I'm open for suggestions for a .44 mag that can be tolerably shootable for a full box of cartridges, but will be a pack gun for quite a Looooonggg back packing excursion! Lookin at the Taurus line and all input is greatly appreciated!


Thanks as always!

:D

If you are set for a 44 then I would recommend either the S&W 329pd or the 629. In either one I would go with a 4" barrel. The 329 is super light and great for carrying long distances, the 629 is much heavier but also easier to shoot and will handle heavier loads.

If you are stuck on the taurus line of revolvers the 425 TI in 41 mag is a good one to look at, very light and a good amount of power in the super light revolver. I used to have one and it was a fine revolver and a real delite to carry. The raging bull revolvers are also realy nice but too heavy for a long carry.

I haven't handled any of the new 44 ultralight. It looks to be the competitor for the S&W 329pd. The 454 Raging bull that I used to have was a great shooter and I really like the grips. If you like the feel of it, it might be worth checking into.

I personally carry a S&W 629 with 4" barrel and Ahrends smooth fingergroove grips. I normally carry it in a shoulder holser or crossdraw. Those two options work for now but they aren't perfect. It still gets a little heavy for all day carry thru rough country.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid128/pd27d6e2fbcbc6b61ac450f3e29531b0a/f7d25725.jpg

tarheel catfish,I'm open for suggestions for a .44 mag that can be tolerably shootable for a full box of cartridges, but will be a pack gun for quite a Looooonggg back packing excursion! Lookin at the Taurus line and all input is greatly appreciated!... tolerably shootable for a full box of (.44 mag) cartridges ...
My experience says I can not do that with an S&W 329pd (nor 629).
Let me explain.
I own 2 Ruger Super BlackHawks (SBH): a Blued and a Stainless Hunter.
I regularly put 5 shots into a 4" group at 25yds in 10 seconds.
And, fire a full box of 50 at each range session.
The reason?
That Ruger "Western" styled grip.
The SBH rolls in your hand, while rising and twisting left.
On the way down, I thumb back the hammer, regain target and fire.
I can do this with standard Federal 240gr as-well-as Buffalo Bore 300gr.
I fired the 329pd last weekend with standard Federal 240's.
My thumb/palm joint still pains because thatz where the S&W "square-back" smashed my hand ... strait-back, no roll ... stopping after 2 shots.
No way I could "develop" a tolerance to that kind of punishment.
Further, why should I ... given the Ruger alternative?
Bought a 5-1/2" Ruger RedHawk this week because, I like the Double-Action idea and want to improve my 5 shot, 10 secs performance ... I'd be happy at 8 secs.
I also bought a Pachmayr "Presentation" rubber grip that widens and rounds-off the RedHawk grip. Let you know how it feels after my next range visit.
But, if itz similar to the S&W, I'm going to talk with Hamilton Bowen and see if he'll change the metal shape of the RedHawk grip (frame) to duplicate the Western style BlackHawk.

Bill

I agree with bill...a full power 44 load is not what i would call pleasureable to shoot in a short barreled, lighter weight revolver. If your main concern with it is protection, then get a protection oriented gun like the 4inch 629...but if you plan on doing any kind of target shooting/plinking, go for something with a little more forward weight...at least a 6 inch barrel. I have a 629 classic and can shoot hot rod loads through it all day long with no problem...but my friend has one of the short barreled 629s and i can shoot maybe 15-20 rounds through it before i say enough is enough...its quite punishing to say the least and i develop a tearable flinch while shooting it cuz i know its not going to be pleasant. It would be a great backpack gun and its going to have enough power to knock most anything on this planet on its butt, i just wouldnt want to spend a day with it at the range with full power loads. You could however practice with reduced handloaded 44 loads, or just shoot 44 specials till you get good with it...then carry the full power loads when your hiking, camping, etc.

