Dframe
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My favorite is the Anaconda but they're quite pricey
Double-action .44 Mag. Recommendation?
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Klint Beastwood
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OP
OP
Swing
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243winxb
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Avoid S&W 29-2 and earlier. They dont have the needed endurance package that keeps the cylinder from rotating backwards on firing.
Had an early stainless in 6" that had the same problem. 629-?
Had an early stainless in 6" that had the same problem. 629-?
Scott B.
Member
I recently picked up two Smith and Wesson 629's.
1) Smith and Wesson Performance Center 629 Stealth Hunter 7.5"
2) Smith and Wesson 629 Classic 5"
I previously owned a Smith and Wesson 29 Classic Hunter 6.5" and all three .44's are really nice weapons. I also own a few Ruger GP100 TALO .357's so I am not stuck on S&W.
The Smith's are refined and beautiful weapons. The Rugers are super strong. If you will be shooting factory ammo at regular pressures any of the options will work fine (629 or Redhawk or Super Redhawk). If you want to run heavy Buffalo Bore ammo or handload hot and heavy ammo I would opt for the Rugers.
I bloodied the Performance Center Stealth Hunter in just 3 days of owning it on a small wild hog. I plan on keeping my current collection but if I find the need to use really hot rounds, then I would pick up a Ruger.
1) Smith and Wesson Performance Center 629 Stealth Hunter 7.5"
2) Smith and Wesson 629 Classic 5"
I previously owned a Smith and Wesson 29 Classic Hunter 6.5" and all three .44's are really nice weapons. I also own a few Ruger GP100 TALO .357's so I am not stuck on S&W.
The Smith's are refined and beautiful weapons. The Rugers are super strong. If you will be shooting factory ammo at regular pressures any of the options will work fine (629 or Redhawk or Super Redhawk). If you want to run heavy Buffalo Bore ammo or handload hot and heavy ammo I would opt for the Rugers.
I bloodied the Performance Center Stealth Hunter in just 3 days of owning it on a small wild hog. I plan on keeping my current collection but if I find the need to use really hot rounds, then I would pick up a Ruger.
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Varminterror
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Ruger Super Redhawk, Ruger Redhawk, S&W 629, Taurus Raging Bull. In that order. Any of them will need action jobs to meet my satisfaction. The Redhawk and 629 need new grips for my hand, especially the Redhawk.
Blacksmoke
Member
So true about the Redhawk grips. Never found a pair which fit my hand.
Sundancer2004
Member
I bought the tracker.44 several years ago, and not had a problem with it. I believe early production had many QC problems, like any company they ironed out the problems. people purporting to have insider knowledge usually parrot hearsay.
adcoch1
Member
I've had the s&w 29, the taurus raging bull (in454, but they make 44 mag also), the 44 desert eagle, and a ruger Redhawk. I love them all! The Redhawk is the one I kept though, after wearing out the 29 with hot loads... There isn't a nicer shooting trigger than the smith and wesson though, it is a dream! But the Redhawk holds up to hunting loads better, so that works for me. If I ever get rich, or find the right deal, I will have a model 29 again...
springer99
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Sam1911
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I've shot a 629 extensively in competition. My 629-6 has something over 12,000 rounds through it, though almost all .44 Spc. ("Extensively", compared to most .44 Mag owners. Not "extensively" as compared to dedicated revolver competitors.)
If this actually IS for pin shooting, and you're considering a purchase to help you shoot pin competition better, then you need to tailor your decision to what actually will help you do your best work in that game.
(What I mean here is, if you're just looking to buy a neat .44 Mag and you might like to shoot it in a few pin matches, the range of guns you might consider is larger than if you're looking for a BEST-for-you pin-killing machine.)
So my thoughts would be this:
1) Seriously, speed is the essence of the game. Yes, you need to be accurate, but the distances aren't great so any quality handgun should be well more precise than you need.
1a) The most important thing here is speed of recovery/follow-up. If you've watched the guys winning your pin shoots now their shots are one even-cadenced string at good speed. They aren't fumbling to reacquire sights, or worse re-acquire a solid firing grip, after each shot. Standard power .44 Mag loads aren't going to help you at all. The suggestion of sticking with .45 ACP is a very realistic one. However, you can handload .44 Mag or .44 Spc to do a super job at a power level that gives you quick and smooth transitions. (That will be closer to .45ACP than "Buffalo Evicerator" and "Grizzly Smasher" .44 Mag levels.)
