If you are only going to own one .44 Mag...

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Posted: 6/6/2019 11:53:05 PM EDT

So I am looking for a fun reason to own a .44 mag.

I figured when you are 44, why not own a .44 mag.

I have a lot of experience with Smith and Wesson .357 revolvers but never picked up a .44 mag.

So if a person was only going to get one .44 mag, what is the short list of what to consider?

Some side notes...
This gun will be shot

It won’t be abused but it won’t be babied.

Use to believe that six inch barrels were mandatory on revolvers, until I picked up an old model 66 with a 4” barrel. It’s my favorite now.

If I buy a smith, I won’t buy one with the lock

So, any opinions on what to look for?

Thanks!

Posted: 6/7/2019 12:10:32 AM EDT

[#1]

I guess it depends on what you want to do with it. I have a 629 V-Comp which I absolutely love but like other S&W's in that caliber you have to limit the type of ammunition so as not to damage the revolver. If you want something you can shoot heavy .44 mag loads in you won't get it from S&W.

If you're ok with standard 240 grain loads (which are no slouch) and the occasional 305 grain load then any of the N frame guns will work. I don't know enough about smaller frames to advise you on that.

As I said, I love my 629 V-Comp and it's 4" barrel (5" with the comp) but I do want to get a Ruger Super Blackhawk and/or Redhawk so I have the option of heavier loads.

Posted: 6/7/2019 12:16:26 AM EDT

[#2]

Model 29. Great triggers and smooth action.

Posted: 6/7/2019 12:20:04 AM EDT

[#3]

I have many 44 mag guns. This one is pretty awesome

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-629-stealth-hunter

Posted: 6/7/2019 12:27:50 AM EDT

[#4]

I have a model 69 I’m very fond of, 4” ported barrel. If I had to do again, and hadn’t converted to 10mm as a woods gun, I think I would choose the Scandium Mountain Gun.

Posted: 6/7/2019 12:57:53 AM EDT

[#5]

If I'm gonna own a .44 mag, it's gonna be a combat cowboy carbine. The .44 magnum is smoking out of a 17" barrel. I got 10+1 ready to go, and 8 more on the ammo cuff. The red dot makes it as fast as any AR on both eyes open target acquisition, and the light allows me to identify that target day or night. Oh, and I can be cool and spin it with the big loop too... If the red dot takes a dump, the allen key is under the ammo cuff. I take it off and use the peep sights.

Posted: 6/7/2019 1:04:47 AM EDT

[#6]

I like my Ruger Super Blackhawk.

Posted: 6/7/2019 1:33:28 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have many 44 mag guns. This one is pretty awesome

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-629-stealth-hunter

View Quote

I have a 6" and a 7.5" stainless steel versions of this with 2x nikon scopes on them. They are great for hunting or plinking.

Posted: 6/7/2019 1:35:57 AM EDT

[#8]

S&W 29-2 4" or 6" barrel

or a 629-1 if you want stainless

Posted: 6/7/2019 1:38:09 AM EDT

[#9]

I have a 629 in Stainless at 6 inches..

It's a tack driver and a better shooter than I ever could be with it.

Ive touched five out of six at 8 yards.

Posted: 6/7/2019 6:15:35 AM EDT

[#10]

I have an old early 6” 629. I got there by trying 4, 6, 8 3/8 versions in various bbl weights.

It’s a handful. I prefer a K frame 357. Thus, not too worried about something occasionally heavy in the 629.

I like the looks of the stealth hunters. I would consider it today along with a Ruger Hunter single action.

If you are okay with single actions the world open s up a little more.

Posted: 6/7/2019 6:21:58 AM EDT

[#11]

A 629-3 or -4 with a 5” barrel.

Posted: 6/7/2019 6:36:50 AM EDT

[#12]

629 is my preference.

Posted: 6/7/2019 6:40:03 AM EDT

[#13]

I hate Colt but my Anaconda from the 90s is gtg.

Posted: 6/7/2019 7:10:05 AM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
If I'm gonna own a .44 mag, it's gonna be a combat cowboy carbine. The .44 magnum is smoking out of a 17" barrel. I got 10+1 ready to go, and 8 more on the ammo cuff. The red dot makes it as fast as any AR on both eyes open target acquisition, and the light allows me to identify that target day or night. Oh, and I can be cool and spin it with the big loop too... If the red dot takes a dump, the allen key is under the ammo cuff. I take it off and use the peep sights.

https://i.imgur.com/ovTyVEq.jpg

View Quote

What are we looking at here? oct barrel puma/rossi? what front rail for the RDO? and what rear peep?

as to the OP, i love my ruger super blackhawk that is cut to 5". It will take any 44 mag ammo with a smile.