I'm open for suggestions for a .44 mag that can be tolerably shootable for a full box of cartridges, but will be a pack gun for quite a Looooonggg back packing excursion! Lookin at the Taurus line and all input is greatly appreciated!


Thanks as always!

:D

A Super Blackhawk or Vaquero with a 4 5/8" to 6" barrel or so.

The 7.5" barrels, and especially the Bisleys, handle recoil better to me.... but are more weight to pack. Of course that recommendation limits you to single-actions, which might not be what you are looking for.

I'm not a fan of ported guns, although I own two ported Taurus .357s (they don't come without ports). My experience with Taurus is good; if you find that their .44 revolvers fit your hand well, that's something to consider.

I like the Redhawks too but then you start adding weight.

The 3" or 4" 629 are very popular defensive handguns here in alaska. You probably see more of them than any other handgun. The stainless guns hold up to the weather better too. The redhawks, and a few blackhawks can also be seen. If I was getting a gun to carry a lot and shoot very little then the 329PD would get the nod, but if I want to be able to shoot it enough to get some use out of it the 629 is about perfect.

I find the 4" 629 to be very comfortable when shooting full power 240gr loads. I regularly shoot 50-100 at a time with it. One of the main reason I would go with the S&W over the redhawk is the fact that the S&W trigger is almost alwasy better than the redhawk. I practice a lot double action, almost never shoot it single action. I do think that the hogue grips that came with my 629 were a little better at handling recoil, but the wood grips fit very well too and are easier to carry. The hogues seemed to catch on stuff all the time.

I just did a drill the other day where I would have somebody say "now" and draw my 629 and shoot 6 shots as fast as I could aim and shot at 15yards. I did it twice in a row. It wasn't world record time but it was less than 4-5 seconds. Kind of like one-and-two-and-three-and-four......about as fast as you can say it.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid142/p2c29635ef69c268aa4f7e05e2c7fb234/f6ba249b.jpg

I'm not sure where the 3 flyers came from but the other 9 aren't too bad for a rapid fire group. I know I need to practice more, I'd like to shrink that group in half. I have shot a lot of good groups with this pistol now and will just spend my time working on speed and accuracy. I will also take some suggestions from some other people and start practicing on moving targets. The RC care with a ballong on a 4' peice of wire seems like it will be a good one.

Whatever you get just practice with it enough to make having it worth while.

Have to admit, even with a 29 or 629, getting all the way to the 6th round wihout having to reposition your grip isn't easy with full house loads. Usually by round 4 or 5, hand has climbed up (grip driven down) and it's ramming into the web of my hand while my figers are bunching together under the trigger guard.

Revolver grips are just shaped wrong for keeping a solid grasp on hard recoiling revolvers...fatter at the bottom and thinner at the top is pretty much how you'd design them to slip through your hand, not stay put in it. In a tradional griped single action, there isn't any "hump" on the back strap, so this sliding motion spreads recoil out over time.

Still think the basic 629/29 is the best combination of weight and power...belive some years back Handgunner (magazine) coined the term 4X44 (4" barrel, 44mag. caliber) as the best combination fo power, size, weight...still is.
-------
With all that said, found I could hold onto for a full 6 rounds a Mod. 57 4". Just enough less to allow that.

You carry a light gun + heavy cal = it will recoil. I have a Ruger RedHawk 5.5" barrel in 44 mag. On the hip its heavy, in a shoulder rig manageable over a tropper 357 on the hip. This is a great gun, on the range I put on Pachmeyer grips and use padded gloves, rather than porting it. My .02 I don't believe in a "in country" situation a 4" barrel vs a 5.5" will make much diff. and so ported or not.
Jim

The 4" 629 is just a little more compact and lighter than the Ruger redhawk with the 5.5. The ruger is about 20% heavier than the 629, about 8oz. I went with the 4" over the smaller 3" 629s because it was only 1.5oz heavier and had 1/3 more barrel length to help increase performance. In my mind its the best trade off for a field gun.

We've got a good thread going.

