Which 44mag to buy?

[zerobarrier]

Hello all,


I am looking to by a 44mag revolver. I would like it to have a 4" or 5" barrel. It will be used for plinking steel targets and I will probably take it deer hunting. I would like to keep the price below $800. Have seen the Taurus 44's online but never held one, no preference between single or double action. Any suggestions on which ones I should look at?

Thanks

 

[TrueTexan]

See if you can find a good used Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk. I love Smiths but the Rugers are built like tanks and you can shoot as hot as you want.

 

[km101]

A Ruger is the way to go if you want a single action. In double action, I really like my S&W 629. I have shot thousands of rounds of handloads, from mild to wild, and factory ammo as well. I have had zero problems with it and it has not "shot loose" as was predicted when I bought it over 15 years ago.

It has the good smooth double action trigger pull that Smiths are famous for and had a crisp 5 lb single action trigger pull out of the box. I don't think you would go wrong with a 629 in 4" if you decide to go with a double action revolver.

You would probably have to go with a used gun to stay under $800 with the Smith, but it can be done, it just takes a little longer. I think it would be worth the wait.

 

[jgiehl]

A cool one in my book that I would love to have is the Ruger new model super Blackhawk hunter.
Looks like a hybrid of old school single action and new school style.
Has the grooves for scope rings also.
My 2 cents

 

[bigtubby]

My vote is for a 4" S&W 629 here is my no dash, Ruger does make a good gun and like they say built like a tank personally I don't care for SA guns but it is what you like to shoot.

 

[snooperman]

I have the Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 magnum for hunting large game around my farm, and also have a Blackhawk in 45 Colt as well. Great guns.

 

[Kurastduuks]

Another vote for 4 5/8" super blackhawk!

 

[JJHACK]

As said above

Single action:
Ruger in your price range there is no other better option

Double action:
I'm quite biased. The S&W 629 is the only one I would choose.

My 629-4 is simply fantastic. Add crimson trace grips and you're in for a treat!

Stainless steel either way,

 

[powder]

The Dan Wessons seem to be incredibly undervalued.

Found mine used at an LGS about 10 years ago for $275.

Yes, it's a tank, runs .44 SP like .22 plinking.

 

[me26245]

44 mag handgun

I recommend that you get a Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk. For hunting I would suggest looking at the 7 inch barrel length.

 

[Jlr2267]

You cannot go wrong with either a Redhawk or 629. Redhawks are harder to find right now, but can be had for under $800. The 4" 629 can be bought at Buds online, shipped for $766. I only have Rugers right now, but have owned Smiths in the past and both will last you a lifetime of hard use.

 

[SuedePflow]

Another vote for Ruger Super Redhawk.


I deer hunt with mine as well, although mine is a wee bit longer than what you're looking for. Regardless, it's a very fun, smooth-shooting pistol.

 

[RealGun]

Your mention of Taurus suggests that you have a lower budget in mind. My best shooter is an S&W 629 5", but it is more than impulse money and will be discredited here because of the trigger lock. A nice specimen of earlier vintage without trigger lock could cost even more.

 

[Willie Sutton]

"Single action: Ruger in your price range there is no other better option"


I respectfully disagree.


Study the Virginian Dragoon in Stainless.

Stronger than a Ruger.

Finished better than a Smith.

Less expensive than either (these days, when new they were more expensive than a Ruger Super Blackhawk, which partially contributed to it's demise in manufacture)

100% made in the good old USA.

Classic and appreciating in value. You will never lose money on one.


Read this:


http://www.singleactions.com/VADragoons.pdf



I have several and shoot them with 100% confidence and satisfaction. I would not trade them for any Ruger made.


Willie

.

 

[CraigC]

Stronger than a Ruger.

You'll have a very hard time proving that. Comparable, yes but not stronger.

Finished better than a Smith.

Don't agree with this either. They were also never made with a barrel shorter than 6" and used prices for a Virginian Dragoon will be comparable to a similar Ruger.


You have plenty of options. Ruger makes a fine single action and this one was converted to a Bisley by its owner before it was spiffed up professionally. Far and away my favorite .44Mag sixgun.


A 7½" Ruger is getting a little long for a packing pistol but they carry well in a proper holster.


Wouldn't recommend a Hunter model unless you plan on scoping it. Better for a dedicated hunting weapon.


I love Ruger's XR3 grip frame but not for heavy .44Mag loads. So this 50th anniversary gun will eventually become a Bisley chambered in .500JRH.


A fine example of a S&W 629MG, tuned by the late Bob Munden.


Of course, a 6" N-frame carries well too.

