I’d like to think I’ve searched every gun forum out there on this topic, but I figured what the heck I’d try a post.
I’m looking for a 44 Magnum, it’s going to be carried more then it’s going to be shot, and 90% of the shooting will be with mild reloads.
It’s going to be carried semi-concealed from the front range of the Metro Denver Rockies on up to the Canadian border in the pan handle of Northern Idaho. 80% on the front range 20% up North.
My one and only other 44 Magnum was a 6.5” S&W Classic, which unfortunately I had to sell at a loss back in October ‘08. It was a nice gun, but not necessarily a good carry when out and about in the woods all day.
I’ve been carrying and still intend to carry a 4.25” Dan Wesson Commander in 10mm, a CBOB, loaded with Double Tap 200 gr. FMJ, XTP or 200 grain WNFPGC or 180’s.
I can shoot it quickly and well and like to think it can handle most any 4 legged threat on the front range, however I do get concerned about it’s abilities regarding Moose and larger bears. Moose in particular are a concern since I fish the river systems they inhabit whenever I get the chance. I don’t want to further hot rod my current 10mm loads in the 1911 and realize it will never be a 44, so it’s time to up the caliber and the platform.
I like 1911’s and I’d like to go the .460 Rowland and or .45 Super route and probably will in the future when time and money allow, but for simplicity sake and for something that I know will work right now I decided to go the 4” 44 Mag revolver route.
From the 70’s through the 80’s I was a revolver guy, my favorite carry being a .357 686 with a 4” barrel. I switched to the semi-auto 10mm in the early 90’s and for me it’s like having a semi auto in .357, but easier to carry, shoot and quickly reload.
Funny how we go back to our roots…
I’ve narrowed down my choice to a Smith and Wesson 629 4” or a 4 5/8” Super Black Hawk. I’ve learned from my reading that the Ruger will handle the heavier loads better, but with the 4” barrel I will probably limit the loads to mid-range 280 gr. WNFPGC or lighter 250-265 grain loads depending on felt recoil. Not the real hot stuff, but something along the lines of the Buffalo Bore’s 255 grain reduced level load. I’m thinking velocity in the range of 1000-1200 fps with 250-280 grain H.C. bullets is going to be a better choice for stopping larger animals then the 10mm.
Cost is a consideration, the Ruger is about $250 less in my market. I’ve only been able to handle a few Ruger’s it’s rare in my area the Smith is available and feels right in my hand, the Ruger Super Blackhawk grip just feels odd to me and I doubt it’s going to get any better if I shoot it, (could be wrong here). I had a Single Six that sat in the safe for over 20 years and it didn’t get shot much because the grip just never felt quite right to me when compared to Smith revolvers. But before I place the order on the 629 I’m going to try and find another SBH to handle, I’m thinking the SBH with the smaller grip is going conceal better and I can somehow adapt to shooting it if necessary. I have fired the SA .357 Ruger’s in the past, it’s just been many years.
I know the answer would be to shoot both before ordering, but I don’t know anyone who can accommodate that need.
Carry and the ability to conceal is of primary concern, I can conceal the 1911’s just fine during summer months, with a good OWB pancake holster and a t-shirt with an un-tucked lightweight short sleeved cover shirt or if cooler a heavier shirt like a Carhart or a lightweight jacket.
I’m thinking concealing the grip is going to be the hard part, but if the cover shirt is oversized and unbuttoned it’s less of a problem, I’ll button the bottom button if windy. And with the Smith I could always go with a combat style wood grip to help things along. For shooting sessions I can always put the factory rubber grip back on.
For a holster, the Simply Rugged pancake looks like a good choice as does the Kramer Scabbard, the downside of the Kramer being the 6-8 week wait time along with the extra cost. El Paso has one or two that look ok and I do not want a thumbreak holster.
I’m looking for some input from individuals who actually carry quite a bit in the Rockies, Northwest or Alaska, (although I don’t have any large browns in my neck of the woods) faced with the same dilemmas, wanting protection from wild life yet having to deal with the many Sheeple. If and when in the back country I don’t concern myself as much with open carry as I do on the Front Range, it’s just my nature to be discreet.
As a long time resident, hunter and fisherman of Colorado a main concern is the many Moose now appearing on the fishing streams as well as the bears in the Metro area, each year they’re growing larger and being more habituated to humans and I do occasionally run into Bison on the fishing trips.
There will be the occasional road trips to visit a ranch up on the Canadian border, fishing and hiking along the way. I intent to visit the Yellowstone and exercise my newly recognized 2nd amendment rights while there, yet doing so discreetly.
