Steve51
Member
The Ruger Super Blackhawk with 5.5" barrel is a great woods gun, especially when loaded with Skeeter Skelton loads (240 gr LSWC over 7.5 gr of Unique in a .44 Spl case).
Good .44 magnum revolver?
- Thread starter cdahl383
- Start date
CajunBass
Member
I've owned several 44 Magnums over the years. I don't know why really, I don't shoot 44 magnums in them, just 44 Specials, but I like the guns. A couple of 29-2's, a Ruger Super Blackhawk, even a Taurus Tracker. They were all good. I probably like the 29 better, but I am a "Smith and Wesson guy" so I guess that's not surprising.
The Tracker surprised me. I fully expected it to really kick but it wasn't as bad as I expected. I did shoot a half dozen or so magnum rounds through it, just to try it. Pretty snappy, but it didn't make me cry or anything. With specials, it was a pussycat. I traded it off for a Smith and Wesson Model 29-10 when one came along. It would have been great for the trail I believe. If the porting mattered, I couldn't tell it. At least not with the Specials, and I probably didn't shoot enough magnums to take notice. I didn't see anyone leave the range though.
Speaking of the 29-10. Those guns are bargains, IMHO, especially if you can find a nice used one (check it out of course). Because they have all the dreaded "stuff" that modern S&W's have a lot of people turn up their noses at them, but you can find a good buy on them if you look. I paid $400 less for the -10 than I would have for a -2 in the case right beside it.
All for those who say "You notice no one ever shows the side with the lock." Here you go.
If there is anything wrong with that gun, I sure can't find it. I did replace the Altamont grips that come on it, they were too skinny for me, but that's not a big deal. Yes, I only shoot specials in it, but it will handle the big boomers too, if I need/want it to. Doesn't kick even as bad as that Taurus Tracker did, but it's a bigger, heavier gun.
The Tracker surprised me. I fully expected it to really kick but it wasn't as bad as I expected. I did shoot a half dozen or so magnum rounds through it, just to try it. Pretty snappy, but it didn't make me cry or anything. With specials, it was a pussycat. I traded it off for a Smith and Wesson Model 29-10 when one came along. It would have been great for the trail I believe. If the porting mattered, I couldn't tell it. At least not with the Specials, and I probably didn't shoot enough magnums to take notice. I didn't see anyone leave the range though.
Speaking of the 29-10. Those guns are bargains, IMHO, especially if you can find a nice used one (check it out of course). Because they have all the dreaded "stuff" that modern S&W's have a lot of people turn up their noses at them, but you can find a good buy on them if you look. I paid $400 less for the -10 than I would have for a -2 in the case right beside it.
All for those who say "You notice no one ever shows the side with the lock." Here you go.
If there is anything wrong with that gun, I sure can't find it. I did replace the Altamont grips that come on it, they were too skinny for me, but that's not a big deal. Yes, I only shoot specials in it, but it will handle the big boomers too, if I need/want it to. Doesn't kick even as bad as that Taurus Tracker did, but it's a bigger, heavier gun.
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Tallball
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,826
I have a S&W 629, Ruger Super Redhawk, and Ruger Super Blackhawk.
They're all great. Whichever fits your hand best would be excellent.
I have owned bunches of Taurus revolvers. They're okay. Something like 19 of 20 have gone bang reliably. Some of them have had horrible triggers. Wish younger me knew how easy that is to fix with new springs.
For a great shooter that's beautiful, S&W 629 or Ruger SBH, IMHO, depending on whether you prefer SA or DA.
For something to occasionally carry around and it will go bang, the Taurus would probably be fine.
They're all great. Whichever fits your hand best would be excellent.
I have owned bunches of Taurus revolvers. They're okay. Something like 19 of 20 have gone bang reliably. Some of them have had horrible triggers. Wish younger me knew how easy that is to fix with new springs.
For a great shooter that's beautiful, S&W 629 or Ruger SBH, IMHO, depending on whether you prefer SA or DA.
For something to occasionally carry around and it will go bang, the Taurus would probably be fine.
