Author Topic: New Revolver for Deer Hunting (Read 2333 times)

Harp98 · « **on:** October 17, 2007, 03:36:27 PM »

I am in the market for a new revolver for deer hunting. I am looking at a 44 mag in either the Super Redhawk or a S&W 629? Can someone give me the pros and cons of these. Also, I plan on scoping the gun. Thanks for your input in advance.

Harp

NE Hunter · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2007, 04:04:57 PM »

since you plan on scoping the revolver .... take the Ruger Super Redhawk it comes with the rings. I had a scope mounted on my model 29 once but the base replaced the rear sight and I'm not even sure it's available still ( on S&W home page they don't list it as an accessory)

a45gunslinger · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2007, 04:35:41 PM »

Wow , this is a question I'm sure you'll get a 50/50 split on....But my choice was the Ruger super redhawk..Not because I think they look better but because I believe they are a stronger gun..I've got them in .357, .44, and .454. The smith's I was told go out of time more often than the rugers do. Yet I have only seen one out of time. ( the one my gunsmith showed my when I asked your very question). I do reload for all of my guns and liked the thought of the thicker cylinder walls in the rugers. ( we all make mistakes

) Good luck - Kevin

Doe · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2007, 04:37:11 PM »

Both are fine revolvers to shoot and are capable of taking deer out to 100 yards + . I have the S&W 8 3/8" barrel and a Friend of mine has the RED HAWK, shot both, I'm more comfortable with the smith. You might want to go out and shoot both if you can and pick what best fits you best. GOOD LUCK!! (U-can't go wrong with either)

Booyah · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2007, 12:23:22 PM »

I have a 629 scoped and its been Magna Ported. It is very nice to shoot. It is very comfortable and it shoots consistent groups. I have only held the Redhawk and they are nice but I would think that they would be a little heavier once they are scoped.

buck460XVR · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2007, 12:35:07 PM »

IMHO.....you can't go wrong with either one. Get the one that trips your trigger and fits your hand. Some say the Ruger is stronger and the Smith has a smoother trigger. Trigger pull is mainly a personal thing and I have yet to hear of a 629 failing because of strength reasons. Many folk on these types of forums will recomend what they have just to reassure themselves that they themselves made the right choice. Do your homework, handle both and/or others as much as possible and preferably try to shoot both before you purchase. Like a well fitting shotgun, the handgun that feels most "at home" in your hand will be the one you personally shoot the best.

Remember this is the internet....so take all advice with a grain of salt.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2007, 01:49:01 AM »

Get the one you feel more comfortable with. Both will do the job, it comes down to personal preference.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2007, 02:33:20 AM »

S&W , good trigger Ruger can have a good trigger .
S&W old school design Ruger new school design .
S&W ok for factory loads , RUGER good for over factory loads ( some reloading manuals address this with special higher pressure loads for the RUGER .
RUGER easier to add scope or other sight .
either can be accurate each gun is different .
so if you want a traditional looking and shooting gun go S&W but if you want a strong accurate built to hunt revolver go Ruger .
I have had 5 S&W 44 mags. one gave a problem ( my fault shot loads for the Ruger in it ) the rest shot well . After 2 Ruger Redhawks in 44 mag with no problems and many hot loads they shoot just as well . today i have no S&W 44's and still have the Rugers for what its worth

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2007, 06:51:56 AM »

I think is as easy to install a scope on a S&W as it is a Ruger. I don't think that is an issue at all. Also, a S&W is just as good as a hunter as a Ruger. Sure the back strap of the Ruger may be stronger than the S&W, but a factory load will work as well in the S&W as the Ruger. A factory 44 Mag will kill as well as strong loaded 44 Mags as well as reloads. I happen to own both Rugers and S&W's and like and use them both with confidence.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2007, 09:03:12 AM »

sorry but when all i have to do is install supplied rings on a gun i find it easier than buying a base and rings , with the S&W ya got remove screws not so with the RUGER ! one less thing to come loose with the base on the gun to start with !
I gave the S&W its do .
but when shooting IMHSA i can assure you factory loads don't come close to knocking down targets as well as the stronger loads used in the RUGER , one other point i will mention is the lack of S&W guns on the line at IMHSA , they didn't seem to hold up to volume shooting !
in the field some wish to extend their range with a more powerful load and the Ruger also allows for that !
I to own S&W revolvers ( no 44's at this time ) and enjoy them also , so i have no Axe to grind just pointing out facts so the guy could compare !
Hey if he was looking for a defense gun instead of a hunting gun i would vote S&W , smoother , faster and more options on holsters etc.