So any input as to gun, grip and holsters from those who actually carry under these conditions would be greatly appreciated.
I’m looking for a 44 Magnum, it’s going to be carried more then it’s going to be shot, and 90% of the shooting will be with mild reloads.
It’s going to be carried semi-concealed from the front range of the Metro Denver Rockies on up to the Canadian border in the pan handle of Northern Idaho. 80% on the front range 20% up North.
My one and only other 44 Magnum was a 6.5” S&W Classic, which unfortunately I had to sell at a loss back in October ‘08. It was a nice gun, but not necessarily a good carry when out and about in the woods all day.
I’ve been carrying and still intend to carry a 4.25” Dan Wesson Commander in 10mm, a CBOB, loaded with Double Tap 200 gr. FMJ, XTP or 200 grain WNFPGC or 180’s.
I can shoot it quickly and well and like to think it can handle most any 4 legged threat on the front range, however I do get concerned about it’s abilities regarding Moose and larger bears. Moose in particular are a concern since I fish the river systems they inhabit whenever I get the chance. I don’t want to further hot rod my current 10mm loads in the 1911 and realize it will never be a 44, so it’s time to up the caliber and the platform.
I like 1911’s and I’d like to go the .460 Rowland and or .45 Super route and probably will in the future when time and money allow, but for simplicity sake and for something that I know will work right now I decided to go the 4” 44 Mag revolver route.
From the 70’s through the 80’s I was a revolver guy, my favorite carry being a .357 686 with a 4” barrel. I switched to the semi-auto 10mm in the early 90’s and for me it’s like having a semi auto in .357, but easier to carry, shoot and quickly reload.
Funny how we go back to our roots…
I’ve narrowed down my choice to a Smith and Wesson 629 4” or a 4 5/8” Super Black Hawk. I’ve learned from my reading that the Ruger will handle the heavier loads better, but with the 4” barrel I will probably limit the loads to mid-range 280 gr. WNFPGC or lighter 250-265 grain loads depending on felt recoil. Not the real hot stuff, but something along the lines of the Buffalo Bore’s 255 grain reduced level load. I’m thinking velocity in the range of 1000-1200 fps with 250-280 grain H.C. bullets is going to be a better choice for stopping larger animals then the 10mm.
Cost is a consideration, the Ruger is about $250 less in my market. I’ve only been able to handle a few Ruger’s it’s rare in my area the Smith is available and feels right in my hand, the Ruger Super Blackhawk grip just feels odd to me and I doubt it’s going to get any better if I shoot it, (could be wrong here). I had a Single Six that sat in the safe for over 20 years and it didn’t get shot much because the grip just never felt quite right to me when compared to Smith revolvers. But before I place the order on the 629 I’m going to try and find another SBH to handle, I’m thinking the SBH with the smaller grip is going conceal better and I can somehow adapt to shooting it if necessary. I have fired the SA .357 Ruger’s in the past, it’s just been many years.
I know the answer would be to shoot both before ordering, but I don’t know anyone who can accommodate that need.
Carry and the ability to conceal is of primary concern, I can conceal the 1911’s just fine during summer months, with a good OWB pancake holster and a t-shirt with an un-tucked lightweight short sleeved cover shirt or if cooler a heavier shirt like a Carhart or a lightweight jacket.
I’m thinking concealing the grip is going to be the hard part, but if the cover shirt is oversized and unbuttoned it’s less of a problem, I’ll button the bottom button if windy. And with the Smith I could always go with a combat style wood grip to help things along. For shooting sessions I can always put the factory rubber grip back on.
For a holster, the Simply Rugged pancake looks like a good choice as does the Kramer Scabbard, the downside of the Kramer being the 6-8 week wait time along with the extra cost. El Paso has one or two that look ok and I do not want a thumbreak holster.
I’m looking for some input from individuals who actually carry quite a bit in the Rockies, Northwest or Alaska, (although I don’t have any large browns in my neck of the woods) faced with the same dilemmas, wanting protection from wild life yet having to deal with the many Sheeple. If and when in the back country I don’t concern myself as much with open carry as I do on the Front Range, it’s just my nature to be discreet.
As a long time resident, hunter and fisherman of Colorado a main concern is the many Moose now appearing on the fishing streams as well as the bears in the Metro area, each year they’re growing larger and being more habituated to humans and I do occasionally run into Bison on the fishing trips.
There will be the occasional road trips to visit a ranch up on the Canadian border, fishing and hiking along the way. I intent to visit the Yellowstone and exercise my newly recognized 2nd amendment rights while there, yet doing so discreetly.
So any input as to gun, grip and holsters from those who actually carry under these conditions would be greatly appreciated.