Riomouse911
Member
I get it, but I won’t use their stuff on guns. I cant imagine the screw-buggering that would result from trying.
When my Central Machinery belt-disc sander had the spinning metal disc fail at the collar and shoot right past my left ear on its way out of the garage and across the street, my faith in their products was greatly diminished. (I’ve had Pittsburgh stuff wilt under use, too.) My only remaining HF tools are a bench grinder and dozens of clamps. Other than these items, i will pass.
Your GP would be a good companion to take. My 4” GP .357 is certainly a fine bullet launcher that I know will send stoutly loaded 180 gr .358 bullets downrange with ease.
Good luck with your search.
Stay safe.
BRatigan
Member
My brother purchased a Weihrauch Bounty Hunter (imported by EAA from Germany) last year and we have been to the range and tested it. It was fine with my handloads and factory ammo as well. Fit and finish was excellent. The trigger pinched his beefy finger when he fired it, but he was deep into the trigger and made an adjustment. It's a single action clone and it fired and handled well. I think they are $597.00 right now. Just a thought.
buck460XVR
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2007
- Messages
- 10,093
The Tracker line is one of the most robust revolvers that Taurus makes. Despite all the trash talk, I expect it would work well for your intended purpose. A woods/trail revolver, IMHO, should be a DA. Gives you the advantage of shooting it SA for more accuracy when you have time, yet is quicker, simpler and easier to shoot fast when needed. Ruger and S&W make fine revolvers too, but you pay a little more for the name and reputation. I have a couple of 629s and have shot the snot out of them with zero issues. If I were to buy another, odds are it would be another Smith....but that's just me and my preference.
That's scary! Good thing you didn't get hurt! I would lose faith in their products if that happened to me as well, can't blame you.I get it, but I won’t use their stuff on guns. I cant imagine the screw-buggering that would result from trying.
When my Central Machinery belt-disc sander had the spinning metal disc fail at the collar and shoot right past my left ear on its way out of the garage and across the street, my faith in their products was greatly diminished. (I’ve had Pittsburgh stuff wilt under use, too.) My only remaining HF tools are a bench grinder and dozens of clamps. Other than these items, i will pass.
Your GP would be a good companion to take. My 4” GP .357 is certainly a fine bullet launcher that I know will send stoutly loaded 180 gr .358 bullets downrange with ease.
Good luck with your search.
Stay safe.
Most of my HF stuff is just plain old tools. Wrenches, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. That stuff works fine for me.
The GP100 is an awesome gun! It shoots great. .38 special almost feel like .22 or something. Very little recoil felt at all. .357 you definitely know you're shooting something hotter, but the recoil is not bad at all due to the weight of the gun. It's probably the nicest gun I have.
Cool, thanks for all the tips/advice!
I'm not looking to spend a fortune to have a fancy looking gun, just wanted to see if I could pick up something at a reasonable price that could handle .44 magnums. It sounds like the Tracker should work for my intended purpose, with the understanding that it's not going to be as nice as a Smith or Ruger.
I think a new Smith or Ruger is out of the question as they're just too pricey. I have other hobbies that take up some $$$ so I have to try and stay on some sort of budget. Realistically I shouldn't even be thinking about getting another gun, but you know how that goes haha!
I'll keep my eye out for a nice used Smith or Ruger. It'll have to either be a used Smith/Ruger or a new Taurus. Around $500-600 is about all I really want to spend at the moment.
I'm not looking to spend a fortune to have a fancy looking gun, just wanted to see if I could pick up something at a reasonable price that could handle .44 magnums. It sounds like the Tracker should work for my intended purpose, with the understanding that it's not going to be as nice as a Smith or Ruger.
I think a new Smith or Ruger is out of the question as they're just too pricey. I have other hobbies that take up some $$$ so I have to try and stay on some sort of budget. Realistically I shouldn't even be thinking about getting another gun, but you know how that goes haha!
I'll keep my eye out for a nice used Smith or Ruger. It'll have to either be a used Smith/Ruger or a new Taurus. Around $500-600 is about all I really want to spend at the moment.
