Next 44 mag for the range

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Next 44 mag for the range

Posted: 12/26/2016 11:12:52 PM EDT

I purchased a Ruger SRH in 44 and had Gemini Customs do a good bit of work on it. I fell in love with the 44 and really like the SRH - except how heavy it is. The weight is great for taming recoil, but the long heavy barrel starts pulling me down after a while. I'll never part with it, but want a shorter lighter gun. Might be nice to have it double as a carry gun for camping (although 'round here we have black bears and mountain lions that I think my GP100 can handle).

I'm really particular about my revolvers and likely to have some work done it. Here's what I'm considering:

-S&W 629 Classic 5" - never had a Smith revolver (Yes, I just said that - I've been a Ruger guy). Sized these up at LGS - like the balance but needs trigger work and muzzle crown.

- S&W 629 4" - worried it might be too light at only 42 oz., and be loosin' too much velocity.

-Ruger Super Blackhawk 4 5/8" - my brother has one and it's awesome, but needs trigger work, muzzle crown and throats barrel. Prob $3-400 in work.

-BFR 44 w/ 5" - my bro has this too in 500 JRH and 475 Linebaugh. Really nice revolvers. Crown and trigger are perfect. Very expensive but I wouldn't need any work done - but this model comes in at over 50 oz. -not long, still heavy.

Posted: 12/27/2016 2:49:16 AM EDT

[#1]

Last February I bought my wife a 4" 329PD and a Gunfighters Inc. Kenai Holster.

Weighing 26ozs, it's her favorite hiking gun.

Statistically the gun is too light, and too brutal to shoot....but in reality that's hardly the case. After putting 60rds through it, she is still convinced that she has the right revolver.

In fact, everyone that has fired it in the last 10 months has commented positively.....a few want to see her shoot it first though.

Just throwing this out as an option.

Hap

Posted: 12/27/2016 9:31:47 AM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Last February I bought my wife a 4" 329PD and a Gunfighters Inc. Kenai Holster.

Weighing 26ozs, it's her favorite hiking gun.

Statistically the gun is too light, and too brutal to shoot....but in reality that's hardly the case. After putting 60rds through it, she is still convinced that she has the right revolver.

In fact, everyone that has fired it in the last 10 months has commented positively.....a few want to see her shoot it first though.

Just throwing this out as an option.

Hap

View Quote

I have a Taurus Tracker 44 mag, 4" barrel with factory ported barrel that weighs about the same as yours/hers. Certainly is a stout gun to shoot but at 7 - 10 yards, my kayaking safety distance from hogs, bear and alligator, is very accurate and easy to pack. http://gunblast.com/Taurus-Tracker44.htm

Posted: 12/27/2016 11:23:08 AM EDT

[#3]

Sorry if I was not clear in my initial post. As stated in the title, this is to be a range gun, and if it doubled as a gun I could take camping or hiking, then great.

I am looking for something I could shoot all day at the range with full power loads that is not as heavy or long as the 53 ounce behemoth that is the SRH.

I have shot the S&W 329 and it is great for its purpose, and not as bad as folks might anticipate – in the recoil department. However, it is far too light to be blasting through 100 rounds of full power ammo every weekend.

Taurus makes good revolvers, but they do not fit me like the Rugers, BFRs, or S&Ws.

Posted: 12/27/2016 4:08:20 PM EDT

[#4]

Full power loads all day at the range.....So you just limited your options as some brands just won't tolerate that type of shooting unless you mean factory 44 magnum loads in which case all will work. For serious distance/accuracy shooting my choices would be:

1)Freedom Arms 83 in 7.5" or 5.5", 5.5" if you want the secondary woods/camp gun you spoke of.
2)Dan Wesson and get multiple barrel lengths/shrouds which allows you to multi-function it for any type of shooting.

Both of the above will take anything you can handload up well past what you should and both are seriously accurate as shown in the long range revolver world.

Posted: 12/30/2016 1:19:57 AM EDT

[#5]

Get the 629 5" classic.

But suck it up and find a nice prelock if you can.

Posted: 12/30/2016 9:38:39 PM EDT

[#6]

I want a 629 Classic 5" myself so that's my vote.