Posted: 6/7/2019 8:49:48 AM EDT

[#15]

A mountain gun for me

Posted: 6/7/2019 9:08:00 AM EDT

[#16]

Does it have to be a revolver?

Desert Eagle in 44 Magnum and you can also get the 50 AE barrel for when you turn 50.

Posted: 6/7/2019 9:20:35 AM EDT

[#17]

It's a Ruger Super Blackhawk for me!

Posted: 6/7/2019 9:26:40 AM EDT

[#18]

Super Redhawk

Posted: 6/7/2019 9:39:22 AM EDT

[#19]

Posted: 6/7/2019 10:24:53 AM EDT

[#20]

My only 44 magnum is my Ruger Redhawk 5.5" in my avatar. I don't plan on buying another one anytime soon.

I like it because it can easily handle hot heavy handloads.

It's a beast of a gun but it does everything I want a 44 magnum to do.

I don't think you can go wrong with Ruger or S&W.

Posted: 6/7/2019 2:54:08 PM EDT

[#21]

5" Super Blackhawk or 5.5" Super Redhawk if you want a revo.
If you just require a 44 mag handgun... TC Contender in 44mag with a 11" barrel is a great deer pistol.

Posted: 6/7/2019 4:36:51 PM EDT

[#22]

I would look for a 29-5 or -6 or a 629 -3 or -4
Those will have the full endurance package, no mim parts, and will have the firing pin mounted on the hammer. They will handle heavier loads and higher round counts than the older models.
Here's a few of my 29-2's

Attached File

Posted: 6/7/2019 8:01:45 PM EDT

[#23]

It's absolutely one of these bitches if it's my one and only... Below are my M29 and M629... Below that is my M24... all 3" barrels. You can load .44Special, a 255 grain hard cast "Keith" up almost 1200fps and do so safely as well to easily make 800+Ft-Lbs of Muzzle Energy OP.

M29/M629 in .44Mag... 3" barreled beast I carry a lot more than I ever thought I would...

.44Special, "Special-Indeed"... if you can find one... Below my beloved/favorite M24...

Posted: 6/7/2019 8:09:06 PM EDT

[#24]

My .44 mag is the S&W 29 DX Classic. Fully lugged bbl, which aids accuracy & reduces muzzle flip.

Love this thing!

Attached File

Posted: 6/7/2019 8:31:14 PM EDT

[#25]

Posted: 6/7/2019 8:43:16 PM EDT

[#26]

I have to agree with a 29/629...fun to shoot, reliable as all hell and mine has been plenty durable.

Here's my 629-1

Posted: 6/7/2019 10:57:10 PM EDT

[#27]

S&W Mountain gun - for carrying around
Ruger Bisley - does everything, take care of everything
Ruger Super Redhawk - If you want to shoot full throttle loads all day long.

Posted: 6/7/2019 11:40:07 PM EDT

[#28]

The S&W Mountain gun is a classic and S&W needs to be flogged to bring it back.

That said, one and one only 44 Mag?

Dan Wesson. Find a used one (preferably Monson made) and you are in business for life.

I have shot mine and shot it and pushed it. For years, decades. All reloads and all at warm + pressure levels.

Posted: 6/8/2019 6:58:41 AM EDT

[#29]

Smith Wesson 29-5 or 29-6, 629-3,629-4 . As stated all pre lock /mim and full endurance package. Also don't pass on a 629-5 they are also pre lock but have MIM parts and freme mounted firing pin. Not a big deal.

My favorites are the standard barrel 4" versions or the 5" full lug classic versions for a woods carry revolver. The 5" classic full lug in blue or stainless is best all around IMO.

For a range or a hunting revolver the 6.5" full lug is hard to beat.

Note: BobCole-the revolver you have in the pictures is not a Classic DX, its a regular Classic.

Posted: 6/8/2019 11:15:17 AM EDT

[#30]

S&W model 29 - pre-lock, pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, 4" barrel.

Posted: 6/8/2019 11:25:19 AM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have many 44 mag guns. This one is pretty awesome

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-629-stealth-hunter

View Quote

I concur.

Posted: 6/8/2019 11:26:33 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
If I'm gonna own a .44 mag, it's gonna be a combat cowboy carbine. The .44 magnum is smoking out of a 17" barrel. I got 10+1 ready to go, and 8 more on the ammo cuff. The red dot makes it as fast as any AR on both eyes open target acquisition, and the light allows me to identify that target day or night. Oh, and I can be cool and spin it with the big loop too... If the red dot takes a dump, the allen key is under the ammo cuff. I take it off and use the peep sights.

https://i.imgur.com/ovTyVEq.jpg

View Quote

That’s awesome, now I want one!

