DA .44 mag decission

[.45calRotty]

I'm concidering a .44 mag revolver with a 4" barrel to complement my Marlin in .44 mag. They will mostly be used as Elk Camp guns, carried "if" I'm forunate to kill an Elk. I do a little boar hunting too.

I won't put 1000's of rounds through this revolver but, what I do use is stout.

I was looking at Ruger's new Redhawk. Today I was at a gunshow and talked with a guy that had 3 - S & W model 29s with 4" barrels all had un-flutted cylinders.

I've oved a few Rugers over the years, and I really like how tough they are. I'm have a hard time with paying $100 more for the old S & W vs, the new Ruger. I only examined the one that was blued....I would rate it excellent.

Thank you for your imput.

[D-Train]

I went with a 4 inch Ruger redhawk 44 magnum. Very accurate and handles very HOT 44 mag ammo (Double Tap) with ease when compared to my father's old S&W.

[M2HB]

The Ruger is tough, but it also is very heavy. I would pick a S&W 629 classic with a 5" barrel, but that is just my preference.

[TRSOtto]

If you're going to shoot a fair number of stout loads, go with the Ruger. It's hell for strong and you won't be able to shoot it loose.

My experience with S&W 29's and 629's is that they do not like a steady diet of stout stuff. Stout being defined as anything on the upper half of any reloading manual load.

[DALEGRIBBLE]

I have a ruger redhawk 7 1/2" but my favorite is my taurus mod 44 with 4" ported barrel. It is as accurate as the ruger in the ranges I shoot and has less felt recoil. I really like it alot

[sdgeorge]

+1 For Redhawk 44.... Spend the money you save on some good leather...

[.45calRotty]

Originally Posted by TRSOtto

If you're going to shoot a fair number of stout loads, go with the Ruger. It's hell for strong and you won't be able to shoot it loose.

My experience with S&W 29's and 629's is that they do not like a steady diet of stout stuff. Stout being defined as anything on the upper half of any reloading manual load.

Would you please clearify "steady" diet?

Thank you

[TRSOtto]

This was in the late 80's. I would shoot probably 75 to 100 rounds a week through my then brand new 6 inch Model 29-1. After around 500 rounds that gun was so loose it was out of time. I sent it back to Smith and all they did was send me a bill. I got the gun back and within less than 100 rounds it was doing the same thing again. These were all 240 gr. reloads. I cannot recall the load but it came straight out of a Hornady manual.

I wasn't alone. S&W was getting hundreds of complaints from silhouette shooters that their model 29's were not standing up to continued use of full house loads. Several years later S&W redid the lockwork as they found out under recoil of the 44 mag, the gun was actually unlocking itself. Those changes started with the -2e configuration. Maybe they'll stand up to moderate use now but the fact is, you won't find many of them on the silhouette range in the revolver class because they just cannot take the repeated pounding over time.

I sold it, bought a Redhawk and 20 years later that gun is going strong with I couldn't even begin to tell you how many thousands of rounds put through it.

Hope that answered your question.

[.45calRotty]

Originally Posted by TRSOtto

This was in the late 80's. I would shoot probably 75 to 100 rounds a week through my then brand new 6 inch Model 29-1. After around 500 rounds that gun was so loose it was out of time. I sent it back to Smith and all they did was send me a bill. I got the gun back and within less than 100 rounds it was doing the same thing again. These were all 240 gr. reloads. I cannot recall the load but it came straight out of a Hornady manual.

I wasn't alone. S&W was getting hundreds of complaints from silhouette shooters that their model 29's were not standing up to continued use of full house loads. Several years later S&W redid the lockwork as they found out under recoil of the 44 mag, the gun was actually unlocking itself. Those changes started with the -2e configuration. Maybe they'll stand up to moderate use now but the fact is, you won't find many of them on the silhouette range in the revolver class because they just cannot take the repeated pounding over time.

I sold it, bought a Redhawk and 20 years later that gun is going strong with I couldn't even begin to tell you how many thousands of rounds put through it.

Hope that answered your question.

Thank You!..that was very helpfull.

[LHB1]

Quote: "I was looking at Ruger's new Redhawk. Today I was at a gunshow and talked with a guy that had 3 - S & W model 29s with 4" barrels all had un-flutted cylinders. "

I highly favor S&W DA revolvers, especially in .357 and .44 Mag., but do not be misled by unfluted cylinders. They only add weight to the gun; they do NOT add strength! The thinnest portion of the S&W cylinder (fluted or non-fluted) is directly over each chamber ESPECIALLY in the cylinder stop notch. My favorite large caliber revolver is the S&W 629 Classic (.44 Mag) with 5" barrel although it may not be as bull strong as a Ruger SA/DA. YMMV

[Broom Rider]

I've run alot of full power ammo through some of my model 29 S&W's (29-4, 29-5, 629-4) and so far they have held up well. The Ruger I have may be stronger but I always figure that if full power 44 ammo isn't enough I'll use a bigger gun. By full power, I mean Federal, Remington & Winchester factory ammo and handloads created with info from Hornady or Sierra loading manuals.
I like the way the action feels on my S&W's a bit more than my Rugers.
With the quality of the new S&W's & Rugers, there's no wrong choices.