Posted: 12/30/2016 9:39:42 PM EDT

[#7]

I want a 629 Classic 5" myself so that's my vote.

Posted: 12/30/2016 11:45:01 PM EDT

[#8]

If you Mag-Na-Port a Super Blackhawk, the recoil is greatly reduced. The 44 Magnum seems like a 357 Magnum to me.

I have a 5.5 inch SBH and think it is about right. Get one and send it out to Mag-Na-Port and ask to have it ported and the action tuned. Good trail revolver, too.

Posted: 1/1/2017 11:05:10 PM EDT

[#9]

I have a 6" 629 factory ported and can shoot it all day long. Also have a 6" Anaconda, but it only goes to the range once a year, and yes it is smooth as butter.

I like rugers, but don't have a ruger revolver yet. I have held a lot of rugers and I really like the SRH. Range report when you get a chance.

Posted: 1/1/2017 11:17:12 PM EDT

[#10]

I have both a SRH 7.5 inch and a 629-4 4 inch. It is the perfect combo for me. Shoot both at the range, deer hunt w the Ruger and backpack in Alaska with the 629.

Posted: 1/1/2017 11:36:33 PM EDT

[#11]

If you aren't looking at the Ruger, the only real option for a DA revolver is one of the s&w offerings. For me, I'd be going for a 629.....6" barrel, full lug. You don't seem to want to go to 4" barrels due to velocity loss, and the little bit of extra forward weight would help tame the recoil to a degree.

Personally, 4" on a .44mag is a pretty good length compromise between ease of carry and velocity for a woods carry gun. Range/hunting gun.....yeah, 6" would be what I would seek. But for a woods EDC gun, 4" is quite practical.

Posted: 1/1/2017 11:39:06 PM EDT

[#12]

If I remember right, in one of Skeeter Skelton's articles he said he didn't loose much velocity going from a 6 1/2" barrel to a 4" barrel, but under 4" is where it started really dropping.

Personally I would get either a Model 29 with a 4 or 6 1/2" barrel or one of the Super Blackhawks without the dragoon trigger guard.

Posted: 1/2/2017 12:11:37 AM EDT

[#13]

Two suggestions for you, both Smiths

629 Mountain Gun

model 69

Posted: 1/2/2017 12:45:26 PM EDT

[#14]

As mentioned search out a pre lock 29 or 629 classic with full lug five inch barrel.
Best compromise of weight, sight radius,ease of carry and recoil control all in one package.

And its a smith so you will not be needing any trigger work or accuracy enhancements.

Posted: 1/2/2017 5:01:58 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
I want a 629 Classic 5" myself so that's my vote.

View Quote

Posted: 1/3/2017 5:44:19 PM EDT

[#16]

I would opt for the new Ruger GP100 in 44 Special.

The 44 Special is so much more fun to shoot that I rarely shoot any of my full power loads anymore (except for the Desert Eagle, which doesn't like anything which isn't full power).

And so few things the 44 Special can't handle just as well as the 44 Magnum (of course grizzly bears are one exception).

G.

Posted: 1/6/2017 2:41:26 PM EDT

[#17]

I own 629s in 4", 5", and 6". The 5" is my favorite; best balance between recoil reduction and size.

Posted: 1/7/2017 12:22:34 PM EDT

[#18]

Could not be more jealous of the Anaconda!

bumped into a young buck with one at the range. The revolver was in fantastic shape and probably onlder than the kid shootin' it - said he inherited it from his grandfather. The kid let me shoot it and the action was incredible, at first the grip seemed a little short, but was perfect during recoil. Balance was perfect despite the lug and 6" barrel - shot a ragged hole of six shots.

If it was still in production, I'd already have one.

Posted: 1/7/2017 12:25:12 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
If you Mag-Na-Port a Super Blackhawk, the recoil is greatly reduced. The 44 Magnum seems like a 357 Magnum to me.

I have a 5.5 inch SBH and think it is about right. Get one and send it out to Mag-Na-Port and ask to have it ported and the action tuned. Good trail revolver, too.

View Quote

Interesting...thanks for the info.

