sumpnz
Member
Keep the votes and comments comin'. I'm going to the gun show this weekend, and if I find a good enough deal I'll be plunking down cash for it.
Still leaning towards the Ruger.
Still leaning towards the Ruger.
Which .44mag?
- Thread starter sumpnz
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Cosmoline
Member
The Redhawk is bulky, there's no doubt about it. But the extra weight pays off with powerhouse loads. I'm a big believer in being able to control your handgun, and I have some doubts whether the lighter S&W's would be useful with full power .44 Mags.
Just One Final Thought - Other Thoughts Above
If you've done a lot of hiking with a heavy handgun, and it's not uncomfortable for you to carry -- get the redhawk. If you plan on doing more shooting than carrying, get the redhawk. If there is a place you can rent your choices and do a test run, do it. If you haven't shot a light weight magnum, you may be surprised at the sensation. My observation is that there is not more recoil it's just a lot sharper recoil with the light weight versions (I have no way of proving this, but I doubt multiple shot recovery time would be significanly different). I have a 7 1/2" redhawk - it is the most accurate firearm I've ever shot (including a Freedom Arms .454). I've had it since 1981 or '82 -- Would I choose it to go hiking with -- not a chance and it doesn't weigh much more than the 5 1/2 version you're considering.
In the final analysis, you need to do what you are comfortable with. Everybodys bodies and comfort levels are different. I can't carry much weight on my hips and I've never found a shoulder holster very comfortable. If I was going into Brown Bear country, I'd suck it up and find a way to carry a .475 or .500 or a large cal rifle.
Looking forward to hearing what you end up with.
Paul
If you've done a lot of hiking with a heavy handgun, and it's not uncomfortable for you to carry -- get the redhawk. If you plan on doing more shooting than carrying, get the redhawk. If there is a place you can rent your choices and do a test run, do it. If you haven't shot a light weight magnum, you may be surprised at the sensation. My observation is that there is not more recoil it's just a lot sharper recoil with the light weight versions (I have no way of proving this, but I doubt multiple shot recovery time would be significanly different). I have a 7 1/2" redhawk - it is the most accurate firearm I've ever shot (including a Freedom Arms .454). I've had it since 1981 or '82 -- Would I choose it to go hiking with -- not a chance and it doesn't weigh much more than the 5 1/2 version you're considering.
In the final analysis, you need to do what you are comfortable with. Everybodys bodies and comfort levels are different. I can't carry much weight on my hips and I've never found a shoulder holster very comfortable. If I was going into Brown Bear country, I'd suck it up and find a way to carry a .475 or .500 or a large cal rifle.
Looking forward to hearing what you end up with.
Paul
Hutch
Member
I voted "other"
I have a 3" 629 "Trail Boss" with magnaports. Tames the recoil, totes easy. Doubt I'll ever encounter a bear, but that'd by my pick. Might be a skosh lighter than the MG 4", but less perceived recoil.
I have a 3" 629 "Trail Boss" with magnaports. Tames the recoil, totes easy. Doubt I'll ever encounter a bear, but that'd by my pick. Might be a skosh lighter than the MG 4", but less perceived recoil.
Kamicosmos
Member
Redhawk for me.
I'd recommend a stainless since you'll be carrying it out in the elements. The blued versions sure are pretty though, but seem kind of rare.
I'd recommend a stainless since you'll be carrying it out in the elements. The blued versions sure are pretty though, but seem kind of rare.
Has anyone seen this:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=444Multi&category=Revolver
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=444Multi&category=Revolver
BluesBear
member
roscoe,
No we can't see it.
No we can't see it.
ChristopherG
Member
Both links work for me, BB.
Edited to add: This might be an application where I'd actually consider a Taurus, if money were tight. It's not like you're ever gonna shoot a gun like that very much--it's a light carry gun with the power you need to fix a bad situation should one arise. Wonder what those things go for, compared to the 329.
Edited to add: This might be an application where I'd actually consider a Taurus, if money were tight. It's not like you're ever gonna shoot a gun like that very much--it's a light carry gun with the power you need to fix a bad situation should one arise. Wonder what those things go for, compared to the 329.
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sumpnz
Member
I don't know about the Taurus, but I've seen .357 versions of the 329 for just under $700. I was told by the gun shop staff that the .44 version would be with a few dollars, if not the same price. Most Taurses I've seen seem to be in the $400 range.
