zerobarrier
Contributing Member
Thanks for all the replies. I may be leaning towards a Ruger just not sure which. I like the look of the Super Redhawk Alaskan, anyone know if the make one with a barrle longer then 2.5"?
Which 44mag to buy?
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mikechandler
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I originally typed a huge detailed response - but I think it'd derail the conversation so I'll keep it simple (yeah this is the simplified version):
I've owned a large number of 44 magnums, all the way up to and including S&W LH performance center guns, and most interestingly the venerable freedom arms premier grade model 83 7.5" 44 magnum which I owned alongside my Bisley Super Blackhawk Hunter for about 6 months.
The only keeper in all my travels, all my load testing, and all my hours in the muck, was (drumroll please)...
The Ruger Bisley Super Blackhawk Hunter.
A more perfect hunting handgun does not exist. And yes, I am saying that even in comparison to the venerable FA above, which certainly was better built and *slightly* more accurate.. (where the Ruger would shoot clover leafs, the FA almost achieved one-hole punches) but it was bested in the field by the Ruger, who's slightly looser tolerances equalled higher reliability. And of course, it could be carried on a loaded chamber, which the FA, being a true SAA type, could not.
If what you are seeking is a true hunting handgun in .44 magnum, as others above have indicated, it's the winner winner chicken dinner. The bisley one should run you right about 800 from gunbroker, including shipping and FFL fees.
I've owned a large number of 44 magnums, all the way up to and including S&W LH performance center guns, and most interestingly the venerable freedom arms premier grade model 83 7.5" 44 magnum which I owned alongside my Bisley Super Blackhawk Hunter for about 6 months.
The only keeper in all my travels, all my load testing, and all my hours in the muck, was (drumroll please)...
The Ruger Bisley Super Blackhawk Hunter.
A more perfect hunting handgun does not exist. And yes, I am saying that even in comparison to the venerable FA above, which certainly was better built and *slightly* more accurate.. (where the Ruger would shoot clover leafs, the FA almost achieved one-hole punches) but it was bested in the field by the Ruger, who's slightly looser tolerances equalled higher reliability. And of course, it could be carried on a loaded chamber, which the FA, being a true SAA type, could not.
If what you are seeking is a true hunting handgun in .44 magnum, as others above have indicated, it's the winner winner chicken dinner. The bisley one should run you right about 800 from gunbroker, including shipping and FFL fees.
el Godfather
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Sw 29
I agree with true Texan, but I lean toward the Ruger Super Black Hawk Hunter ! The Red hawk is an awesome revolver too. Whichever Ruger,, these revolvers are built LIKE A TANK , and are very accurate. Just ask anyone that has one !
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mic214
Member
A stainless Ruger SBH with a 5-1/2" barrel gets my vote!
zerobarrier
Contributing Member
OK nevermind about the alaskan, to short of a brl. So I am between ruger super blackhawk and SW 329 airlite.
My favorite field use .44 is a S&W 629 4". I have shot more deer, more hogs, more snakes and more small varmints with that one firearm than any of my other firearms mainly due to it is almost always on my hip in the field. I've owned it for about 20 years, shot thousands of rounds of everything possible through it (I reload). The only things I've replaced on it are the stocks (wore the first set of Hogues out), and I'm on the second Cyclone holster (O.K., not something on the gun, but it gives you an idea of how much I carry it). I am planning to change out the sights with some higher visibility ones. My eyes are getting older and it has to be the sights that makes the sight picture so fuzzy now. 
I also own a 629 6" that I shoot at the range often but for me, it's a bit long for a carry piece. I ride an ATV a lot afield and the 6" digs into the seat where the 4" just touches the seat.
I have a Super Blackhawk that is fun to shoot, accurate enough but for me too darn big to carry with a belt holster. This is the only .44 I own that has not taken a game animal.
You need to evaluate your needs and decide how and where you will be using it. I have different ones for different uses. Each is a compromise in some manner and you have to decide for yourself what is the most important.
I also have a Super RedHawk that I've scoped. It is a fantastic gun for hunting and I have taken many hogs and a few deer with it over the years. I carry it in a chest rig. It is heavy, can handle loads I wouldn't shoot through the Smith. I shoot it with bi-pod shooting sticks when I'm hunting and it's a deadly combination.
I also own a 629 6" that I shoot at the range often but for me, it's a bit long for a carry piece. I ride an ATV a lot afield and the 6" digs into the seat where the 4" just touches the seat.