Posted: 1/7/2017 5:40:19 PM EDT

[#20]

Check out this thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_33/170334_My-Custom-Super-Blackhawk-Hunter.html. Mag Na Port did the work on his SBHH and to me this is the perfect .44 mag handgun.

Posted: 1/8/2017 1:19:50 AM EDT

[#21]

I have a 629 6" classic and it was nice for both range and hunting. I stumbled across a good deal on a 4" Mountain gun 629 which I absolutely love for hiking/hunting but would take the full lug 6'" to range any day especially with hot loads.

I have considered selling both and search for a 5" to get best of both worlds.

Posted: 1/8/2017 4:51:27 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have a 629 6" classic and it was nice for both range and hunting. I stumbled across a good deal on a 4" Mountain gun 629 which I absolutely love for hiking/hunting but would take the full lug 6'" to range any day especially with hot loads.

I have considered selling both and search for a 5" to get best of both worlds.

View Quote

I've got all three, 629 Mountain Gun, 5" and 6.5" Classics. I use the 6.5 inches hunting and the Mountain Gun as a holster gun. The 5 inch Classic is nice, but I rarely use it.

Attached File

Posted: 1/8/2017 10:48:39 AM EDT

[#23]

If you like the redhawk so much why don't you get a 4" bbl'd redhawk and have the same work done on it that you did on the longer bbl'd redhawk???

If you don't like the recoil of the shorter lighter bbl, get it ported.

Posted: 1/8/2017 11:00:48 AM EDT

[#24]

Nice collection warhawk!!!

I've owned a 7.5" Redhawk, a 4" M629 and now have a 5" M629. For my use the 5" gun is awesome. It looks and balances great. In a perfect world I'd have a 329 PD, the 5" Classic and a longer barreled 44 with optics for handgun only hunts. As it is, I'm very thankful to own the one I have.

Posted: 1/8/2017 11:07:47 AM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
I would opt for the new Ruger GP100 in 44 Special.

The 44 Special is so much more fun to shoot that I rarely shoot any of my full power loads anymore (except for the Desert Eagle, which doesn't like anything which isn't full power).

And so few things the 44 Special can't handle just as well as the 44 Magnum (of course grizzly bears are one exception).

G.

View Quote

I was scrolling down to say the same thing. If you just LIKE/WANT a .44 Magnum, that's fine, but there's simply no advantage to the Magnum over the Special until you start shooting at game larger than deer or black ear. And if you handload, the Magnum is almost a moot point because S&W's and Ruger's in .44 Special can be loaded to the same levels of factory ammo as loaded by the Big 3 manufacturers, all in revolvers that weigh less than the magnums.

I've been hunting and killing deer and hogs with a .44 Special now going on 4 years and have found I don't even need "hot" loads at all. My load runs a 258 gr. cast SWC 950 +/- fps depending on the revolver, and so far has sailed through everything I've shot with it.

Posted: 1/19/2017 11:45:36 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sorry if I was not clear in my initial post. As stated in the title, this is to be a range gun, and if it doubled as a gun I could take camping or hiking, then great.

I am looking for something I could shoot all day at the range with full power loads that is not as heavy or long as the 53 ounce behemoth that is the SRH.

I have shot the S&W 329 and it is great for its purpose, and not as bad as folks might anticipate – in the recoil department. However, it is far too light to be blasting through 100 rounds of full power ammo every weekend.

Taurus makes good revolvers, but they do not fit me like the Rugers, BFRs, or S&Ws.

View Quote

I guess I must be a sissy ( as well as all my shooting associates) as I know no one who would welcome shooting full house 44's all day at the range. Most people call it quits after no more than 100 rounds

Posted: 1/20/2017 6:02:49 AM EDT

[#27]

I prefer the 4" S&W 629, and carry one regularly as a "woods gun". I find the recoil to be very manageable, but I am not very recoil sensitive.

Either way my vote goes to the 629. Ruger makes a great SA revolver, but S&W makes a better double action IMHO.

