User Panel
Posted: 1/10/2006 6:27:31 PM EDT
I'm in the market for a 44mag revolver. I'm looking for something under $600 that has an unfluted cylinder and is pretty accurate. What suggestions can you guys make?
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The best is the Freedom Arms model 83, however it is way above $600.00.
The 4 5/8 SBH, the 7.5 SBH and the 10 SBH are unfluted. The 5.5 SBH is fluted. The 4 5/8 and 5.5 SBHs have round trigger guards. The 7.5 and the 10 SBH have the Square Back trigger guard (Dragoon Frame). These are very good Revolvers which run about 450.00 in this area. Any other questions? |
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Yeah...who the hell is SBH?? |
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1+ Everyone needs at leat one |
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I concur as well, or look for a used Model 29. |
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Well, I found a Performance Center 629 that I'm liking, so I'll probably pony up the cash for it. Thanks for the advice!
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Non pinned also works just fine. A 29-2 P&R gun, or earlier is quite nice, nonetheless. I don't know if it is just in my head, but I find the P&R guns have smoother actions. I heard the pre model 29's actually have hand stoned hammers and triggers.
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If you're into accuracy, you might want to consider Dan Wesson.
Bomber |
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I know I'll get slammed for this-----My Taurus is the best shooting ,most accurate .44 mag I have ever owned (S W , Ruger)..
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I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk with a 7.5" Barrel. I absolutly Love it. Have had it for 25 years or so and killed everthing from rattlesnakes to deer to Hogs with it.
It is a great gun, easy to rework the trigger into something nice also. TS |
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I just bought a Taurus 4" Tracker, 44 mag, for only $268 NIB.
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Best looking would have to be the S&W 29.
The "best" would have to be the Ruger Redhawk. IMHO Joe |
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that's what I have...and I couldn't be happier with it |
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Lot's of good advise, here. Most right on track. Personal preference is the only thing I'll add.
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Dan Wesson model 44 or 744. I fail to see the advantage of an unfluted cylander thoguh.
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another vote for the 629,have owned two and my current one is a 5inch classic.Make sure you get a later one (-3 revision?) that has the endurance enhancements.
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What were the endurance enhancements done to it? Also does -3 mean before or after? |
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bump for answers to this question? Thanks! |
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sorry for the delay,I didnt check back here. Dont know how to post a link so I cut and pasted something here from the S&W forum site.They also said in the same thread that the "-3" revision was when the 629's received the upgrade.
From 1987 to 1990 and through models 29-3, 29-3E, 29-4, and 29-5, the Endurance Package was phased in. Interior parts were fitted tightly to prevent them banging against each other under recoil, studs were radiused, a new yoke retention system was engineered, a bolt block was installed, and the cylinder locking bolts were cut longer. Problems, especially that of the cylinder unlocking and rotating backwards when the gun was fired, were solved but shooters must realize that the Model 29 remains basically a 1907 design and should be treated as a thoroughbred . To the answer the other question "-3" is a revision number found after the model number. Hope this helps. |
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+1 on Raging Bull |
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ive always been a fan of .44 mag revolvers,for anyone trying to choose one,I suggest reading this article by John Ross. He is the arthor of "Unintended Consequences",must reading for any .44 fan!
http://www.john-ross.net/s&wsuccess.htm |
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I'm also curious as to why the desire for an unfluted cylinder, as all makers will tell you they are not ONE Whit stronger than the unfluted guns. If it's strength you want, get a Dan Wesson or a Ruger. I love my Redhawk!
Papajohn |
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I've got a 629-1 and I never had the cylinder rotate backwards from recoil. Should I be worried about this? Will S&W do the upgrades if I send the gun to them? |
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Don't worry unless you hammer away w/heavy loads constantly. I shoot mine all the time w/240's at around 1150 fps in my 5in and 1350 fps in my 8in, 100 to 300 per session for quite some time with no problems.
