.44 mag revolvers

[Gavin_Sons]

I have been looking at buying a revolver the last few weeks. Will be used for plinking and mainly deer hunting here in Indiana.  A couple have caught my eye, a S&W 629 performance center with 7.5" barrel and a Taurus m444 raging bull with a 8 3/8" barrel. The taurus is ported and the S&W has a muzzle break. I have read tons of reviews on both and both seem to be great shooters with most favoring the raging bull. Of course the S&W is almost twice the price and is a 2 tone black and stainless. The Bull is matte stainless which I dont care for but they say tney can be polished with flitz or mothers. The Raging Bull is around 700 bucks while the S&W is about 1400.  Anyone ever had their hands on either?

[solo1]

I did my hunting with Rugers, using a Super Blackhawk or a Super Red Hawk.  Both were good but I don't know how they compare to what you're looking at.
I personally wouldn't want either a muzzle break or ported.  A .44 mag doesn't recoil that much and  a muzzle break or a ported barrel isn't worth subjecting the hunter's ears to louder DB's than necessary.

Jes my .02 and not worth much since I don't hunt anymore. 

[Gavin_Sons]

I did my hunting with Rugers, using a Super Blackhawk or a Super Red Hawk.  Both were good but I don't know how they compare to what you're looking at.
I personally wouldn't want either a muzzle break or ported.  A .44 mag doesn't recoil that much and  a muzzle break or a ported barrel isn't worth subjecting the hunter's ears to louder DB's than necessary.

Jes my .02 and not worth much since I don't hunt anymore. 

The ports on the barrel of the Taurus help with muzzle flip. They say it shoots a lot softer than most other 44's plus it weighs about 4 pounds. Looking at 44 mags because I have a lever action and will be reloading for both. Easier to stay with the same calibers. And plus I just like the 44 round.  Have killed many deer with the leber action and the deer seem to go down quicker comapred to a 12 gauge slug. Maybe its shot placement but my lever action is open sights and my slug gun has a scope. My lever action actually recoils harder than my 20 gauge. Maybe because the longer barrel the powder has more time to ignite.

[NW roller]

I also have a Ruger Super Black Hawk. Found it works well. Have not shot either of the two guns you are looking at.

[Patrick]

Sorry, I can't help either. I use a Super BlackHawk and Super Redhawk. I prefer the Blackhawk. I like Ruger.

[gregk]

by all means take the 629 if you get a goodbye on it. I was going to buy one one time but didn't quite get around to it and deer hunting was here and a guy that I had met a few times  came down in the woods by me and I spotted it in his jacket and  said what do you have there and he started to tell me all about an I laughed an said you sob you. That's what I wanted.  I know exactly what it is. I rode 700 miles to look at one once and it was very sweet. The trigger pull was excellent. Didn't buy it cause Cabelas wanted 1200 for it used an I could order one for the same.   Of course then popped up a Ruger 327 mag that I couldn't resist at half The money." Buy the 629". You'll love it.

[Jess from VA]

I have no experience with either.  I can say anything from the S & W Performance Center is the cat's meow, but very expensive.  It's nice having a Cadillac, but for something that will only get used once in a while, a Chevy will do nicely.

For a hunter (or a plinker), you don't really need a double action revolver.  Double action is principally for duty or service use taking humans dead or alive (without shooting the wrong guy or at the wrong time).  Hunting and target shooting is where single action triggers shine (yes you can thumb rooster a double).  

I love Smith revolvers, but my .44s are both Rugers.  Ruger makes really sturdy 44s (I suppose they all are sturdy).  Smith, Taurus and Ruger all have lifetime warranties.

If you will hunt with it, you will probably want a scope, so your choice should include consideration of a scope ready revolver.  My Redhawk was not scope ready and took buying parts to mount one, and then a gunsmith to make it stay put reliably (I think newer Redhawks are all scope ready).  I also have a Ruger Super Blackhawk (old three screw) that is a beautifully reliable and accurate gun, but I am not a fan of the old round butt grip frame which likes to rock up violently at discharge.  This can be helped quite a bit with aftermarket grips that make it more like a modern double action grip frame.  I prefer blue to stainless, but stainless is better out in the field and easier to maintain.  I prefer a 2X over a 4X or variable scope.

Ported revolvers can have a tendency to shave lead particles and send it back to the shooter if shooting anything other than full metal jacket ammo.  Lead SWC is worse, and SJHP is less worse.  Nothing dangerous, and of course you always wear eye protection, but it can be a bit of a surprise.  For a hunter, I wouldn't worry about no port or muzzle break.  I have to take a little issue with Wayne, my 44s kick pretty hard with full house 240gr SJHP, and hunters often go up to 300 gr or heavier bullets.