 

[Ranger Roberts]

I have a redhawk and a blackhawk and both are fantastic guns. I have to throw my vote in for a Ruger.

 

[Willie Sutton]

"You'll have a very hard time proving that. Comparable, yes but not stronger"


Slightly larger in every dimension, and built like a bank vault. Generally regarded as stronger by many. Let's just agree that neither is limited in strength for use with the hottest loads that can be constructed in the caliber. The Virginian was about 20% more expensive when new, which represents the degree of handwork put into fit and finish. They are top shelf revolvers and second to none. Rugers are as well, save for the markings stamped on them. Does the "read instruction manual before using, available free by writing Sturm Ruger, Southport CT" stamped where you can't miss it add to their aesthetic beauty? Personally that's a no-buy flaw. I'd never own such a thing but that's just me. They are nice revolvers in every way other than that. Certainly either would be excellent choices.


So:

I stand by my opinion of the Virginian Dragoon v/s Ruger. That's based on having had a half dozen of one and a half dozen of the other. I'd just advise the OP to contemplate the Virgnian in the mix, as it's easially ignored unless someone points it out as an option. I've bought several within the last two years within the $350 range, so they are affordable as well as being extremely high quality.

Those are some very pretty Rugers, thanks for sharing.



Best,

Willie

.

 

[CraigC]

In this case the strength of the Ruger is known. The strength of the Virginian is not. There isn't much we may assume from dimensional differences between guns of different makes. A USFA .44Spl is the same dimensionally as a Uberti Cattleman. USFA's have been successfully converted to .44Mag but I doubt we'll hear of such for a Uberti or Colt. Fact is that either is plenty strong for the .44Mag so it really doesn't even bear mentioning.

Ruger's warning label doesn't do much for me either but it doesn't keep me from buying them. The two above-pictured customs have had theirs removed for the whopping sum of $25 each and it's on the bottom of the barrel on the new guns.

I do agree that the Virginian is worthy of consideration but then again, so is the new Uberti Callahan. Neither can be had shorter than 6".

 

[Walkalong]

I like the Redhawk. Had and traded Model 29s. (I do love my M-57 though.)

 

[Willie Sutton]

"In this case the strength of the Ruger is known. The strength of the Virginian is not."


I respectfully disagree. During testing at the time of new manufacture of both, it was generally accepted that the Dragoon was a heavier duty and stronger revolver than the Ruger. The cost to purchase reflected that. With that said the Ruger has been around longer now so has more track record, and is obviously "plenty darned strong", and has an excellent reputation. The Dragoon is a sleeper and is an excellent value as well as an excellent shooter.

Glad Ruger has moved the grafitti to the bottom of the barrel. I still don't purchase arms from manufacturers who don't give me credit for knowing how to use them though. Just... can't...buy...them..... <sorry>.

Your point about barrel lengths are well taken. And your Ruger collection is darned pretty, no ands, ifs, or buts about it.


Best,

Willie

.

 

[Fleetman]

One of my Ruger S/B's has in excess of 20k full-house rounds through it and it still locks up as tight as when new but is as smooth as greased bearings now. It's one-year newer twin doesn't have near the round count through it but is also much prettier.

For carrying hip-holstered in the woods, I prefer my Taurus Tracker but I doubt it would hold up to round counts anywhere close to the Rugers.

I have a friend with a 629 that has seen around 6k rounds but it has been back home for tightening/tuning at least once that I know of. I'm certainly not knocking it though as it's a pleasure to shoot.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Well, I would not buy a Taurus in any caliber. S & W would be my first choice hands down with Ruger near the bottom. Yes, the Rugers are stronger, but you're not going to find a factory Ruger with a s/a trigger anywhere near as good as S & W.

 

[CraigC]

During testing at the time of new manufacture of both, it was generally accepted that the Dragoon was a heavier duty and stronger revolver than the Ruger.

Generally accepted by whom and based on what information? We know at what pressure the Ruger will let go. Do we have that information for the Virginian. I'm not trying to be argumentative and I'm not defending my choice here. I do not have a need to believe that Rugers are stronger. It just tweaks my OCD to hear unsupported claims of relative strength.

 

[gamestalker]

Go with a Ruger SBH or SRH, either one will meet your needs. You should be able to find a used one for a decent price.

GS

 

[Desertrat357]

I love S&W, but I wouldn't trade my 4" Redhawk for anything. And true they don't have as good a factory S.A. Trigger as a smith. But throw a Wolff spring kit in like I did and all I can say is wow! Amazing trigger with the aftermarket springs