best 44mag

[Zeus]

Actually, I would say the nicest one in the group is the 2nd UP on the far left. Is that the 97? 44 Spl? Been looking at one myself but I'm unsure if I want that one or the 475 first. I love my FA revolvers. they are truly addictive. What about the very bottom right...New or Old Model? If its a New, You definetely need to add an old one to the collection of 44s. GS


If I were going to buy a Hunting/bedside gun, it would probably be a 5.5" Super blackhawk. Small, handy, powerful, and very strong. Easily able to swing on hogs on the run and take down deer. GS

 

[M16]

Yes that is a model 97 .44 magnum. It's hard to tell from the picture but it has an octagon barrel, jeweled trigger and hammer, etc. They are all .44 magnums. I have six more that are kept in a different location. I will do my .44 specials when I get a chance. The bottom right is an old Model Blackhawk. Can you say Ruger Flat-top four digit serial number?

 

[PaulTX]

I really like my Ruger Bisley Super Blackhawk! I can shoot a great deal more heavy loads through the Bisley without getting tired vs. a S&W Model 29. The Ruger has less torque when shooting too.

 

[71Commander]

Thanks M16, you have made me feel so humble. I only have 1.

 

[Zeus]

Now that you mention it, if I look closer, I can see the topstrap now. We need better pictures of that one. I love old rugers, I just bought a new one myself. From your picture, the "flattop" appears to be in excellent condition. How does that 44 Freedom shoot? If anything like my Freedoms, its top notch. I've yet to see or shoot one that didn't shoot awesome. They are my favorite by far. Just something about opening and closing the loading gate on a FA. The fit and finish is second to none. Nice collection by the way, it was just that those two were the main ones that caught my eye, the Smith's all sort of blend together. I'm a single action man if you can't tell.... GS

here is a picture of the old 45 I just bought, really like this one so far...

 

[M16]

Here is a close-up of the Freedom Arms and Ruger Flattop. The Freedom Arms gun shoots better than I can. I really don't shoot the Flattop any more as it is in excellent shape and only a four digit number gun. I picked it up in a major gun store in Houston about two or three years ago for $250 plus tax. Somebody was sleeping on that one. I guess they didn't know it was a flattop until I told them.

 

[Zeus]

I'll give you $350 its only right you know. You should pass on the good deals. Amazing, I hear of things like that but never run across them very often. GS

 

[Knives]

I have a Ruger Super Redhawk in .44Mag that performs great. I'm also told that it can handle any load I care to put in. So it gets my vote.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Knives, you heard right. I've got one load that runs a 300gr hardcast at just under 1400. If you need more than that, you need a 454 anyway.



Edited for fingers in front of brain(again).

 

[fedlaw]

I have shot Rugers a little, Smiths a lot and qualified with a Colt Python. IMO, Colt's are the prettiest and Ruger's the strongest, but there is just something about a big Smith that does it for me.

 

[ivan]

629 e basta!!!

 

[norielX]

Even though I own a 629

I'd have to go with the Ruger for the purposes that you list. They're very strong and can handle loads the 629 cannot. I love that collection of .44's M16...

 

[BigG]

I am a big fan of the S&W 44 MAGNUM revolvers, however, if you want something that will set you apart from the herd you can get the L.A.R Grizzly 44 Magnum.

 

[Onty]

Here is my 0.2 cents: If you want S&W, look for newer generation with “Endurance packageâ€, here is info how to recognize them: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75580&highlight=endurance+package

But, before spending any money, take hard look on this one: http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=862&return=Y

You can scope it if you want, and looking on the picture, looks like that front sight is replaceable as on Redhawk. Also, it’s stainless, a BIG plus for hunting revolver.

Better yet, get somewhere on the range and try FULL power load from S&W and Bisley. Any gun is fine with target loads, but with full power, Bisley wins hands down. That is the reason why Bowen, Linebaugh, Clements and other custom smiths recommend/insist on Bisley grip when making 475 and 500. Here is bit more about recoil: http://www.rugerforum.com/ubb/Forum11/HTML/000922.html

As for barrel length, I would go for 7.5â€, in some states 6†is minimum.

Good luck, Onty