Looking for first Revolver

[sam700]

I’ve been looking at picking up a revolver for some time now. My primary reason would be a lightweight gun that I can take backpacking as well and still doing some hunting on the side. My original thought was a Ruger GP-100 in a .357 mag, but I decided that a .44 would have the edge in the unlikely event that I ran across a disagreeable bear. The .44 would be a better deal for deer as well. I have shot the Super Redhawk, but it seems a bit big to take backpacking for extended periods of time; might as well take a carbine. I have been eyeing up a Smith and Wesson 629 with a 6 inch barrel. It is lighter and smaller than the Super Redhawk, but with the narrow grips, I was wondering how comfortable it would be to shoot for an extended amount of time. I’d like to be able to comfortably shoot 20 shots at a sitting twice a week to be proficient. I’ve shot a friend’s Super Redhawk and have no problems with it’s recoil, but have not yet got my hands on a 629.

Right now, I’m looking at the 629, the GP-100 and the Super Redhawk and leaning toward the 629. Anyone have any suggestions? I’m also open to looking at other guns as long as they are pretty similar to what I listed above.

 

[ugaarguy]

Sam, first the grips can be changed, and there's a plethora of grip options for S&W revolvers. For what you want to do I'd look for a 629 Mountain Gun. The Mountain Gun version has a 4" barrel that quickly tapers to a light contour. It's designed to be heavy enough to shoot comfortably, yet light enough to pack comfortably. The Mountain Gun is also offered as the 625 in 45 Colt.

Alternately Ruger is offering the Super Red Hawk Alaskan in .44 Mag too.

Of course, I must ask what part of the country you're in. In most areas a .44 or .45 isn't necessary, and this will open up some options in .357 Mag that are far easier to pack.

 

[sam700]

I primarily hunt in far Northern Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Wisconsin has a 5 1/2 inch minimum barrel length for deer hunting and I believe 4 inches is the min for small game. Strangely, a revolver in a .22 hornet would be legal according to the regs, but a 4 inch .44 would not.

 

[bdjansen]

I shot a 629 last weekend. I had never shot a 44 or even 357 before and I had no problems. In fact it was really easy to shoot. The trigger was real smooth and my shots were spot on. The singley action was so light you didn't even have to pull the trigger. You just had to think about it. This was the 4 inch mountian gun. It makes me want to buy one even though I would have no real use for it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO one revolver won't fit both needs. You first need is for protection while backpacking. That revolver should be different from a revolver meant for hunting. You will have a very hard time finding a hunting revolver that will be suited for protection while hiking or hunting.

A 4" Model 29 Mountain Gun in .44 Magnum will be great protection against anything you may come across in your area. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15706&isFirearm=Y

As for hunting, a Super Redhawk is a very good revolver but Magnum Research makes a GREAT line of hunting revolver which start with a .22 Hornet and their choices include the 45/70 Govt., the .454 Casull, the .460 and .500 S&W Magnum, the .444 Marlin and the .450 Marlin. The have a model in .45 Colt/.410 and even the .50 AE. They come in 6.5", 7.5" and 10" models and they list for only $899 and are the real deal IMO. If I were going to hunt with a handgun I would buy one in a second. A friend has a 7.5" in .450 Marlin and it is a hand full for sure. http://www.magnumresearch.com/Browse.asp?Category=BFR:Revolvers

I truly feel trying to buy one revolver for protection in the woods and for hunting will leave you with a revolver which will be wrong for either application.

 

[Tom C.]

With a 5 1/2" barrel for hunting and requiring packability, consider a 5 1/2" Redhawk, in either .44 mag or .45 Colt (if you can find one). I have 2, in .44 mag and .45 Colt, with Pachmayr grips.

 

[22-rimfire]

I carry a 4" 41 mag Mountain Gun (Smith) in the woods sometimes. There is no barrel restrictions in my state as far as handgun hunting. The 6" 629 is a pretty large revolver to be lugging around hiking, but great for hunting. The Super Redhawk is larger. As mentioned, the 5.5" Ruger Redhawk may be the ticket for you. I prefer the Smiths overall. If you want a Smith, look for a used Model 29 which should not have the full barrel lug on it and hence a little lighter. I put Pachmayrs (ie rubber grip) on mine for shooting as the factory stocks seem to roll and dig into my hands a bit. Get what works for you.