Hunting with .44mag Revolver

[DROCK]

Thanks for the help guys. I just ordered a Ruger Super BlackHawk Bisley Hunter. Time to get some ammo!

 

[Steve in PA]

I have not hunted with or carried the Super Blackhawk other than at the range. I have hunted with the Super Redhawk for years and never worried about weight.

When walking, the SRH is carried in a holster. If I am stalking, or snooping & pooping through the woods, the SRH is carried in the crook of my left arm (I am right handed). When sitting on stand, the SRH is usually in my lap.

The difference in weight between two similar barrel length revolvers (SRH v. SBH) would be in mere ounces.

 

[CraigC]

that super redhawk is going to get awful heavy shooting paper. the redhawk, s&w, or super blackhawk are lighter and will fulfill your requirements.

The SRH only 'looks' heavier. In fact, my .480 SRH is 2oz lighter than a .44 Bisley Hunter and only 1oz heavier than a standard 7½" .44 Bisley. A standard 7½" Redhawk .44 is actually 1oz heavier than a 7½" SRH .44Mag.

Standard Redhawk 7½" .44 - 54oz
Bisley Hunter 7½" .44 - 54oz
Super Redhawk 7½" .44 - 53oz
Super Redhawk 7½" .480 - 52oz
Standard Bisley 7½" .44 - 52oz
S&W 29 6" - 47oz
Ruger (50th) Blackhawk 6½" .44 - 46oz
Bisley 4 5/8" .44 - 45oz

 

[f350 ff]

Ruger Redhawk is my choice. Load em hot or not, its a good solid revolver. Plus they make a Redhawk hunter with scopemounts built in. just my two pennies.
matt z

 

[AABEN]

I would strongly consider the T/C Contender. I have a friend who hunts with one and has killed coyotes and deer, also shoots p-dogs with his .223 barrel. Very accurate shooters and the interchangeable barrels makes them much more versitile than the usual handgun for hunting.

The trouble it is a single shot!

 

[critter]

DROCK, you've made a great choice! Shoot the heck out of it, enjoy it and it will make you a fine hunting arm! Be sure to update us on your successes.

 

[Swampman]

I have a 4 inch S&W 29-2 that I've hunted with off and on for 30 years, I've killed several deer and a couple pickup loads of hogs with it. Understand that I love S&W revolvers in general and Model 29s in particular, they are light (for the power level), handy, accurate and have excellent triggers. If you're looking for a pure hunting revolver in .44 Magnum, it may well be the best choice.
The downside is that, while they don't break (in my experience), they do tend to loosen up over time, particularly if shot a lot with full power loads. If you have a 'Smith in your area that's good with S&Ws and can afford him, you're in good shape. S&W also does excellent work and can make your pistol seem brand new, but be aware that if you've had any custom work done such as smoothing the trigger pull, S&W will replace any modified parts at your expense, and no, they won't send the custom or modified parts back with the pistol.
I've had my Ruger Super Blackhawk almost as long as the 29 and all I've ever had to do to it is clean it, load it and shoot it. I haven't hunted with it as much, but its probably been shot more.
If you do go with the 29, I'd recommend that you go with a six inch barrel, the four is a little too short, but in my opinion the 8 3/8ths is to long to be really handy, although they are easier to hit with at longer ranges, particularly if you've got a decent rest.