Which should I keep: 45 Colt or 44 mag?
- Thread starter Jlr2267
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this is what I was thinking, but honestly I think I would keep the 45 colt because of this. Redhawks in 45 are a lot rarer than 44s. Should be a more valuable gun as the years go by
Jlr2267
Member
Hard to let something like this go:
BCRider
Member
I kind of have to agree with savit a few posts up that on a bigger frame gun like a Redhawk that the 5.5" barrel just seems far more right and would balance nicer in the hand.
Since you reload for both it comes down to a)bullet availability and b)which barrel length will suit you better for how you plan on using the gun.
There are likely more commercial jacketed bullet options for the .44Mag. Although we can't discount the big assortment of bullet options intended for the .45acp that would also fit into a .45Colt load. But most of those will be more along the lighter line. But if you cast your own you have LOTS of options for either.
For the barrel length I agree that the 5.5 will have a nicer balance feel in the hands. But if you intend to carry the gun there may be a case for the one inch shorter barrel. Not much of a case but hey, it only takes ONE time where that one inch makes the difference where you have to draw and take the shot in a tight situation if it comes to that. Only you know if this could be an issue or not.
Since you reload for both it comes down to a)bullet availability and b)which barrel length will suit you better for how you plan on using the gun.
There are likely more commercial jacketed bullet options for the .44Mag. Although we can't discount the big assortment of bullet options intended for the .45acp that would also fit into a .45Colt load. But most of those will be more along the lighter line. But if you cast your own you have LOTS of options for either.
For the barrel length I agree that the 5.5 will have a nicer balance feel in the hands. But if you intend to carry the gun there may be a case for the one inch shorter barrel. Not much of a case but hey, it only takes ONE time where that one inch makes the difference where you have to draw and take the shot in a tight situation if it comes to that. Only you know if this could be an issue or not.
I have the same Redhawk chambered in .45 Colt and knowing how good it is I wouldn't part with it. I don't consider the .44 Mag to be more versatile or have a better selection of bullets available compared to the .45 Colt. I load for .44 Mag as well but prefer the Colt cartridge and its bigger brother the .454 Casull. Good luck in your decision.
bannockburn
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My brother had a 5.5" Redhawk in .44 Mag. that he used when he lived in Alaska. Built like a tank but really well balanced with that barrel length, was a very versatile and handy gun to have around. I would keep the .44.
I reload, and prefer the .45 Colt to the .44 mag, but this choice is more about the gun than caliber, as they are so close.
I agree, keep the .44.
il.bill
Member
Tough choice. Close your eyes, smile to yourself, and picture a revolver in your hand - which one was it?
I would expect to get more money for the .45, so if it is a current financial issue, that would certainly be a factor. Either way, I am sorry for your loss. Good luck!
I would expect to get more money for the .45, so if it is a current financial issue, that would certainly be a factor. Either way, I am sorry for your loss. Good luck!
Jlr2267
Member
Hmmmm...I see myself with the 44 and a jug full of 240gr SWC's over 20 grains of 2400. I can almost hear the thunder
Arkansas Paul
Member
How much can you get for a kidney?
Kidding.
You handload, so the difference in the calibers is nearly non-existent. Make your choice based on the gun itself and your preferences in that area, not caliber.
Kidding.
You handload, so the difference in the calibers is nearly non-existent. Make your choice based on the gun itself and your preferences in that area, not caliber.
Quentin
Member
Oh man, that's a tough choice! Both are fine large calibers.
What would Elmer Keith do... ?
What would Elmer Keith do... ?
Deaf Smith
Member
Well this is the one I got..
And it's the one I'd keep.
Yea a 629-1 .44 magnum. Sure if it was in .45 LC I'd just keep it instead.
And heck, I have two 629 Mountain Revolvers, but this is the one I like most.
Either round will do so the round does not make much a judgment with me.
So I'll just keep mine.
Deaf
And it's the one I'd keep.
Yea a 629-1 .44 magnum. Sure if it was in .45 LC I'd just keep it instead.
And heck, I have two 629 Mountain Revolvers, but this is the one I like most.
Either round will do so the round does not make much a judgment with me.
So I'll just keep mine.
Deaf
Jlr2267
Member
Nice. A Smith 629 w/3" barrel is on my short list.
Lj1941
Member
Keep the 44 only because the ammo is more available. That is a hard choice and there is no good answer to the problem.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I'm a big fan of the 45 Colt so my choice is bias. BUT, since the 45 Colt will be harder to replace I would keep it and sell the 44 Mag. When things get better the .44 Mag can be replaced, not so easy with the 45 Colt. Again, my suggestion is bias since I'm a huge fan of the 45 Colt.
Looking at the ruger site I don't see the Redhawk any more, only the Super Redhawk. If that's true you will be very hard pressed to find a Redhawk in 45 Colt in the future.
Looking at the ruger site I don't see the Redhawk any more, only the Super Redhawk. If that's true you will be very hard pressed to find a Redhawk in 45 Colt in the future.
I once bought a 5.5" Redhawk .44 thinking it would be a great all around revolver, but found it too big & heavy for comfortable carry. I will say it was a very accurate and nice shooting gun, but were it me I'd keep the 4" .45. Besides, I flat out love the .45 Long Colt. Also, If you ever wanted to replace the .44 they're easy to find, the .45, not so much.
HankR
Member
I've been looking for a 5.5 in .45, so I'd go the other way. I'm a '45 Colt guy, don't own a .44 mag, but in this case I think I'd keep the older gun w/ the 5.5 inch barrel.
To those who are saying the .45 will be harder to replace later, I'm not so sure about that. There was a recent run of 4.2 inch stainless .45 colts and they don't seem to be in too short supply (compared to the older .45 Redhawks w/ different barrel lengths).
Kidslash
Member
I would stick with the 44 magnum. Its so versatile.
Hondo 60
Member
I'd keep the 44.
(Oh wait, I have a Redhawk 44 Mag...)
(same gun, different grips)
(Oh wait, I have a Redhawk 44 Mag...)
(same gun, different grips)
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Between the two cartridges, it's a wash. For the handloader, one is no more "versatile" than the other. As was suggested, keep the sixgun you like/shoot better.
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