Deputy25
Member
I have a 6in. 629, about 20 years old. It has given me great service, taken a few deer, and a lot of hikes. Never shot loose, and I don't think it's ever been fired with anything but .44 mag ammo.
sumpnz
Member
Well, I found a Ruger Redhawk that the owner had cut down from 7.5" to 4.5". I figure that is a good thing as I was wanting someing a bit shorter than the 5.5" barrell of the new Redhawks. It was very well done, and the price was right. $350 cash (he was asking $380), no tax as it a private sale.
Now all I need is a good holster.
Edit to add: I nearly bought a 629-3 (~6" barrell) but the guy was more interested in a trade for a 1911 than a cash deal. I also was pretty interested in a couple .41mag revolvers I saw - one was a S&W the other a Taurus. Ultimatly though, that Ruger was too good a deal to pass up.
Now all I need is a good holster.
Edit to add: I nearly bought a 629-3 (~6" barrell) but the guy was more interested in a trade for a 1911 than a cash deal. I also was pretty interested in a couple .41mag revolvers I saw - one was a S&W the other a Taurus. Ultimatly though, that Ruger was too good a deal to pass up.
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orangeninja
Member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2003
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- 3,117
Well....I'll be the first to say it. You done good. 
Looks like he did a nice job. Please do post a range report.
Looks like he did a nice job. Please do post a range report.
BusMaster007
Member
Cool gun. Have fun!
g_gunter
Member
629 5" Smith
I selected the 4" Smith but out of all of them I would prefer to have my 5" 629-5 Smith. Its plenty strong for what you need and is, in my opinion, perfect for such a task. Go ahead, you can shoot the 250 gr. Keith hardcast bullets and you won't have any problem with penetration. Heck, go ahead and put the heavier ones in there, as well. You aren't going to hurt that gun with 300 grainers if they are going to be used occasionally.
Take the Smith!
g_gunter
I selected the 4" Smith but out of all of them I would prefer to have my 5" 629-5 Smith. Its plenty strong for what you need and is, in my opinion, perfect for such a task. Go ahead, you can shoot the 250 gr. Keith hardcast bullets and you won't have any problem with penetration. Heck, go ahead and put the heavier ones in there, as well. You aren't going to hurt that gun with 300 grainers if they are going to be used occasionally.
Take the Smith!
g_gunter
g_gunter
Member
Nevermind...
I guess I missed your post.
That's a nice Ruger!
Congrats. You'll enjoy it.
g_gunter
I guess I missed your post.
That's a nice Ruger!
Congrats. You'll enjoy it.
g_gunter
Ben Shepherd
Member
Sumpnz:
For leather contact www.hbeleatherworks.com . It's ran by a gentleman by the name of Eric Larsen. He's a one man show-but TOP QUALITY work. He posts on this board as PCRCCW. He just finished(last week) a rig for my custom 4" barelled 44 redhawk. He can probably send you a picture of the rig he built me if you ask. It may even be on his website.
As for the field-stripping thing: The ruger will easily & quickly disasemble into its three main components. So when(not if) you take a drink in a muddy creek, end up waist deep in the snow, etc., you just take 'er dowm into the main components and spray with WD40, put 'er back together and finish the days activities. You do need to do a good clean/lube job within a reasonable amount of time though, the WD40 is just temporary. The smith is much more complicated to dis/reasemble.
EDIT: Just checked: My redhawk leather is on page 6 of "customer pictures" on his website.
For leather contact www.hbeleatherworks.com . It's ran by a gentleman by the name of Eric Larsen. He's a one man show-but TOP QUALITY work. He posts on this board as PCRCCW. He just finished(last week) a rig for my custom 4" barelled 44 redhawk. He can probably send you a picture of the rig he built me if you ask. It may even be on his website.
As for the field-stripping thing: The ruger will easily & quickly disasemble into its three main components. So when(not if) you take a drink in a muddy creek, end up waist deep in the snow, etc., you just take 'er dowm into the main components and spray with WD40, put 'er back together and finish the days activities. You do need to do a good clean/lube job within a reasonable amount of time though, the WD40 is just temporary. The smith is much more complicated to dis/reasemble.
EDIT: Just checked: My redhawk leather is on page 6 of "customer pictures" on his website.
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sumpnz
Member
I just talked to Eric and he's going to look into whether he can hold onto another customer's Redhawk (he might have been talking about your's Ben, but I'm not sure as we were both on cell phones) that is pretty close to mine in terms of barrell length for the purposes of making a mold. If not, I'd have to ship my gun to him which would be a PITA, not mention expensive, since I don't have a working relationship with an FFL here in the Phoenix area yet. My understanding is that for something like this he cannot ship it directly back to me. At any rate, I'll probably have him make up a holster very similar to Ben's.