1b) Second thing is fast transitions so consider carefully what gun gets you shooting level and swinging smoothly through the pins. If that's an 8+" barrel, ok, but that feels REALLY long and front-heavy to me. (Of course, mine's a 4".) See what the best shooters in your group or region are using.
2) Grip / ergonomics: People have really strong opinions about some of the Ruger grip shapes. Some can't stand the Redhawk frame, and aftermarket grips can't fix that very well. This is not a concern at all with S&W as you can get any grip you could want.
3) Durability: 'Most any form of competition requires lots of practice and lots of match shots. There is a worry that large revolvers don't hold up well to tons of high-speed firing as that smashes the bolts and cylinder notches together hard, wears the hand, and so forth. I knew that when I chose my 629 and decided I'd see how things went. Well, I can definitely tell that it's been shot a lot now, but it's still pretty tight and the notch-peening appears to have progressed to a point early on and then not gotten any worse. At 12-15,000 rounds I'm not ready to even consider sending mine in for a refit. Some say/believe that Rugers are stronger or more durable. I really can't say yes or no, but my 629 has been plenty durable enough for my uses. Some suggested Colt Anacondas. While I never believe the extremes of the rumored "fragility" of Colt's wheelguns, there's just no realistic way I'd be using an Anaconda in competition. The cost of fixing it if it breaks, cost of tuning it up when ever I do shoot it loose or the timing starts to go, scarcity of parts, and even the damage to collector value (considerable with any Colt) simply because of the dings and wear of heavy use would make that a completely unrealistic choice for me.
4) Recall that Desert Eagles need jacketed bullets. If you are shooting and practicing much, you aren't going to want to pay for jacketed bullets all the time, when a dead simple SWC or even full wad-cutter cast lead bullet will do the job perfectly.
If this actually IS for pin shooting, and you're considering a purchase to help you shoot pin competition better, then you need to tailor your decision to what actually will help you do your best work in that game.
(What I mean here is, if you're just looking to buy a neat .44 Mag and you might like to shoot it in a few pin matches, the range of guns you might consider is larger than if you're looking for a BEST-for-you pin-killing machine.)
So my thoughts would be this:
1) Seriously, speed is the essence of the game. Yes, you need to be accurate, but the distances aren't great so any quality handgun should be well more precise than you need.
1a) The most important thing here is speed of recovery/follow-up. If you've watched the guys winning your pin shoots now their shots are one even-cadenced string at good speed. They aren't fumbling to reacquire sights, or worse re-acquire a solid firing grip, after each shot. Standard power .44 Mag loads aren't going to help you at all. The suggestion of sticking with .45 ACP is a very realistic one. However, you can handload .44 Mag or .44 Spc to do a super job at a power level that gives you quick and smooth transitions. (That will be closer to .45ACP than "Buffalo Evicerator" and "Grizzly Smasher" .44 Mag levels.)
1b) Second thing is fast transitions so consider carefully what gun gets you shooting level and swinging smoothly through the pins. If that's an 8+" barrel, ok, but that feels REALLY long and front-heavy to me. (Of course, mine's a 4".) See what the best shooters in your group or region are using.
2) Grip / ergonomics: People have really strong opinions about some of the Ruger grip shapes. Some can't stand the Redhawk frame, and aftermarket grips can't fix that very well. This is not a concern at all with S&W as you can get any grip you could want.
3) Durability: 'Most any form of competition requires lots of practice and lots of match shots. There is a worry that large revolvers don't hold up well to tons of high-speed firing as that smashes the bolts and cylinder notches together hard, wears the hand, and so forth. I knew that when I chose my 629 and decided I'd see how things went. Well, I can definitely tell that it's been shot a lot now, but it's still pretty tight and the notch-peening appears to have progressed to a point early on and then not gotten any worse. At 12-15,000 rounds I'm not ready to even consider sending mine in for a refit. Some say/believe that Rugers are stronger or more durable. I really can't say yes or no, but my 629 has been plenty durable enough for my uses. Some suggested Colt Anacondas. While I never believe the extremes of the rumored "fragility" of Colt's wheelguns, there's just no realistic way I'd be using an Anaconda in competition. The cost of fixing it if it breaks, cost of tuning it up when ever I do shoot it loose or the timing starts to go, scarcity of parts, and even the damage to collector value (considerable with any Colt) simply because of the dings and wear of heavy use would make that a completely unrealistic choice for me.