Let me continue my post by asking ...
Since I won't be able to get my new RedHawk to the range this weekend, does anyone have direct experience firing the RedHawk AND the 629?
That is, does the present RedHawk grip/frame approximate the strait-back recoil of a 629?

And, if it does, does it sound like a workable idea to get someone like Hamilton Bowen to change the Grip/Frame of the RedHawk to approx the Western-Styled Grip/Frame?

I have shot both the 629 and the Redhawk. I perfer the feel of the 629 over the redhawk. A lot of that has to do with the thick round feel of the redhawk grip. There are probably different aftermarket grips that you can get for the redhawk that will make it more confortable. I have also shot several of the taurus revolvers, I much perfer the taurus grip to the redhawk also. Actually the two things I have against the redhawk is the grip and the fact that the double action trigger pull isn't as nice as the S&W. The taurus raging bull grip is very comfortable and is without a doubt the best under heavy recoil. Saddly the taurus revolvers that I have shot didn't have very good triggers either, I had my 425Ti action smoothed out and it was much better after that.

I really don't know if its possible/feasable to convert the redhawk to a different grip frame. The only problem with that I can see is that you might have a hard to reaching the trigger with a bisley style grip. It would be worth looking into. I have saw some very nice customised redhawks out there.

A S&W model 629 with a 3 inch barrel will shoot all right but be harder to aim for accurate fire. Mine in magna ported and feels like it has a longer tube on it. Try gunbroker or auction arms, I'm sure you can find one. The grips are easy to change also, so that won't be an issue. Wood is nice, rubber is better for service guns, because if you chip the wood grips you feel bad!

I like the 3" 629 with the unfluted cylinder. There is just something about an unfluted cylinder, just makes it tougher looking. I looked very hard at the Trail Boss when I was looking to get my 629. I looked at the mountain gun in 45 colt, the 4" 629, the trail boss, and the 329pd. In the end I went with the regular 4" 629. It felt the best to me and has enough heft to make it shootable but still compact and light enough to carry for extended periods of time.

Hi;
I thought I would add a nickle here. I own several 44 mags including a 4" and a 6" model 29, 7 1/2" redhawk, 7 1/2" Superblackhawk Hunter, and a custom 5" Superblackhawk. I like to carry the 4" 29 for defense while in the toolies but like everyone else, I find it unpleasant to shoot full house loads in it. The biggest problem for me is noise. While fishing or whatever you stumble upon a porkie and cut loose on him, HOLY MOLEY, You cant hear for the rest of the day. I love my superblackhawk 5". This gun is tough enough to shoot really heavy loads through, Smiths don't hold up well to this. In the spring when the bears are waking up and in a bad mood I always carry either the 5 inch super loaded with 21.5 H110 behind a 300 grain hardcast LBT or my 454 casull with a heavy loaded 300 LBT. I feel well protected with either. I believe the 44 magnum is the most versatile handgun cartridge we have. I have shot snowshoe rabbits with 7.5 grains unique behind a 250 cast at 900 fps to black bear with the 300 LBT spoken about above. Does great job all around. I know someone will laugh about shooting bunnies with a 44 but try it sometime. This load just punches a hole right through them unless you hit them square in head, then you don't find much of head. Anyway. i find recoil much easier on me with the rugers. But they are heavier than smiths too. The 5" super can get real nasty loaded up. The trigger gaurd can open you up pretty easy. The redhawk is a beautifully made strong reveolver but factory grips are pretty small. I use pachmayer presentation grips on mine with a ace trigger shoe. Action jobs really shine on this revolver too. The super blackhawk hunter needs nothing but grips the way it comes from factory. This gun is really nice. I like the scope mount system on it. I carry my Leopold scope in my pocket, while setting I put it on pistol and take it off while walking. Stays zeroed very well. All in all it is whatever YOU like. If all you are going to use is factory loads and like the feel, Go with the Smith, If you like to push the envelope once in awhile and want a strong reliable revolver that will last a lifetime go with the Ruger. If you really want the best of both worlds save up your dimes and buy a 454 casull, Of course a Freedom Arms. If you want to shoot alot you will have to reload sooner or later so you can tailor your loads to suit your needs. Smith or Ruger, Pick the one YOU like not the one your buddy likes. Go to your local range and see what others use. I am sure they will let you try thier guns to see what you like, I know I would. Personally I would never own a Taurus, But that is my opinion. You may like them, I know alot of people do. In closing, Don't worry about recoil in a true defensive situation, You will never feel it. Buy what you like and practice-practice-practice and be safe and God Bless.