I have a Super Blackhawk that is fun to shoot, accurate enough but for me too darn big to carry with a belt holster. This is the only .44 I own that has not taken a game animal.
You need to evaluate your needs and decide how and where you will be using it. I have different ones for different uses. Each is a compromise in some manner and you have to decide for yourself what is the most important.
I also have a Super RedHawk that I've scoped. It is a fantastic gun for hunting and I have taken many hogs and a few deer with it over the years. I carry it in a chest rig. It is heavy, can handle loads I wouldn't shoot through the Smith. I shoot it with bi-pod shooting sticks when I'm hunting and it's a deadly combination.
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Gonna have to throw my vote for the Ruger first, followed by the Smith 629. Ruger wins for strength, price, and "old time" appeal. Smith wins on trigger. You won't be disappointed with either. I find my Ruger clears and points more naturally for me. But that's just me. But I also hade a custom tooled, western style, leather belt and holster made specifically for that gun.
I own several 44 Magnums. 1991 blued Redhawk 5.5 barrel. Gun is brute strong and a hell of a shooter.
Own a 1979 blued Virginian Dragoon 6in barrel. This single action is sweet. Gun can shoot the eyes out of a rabbit at 25 yards.
I have a 1984 Super Blackhawk SS in 5.5 barrel. It is very nice. But I would take the Dragoon over the Blackhawk. And the Redhawk over both. As for the two single actions. Setting them side by side, and breaking the gauages out on them. The Dragoon is slightly larger and weighs 4oz more. As for which is stronger I would think you would have to really blow the damn things up a round at a time to tell Just keep shooting hot loads out of them or super charge rounds to see which one blew 1st.
Both are wonderful weapons. I love shooting them both, and packing them. I prefer the blue and case hardened treatment to the SS. Also the warning crap on the Ruger sucks. Another thing I like about the Dragoon is the 3 cock hammer/trigger. The Dragoon looks more like a Colt, just super beefed up.
But I will say none will ever be abused or gotten rid of. Keepers and shooters for life.
All have taken plenty of game. Mule deer, coyote, bobcat, rabbit, raccoon, snakes, javalina, feral hogs, badger, fox, otter, snapping turtle, beaver, turkey and one black bear.
Own a 1979 blued Virginian Dragoon 6in barrel. This single action is sweet. Gun can shoot the eyes out of a rabbit at 25 yards.
I have a 1984 Super Blackhawk SS in 5.5 barrel. It is very nice. But I would take the Dragoon over the Blackhawk. And the Redhawk over both. As for the two single actions. Setting them side by side, and breaking the gauages out on them. The Dragoon is slightly larger and weighs 4oz more. As for which is stronger I would think you would have to really blow the damn things up a round at a time to tell Just keep shooting hot loads out of them or super charge rounds to see which one blew 1st.
Both are wonderful weapons. I love shooting them both, and packing them. I prefer the blue and case hardened treatment to the SS. Also the warning crap on the Ruger sucks. Another thing I like about the Dragoon is the 3 cock hammer/trigger. The Dragoon looks more like a Colt, just super beefed up.
But I will say none will ever be abused or gotten rid of. Keepers and shooters for life.
All have taken plenty of game. Mule deer, coyote, bobcat, rabbit, raccoon, snakes, javalina, feral hogs, badger, fox, otter, snapping turtle, beaver, turkey and one black bear.
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zerobarrier
Contributing Member
Thanks for all of the input guys, it help me. I went my local gun store today and they had a Ruger super blackhawk bisley edition 3.75brl, one of the distributor editions, SS with black grip. So I bought it and man do I love it. I just ordered a custom cross draw holster from mernickle holster in NV. I can't wait to shoot it.
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Jackal
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Ruger or Smith. I'm not a Taurus hater (I've had 2 of their .44 mags 'n they work just fine), but the Smith 629 or 29 feel better than any Taurus and the Rugers are just so heavily built as to be *nearly invincible.
Jlr2267
Member
That is a nice revolver. I'm sure you will be very happy with it.
horsemen61
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Nice revolver tell us how you like the 3 3/4 inch barrel
I have a few .44s that I have owned for years. Longer than I like to think about. I have shot them all extensively.