Posted: 2/6/2017 4:20:01 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
I purchased a Ruger SRH in 44 and had Gemini Customs do a good bit of work on it. I fell in love with the 44 and really like the SRH - except how heavy it is. The weight is great for taming recoil, but the long heavy barrel starts pulling me down after a while. I'll never part with it, but want a shorter lighter gun. Might be nice to have it double as a carry gun for camping (although 'round here we have black bears and mountain lions that I think my GP100 can handle).

I'm really particular about my revolvers and likely to have some work done it. Here's what I'm considering:

-S&W 629 Classic 5" - never had a Smith revolver (Yes, I just said that - I've been a Ruger guy). Sized these up at LGS - like the balance but needs trigger work and muzzle crown.

- S&W 629 4" - worried it might be too light at only 42 oz., and be loosin' too much velocity.

-Ruger Super Blackhawk 4 5/8" - my brother has one and it's awesome, but needs trigger work, muzzle crown and throats barrel. Prob $3-400 in work.

-BFR 44 w/ 5" - my bro has this too in 500 JRH and 475 Linebaugh. Really nice revolvers. Crown and trigger are perfect. Very expensive but I wouldn't need any work done - but this model comes in at over 50 oz. -not long, still heavy.

<img src="http://s1069.photobucket.com/user/sjmarten1/media/IMG_1398.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u476/sjmarten1/IMG_1398.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1398.jpg"/></a>" />

View Quote

If you are willing to spend some $$ there is an ideal middle ground.

5" guns are exceptional (in my experience/opinion).

If I was wanting something lighter weight, with a longer sight radius, this is what I would do.

I would take a common Model 29 or 629 (629 generally being more common and less expensive), with a 6", 6.5" or better barrel (not the full underlug models) and have it cut down.

Then have it cut to accept Classic/Classic DX style Weigand inter-changeable front sights, and call it good.

This was an 8& 3/8ths" 29-2 originally:

They actually made a non full underlug 5" Model 629 for a short run, but they rarely pop up, and rather than wait, and wait, I would just build a custom to your specs.

Posted: 2/7/2017 6:46:10 AM EDT

[#29]

Personally, I have no doubt that good quality hot .357 magnum ammo sporting hardcast bullets with big flat meplats would be more than enough medicine for black bears. That said, if you have the opportunity to step up to the .44 magnum, be it for a range toy, trail gun or both, I say go for it.

Yes, it has a lock and I'd rather it didn't but it doesn't affect anything so I don't even notice it anymore. It's a S&W 629 V-Comp Performance Center gun which means it comes from the factory with a really sweet trigger/action. It shoots extremely well, feels awesome, looks awesome and definitely gets attention whenever it comes out of the case. What's to say..it's extremely accurate, perfectly reliable, very comfortable, not too heavy and the compensator helps tame the recoil (it comes with a flat muzzle protector if you don't want to use the compensator for some reason). These length barrels make them a joy to carry and still have way more velocity than you will ever need. Currently I have a Trijicon RMR mounted on mine because I had an extra one sitting around and it makes shooting at the range MUCH easier and fun (in my opinion looks pretty awesome too).

Posted: 2/8/2017 12:49:33 AM EDT

[#30]

I also have a factory ported 629 6" classic 44 mag.
It is a soft shooter and I really enjoy it. I bought it for a Alaska pistol bear hunt and to carry while fishing.
Now I carry my glock 10mm for capacity, size and capability is almost the same as the 44

Posted: 2/24/2017 10:25:47 PM EDT

[#31]

+ I have a factory ported S&W 629, great shooter and very good quality. But no as nice as my Anaconda.

Posted: 2/27/2017 3:16:49 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
I also have a factory ported 629 6" classic 44 mag.
It is a soft shooter and I really enjoy it. I bought it for a Alaska pistol bear hunt and to carry while fishing.
Now I carry my glock 10mm for capacity, size and capability is almost the same as the 44

View Quote

I've always read the 10mm is closer to a .357mag than anything else. I like the capacity but I'd still rather carry a .44 mag (or my .45 Colt-finally scored a stainless 5.5" Ruger Blackhawk Bisley Convertible) anywhere there's a chance of running in big bears. That said I have plans to add a 10mm "top end" to my G21 just because a mag full of 10mm definitely has it's advantages anywhere that big bears don't roam. JMOOC

Posted: 2/27/2017 3:20:07 AM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
+ I have a factory ported S&W 629, great shooter and very good quality. But no as nice as my Anaconda.

