Which 44 Mag - Poll (with Pics)

[ump45]

I'm seriously considering picking up a 44 Mag and so I'd like to start a discussion about which of these choices would be best for use as protection while in the woods (non-hunting). Feel free to comment on why you believe one or the other is a better choice, or perhaps why one is a worse choice. Thanks.

S&W Model 29 Mountain Gun - 4"

S&W Model 629 Revolver - 4"

S&W Model 629 Classic Revolver - 5"

S&W Model 629 Revolver - 6"

Ruger Model KRH-444 - 4"

Ruger Model KRH-445 - 5.5"

Ruger Model KRH-445 - 5.5"

 

[Matt Almeda]

S&W Model 629

All are good guns but I guess my top choice would be for the 4" S&W model 629.
My only good reason is that I carry a 3” 629 in the boonies.
It’s a good tool for possible defense against feral people.
I have only used the Rugers for deer hunting and they were with much longer barrels.

Have a great day!

 

[OH25shooter]

Wow, they are all good choices. I guess you have to ask yourself whether you prefer a short barrel for weight issues and easier to carry, compared to the longer barrel for better accuracy. I owned a S&W M629 6.5" ported and that kicked enough for me. But it was primarily used for deer hunting.

 

[bakert]

I don't own one but I've shot the 629s belonging to my son and those of two friends. They may not be as strong overall as the big Rugers but it's one mighty slick revolver and if taken care of will suit most needs. Being a single action fan the only .44 I have is a Super Blackhawk. It's kinda slick too. I usually don't shoot extremely heavy loads but that big boy will handle them if needed.

 

[Z_Infidel]

I voted for the 4" 629 but I think the 4" Redhawk would pretty much be the equivalent. The 4" barrel will offer a good balance of features for carrying, handling, and shooting. Enough weight out front to help with recoil but still be okay for carrying around, tough finish for outdoor use, visible sights, and will balance nicely in the hand for shooting. For the 629 I would swap the regular Hogues for the Hogue rubber grips S&W sells for the X frame guns that cover the backstrap and offer better recoil absorption.

 

[Deer Hunter]

I voted the S&W 5". It's a good compromise between barrel lengths and should serve you well.

 

[Porter_Rockwell]

Do a search on the Ruger 4 inch!

I own one and it is the smoothest Ruger piece by far. It is a great revolver! I will never part with this baby!

If you do an internet search you will see this gun is getting a whole lot of deserved attention.

I put in a few links on a thread awhile back. Great gun. Only thing that will handle Garrett hammerheads in Bear Country for me! Great back up for my bowhunting elk.

God Bless,

Porter

 

[usmccpl]

I got the 5.5 redhawk and use it for everything. BTW 330 Hammerheads really mess up a rabbit if you dont hit him in the head.

 

[10-Ring]

For what I would use it for & considering what I already own & knowing what I like --- I'd go w/ the mountain gun

 

[tuckerdog1]

They're all good guns. Won't go wrong no matter which you choose. If it's for totin around, get the lightest one.

Tuckerdog1

 

[Mainsail]

Well, since nobody mentioned the Ruger Alaskan, I'll throw that out to you. I love mine; it's fast, accurate, and hella fun to shoot. It can take the meanest rounds out there, even the Buffalo Bore ones that are slightly longer.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I own, carry, shoot, and love my 629 Classic. The Ruger 4" balances nicely, but weighs more than the 5" Classic with full underlug.

For general woods packin', I'd probably recommend the 4" standard 629. You want some weight on there so it doesn't beat you up when you shoot it, but you don't want it to be so heavy that you get tired of carrying it. (A good belt and holster are a must.)

I got the heavier 5" because I like full underlug barrels and the extra weight makes it a *****cat at the range (with most loads).

 

[sm]

S&W Model 29 Mountain Gun - 4"

 

[jt1]

Here's my 6" 629. I really like, it is quite accurate and the weight is good. Having said that I think I would like a 4" even better, it just seems like it might be more versatile with the shorter barrel.

 

[Lucky]

Just got the 5.5" Redhawk (blued) yesterday, and am very happy!

Since the only choice available was between S&W and Ruger (no Taruses there), I got the Ruger. Lower price, and you can photograph them from the left side! I don't want a gun with a built-in lock.

 

[Eightball]

I like my 4" 620 (same frame, I believe), but a 5" would be sweet; I voted the 5" 629 classic. 6" is just a tad too long, 4" would be a tad too short for .44 IMO, so 5" fits the bill--that, and I'm a Smith guy, through and through. Now, if only the 5" came in a half-underlug barrel......

though, the 5.5 Ruger offerings are tempting--great barrel length, but I'd slap some different grips on there, probably Hogue, to help with recoil and grip when facing feral two-legged creatures in the woods. Cheers!

 

[glockman19]

I like the 629 5" I'll be getting on eas soon as I can DROS another gun. I Can't even DROS my Kimber Ultra Raptor II until Monday. So July 12 I'll get one I liek the full luc of the 5" over the 6" tapered and the balance of the 6.5" full lug

 

[rockstar.esq]

I'd go with the 629 because Ruger revolvers feel wrong to me. That being said, the proliferation of Hogue finger molded grips have kept me at bay. I am apparently the only person on the planet who finds them to be horribly uncomfortable!

 

[Nightcrawler]

I am apparently the only person on the planet who finds them to be horribly uncomfortable!

Not at all. First thing I do upon buying a Smith & Wesson is to swap for a set of Pachys. The Hogue monogrip's finger grooves don't jive with my fingers, I don't like the exposed steel backstrap, and the grip angle feels wrong.

The Pachy Gripper/Decelerator just fits me.

 

[Baldy]

I just got a S&W M29-10 Classic with 61/2"barrel. I got to work up a load for hog hunting. I think a 240gr LSWC will work OK. I'll have to check but I think about 8grs of 231 should do it.

 

[retrieverman]

All are great guns, but I voted for the 629 4" model which I think makes a great all around gun.

 

[KINGMAX]

I like two of your choices alot - 1). S&W Model 29 Mountain Gun - 4"
and the Ruger Model KRH-444 - 4".
I have a S&W 686 in .357 w/ 4 inch barrel, I love it. You might want to consider the .357 as well. You get to shoot 38 spl, 38 plus p's and .357's of all discriptions through it.

 

[Geronimo45]

The 4" stainless Smith seems to be a good choice to me... heard nothing bad about those Rugers, though. Stainless is handy for reducing cleaning worries, and the 4" will be handier to carry.

 

[BBQJOE]

I've never shot the 629 4". But I have a 6" and a 8 3/8ths and I enjoy the hell out of shooting them. Even more so because I save a ton on reloading.
I mostly like the accuracy.

 

[KINGMAX]

I really like the 4 in barrel w/ the full lug, nice heavy - weight up front