Posted: 6/8/2019 4:56:04 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
My .44 mag is the S&W 29 DX Classic. Fully lugged bbl, which aids accuracy & reduces muzzle flip.

Love this thing!

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/15596/29_DX_jpg-972228.JPG

View Quote

Came to post this.

Posted: 6/8/2019 6:31:37 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
If I'm gonna own a .44 mag, it's gonna be a combat cowboy carbine. The .44 magnum is smoking out of a 17" barrel. I got 10+1 ready to go, and 8 more on the ammo cuff. The red dot makes it as fast as any AR on both eyes open target acquisition, and the light allows me to identify that target day or night. Oh, and I can be cool and spin it with the big loop too... If the red dot takes a dump, the allen key is under the ammo cuff. I take it off and use the peep sights.

https://i.imgur.com/ovTyVEq.jpg

View Quote

Nice rig... I'd carry that slung on a River Fishing Trip in Montana or British Columbia for sure!! Are those Pills on the ammo cuff Hornady's, 225gr LeverEvoLution rounds?? I only ask as they have that pointy profile with the Red flex tip pattern from what I can see... If so they are hot as fuck coming out of my 3" babies but very accurate! It's the only load that hits the paper silhouette so hard that it splits a star pattern into the paper. Did I mention how accurate they are?

Guys at my club were astounded! And little muzzle flash at that to boot... They should be rocket fast out of that 16"+ Carbine!

Pics at 15 Meters modified Weaver Stance, shot every 2 seconds from my M629-5 3" barreled Mountain Back Packer!

Posted: 6/8/2019 7:04:12 PM EDT

[#35]

My favorite 44 is my Vaquero. Don't make them anymore, iirc, so a redhawk?
I also have a DE in 44, the Vaq makes me smile much more.

Posted: 6/8/2019 7:33:39 PM EDT

[#36]

the S&W is smoother

the Ruger is stronger
.
.
I bought a S&W 69 last year, and it had difficult extraction, I had to send it back twice to get it fixed.

I won't buy another new one.
.
.

Should have kept the ones I had 20 years ago.

My Ruger has had tons of trouble free 44 handloads thru it.

Posted: 6/8/2019 7:38:53 PM EDT

[#37]

I went 629.
I want to CCW a 69.
You dont want a lock.
I'd look at the Blackhawk.

Pietta has an 1873 in 44 mag.

Posted: 6/8/2019 9:22:27 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
My favorite 44 is my Vaquero. Don't make them anymore, iirc, so a redhawk?
I also have a DE in 44, the Vaq makes me smile much more.

View Quote

Older 44 Vaqueros can be found for fair prices. I'll never sell mine.

If you like shorter barrels, there's two current production .44 Vaqueros. Birdshead grips or normal grips. Not listed on Ruger's site but available is the 5.5" .44 Mag Vaquero.

The adjustable sights of a Blackhawk are nice too.

Posted: 6/8/2019 9:30:13 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
My .44 mag is the S&W 29 DX Classic. Fully lugged bbl, which aids accuracy & reduces muzzle flip.

Love this thing!

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/15596/29_DX_jpg-972228.JPG

View Quote

That’s a beauty, and one you don’t see often.

Posted: 6/8/2019 9:49:54 PM EDT

[#40]

I’ve got a 629, and a Ruger Super Redhawk. I like the Smith better, but I think the Ruger frame might tolerate magnum loads longer.

Posted: 6/8/2019 10:39:51 PM EDT

[#41]

I had one of these:

I've always liked these:

Posted: 6/10/2019 4:57:52 PM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:
S&W model 29 - pre-lock, pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, 4" barrel.

View Quote

This!

Posted: 6/10/2019 6:07:49 PM EDT

[#43]

I picked-up this 29-3 last week.

Attached File

It was not as hateful with .44 mag as I thought it might be and it's a pussycat with .44 Special.

Posted: 6/10/2019 6:21:42 PM EDT

[#44]

Just wait until you hit 50....oh the possibilities

500 S&W
500 JRH
50 AE
500 Linebaugh
500 Linebaugh Maximum

Big Bada Boom!

Posted: 6/10/2019 6:31:10 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
The S&W Mountain gun is a classic and S&W needs to be flogged to bring it back.

That said, one and one only 44 Mag?

Dan Wesson. Find a used one (preferably Monson made) and you are in business for life.

I have shot mine and shot it and pushed it. For years, decades. All reloads and all at warm + pressure levels.

View Quote

That's where I am. 6VH with a Model 25.2 for comparison.

Attached File