The Ruger Blackhawks are SA only right? Or are they DA?
If I am in your shoes, I will take a long, hard look at Ruger NMBH, or Bisley, Convertible; 45 Colt, 45 ACP, but large frame, not a Flattop. Stainless, of course. First, if you are hiking, you want to have something powerful enough to defend yourself from larger four legs predators. If your firearm is enough against those, in that case it is more than enough against two legs predators. But, before going any further, make a note: FACTORY AMMUNITION ONLY, NO HANDLOADS. In case you have to defend yourself on the court, this will save you from a lot of trouble, see what Massad Ayoob has to say https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpHAgBL4tf8 . If you are not going to face large bear, just cougar, black bear or large aggressive dog, there is one excellent load 45 Supper from Buffalo Bore; 255 flat nose, hard cast at 1090 fps. This one is from 5" 1911, but it should be very close from 4.62" or 5.5" revolver. Noted load will go right through even full grown cow, see more here, #1 post in https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/revolver-for-handgun-hunting-another-view.903836/ . If you need more punch, Buffalo Bore has those in 45 Colt https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=146 .
Another advantage of 45 over 44 is you have bigger dia bullet, and less muzzle blast. And before you take your revolver out, I would definitely bring it to a good smith to go over it, and make sure that Loctite is applied on all screws.
I'll check those out. We'll be going to Yellowstone park this summer. I highly doubt I'll run in to anything, but I don't think my little .380 carry gun will do much to a larger animal, so I was thinking of picking up something a little more powerful to carry along with me just in case. I figured a .44 magnum would be pretty effective in most situations. Ideally, I'd like to be able to carry my 12 gauge with slugs in it but I'm not sure how well that would go over with other people there or the park rangers haha!
I don't do any reloading stuff. Don't have the knowledge or tools or interest really. I just pick up boxes of ammo at the store or order online, etc.
I've used loctite before on my red dots on my rifles. It definitely helps! I use that stuff for screws/bolts on my dirtbikes too after I lost a few things over the years from riding around.
.308 Norma
Member
LOL!"Realistically" you shouldn't be thinking about getting another gun??? Maybe you need more practice. I "really" can dream up "realistic" reasons for getting another gun, and I've had that ability for a long time. It just takes practice.
Steve51
Member
cdahl383 - Super Blackhawks are single action revolvers - Redhawks are double action revolvers
.308 Norma
Member
This is going directly against what I said in my above post (post #62 this thread) about dreaming up a "realistic" reason for needing another gun, but the fact of the matter is, in Yellowstone the largest "animal" you're most likely to have a run in with walks on two legs. And if your "little .380 carry gun" is "powerful" enough for one of those critters, you're good to go (to Yellowstone) already.
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That's the truth isn't it? People are worse than animals. We moved out to the country to get away from people and the congestion.This is going directly against what I said in my above post (post #62 this thread) about dreaming up a "realistic" reason for needing another gun, but the fact of the matter is, in Yellowstone the largest "animal" you're likely most likely to have a run in with walks on two legs. And if your "little .380 carry gun" is "powerful" enough for one of those critters, you're good to go (to Yellowstone) already.
A couple years ago I wanted to get a .357 and I figured at some point I would want to get a .44 magnum as well. This .44 would fit the bill without breaking the bank and I could bring it along on our trip for a made up reason as to why I needed it.
CajunBass
Member
This is the Taurus Tracker 44 I used to have. I thought it was sort of rare because I'd never seen one with a nice blue finish before, usually they're a matte black color. I sort of wish I'd held onto it, but I found the 29-10 so that took care of my 44 Magnum itch.
IIRC, I paid about $450 for it used. I replaced the "Ribber" grips with the Hogues, but man that was a nice little gun. I don't get out in the woods anymore, but it would have been a good one for that role. About the size of a Smith and Wesson K-frame, it fit my K-frame holsters, five shots of 44 Mag or Special. It would have handled all the wild pine cones I ever ran into out in the woods. And yes, it shot just fine. Really nice D/A trigger too. I don't know if I ever tried the SA. Probably did, but I mostly shoot DA these days.