If I was buying ONE .44 Mag handgun, I would buy a Ruger Super Blackhawk. And I agree with the previous post: the Bisley. That wasn't available back when I got my Blackhawk. I would also personally buy one in stainless.
I have several S&W Model 29s/629s. I HAVE had one shoot itself loose. I had it rebuilt and as an unforeseen bonus, it is now incredibly accurate. However, TO ME, it is a proven fact that S&Ws can and have been shot loose. For the vast majority of people, they will never shoot one enough to have an issue with this but I did.
The Super Redhawks to me are just too massive. I don't own a .44 but own two of them in .357. They are heavy, physically large............... The Super Blackhawk is a pretty large pistol, but it is about as big as I am willing to go.
That is a VERY nice looking gun you bought. Right in line with what I would have bought, so naturally I approve.
If I was buying ONE .44 Mag handgun, I would buy a Ruger Super Blackhawk. And I agree with the previous post: the Bisley. That wasn't available back when I got my Blackhawk. I would also personally buy one in stainless.
I have several S&W Model 29s/629s. I HAVE had one shoot itself loose. I had it rebuilt and as an unforeseen bonus, it is now incredibly accurate. However, TO ME, it is a proven fact that S&Ws can and have been shot loose. For the vast majority of people, they will never shoot one enough to have an issue with this but I did.
The Super Redhawks to me are just too massive. I don't own a .44 but own two of them in .357. They are heavy, physically large............... The Super Blackhawk is a pretty large pistol, but it is about as big as I am willing to go.
That is a VERY nice looking gun you bought. Right in line with what I would have bought, so naturally I approve.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
They certainly look massive but only weigh a little more than a Super Blackhawk, or comparable to a Redhawk. My standard 7½" Bisley .44Mag weighs 51oz and a .480 Super Redhawk comes in at 52oz but a Bisley Hunter .44Mag goes 54oz.
Weight is certainly one issue.
The Redhawks just isn't my cup of tea. It doesn't mean it isn't a great gun for someone else. The beautiful thing is that we have choices and your choice doesn't have to be the same as my choice.
FWIW: I really like Ruger double action revolvers. They have a number of innovative features that S&W lacks (I have a lot of S&W too, love 'em). Like the ability to disassemble them easily. I own two Redhawks in .357. I have a GP-100 and an SP-101. The Redhawks I bought were more than anything else a curiosity. They only made the Redhawk in .357 for a year or two and after they were discontinued I decided I needed one. I kept my eyes open for a few years and finally came across one, immediately followed by another one. So, I ended up with two, with different barrel lengths. They are certainly fine revolvers. But, in this case (totally off topic, sorry), I would much rather have the GP-100 in .357 rather than the gigantic Redhawk in .357.
The OP got a terrific looking revolver that I am sure he will be very happy with and that is the important part.
The Redhawks just isn't my cup of tea. It doesn't mean it isn't a great gun for someone else. The beautiful thing is that we have choices and your choice doesn't have to be the same as my choice.
FWIW: I really like Ruger double action revolvers. They have a number of innovative features that S&W lacks (I have a lot of S&W too, love 'em). Like the ability to disassemble them easily. I own two Redhawks in .357. I have a GP-100 and an SP-101. The Redhawks I bought were more than anything else a curiosity. They only made the Redhawk in .357 for a year or two and after they were discontinued I decided I needed one. I kept my eyes open for a few years and finally came across one, immediately followed by another one. So, I ended up with two, with different barrel lengths. They are certainly fine revolvers. But, in this case (totally off topic, sorry), I would much rather have the GP-100 in .357 rather than the gigantic Redhawk in .357.
The OP got a terrific looking revolver that I am sure he will be very happy with and that is the important part.
351 WINCHESTER
Member
S & W 29's didn't get to be a status symbol for nothing. Go to any decent gunshop and pick up a 29, Blackhawk and Redhawk. Work the actions, look at the fit and finish, dry fire them and let us know your thoughts.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
No, I didn't mean it like that. I don't really care too much for Ruger DA's myself and will never argue about the SRH being ugly. I bought mine just for the .480 cartridge. I just think some people have the misconception that it is a great deal larger and heavier than it really is.
zerobarrier
Contributing Member
Red rick I will post some pics online when I get it but it can take 6+ weeks to get it. Thats the cost of custom leather. Their website is : http://www.mernickleholsters.com/bm_field.html
lots of stuff on there. I got a field carry holster. FC3 black with exotic snake inlaid.
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