4) Recall that Desert Eagles need jacketed bullets. If you are shooting and practicing much, you aren't going to want to pay for jacketed bullets all the time, when a dead simple SWC or even full wad-cutter cast lead bullet will do the job perfectly.
I didn't see anywhere you said if you reload or not. And I don't know if pin shoots require factory ammo or not. But if speed is the name of the game, why not shoot 44 Special? If reloaded ammo is allowed, why not load download 44 mag with some 180-200gr bullets or "boolits"? I love my Redhawk 7.5" Hunter. But I sure don't think it would be my choice for a speed challenge.
Another vote for the S&W 629. It points well, and is very accurate.
The Desert Eagle 44 is a great gun. Also very accurate. But as well
as requiring large hands to be comfortable with the grip, it is very
heavy. I like mine, but I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone,
based on handling quirks.
The Desert Eagle 44 is a great gun. Also very accurate. But as well
as requiring large hands to be comfortable with the grip, it is very
heavy. I like mine, but I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone,
based on handling quirks.
Duster340
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Many good choices out there. I opted for a 4" 629 and absolutely love it. That said I reload and never exceed the published load and use 172 gr up the 255 gr jacketed and cast bullets. I go to my 7.5" SBH when I feel the need to crank our hot 300+ gr bullets. Looking forward to seeing what you ultimately settle on.
Mr.Revolverguy
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loose noose
Member
I've found that most bowling pin shoots don't allow any magnum caliber due to the damage to the pin, however like Sam 1911 suggested why not use the S&W model 629 using .44SPL, I've got the blued version and never even had to do a trigger job as it breaks real nice and smooth, and that 8 3/8" barrel should really take care of those bowling pins. BTW I've had the misfortune of having to work on several Magnum Research .44Mag Semi Autos and quite frankly they are a pain. I've only worked on one Desert Eagle, and after test firing it, found it to be a very controllable and quality firearm. I do believe the cost is beyond your $1200 limit though, and there again you'd be held to not using the .44Mag in most shoots I'm aware of, and the auto as was previously mentioned will not shoot .44SPL.
John Joseph
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Feed a M29 .44 Spls or down load Mags to Spls and your M29 won't get hammered to death. Minimum recoil is just icing on the cake
An M44 Dan Wesson. Optional length barrels are available from CZ Arms. It has a better trigger than the Ruger and will handle any loads the Ruger can. Dan Wessons were known for durability and accuracy.
If you get tired of the Magnum, the Dan Wesson is easily rechambered and rebarreled for .45 Colt and will handle the "Ruger only" loads.
If you get tired of the Magnum, the Dan Wesson is easily rechambered and rebarreled for .45 Colt and will handle the "Ruger only" loads.
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While most will advise either the S&W or the Ruger I too have to #1 on Maxxhavoc post regarding the Taurus. I would not just throw them out in the wash without taking a close personal look. My Tracker in .44mag was a great performer and I would not hesitate to buy another. I have not owned the Raging Bull. I have owned however other Taurus revolvers and my experience is that if you get a good one, they are very good guns. All the ones I have and do own have been problem free.
All that said ,my past has been littered with S&W revolvers and the Model 29 or 629's are hard to beat.
All that said ,my past has been littered with S&W revolvers and the Model 29 or 629's are hard to beat.
TheSpaceWanderer
Member
Base model 629. Doesn't need to be fancy. I own one with an 8 3/8 barrel. The extra barrel does a lot to tame the recoil. It is not unpleasant to shoot at all, even one handed. One of my favorite guns to shoot, and the one most of friends are jealous of. I also own a 4" 29(blued version). I'm telling you the extra barrel really makes a difference. After about 4 cylinders out of the M29 my hand has had enough.
The barrel length will not only tame the recoil but it will allow more of the powder to burn. When I shoot the 4 incher the report is louder than anything else I own, rifles included, and if the bullet doesn't stop the threat the fire ball that comes out of it will burn it up.
Ruger also makes a nice revolver. They are just not as pretty as the Smiths in my opinion(chunky looking), and the trigger isn't as good either. But they are just as fun to shoot and a little cheaper.
The barrel length will not only tame the recoil but it will allow more of the powder to burn. When I shoot the 4 incher the report is louder than anything else I own, rifles included, and if the bullet doesn't stop the threat the fire ball that comes out of it will burn it up.
Ruger also makes a nice revolver. They are just not as pretty as the Smiths in my opinion(chunky looking), and the trigger isn't as good either. But they are just as fun to shoot and a little cheaper.
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