The problems seem to be pushing 300+ bullets at max pressure a bunch. If you handload, just shoot 8gr of W231 or 10gr of Unique and a cast 240 and you will die of old age before the gun wears out. |
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I am also a raging bull fan. hard to beat for the money. But I must ask. why a .44? I am not going to take anything away from it, but there are newer better catridges out there, unless you just want a shooter. If you are a hunter this day in age, I would reconsider. If your not a fan of the new stuff, get a .454 |
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my preference is for the Colt Anaconda or Taurus M44
the Colt kicks hard with the 6" barrel, where my Taurus with its 8" ported barrel is a pussycat even with the hottest .44mag loads. unfluted cylinder? Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk, or Super Blackhawk. years ago Rossi made a cool little .44special 5 shot unfluted revolver (that i wish i had gotten one!) and i think S&W makes a version of the 629 with an unfluted cylinder in their custom shop |
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This year, Smith is releasing a real Model 29. It is blued, with a square butt and a 6 1/2" barrel. Might be worth a look.
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IF you want a gun to shoot factory ammo, be accurate, classic looking, and that will bring a tear of joy every time you pull the trigger(smooooooooooooth baby), get a Smith.
If you are going to be reloading freaky loads, like 320+ grainers at stupid velocities, get a Ruger. Like said beforem they also make fairly useful clubs. My .44 mag is an "Alaskanized"(snubbied) Super Red Hawk. Also, if this gun is going to be on your hip ALOT, try the Scandium Smith (729?). I want one so damn bad. 28 oz. Little more pricey than your range, but I think it would be worth it for a dedicated hip gun in bear country. And the more you can stand having the gun on your hip, the more likely it will be there when you need it. |
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Here's a review I did on the S&W Mountain Gun on another forum back in January:
I have wanted the S&W .44mag Mountain Gun for years. I bought my g/f the .357 version a while back and was quite impressed with it's performance. I saw one recently, but was astounded by the price. Fortunately, a close friend with an FFL was able to get me one at a discount. I picked it up Wednesday, and tried it out at the range today. Here is the range report: I started off with my favorite defense load, 240 gr Federal Hydra Shok JHP. Five shots at 25' off hand, single action produced a 1-1/4" group, with the farthest shot 1-1/2" from point of aim. The recoil was quite noticeable. Next were 240 gr CPFP reloads that I picked up at a gun show this morning. I shot them double action at 25', producing a 1-1/2" group, with the farthest shot 2" from point of aim. Either the loads or I were hitting low. The recoil was substantially less. (My buddy who was upstair form the range said he could hear the difference between the Hydra Shoks and the reloads. Finally, I got a bit brazen, and ran 5 shots of reloads single action at 50'. I got a 6" group, with the furthest shot 3-3/4" from point of aim. Four of the five were low. I carried the gun all day in a minimalist slide holster, strong side. I noticed the bulge far more than the weight. I carried it while driving, walking around the gun show, doing a pistol training class and doing kitchen chores at the club. It was not a burden whatsoever. |
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Guess I must think they're pretty good... Own two 629's and two 29's. There's just somehing about shooting a .44 that puts a smile on this old mug!! Good luck with what ever make you choose. |
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The best .44 Mag revolver is an S&W 29 or 629 (pre-internal lock) if you are interested in overall quality/ good trigger. However, I am a firm believer in Ruger .44s for durability. I currently own three .44 magnum revolvers (a Smith & Wesson 329PD, a Smith & Wesson 29-2, and a Ruger Redhawk) and the Ruger Redhawk is the only gun that I would trust my life with! The 329PD has a tendency to lock-up under heavy recoil, and the 29 will not tolerate the heavy loads that the Redhawk will.
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the two best are the smith and wesson 629 and the ruger super red hawk, you can pick the one you like
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I have to second the thought about the Ruger. I just picked one up on Friday. It was to be a trade for an S&W 19 that a friend has. Now that it has been to the range, he might get to borrow it for a hunting trip, but I think it has a new home.
Its a 7.5 blued with nothing extra except the big grins it produces. |
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