Targa
Member
^^^That is very true
Hello Highroaders,
I'm new to the forum, but I've been using it as a resource for probably 10 years. I'm currently in the market for a new 44 mag revolver, but I'd like some input. I recently sold my Taurus M44 8.375" revolver because I wanted to upgrade to something nicer. I bought the Taurus when I was in grad school and broke. Now that I've been out of grad school for several years, I've been upgrading my collection of guitars and guns, primarily because I enjoy collecting, and I want my children to be proud of what they inherit. I grew up very poor, so passing guns down to my kids, which they may not be able to find in the future, is important to me. The Taurus had to be sent in for repairs right after I bought it, and there's no guarantee it won't have to be sent in again. I'm not going to make my kids deal with that mess.
I've narrowed my choices for a revolver down to the Smith & Wesson 629 6.5", Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5 or 9.5", and the Colt Anaconda (assuming I can actually find any of these in stock). I know the Ruger is built like a tank, but the gun is ugly. I know guns are tools, but my 44 is mostly going to be used for target shooting and looking nice on a shelf. My son and I might take it hog hunting, but that won't happen very often. I was thinking of buying a 629, but I'm reading just as many horror stories about them having problems as I did about Taurus revolvers failing. I've also heard that Colt Anacondas can be lacking in quality control, which is concerning given the price.
I'm admittedly vain when it comes to revolvers, so I want something that's attractive, but I don't want to waste money on a product that's going to give me and my kids headaches every 1000 rounds. If that's going to be the case, then I should just buy another Taurus M44, because at least they are nice to look at (I polished mine.). I'm not too worried about price, because even expensive guns are cheaper than nice American-made guitars. I'm just hoping for some unbiased opinions.
Thank you,
Jared
Edit: I should add that I already have a couple of SA revolvers, so I want the 44 to be a DA. I also like the full lug look. Weight doesn't really matter, because this will mostly be a range toy, and I'm a pretty big guy.
Hello Highroaders,
I'm new to the forum, but I've been using it as a resource for probably 10 years. I'm currently in the market for a new 44 mag revolver, but I'd like some input. I recently sold my Taurus M44 8.375" revolver because I wanted to upgrade to something nicer. I bought the Taurus when I was in grad school and broke. Now that I've been out of grad school for several years, I've been upgrading my collection of guitars and guns, primarily because I enjoy collecting, and I want my children to be proud of what they inherit. I grew up very poor, so passing guns down to my kids, which they may not be able to find in the future, is important to me. The Taurus had to be sent in for repairs right after I bought it, and there's no guarantee it won't have to be sent in again. I'm not going to make my kids deal with that mess.
I've narrowed my choices for a revolver down to the Smith & Wesson 629 6.5", Ruger Super Redhawk 7.5 or 9.5", and the Colt Anaconda (assuming I can actually find any of these in stock). I know the Ruger is built like a tank, but the gun is ugly. I know guns are tools, but my 44 is mostly going to be used for target shooting and looking nice on a shelf. My son and I might take it hog hunting, but that won't happen very often. I was thinking of buying a 629, but I'm reading just as many horror stories about them having problems as I did about Taurus revolvers failing. I've also heard that Colt Anacondas can be lacking in quality control, which is concerning given the price.
I'm admittedly vain when it comes to revolvers, so I want something that's attractive, but I don't want to waste money on a product that's going to give me and my kids headaches every 1000 rounds. If that's going to be the case, then I should just buy another Taurus M44, because at least they are nice to look at (I polished mine.). I'm not too worried about price, because even expensive guns are cheaper than nice American-made guitars. I'm just hoping for some unbiased opinions.
Thank you,
Jared
Edit: I should add that I already have a couple of SA revolvers, so I want the 44 to be a DA. I also like the full lug look. Weight doesn't really matter, because this will mostly be a range toy, and I'm a pretty big guy.
I agree, and since I am not collector, the only N-frame revolver I would purchase is one with Endurance Package. Also. I would look for firing pin on the hammer. Those revolvers have mechanism made from solid steel, not done by MIM. Here is how to recognize revolver with Endurance Package, look for elongated slot for cylinder stop, protruding more on front side from the ramp:Look around for a M29-3E or M29-4. They're old enough to have some collectability, but have the Endurance Package so they can take a high round count of full magnum loads, and nice to look at, but are not full lug. They are pre-lock and pre-MIM. They should sell in the $700-$1000 range for a Good condition or above
Thanks for the replies. I think I'm leaning towards the 629. Has anyone had issues with using standard loads. I don't reload, and I don't really have a need to shoot the hottest ammo available.
The Redhawk is nice, but there's just something about the full lug look. I only really fuss over triggers when it comes to hunting rifles. Ruger triggers are fine IMO (own several already).
I know of Dan Wesson firearms, but I'm not familiar with the models. Is there a big DW 44 that you'd suggest?
No offense to an owner, but looking at this comparison picture, the Ruger looks like someone stuffed a skinny barrel into a 2” gun.
I think the 6" has the best balance. My 8+ inch 41 Mag S&W was hard to shoot without a rest. My own choice, having tried many of the DA and SA choices, is a Super Blackhawk Bisley cut from 7.5 to 6. The 629 was a great gun, but I didn't have the most desirable generation. I have zero interest in any new S&W.I've been a Model 29 and 629 aficionado for decades, IMHO it's the best bet out there, but then again I'm slightly prejudiced towards S&W. This is mine with the 6" barrel.View attachment 1053394
Had this issue with a 686, sent it in and they said "no, it's not" , it drove me nuts so I dumped it. I've had to use rugers CS, no cost, no hassle, no weird questions about what I've been doing to the poor thing, no blame - replaced everything that was possibly involved and I had my gun back in 2 weeks. Issue resolved (rough patch just in front of the forcing cone), unlikely but possibly caused by my nuclear handloads. couldn't ask for better service .If you do get a smith make sure barrel isn't canted. if you have to send the gun back it seems ruger has a much better customer service with markedly shorter turn around times.
BTW, all N-frame revolvers with this feature have Endurance Package, regardless of caliber.
Thanks for info, didn't know that. That's the reason we like forums like this one.They don't necessarily have the full-blown endurance package, just some of it. The 25-9 in .45 Colt only has the longer stop notches and corresponding bolt...but not the rest of the package, such as the bolt-block.