Ben Shepherd
Member
Sumpnz-Check your PM's!
sumpnz
Member
Well, I've ordered the holster from Eric. Thanks to the fact that he has Ben's gun to use as a mold I don't even have to send him mine. Ben, I definatly owe you a beer (or other beverage of your choice). If you're even in AZ feel free to call that in, and if I ever get a chance to be up in your neck of the woods I'll shout you a round up there.
All I need now is to decide if I want Eric to make a belt for me too.
All I need now is to decide if I want Eric to make a belt for me too.
Ben Shepherd
Member
Sumpnz:
Yes you do, bcause the belt color will match the holster perfectly, and it's a very good belt for carrying something that heavy.
Just measure your waist exactly like he asks, so you get the right size the first time.
Yes you do, bcause the belt color will match the holster perfectly, and it's a very good belt for carrying something that heavy.
Just measure your waist exactly like he asks, so you get the right size the first time.
Tony Mig
Member
Personally I'd spend the extra hundred bucks and get either the stainless 4", or 6" 629.
I haven't fired a Redhawk yet that felt as smooth as the N-frame Smith, and I believe one is every bit as strong as the other.
I haven't fired a Redhawk yet that felt as smooth as the N-frame Smith, and I believe one is every bit as strong as the other.
sumpnz
Member
Well, I took the Redhawk out for a spin today. My wife was taking the CCW class, so I went to the gun club and helped her with her shooting to get ready for the qualification tomorrow. Before her class got out for the day I took the time to do some shooting. After using about 30-40 rounds familiarizing myself with the Redhawk I shot a set of strings "for record."
I set the target out to 7 yards and took 18 shots to the chest of a man shaped target, and 14 shots to the head (I had two rounds left in the box so I added those to the 12 I planned on). All shots were done single action. Load was 240gr lead semi-wad cutters at an advertized MV of 990fps (a fairly light load).
Incindentally I also had some 240gr jacketed soft points loaded to 1400fps. Even with the light at the range that load made a very noticiable flash. I'll have to see if I can't capture a picture of that flash. Those also hurt my hand after about 12 shots.
I can only count 3 distintive holes in the chest area with the rest of the shots going into one big hole (I can count about 6 shots around the edge of that hole).
For the head shots, I pulled one flyer low back into the upper chest area, and then there were another 6 shots that were on their own, with the rest (7) making a ragged hole.
I'll try to post a picture of the target later.
Ironically for each of the head and chest shots, my worst were the first shots of the string.
My wife also took a few shots with the Redhawk after she was done with the practice for the qualifing shooting she'll have to do in the morning. I must say she did very, very well. I would say she was more accurate with it than the Sig P239 I have on loan from a coworker. With those lighter semi-wad cutters she found the recoil quite managable. Especially since she was coming down with the flu she didn't want to try the full house load.
Oh, and Ben I think I probably will get that belt. I'll try to call Eric tomorrow or Monday.
I set the target out to 7 yards and took 18 shots to the chest of a man shaped target, and 14 shots to the head (I had two rounds left in the box so I added those to the 12 I planned on). All shots were done single action. Load was 240gr lead semi-wad cutters at an advertized MV of 990fps (a fairly light load).
Incindentally I also had some 240gr jacketed soft points loaded to 1400fps. Even with the light at the range that load made a very noticiable flash. I'll have to see if I can't capture a picture of that flash. Those also hurt my hand after about 12 shots.
I can only count 3 distintive holes in the chest area with the rest of the shots going into one big hole (I can count about 6 shots around the edge of that hole).
For the head shots, I pulled one flyer low back into the upper chest area, and then there were another 6 shots that were on their own, with the rest (7) making a ragged hole.
I'll try to post a picture of the target later.
Ironically for each of the head and chest shots, my worst were the first shots of the string.
My wife also took a few shots with the Redhawk after she was done with the practice for the qualifing shooting she'll have to do in the morning. I must say she did very, very well. I would say she was more accurate with it than the Sig P239 I have on loan from a coworker. With those lighter semi-wad cutters she found the recoil quite managable. Especially since she was coming down with the flu she didn't want to try the full house load.
Oh, and Ben I think I probably will get that belt. I'll try to call Eric tomorrow or Monday.
Richard
Member
sumpnz, I would rent and shoot as many of your choices as you can and then decide. I own a 7 1/2" Ruger Super BlackHawk, 6 1/2" Virginia Dragoon, 8 3/8" S&W M29-3, and a 4" M629-1. The only one I truly enjoy shooting a lot of full house loads through is the Super BlackHawk. Regards, Richard
Peter M. Eick
Member
I suggest you get one of these. They are truly impressive!
Sumpnz, before you spend any dime, I would suggest to read this one: http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12
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