Like cars and bikes and many other things, first you decide what exactly you want something for, then you go about shopping for something that fits your needs best for a good/fair price.

I'd be looking at the Indiana Arms List (or other local gun boards) for a good used .44, maybe already set up with a scope/mount.  44s don't get shot all that much; ammo is steep and your hand gets tired, and used is often as good as new.

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4871892/indiana-handguns-for-sale--ruger-super-redhawk-44-mag

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4852746/fort-wayne-indiana-handguns-for-sale--ruger-red-hawk-44-mag

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4363939/southbend-indiana-handguns-for-sale--3-screw-ruger-super-blackhawk

[Master Blaster]

Am a Ruger fan, used a BlackHawk in Alaska, as a backup, and also deer hunting on Montigue Island.  Did a great job, and wish I still had it.  Have a RedHawk now, and like it fine,  but recently picked up a BFR in 45/70, and think it will do the job no matter what you hunt.

[MarkT]

Whatever you get, also get yourself a Galco Kodiak hunter holster chest rig.  They are available with or w/o scope support.  Very versatile, adjustable,  can position it all over your front for comfort, all day carry and access no matter what you are doing.  Top quality, love mine. No, they aren't cheap.  "Nice things cost money."  Galco is perhaps the best in gun leather IMHO. Galco is at http://www.galcogunleather.com/hunting-holsters_8_451.html

[Gavin_Sons]

I like galco holsters, have a few paddle holsters for my glocks and springfield xdm.

[fordmano]

I have a S&W 629 Classic 5" I bought as my backup gun for pig hunting. Love that damn thing, took a while to get comfortable with the recoil but I tend to run on the hotter side of ammo. I also have a lever gun in .44mag so I kind of had the same idea 2 guns 1 caliber keep it simple but I don't hand load.

Mine is NOT from their performance center and I have been told by 5 different extremity experienced competitive  shooters that the trigger on my S&W was just about the best they have ever used. So I can only imagine how nice one from the performance center would be. Not talking down on the Taurus but my Bro-in-law has one and it is sloppy compared to the S&W but like you stated MUCH less expensive.

I would probably go the S&W if my pocket book allowed it at the moment. Back when I bought mine I gave around $600 out the door and the current pricing for exact replacement is well over $900 plus tax 7 fees

[ksmith50229]

colt anaconda 44 best ever shot, 7in ported,  were ear plugs for all revolvers main noise from cylinder to barrel gap is there no matter how tight. but there a little pricey.( but it loves taking deer)

[solo1]

The very last deer that I shot was with the Super Blackhawk. 42 yards, open sights, off hand, 210 grain HP loaded to 1500 fps.  It went down NOW.  I loaded a lot of 240 grain lead with the Elmer Keith load of 22 grains of 2400. Not unpleasant to shoot but I would imagine that a 300 grainer would kick quite well.

IMO, the single action's curved grip lessens the felt recoil because it slides in your hand.  It was meant to do that, not good for second shots but shouldn't be needed. I preferred my Super Blackhawk with open sights over my Redhawk with its two power scope. I paid only $125.00 for the three screw Super some years ago. That kinda dates me as an old geezer.

BTW, I recently shot my son's 45/70 BFR, that was a 'kick'

[Pete]

Stay with the Smith or Ruger.

I would not recommend the Taurus. Of the last 5 in the shop, 2 were out of time and 3 had engineering defects. Inexcusable defects and dangerous.

They are not building their revolvers with the care they used many years ago. We no longer will sell them.

[Wizzard]

I like my Ruger but my Desert eagle auto is my fav!

[Jess from VA]

The very last deer that I shot was with the Super Blackhawk. 42 yards, open sights, off hand, 210 grain HP loaded to 1500 fps.  It went down NOW.  I loaded a lot of 240 grain lead with the Elmer Keith load of 22 grains of 2400. Not unpleasant to shoot but I would imagine that a 300 grainer would kick quite well.

IMO, the single action's curved grip lessenends the felt recoil because it slides in your hand.  It was meant to do that, not good for second shots but shouldn't be needed. I preferred my Super Blackhawk with open sights over my Redhawk with its two power scope. I paid only $125.00 for the three screw Super some years ago. That kinda dates me as an old geezer.

BTW, I recently shot my son's 45/70 BFR, that was a 'kick'

You and me both sir.  I got mine from my 15 AF CMSgt senior paralegal for $175 (with a nice old fashioned tie-down buscadero belt-holster-bullet loop combination).  He had rotated down from AK and wore it doing his favorite hobby of fishing (fishing guy, not gun guy).  He didn't want it anymore and I was pleased to get it (I would have paid more).  