Thebear_78,
I have shot both the 629 and the Redhawk.
Does the RedHawk recoil come strait-back ... like the 629?
My experience with the Western style grip on the SBH is a roll and left twist. That "roll" has been perfected thru practice, i.e., I purposely do not hold the grip with great force ... I allow "some" slack ... this is hard to describe (in words) as itz an acquired skill. But, with practice, the roll absorbs much recoil and my thumb catches the hammer on the way down ... cocking the action for the next shot. The Hunter model SBH has a Bisley grip, which is more rounded than the Western styled SBH. These are both good grips, but I prefer the Western styled grip.
I perfer the feel of the 629 over the redhawk. A lot of that has to do with the thick round feel of the redhawk grip. There are probably different aftermarket grips that you can get for the redhawk that will make it more confortable.
I chose the Pachmyr "Presentation" ... a rubber grip ... which has a thicker width up near the hammer-end of the grip. It was the thin width of the model 329 grip (up near the hammer) that caused it to damage my thumb/palm joint last weekend. The thicker Pachmyr should fix that problem ... especially if the RedHawk has that strait-back(?) recoil like the 329/629 since, the thicker grip (up near the hammer) will reduce pressure on the thumb/palm joint.
Actually the two things I have against the redhawk is the grip and the fact that the double action trigger pull isn't as nice as the S&W.
Hamilton Bowen is known for his RedHawk trigger jobs so, his custom work should fix that issue.
I really don't know if its possible/feasable to convert the redhawk to a different grip frame. The only problem with that I can see is that you might have a hard to reaching the trigger with a bisley style grip.
I've been thinking about that same point. But, since I haven't fired the RedHawk yet (next weekend), don't know if it needs a modified grip :D After all, the SBH "roll" is simply my way of cocking the hammer ... on the way down to the next-sight-picture ... the Double-Action RedHawk avoids this hammer-cocking-step in a next-shot-cycle :) Maybe the Pachmayr rubber grip provides all I'll need? Hanging-on to the RedHawk grip (no roll) may be a major part of properly cycling that next shot with this Double-Action.
It would be worth looking into. I have saw some very nice customised redhawks out there.
I've seen Bowen's Kodiak Alpine RedHawk on his website.

Bill

backwoodswalker,

Great post.
Thanx for your practical insight.
I've read it twice ... will probably see more after a few more reads.

I had reloaded (45-70, 280 Rem) until I moved to a Condo from my home in CT. Lost my Bonanza(!) press due to rust:( ... my ex had kept it during a few years of "negotiations". Recently replaced it with a Forster/Bonanza Co-Ax B2. Planning a move to New Hampshire and will return soon to handloading (may be one of the few non-Dems in that state).

Have you seen the new .44 Mag +P+ on the Buffalo Bore site?
340 gr, LBT-LFN, GC ... 1400fps (5-1/2" Redhawk).
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44
A unique, 340 gr bullet --- gotta see it to believe it.
These do 1700 fps in my new 1894DRC (22" Badger).