Tom W. · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2007, 04:19:40 PM »

I'll put in a vote for what I have, The Super Redhawk. Not because I need reassurance, but because I like Ruger revolvers. I only have three, 2 SRH's one .44 mag the other .480, and a Security Six.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #11 on:** October 20, 2007, 12:41:28 AM »

I think super redhawks are super ugly but every one ive shot has been a really accurate gun. Scope mounting is a cinch and the nice thing over a smith with a scope is the ease it can be taken on and off and still use your adjustable open sights. If it were me id look for an old standard redhawk with scope rings or a super blackhawk hunter though. there just a tad bit more appealing to my eyes.

S.B. · « **Reply #12 on:** October 20, 2007, 01:43:49 AM »

Rugers SRH is much heavier than the Smith gun. Those thick cylinder walls have come at a price(weight). Smiths made recently will be drilled and tapped for scope mount at no extra cost.
Smiths will have a better trigger pull, Rugers will have an advantage when it comes to heavier loads(if you need them for whitetails), both are American made products that should last a life time? Smiths have a velvet smooth action and trigger Rugers are a tank.
But, the proof is in the pudding, you should shoot both with an open mind, before making a decision on which to buy.

warrior1 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 20, 2007, 12:18:39 PM »

harp98, just remember the ruger srh comes with rings and the mounts are part of the part of the gun.
.the smith is drilled and tapped,but you still have to purchase a mount and rings. from where i stand the
the ruger is a much stronger combination with a scope than a smith. one other little thing ,smith has that famous lock these days,just another consideration. as you probably guessed by now ruger is my choice.
the bottom line is personal preference,whichever one you choose you'll be happy. good luch dan

p.s. if you get a chance give a look to the ruger bisley hunter.

S.B. · « **Reply #14 on:** October 20, 2007, 01:03:22 PM »

New Rugers have the famous under the grip lock, don't they?

Harp98 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 20, 2007, 03:59:40 PM »

Found a 7.5 inch Performance Center S&W 629 that will probably find its way to my house on Monday. Thanks for all of the advice. I might try the Ruger too.

Harp

Flash · « **Reply #16 on:** October 21, 2007, 01:02:29 AM »

Ruger Super Redhawk!

jlbeebe · « **Reply #17 on:** October 22, 2007, 12:15:28 PM »

As for the weight issue I went to the ruger and the s&w websites and found the following- Ruger super redhawk 7 1/2"=52oz. S&W 629 classic 8 3/8"=53.5oz. I had a 629 and now have a shr. I really liked my smith but the 8 3/8 barrel with the full underlug was hard to hold on target as it felt quite barrel heavy. I think the ruger has better balance. The action on my smith was better than the ruger. There is no question that the ruger is capable of handling heavier loads and would stand the test of time better. IMO the smith 629 is a fine looking handgun and the super redhawk is quite ugly. If you are going to shoot standard factory loads then it is a toss up between the two. The S&W looks better and has a slicker action. The super redhawk weighs less (only slightly) and has a stronger action and is easier to mount a scope. I will say I was very happy with my 629 classic but I prefer my ruger.

Old Griz · « **Reply #18 on:** October 23, 2007, 05:19:21 PM »

I guess as proof I like them both, I have 8 S&W revolvers and 8 Ruger revolvers. However, most of my Rugers are single actions. One is a scoped Bisley, and one has express sights (both .44s). These are the two I use most for hunting. I know the Super Redhawk is a fine gun but it sure is heavy. You may not be interested in a single action at all, but as long as you're looking, you might as well check one out just for fun. But I warn you . . . if you ever get a SA revolver, you can't stop with just one!

warrior1 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 24, 2007, 06:15:35 AM »

old griz ,i almost stopped at one.

Old Griz · « **Reply #20 on:** October 24, 2007, 08:59:20 AM »

Almost,

How many so far? I started with a .22 Bisley. It was sooooo much fun, and so easy to clean, that it soon led to a .44, a .357, then another .44, then another .357, and then another .44 . . . . oh well -- you get the picture.

shooterpunk · « **Reply #21 on:** October 25, 2007, 08:46:33 AM »

Taurus Raging Bull!!!!! i love mine and shoots very well. the grips cant be beat!