[Jim Davidson]

I have always disliked Rugers, but more than half of my guns are Rugers! They are wonderful base guns for custom work and even in their stock form they out shoot all the Smiths I have owned- and I have had a bunch over the years. The Smiths are graceful, but there is something about having a proper hammer for the job- Ruger.

That being said, I do have three J-frame Smiths

[.45calRotty]

Thank you all for your help.

I think the Ruger is the better choice for my needs.

[brianquis]

I've had great results with my colt anaconda but they are a little on the high priced side. Great gun though never had any trouble.

[Pure Kustom®]

Originally Posted by M2HB

The Ruger is tough, but it also is very heavy. I would pick a S&W 629 classic with a 5" barrel, but that is just my preference.

+ 1 on the 5" 629. They are kinda rare. Atleast for me anyways. I have heard that the 5" is one of the best shooters for recoil and accuracy. Hmmm maybe that's why I still haven't found one. People don't want to sell them.

[.45calRotty]

I was at Cabellas today and looked at the new Redhawk with the 4" barrel and the Super Redhawk Alaskian. I like the Alaskian's grip much better. I have big hands and the Redhawk grip was a bit short for me.

I prefer the 4" barrel, but I think a better grip for my hand will make for better form. The job of this revolver is a last chance back-up to my Marlin or 870 for dangerous game. I plan on loading it with Cor Bon 320 HC.

Gunblast's reviews:

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Redhawk4.htm

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-SRHAlaskan480.htm

[sdgeorge]

+1 for the Alaskan... The current N Frame platform is tougher than it has ever been but it will never be a Ruger. The Alaskan gets you away from the Redhawk trigger.. Spend the $$$s saved on some good leather. Check out Rob Leahy's Sourdough Pancake at http://www.simplyrugged.com/
To back up your 870 make your Alaskan a 454!

[.45calRotty]

Originally Posted by sdgeorge

+1 for the Alaskan... The current N Frame platform is tougher than it has ever been but it will never be a Ruger. The Alaskan gets you away from the Redhawk trigger.. Spend the $$$s saved on some good leather. Check out Rob Leahy's Sourdough Pancake at http://www.simplyrugged.com/
To back up your 870 make your Alaskan a 454!

Thanks, Rob has some nice stuff!

I just sold my Freedom Arms .454 that was my back-up. Best quality gun I ever owned. It was just not practical for my needs. My recovery time for a follow-up wasn't very good.

I also want to carry a handgun in the same cal. as my Marlin...44mag. The last thing I need if a Bear is stealling my Elk is to try to figure out which round goes in what gun

[SatCong]

I have a S&W 629 with a 5'' barrel and I love it.

[devildog66]

For the joy of a refined action and a better from the box trigger, I think the model 29 or its variants would be a better choice. For the VERY hottest loads, i.e, 1400 fps/1200 lb ft loads I would choose the Ruger or Taurus Raging Bull series without hesitation. In fact, Buffalo Bore does not advise the S&W for their hottest loads

[Pure Kustom®]

I shoot 1500 to 1700fps. Through my 629's For Hot rounds I would go with a 6" Hott rounds in a 4" you will pay for it!!!!

[ColtLover]

Originally Posted by sdgeorge

+1 for the Alaskan... The current N Frame platform is tougher than it has ever been but it will never be a Ruger. The Alaskan gets you away from the Redhawk trigger.. Spend the $$$s saved on some good leather. Check out Rob Leahy's Sourdough Pancake at http://www.simplyrugged.com/
To back up your 870 make your Alaskan a 454!

Being from Alaska, I get a chuckle out of things manufactured with "Alaska", "Kenai", "Talkeetna", "Guide" and what not; as if their product is gospel up north.
I like carefully fitted wood better than rubber, but the latter cushions recoil from cheechako shooters better.

The 4" Redhawk is a big hit up here.

For a load I really like the 250 Metal Case Profile Match that Federal used to make. Load it or a similar bullet to 1200 FPS (4" bbl) and it will handle most any chore and give you rapid follow up capability.

The Bianchi UM-84 for revolvers will fit a Ruger with a little break in time, but the best field holster made in my opinion is the Eagle USOH. I've tried everything over the years and spent a small fortune on leather but the Eagle has been my constant outdoor activity companion for 16 years now. It is fast, remarkably secure, fits outside or under a coat, doesn't interfere with packs and is accessible with either hand. It also doesn't get banged around on the trail, plane or boat. The chest strap gives room for a light, leatherman and folding knife and a Ditty Pouch. My Tanto in Kydex sheath tapes down to the shoulder strap quite well. The perfect carry system and it's always with you.

[MSgt Dotson]

The 4" Ruger will tolerate 300+ grain bullets that are too long for the Smith's cylinder, and the former is generally acknowledged to last longer, before, if ever, shooting out of time.

[devildog66]

Originally Posted by Pure Kustom®

I shoot 1500 to 1700fps. Through my 629's For Hot rounds I would go with a 6" Hott rounds in a 4" you will pay for it!!!!

Not sure if you meant that you shoot max power .44 mag loads through a 629or not. Hard to follow your post. Or if you shoot "6 (in) Hott rounds in a 4".

[1911crazy]

I have two redhawk rugers in s/s one with a 5 1/2" barrel and the other with the 7 1/2" barrel in 44mag. I have owned them from when they were first offered and to this day i never had one problem with them.