Bill

Bill-

I haven't noticed that the redhawk recoils any differently than the S&W. I just don't particularly like the grip style. I have pretty big hands and the round style of the redhawk just doesn't feel good to me. I also like the more compact lighter weight of the S&W over the redhawk. This gun is for field carry, used as a secondary line of defense. If I was getting a gun specifically for hunting, as a primary weapon I would probably go with a redhawk or super redhawk in double action or super black hawk in single action.

http://photos.imageevent.com/mcassill/miscellaneous/websize/redhawk02.jpg

Here is a clements redone redhawk that I pulled off sixgunner forums. This grip looks a lot better than the redhawk grips I have used. If this grip feels as good as it looks I imagine it would be a great hunting handgun.

Those appear to be pachmayer "gripper" grips. i have them on my 4" model 29. They are nice. I agree the factory grips on the redhawk leave alot to be desired, Too small. In my 44's I pretty much limit myself to 300-310 grain bullets. If I need more I use my casull. I don't like to push the limits too far with any caliber. I know you won't blow one up unless you get careless but you can sure wear one out fast from extreme pressures and recoil. I also ordered the express sights on my Redhawk, I love these. Just the sight seemed to cut my groups in almost half. Give them a try. I am sure you could get them for smiths too.

Single actions and double actions are two different animals in the way they recoil. I feel like I just caught a baseball bat in my palm when I shoot a double action. I prefer single action. I can absorb more of the recoil with my arm and upper body.

My favorite is a 4 5/8" stainless blackhawk with Hogue grips. I believe using rubber grips is a huge difference in handling the recoil. Ruger wood grips just don't work for me.

Good luck.

Eric

Eric,
Single actions and double actions are two different animals in the way they recoil. I feel like I just caught a baseball bat in my palm when I shoot a double action.
Thanx for the testimony.
As mentioned above, I had fired an S&W 329 last weekend and thatz exactly how my hand felt: stopped after 2 shots of standard 240 gr Federals. I go thru a box of 50 standard Federal 240's (or, Buffalo Bore 305 gr hard cast) loads in one range session without any problem on either my SBH (Western Grip) or Hunter SBH (Bisley Grip). I look forward to next weekend with my new RedHawk and those rubber Pachmayr grips. Hope it works out OK. If not, I will pursue getting the RedHawk Frame/Grip reworked to a Western style Frame/Grip.
My favorite is a 4 5/8" stainless blackhawk with Hogue grips. I believe using rubber grips is a huge difference in handling the recoil. Ruger wood grips just don't work for me.
I've done nothing special about my Ruger SBH grips except went to Cocobolo wood (like on the Kimber autos). See:
http://www.woodgrips.com/ruger_bisley.htm (http://www.woodgrips.com/ruger_bisley.htm)
I like the smooth surface of the (original) walnut or (new) Cocobolo wood grips as it aids in producing an appropriate "roll". I expect the checkered rubber surface of the Pachmayr grips will offer lots of FRICTION yet, the rubber will act as a shock absorber so, in any event, I do not expect the RedHawk to "roll" like my SBH's.

Bill

I just shot a box of 240gr blazer thru my 4" 629 today. It didn't bother me at all even with the finger groove wood grips. I think if a gun fits you well then recoil won't be as big as issue.

I own a 629 w/3" bbl and a mod 29 w/7.5" bbl. If it were my choice...I'd carry the 7.5" one, just for the reason that it has never let me down, I can shoot rapid full power loads and keep all on target. The 3" kicks like a mule, is hard to follow up, and has a mean blast. It is lighter though! Perhaps a 5" 629 with Hogue rubber grips???? It might be a good compromise?

I just got a new set of grips for my 629 today. They are the sqaure but version of the finger groove Ahrends grips. I like the feel of the square but grip a little better than the roundbut that I had on them. A guy just bought a S&W 329 and I traded him a box of shells for the square but grips. I thought it was a pretty good trade. Gotta love those ahrends grips.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid142/peb05277aa3cbf8ab2cb6b6c9fea76457/f6a67dda.jpg

Fellows, I've got a lead on a Sauer SAA clone in .44 Magnum. Any opinions?

Thanks
Jack