Mark's (or any) chest-rig would certainly be better for sneaking around in the woods.  Still, it's a nice rig.


I'm pretty sure I could sell 50 three-screw Super Blackhawks at one gun show if only asking $125-175 for them today.

I can't be sure but feel these older model Rugers are simply better made than New Model Blackhawks.  Four clicks to rooster rather than two.  

And of course Ruger years later (and today) offered to install (no charge) an improved hammer block safety transfer bar so they couldn't go off if dropped.  I have (and would) never get that modification done on mine (I just don't drop it).

I have always admired the stainless 44 Blackhawk hunters (with scope), but you can't have one of everything (can you?).  





Also admire the Freedom Arms Model 83 Premier in .44 (rather than .454 Casull), but you have to pull a 2d mortgage to finance one.



 

[Pete]

Jess,
They return all the parts after the upgrade, so you can use either set, old or new.
They do not modify the frame in any way, the new parts are drop in.

[Jess from VA]

Jess,
They return all the parts after the upgrade, so you can use either set, old or new.
They do not modify the frame in any way, the new parts are drop in.

That I did not know. 

[Gavin_Sons]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_785507_-1_775655_757896_757896_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

This is the Smith I was talking about. Not crazy about the red dot, would probably replace it with a Burris scope or leupold.

[Patrick]

I remember the Ruger recall notices, but, can't remember the year. I never bothered sending them out for them. I don't think I paid more than $150 for any of the single actions new, but, that was still a lot of money way back then. Especially since we were younger and didn't have any money. Kinda makes those of us that bought them way back then officially old farts.
I still like to shoot the heck out of  the .22s if I can get bullets. They are going for $35/500 around here if you get there at the right time.

[Jess Tolbirt]

mine is a Ruger Beasley single action polished stainless revolver,, love it

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Put me down with the Ruger SBH in a 7" barrel crowd. Love that old 44 magnum.

[fudgie]

Never understood a scope on a handgun. 

[Chrisj CMA]

The .44 is a very useful gun for a smaller caliber round.  I prefer the Smith, but it's all just personal preference

[Serk]

No argument that the S&W is a premium product worth the money, but a $700 price difference can buy, even at today's prices, a lot of practice ammo, optics, holsters, etc...

[Jess from VA]

Never understood a scope on a handgun.  

I sort of agree, and only have one.  But if the tool is for taking whitetail in the woods at unclear distances, perhaps in poor light dawn or dusk or shade, and with aging eyes, why not take advantage of technology?  One shot one kill is better than having to follow blood trails over creation, and the animal maybe suffering a long time.  Most long gun hunters use scopes too.  I'm pretty good with iron sights, but I can do better at longer ranges with my 2x 44.  Truth be told, a long gun is a better tool for hunting (really any shooting at all) than a handgun, but it is a nice challenge.

I still intend to put a red dot on a 22 target auto pistol.  The old rear sight, front sight, target focus game has gotten a lot harder with my 62yo trifocal eyes at any real distance.  It sucks when you still have the steady hold, proper grip, controlled breathing, essential trigger squeeze, and blurry sight picture.

Hey Jess, nice shot on that cow.  You do have a cow license right?

[Patrick]

Never understood a scope on a handgun.  

I sort of agree, and only have one.  But if the tool is for taking whitetail in the woods at unclear distances, perhaps in poor light dawn or dusk or shade, and with aging eyes, why not take advantage of technology?  One shot one kill is better than having to follow blood trails over creation, and the animal maybe suffering a long time.  Most long gun hunters use scopes too.  I'm pretty good with iron sights, but I can do better at longer ranges with my 2x 44.  Truth be told, a long gun is a better tool for hunting (really any shooting at all) than a handgun, but it is a nice challenge.

I still intend to put a red dot on a 22 target auto pistol.  The old rear sight, front sight, target focus game has gotten a lot harder with my 62yo trifocal eyes at any real distance.  It sucks when you still have the steady hold, proper grip, controlled breathing, essential trigger squeeze, and blurry sight picture.

Hey Jess, nice shot on that cow.  You do have a cow license right?

Cow ?  Thats happened.   One clown about 30 years ago had a pony tied to his trunk.

[Gavin_Sons]

ok, after lots and lots of research, and you guys getting off topic about Rugers  my wife would not let me spend 1400 on a single gun. She seems to think she needs a new matress to sleep on too. I did order the Raging Bull with 8.375" barrel. All the reviews online has said it is very well made and the timing issues came on their cheaper revolver the M44 I have not read anywhere that a raging bull has had this issue. Plus lifetime warranty is nice too. I will not be scoping it very soon, as i like to shoot open sights, more of a challenge to hunt with. I did take the advice i got a Galco holster. Paid 155 bucks for it but think it will be well worth it. I'll post some pictures when i get it.