View Quote

Always wanted to try one of those out, they look awesome and aren't limited to standard pressure loads like the 629.

Posted: 4/29/2017 3:39:25 PM EDT

[#34]

Over on the revolver pics thread, a Lipseys special just popped up. GP-100 5 inch BLUE in 44 Special.

Very tempting

Posted: 4/29/2017 4:01:41 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Get the 629 5" classic.

But suck it up and find a nice prelock if you can.

View Quote

Even better yet, see if you can locate a DX version, they are a bit tighter and more accurate yet.

Posted: 4/29/2017 9:47:58 PM EDT

[#36]

Carry Gun, get a Smith.

Targets, find a nice used Dan Wesson

Posted: 4/29/2017 9:51:44 PM EDT

[#37]

I just got a S&W M69 for backcountry fly fishing.

Its a 5 shot so it sits tighter to my body in my chest holster and is light but still handles the recoil well.

Not to say its a delight to shoot but I can handle it just fine

Posted: 4/30/2017 10:40:06 AM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
Get the 629 5" classic.

But suck it up and find a nice prelock if you can.

View Quote

This ^^ I own a classic 629-4 5" ,It's the last gun that I would let go if I have too.

Posted: 4/30/2017 11:38:08 AM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just got a S&W M69 for backcountry fly fishing.

Its a 5 shot so it sits tighter to my body in my chest holster and is light but still handles the recoil well.

Not to say its a delight to shoot but I can handle it just fine
http://gunblast.com/images/SW-69/DSC01615.jpg

View Quote

The Mountain Gun was always my favorite handgun, until the model 69 came along. Now it's a toss up.

I did not care for the factory grips, but the no finger groove Hogues fit my hand perfectly.

Attached File

And my Mountain Gun field rig.

Attached File

Posted: 5/2/2017 2:48:36 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:

If you are willing to spend some $ there is an ideal middle ground.

5" guns are exceptional (in my experience/opinion).

If I was wanting something lighter weight, with a longer sight radius, this is what I would do.

I would take a common Model 29 or 629 (629 generally being more common and less expensive), with a 6", 6.5" or better barrel (not the full underlug models) and have it cut down.

Then have it cut to accept Classic/Classic DX style Weigand inter-changeable front sights, and call it good.

This was an 8& 3/8ths" 29-2 originally:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/Handguns/P1010564_zps9jxvto5p.jpg

They actually made a non full underlug 5" Model 629 for a short run, but they rarely pop up, and rather than wait, and wait, I would just build a custom to your specs.

View Quote

I just knew you would show up to a .44mag thread.

You post the best Smith .44mag pics. No homo

Posted: 5/3/2017 8:32:22 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
I just knew you would show up to a .44mag thread.

You post the best Smith .44mag pics. No homo

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

If you are willing to spend some $ there is an ideal middle ground.

5" guns are exceptional (in my experience/opinion).

If I was wanting something lighter weight, with a longer sight radius, this is what I would do.

I would take a common Model 29 or 629 (629 generally being more common and less expensive), with a 6", 6.5" or better barrel (not the full underlug models) and have it cut down.

Then have it cut to accept Classic/Classic DX style Weigand inter-changeable front sights, and call it good.

This was an 8& 3/8ths" 29-2 originally:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/Handguns/P1010564_zps9jxvto5p.jpg

They actually made a non full underlug 5" Model 629 for a short run, but they rarely pop up, and rather than wait, and wait, I would just build a custom to your specs.

I just knew you would show up to a .44mag thread.

You post the best Smith .44mag pics. No homo

He already cost me a bunch of money.

Posted: 5/24/2017 1:05:02 AM EDT

[#42]

I love my 29's and 629's but my next 44 will be the new Ruger in 44 Special with the 3" barrel. I seldom need magnum performance and like using the shorter cases when I can, just because.

Posted: 5/24/2017 1:23:11 AM EDT

[#43]

Dirty Harry Model 29 for me. Or the modern 629 is nice too.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Next 44 mag for the range

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