I love S&W 29, but I have had them for years and know how accurate they are. YET, if you aren't into over $1,000 just get a Super Balckhawk like [ theotherwaldo ] said.
They are great and accurate but if you haven't ever used a single action revolver, you need to practice with it. In a critical situation you may forget it is
a single action.
They are great and accurate but if you haven't ever used a single action revolver, you need to practice with it. In a critical situation you may forget it is
a single action.
.308 Norma
Member
Absolutely!This .44 would fit the bill without breaking the bank and I could bring it along on our trip for a made up reason as to why I needed it.
Yep, my wife and I live "out of town" also, and seeing as how we're only about 170 miles south of Yellowstone, we drive up through there every couple of years. In our opinions, Grand Teton National Park (on the southern border of Yellowstone) is prettier. And Glasier National Park (in northern Montana) beats both Yellowstone and Grand Teton as far a scenery goes.
At any rate, when it comes to congestion, in Yellowstone you're almost sure to see two types of it: one type of congestion in Yellowstone is called "a bear jam," and the other type is called "a bison jam." Naturally, both types of "jams" are caused by tourists stopping to view (and take pictures of) the critters, and there's often a couple or 3 park rangers with shotguns loaded with bean bags (or so I've been told) nearby. You probably don't want to be showing off your new 44 (or your old 380) if you're stuck in a bear jam or a bison jam in Yellowstone.
Oh, and BTW, the "bear jams" in Yellowstone are almost always the result of a black bear - not a grizzly. Our youngest daughter spent two summers working in Yellowstone when she was in college, and in all that time, I don't think she saw more than 2 or 3 grizzlies. As luck would have it though, she was with my wife and me when we spotted a grizzly in Glasier once when we were all three up there. There was a "bear jam" with park rangers on scene that time too.
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When I bought my Dan Wesson 44 mag it was with the excuse that I could carry it while hiking. Honestly, that never happened. I love my DW 44 and don't regret purchasing it one bit but even with the 2.5" barrel it is more weight than I want to lug around when hiking or even carry when just camping.
I am not saying don't buy a 44, just be realistic about carrying it.
When I bought my DW 744 I was saving up to buy a S&W 625 in 45LC. The DW was too good of a price to pass up and I have never regretted the decision to buy the 744 instead of a 625.
My advice is to educate yourself on what is out there and see what comes along that meets your criteria whether it be a Ruger, S&W, Tarus, etc. Just make sure you have the cash available when the right deal presents itself!
I am not saying don't buy a 44, just be realistic about carrying it.
When I bought my DW 744 I was saving up to buy a S&W 625 in 45LC. The DW was too good of a price to pass up and I have never regretted the decision to buy the 744 instead of a 625.
My advice is to educate yourself on what is out there and see what comes along that meets your criteria whether it be a Ruger, S&W, Tarus, etc. Just make sure you have the cash available when the right deal presents itself!
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That's cool! It's really pretty out that way. We went out to South Dakota back in 2021 for a family trip and really enjoyed it out there. We made it into Wyoming to check out Devil's Tower. I could easily move out to Wyoming or somewhere in that area. Very pretty and not many people. I don't know how people live in places like NYC, so many people in such little space! We live in Southern Michigan out in farm land. Lots of dirt roads and stuff. We used to live just south of Detroit in the suburbs and while it was a nice area, we got tired of being stacked on top of each other on our little lots.Absolutely!
Yep, my wife and I live "out of town" also, and seeing as how we're only about 170 miles south of Yellowstone, we drive up through there every couple of years. In our opinions, Grand Teton National Park (on the southern border of Yellowstone) is prettier. And Glasier National Park (in northern Montana) beats both Yellowstone and Grand Teton as far a scenery goes.