[Patrick]

Good. Good luck with it, hope you like it.

[Wizzard]

Never understood a scope on a handgun. 

Me either 

[Patrick]

Never understood a scope on a handgun. 

Me either 

I held off for years. But, now, I ain't taking them off.  Same with slug throwing shotguns. Good quality low power scopes makes things a lot easier. JMO

[0leman]

I have had several revolvers in my life (still would have them if they didn't magically  disappear).  Never put a scope on them.  Shot a couple of deer with one of them.  I did have a Thompson contender with several different barrels.  One of them was a 30-30.   I did have and used a 2X scope with this barrel.  Sure made it easier to hit 100 yd targets with aging eyes.  AND yes, it killed a antelope and deer.

Not sure if I was going to go hunting with a revolver that I would settle on anything less than 10" barrel.   Better accuracy and little less recoil.  Especially with a 44 mag.   I have shot several 44' over the years.  Liked the Ruger Blackhawk the best.  Could get back on target faster for the second /third shot.  (shooting targets).  Just saying

[Hooter]

Super Red or Black are the best for hunting IMHO, I have both. I have a Smith 29 that I carry as well but all for hunting.

[Jess from VA]

I forgot one.  The Magnum Research BFR  (which they say stands for Bigger, Finer Revolver, and not Big Freekin' Revolver). 

https://www.magnumresearch.com/Firearms/Magnum-Research-44-Magnum-Revolver-5-inch-Barrel.asp

At 4.86 lbs, it makes a good club, once empty.

But it only comes in 5" which would not be my choice for hunting, and concealed carry would require a truss as well as a holster.




 

[Stanley Steamer]

I have a Llama .44Magnum....with a six inch barrel....very fun to shoot and I saved money by reloading ammo for it and my .45s.....kinda like Hardley/Honda....good gun without being overpriced....it shoots better than my old eyes can see....I also have it's little sister .22 for plinking.....

Careful though....guy at the gun range showed us what happens to a .44Magnum revolver that had ammo loaded for the rifle sent through it....blew the cylinder apart and peeled the top strap back

[Pete]

Commercial 44 magnum is loaded to the SAMI specified pressure level.
That level is safe for both pistol and rifle.

In a rifle it will produce  faster bullet simply because the barrel is longer. More complete use of the gas pressure. Not because the pressure is greater.

Loading higher pressure loads (than SAMI specified) for a rifle is not real smart. Since both rifles and pistols are rated for the same pressure.

I always equate reloaders that exceed SAMI levels as not so smart BOMB makers.

One can load a slower burning powder for rifles to take advantage of the barrel length. The only effect that has when used in a pistol is to increase the muzzle blast as some powder is burned after the  barrel. That powder is wasted as it imparted no force to the bullet.

 But it does look impressive especially at night.

[Serk]

Commercial 44 magnum is loaded to the SAMI specified pressure level.
That level is safe for both pistol and rifle.

In a rifle it will produce  faster bullet simply because the barrel is longer. More complete use of the gas pressure. Not because the pressure is greater.

Loading higher pressure loads (than SAMI specified) for a rifle is not real smart. Since both rifles and pistols are rated for the same pressure.

I always equate reloaders that exceed SAMI levels as not so smart BOMB makers.

One can load a slower burning powder for rifles to take advantage of the barrel length. The only effect that has when used in a pistol is to increase the muzzle blast as some powder is burned after the  barrel. That powder is wasted as it imparted no force to the bullet.

 But it does look impressive especially at night.

I was thinking along the same lines... I was wondering if he meant that someone loaded a 44 magnum load into a 44 special cartridge maybe?

[Eagle 1]

Hi Gavin: I have had virtually every 44 mag know to man and still have three; S&W 629-8" , Dan Wesson the three barrel kit, and Taurus 8". The Taurus (later models) are (in my opinion) equal to the S&W and just as accurate, All Rugers are also great guns thus you can not go wrong with any of these the only difference is preference. The Dan Wesson has proven to be the most accurate of all but is very much heavier thus one would not want to carry it for long. if you want some real fun try to get your hands on some 44 mag ammo that was made in 1950,s before they backed the charges down.
Happy hunting

[highmiles]

Go with a ruger super redhawk 10" barrel in stainless steel.

[KG]

Another Ruger user here. For chest holsters or convertible holsters or flap holsters look at simply rugged in Alaska

http://www.simplyrugged.com