'm not about to give it up, it carries very nicely and loaded up with 200 gr. WNFPGC running about 1100 fps it would probably handle all but the Moose, Grizz and stray Bison. I load it down to a 180 grain cast TCFP running about 900 fps for all day fun at the range.
I still have a good supply of 240 gr. cast SWC, powder, dies, brass and primers for the .44.
I’ve gone from considering the Ruger’s (due to cost) to the 3” 4” MG, or a 5” 629, and I’ve passed on a couple of nice 3” 629’s, a MG in .45 and a very sweet looking Model 57 in .41 Mag, but I’ve held out and based on my “Googling” I’m going to go for the 4” 629.
I’ve been looking for a deal on a used 4” 629 for several months and just can’t find one, they are all running at just about retail or even higher…go figure.
I have seen a 5” pop up now and then on the local sites here in Colorado, but still in the $750 + range and I’m hesitant about that extra inch for concealability, even though I’m sure I’d like the extra velocity and controllability.
80% of my usage will be a mild range load, I’ll probably go with a 200 Gold Dot or something similar for the occasional CCW while in town and I’m looking into a 265-300 grain WNFPGC load for the heavy woods protection load. With some range work I think I’ll probably be able to handle that, I’m pushing 60 and the wrists aren’t what they used to be.
For a holster I’ve read nothing but good regarding the Simply Rugged pancake.
Got a Birthday coming up this week and I think it was the photo of Sam’s daughter and the nice wood grips some of you guy’s posted that’s going to make me pull the trigger in the next day or so…I’m going to have to make some calls today and see if I can find a local fun shop that has one in stock.
Even if the new one is a $100+ or so more, it’s nice to know it hasn’t been abused and I’m connected to Smiths lifetime warranty with an 800#
Hopefully with this darn economy or the wife and I won't have to let this one go.