At any rate, when it comes to congestion, in Yellowstone you're almost sure to see two types of it: one type of congestion in Yellowstone is called "a bear jam," and the other type is called "a bison jam." Naturally, both types of "jams" are caused by tourists stopping to view (and take pictures of) the critters, and there's often a couple or 3 park rangers with shotguns loaded with bean bags (or so I've been told) nearby. You probably don't want to be showing off your new 44 (or your old 380) if you're stuck in a bear jam or a bison jam in Yellowstone.
Oh, and BTW, the "bear jams" in Yellowstone are almost always the result of a black beat - not a grizzly. Our youngest daughter spent two summers working in Yellowstone when she was in college, and in all that time, I don't think she saw more than 2 or 3 grizzlies. As luck would have it though, she was with my wife and me when we spotted a grizzly in Glasier once when we were all three up there. There was a "bear jam" with park rangers on scene that time too.
Grand Teton park isn't too far from Yellowstone. We were planning on checking out both parks during our trip. Good to know they're both beautiful parks. I don't think we'll make it up to northern Montana though, likely too far for the time we have there.
It's funny how we justify things in life. Years ago I never had one ounce of interest in owning a firearm. Then 2020 came along and I saw how crazy things got with COVID, riots, defunding police, etc. Not to mention, we moved out to the country a year prior and I realized how long it would take the police to arrive if we called them with an issue. I decided I needed a firearm or two. I started with a .22 rifle (Ruger 10-22), a 12 gauge shotgun (Maverick 88), and eventually a handgun to carry with my CPL (Ruger EC9S). That was good enough right? Well then I needed another one for this or that, etc. My wife got her CPL as well and wanted something to carry so we got her a Ruger LCP II in .22. She couldn't handle the .380 or 9mm as it hurt her wrists after several rounds. I have a few that I could probably get rid of and use the money for something else, but unless I lose my job, I'm not getting rid of anything haha!
I'm sure we'll be just fine going through the park as we don't intend to go camping way off the beaten path or anything. I just want to make sure we have something on us just in case.
Thanks again for the tips / advice!
WisBorn
Contributing Member
I posted this picture just for discussion.
The S&W 69 44mag is the big bear medicine, but is hard to shoot fast and get back on target.
The Taurus 415 41mag is a little more manageable and very capable.
The S&W 686+ 357mag has the most capacity and is really not hard to shoot even with 180 nuts loads.
The Taurus 605 357mag is a J frame size revolver and a handful do to its size!
My last trip to Yellowstone was 10/2021 I took both Taurus revolvers (I didn't own the 44mag yet) I certainly didn't feel under gunned. I am planning a Yellowstone trip this fall, but will most likely take my XDM 10mm.
The S&W 69 44mag is the big bear medicine, but is hard to shoot fast and get back on target.
The Taurus 415 41mag is a little more manageable and very capable.
The S&W 686+ 357mag has the most capacity and is really not hard to shoot even with 180 nuts loads.
The Taurus 605 357mag is a J frame size revolver and a handful do to its size!
My last trip to Yellowstone was 10/2021 I took both Taurus revolvers (I didn't own the 44mag yet) I certainly didn't feel under gunned. I am planning a Yellowstone trip this fall, but will most likely take my XDM 10mm.
I've owned Smith 629 and Ruger single actions in 44 mag. For what you want to do I'd buy once, cry once, and go with the Smith if I had to have a 44.
I no longer have one though. I find a 3-4" 357 mag revolver or a 4" 10mm semi-auto serves my needs better.
I no longer have one though. I find a 3-4" 357 mag revolver or a 4" 10mm semi-auto serves my needs better.
br549arkie
Member
Taurus can be good but don't bet on it not needing some work. I own 5 of them three have had no problems 1 was brand new had a timing problem was sent back to Taurus came back still with a timing problem I fixed it myself by doing a little file work on the hand. Second one the trigger would hang up and not return sometimes a good bit of dry firing followed by a good cleaning fixed it and it to was a new gun. The 3rd one was giving light strikes on the primers and failure to fire a new Wolff hammer spring fixed that one.
