model 44 -vs- model 444 (standard 44 -vs- raging bull)

[taker]

Hello.  I am new to the forum and have a dumb question for my first post
What is the difference in the standard model 44 (44 mag) and the model 444 (raging bull-44mag)?
I hope I have the models correct.  I have been reading alot about both models.  I am leaning more towards using the gun for hunting whitetail deer and black bear, with some occasional target shooting.  Which would be a better model?  I am sure they both have their +/-, but overall how do they compare?
One last question I probably shouldn't ask.......how about quality of these 2 guns?  Most people seem to speak negatively, but some say they are great.  I know to take comments with a grain of salt, but I want to get as much info as possible before I make a purchase.

Any info offered would help.  Thanks.

[SlimPigguns]

Welcome to the forum. I have no experience of the Raging Bull series. I was very happy with the accuracy and function of a .44 I reluctantly sold. I have a 608 8 shot and a seven shot Tracker ( both .357s)  that I am very happy with. Others have had less luck.  Having said this, it would be wise to carefully inspect any gun (of any make) before purchase, as quality control seems lacking. - Pete

[Graybeard]

While I've heard a few bad reports via the internet I have never personally seen a bad Raging Bull. I think they are good solid guns that should give long service. I can't say the same about the rest of the Taurus guns however.

I bought a M44 with the 12" barrel and it was pathetic. The barrel looked almost as if it was an old black powder gun that had been fired a lot but not cleaned. It looked for all the world like it was pitted and rusted out from within but there was really no evidence of rust just those pits and missing rifling. It tossed about two of six rounds side ways thru the target at 25 yards I mean full side ways key holes. Another couple would be yawing badly but not full side ways and then another two normally made round holes. Needless to say not all stayed on a single 8.5"x11" target sheet but since my target stand holds four side by side and two top to bottom I could catch all the bullets somewhere on the 8 targets it holds.

It was an example of one of course and they did replace it with one that had a pretty good looking barrel but it too shot pretty badly.

I gave up on Taurus but still admit that so far all the RBs I've had any personal knowledge of have been good guns.

[corbanzo]

The model 44 was an attempt to make a sellable .44.  That was about it, nothing really special about it. 

The raging bull has a whole concept behind it, which includes: strength, reliability, and accuracy. 

The raging bull can handle the hottest ammo out there reliably, and because of its weight, it handles it with not a whole lot of recoil.  The rubber grips they put on them give a really solid grip to hold onto, and cushion very well.  They design process that went into the raging bull was right on.  I do like the vent rib mounting system, which I just added a scope to my .454RB this fall, accurate and solid.

With the advent of the raging bull series, I really see no reason to buy the older model .44.  Ok, I guess depending on your preferences, the older .44 does have a different style, and is lighter. 

A good stainless steel raging bull in .44 mag is a hard value to beat in the large revolver market.

[Ak.Hiker]

My model 44 is a pretty good gun for packing. It has the 4 inch barrel and is at its best with the standard weight loadings. I carry mine quite a bit when hiking. A good 240 to 250 grain load will do a good job on medium game but if you want to shoot the heavy weight loads I would go with the Raging Bull for the added strength.

[taker]

Well I think I am going to get the gun, what the hell!!

A good 240 to 250 grain load will do a good job on medium game but if you want to shoot the heavy weight loads I would go with the Raging Bull for the added strength.

I am getting the 6 inch model, I was thinking of getting American Eagle (Federal) 240 grain jacketed hollow points in the magnum load.  Can I shoot this in the gun without damage?  What do you mean by "heavy weight loads"?
Thanks.

[SwampThing762]

A good load for the Model 44 Tracker is the classic "240 at 1200" load --- 240 gr at 1200 fps.  The max load for the Tracker is 240 gr at 1350 fps.

ST762

[taker]

I should be getting the gun next week.  I will post a review once I get to shoot it.   

[hoggunner]

I shoot the RB in 44 mag and love the gun. I put the bushnell holo site on it and can keep them in the flat of a paper plate at 100 yrd off of sticks. for a hunting load try out the hornady 240 grain hp/xtps they are great hunting rounds for deer. then if they perform in your revolver and you reload try greybeards load of 24grains h110 powder cci 350 primer and the hornady 240 grain xtp bullet. shoots the same as the factory hornady.
have fun be safe

[Blowtorch53]

Guys,

Here's my RB .44 Mag. and a Fallow Deer I bagged last year.  I also use 2400 with a 240 gr. hard cast lead bullet (no gas check).  It gives me 1150 - 1200 fps. with no leading and great accuracy.  It is easy on the hand and packs a punch.  I have not experienced any QC problems with any Taurus products.  My RB is exceptional.

BT53

[jcn59]

I have a blued 6" M44 that looks very similar to my S&W 29 Classic except the M44 has a better finish.  Both shoot better than 2" at 25 y.  They both have good triggers.  The M44 looks a bit larger than the S&W so I don't worry about strength because I only use listed loads. 

I think the M44 is a heck of a gun for about half the cost of a S&W.

Taker,  You didn't tell us how yours shoots.....

[taker]

so far, so good.
It shoots very well.  It took me a while to get used to shooting, I was shooting way left when I started because I think I was jerking the trigger.  But now I am shooting better and I am very pleased with the gun.  I didn't get to take it hunting this year but I am looking forward to next year.  I am thinking of putting a scope or red dot on it but I'm not sure yet.  I might also get into reloading.  My father has everything to reload so I might give it a try.
Overall I am glad I made the purchase, and with practice I think I can get it shooting very good groups.

[Cottonwood]

Looking at the left side of the RB 444 you can see the double lock up compared to just a single lock up on the M44



Taurus M44 6.5 Stainless


And here is a 6.5" M44 that is no longer offered on Taurus' web site that looks just like my S&W 629 6"