I'd still consider buying a Taurus but I will never buy another one from a online source. I'll have to be able to give it a hands on inspection before I'll lay my money down for another Taurus.
I'd still consider buying a Taurus but I will never buy another one from a online source. I'll have to be able to give it a hands on inspection before I'll lay my money down for another Taurus.
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Palladan44
Member
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2020
- Messages
- 1,904
The new Colt Anaconda is an absolute beaut. The factory SA trigger I'd rate at an 80%. It's appearances I'd rate at a 99.5%
The rear sight is a tad bit janky, and the exposed rear backstrap will let your palm know when you're letting loose some full house magnums. But I do love the gun a lot. CZ/Colt did well here.
Ruger Super Blackhawks are great, I have an older model from the late 60s i believe. Super accurate and supposedly one of the strongest made guns. These are a popular choice and probably cost the least. Mine has the most muzzle flip out of any handgun I've ever fired in my life due to the high bore above grip and the "plow handle" which mine has vs. The Bisley grip which I heard helps with this a lot. I hate that they squared off the rear trigger guard. It cuts into the front of my middle finger w/ any stronger than medium loads, so the big black Hogue grip that covers that up is the only way I can shoot it. I'm aware of models w/ out the square trigger guard, and that sounds great.
Ruger Redhawks, they're strong as well.
Factory trigger pull is the worst SA pull I've ever seen, still need to get that remedied. It's just OK in my opinion, so far.
Newer gun, can't speak for the older Redhawks.
Used Dan Wessons (744) are out there, and they are well made. And the heaviest (in weight) 44 out there. They look quite awesome as well. But mines out of timing and it has been that way for years, and haven't got it fixed yet..and here she sits.
Model 29s are probably the most iconic, and they have the best SA trigger out of the box. I don't prefer them though, the cylinder release tends to cut into the knuckle on my right thumb whenever firing any loads heavier than "medium". Don't have a way around this, and I've tried different grips and different guns with a similar result. Rumors about 29s not holding up to heavy loads over time, I have no personal experience with yet, but I don't crank out heavy loads in 29s anyways due to the first mentioned problem. I wouldn't judge a brand new 29 these days with any prejudice, the odds of the new made ones being sturdier than the dash 2s is quite probably true.
If I had to pick between one of these, I'd pick the
The rear sight is a tad bit janky, and the exposed rear backstrap will let your palm know when you're letting loose some full house magnums. But I do love the gun a lot. CZ/Colt did well here.
Ruger Super Blackhawks are great, I have an older model from the late 60s i believe. Super accurate and supposedly one of the strongest made guns. These are a popular choice and probably cost the least. Mine has the most muzzle flip out of any handgun I've ever fired in my life due to the high bore above grip and the "plow handle" which mine has vs. The Bisley grip which I heard helps with this a lot. I hate that they squared off the rear trigger guard. It cuts into the front of my middle finger w/ any stronger than medium loads, so the big black Hogue grip that covers that up is the only way I can shoot it. I'm aware of models w/ out the square trigger guard, and that sounds great.
Ruger Redhawks, they're strong as well.
Factory trigger pull is the worst SA pull I've ever seen, still need to get that remedied. It's just OK in my opinion, so far.
Newer gun, can't speak for the older Redhawks.
Used Dan Wessons (744) are out there, and they are well made. And the heaviest (in weight) 44 out there. They look quite awesome as well. But mines out of timing and it has been that way for years, and haven't got it fixed yet..and here she sits.
Model 29s are probably the most iconic, and they have the best SA trigger out of the box. I don't prefer them though, the cylinder release tends to cut into the knuckle on my right thumb whenever firing any loads heavier than "medium". Don't have a way around this, and I've tried different grips and different guns with a similar result. Rumors about 29s not holding up to heavy loads over time, I have no personal experience with yet, but I don't crank out heavy loads in 29s anyways due to the first mentioned problem. I wouldn't judge a brand new 29 these days with any prejudice, the odds of the new made ones being sturdier than the dash 2s is quite probably true.
If I had to pick between one of these, I'd pick the
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