How does the 44 mag stack up between say a Ruger Super Redhawk with 9 1/2" barrel vs. an Encore with a 12" barrel. I presently have a SRH and am quite pleased with it. It will consistently do 2" groups at 50 yards using: Winchester Supreme Partion Gold 250gr. factory loads with Ultradot red dot. Wondering if I should give up the SRH for the Encore version. I'll have a 209X50 in my hands within a week so, add that grips and a new barrel = .44 mag single shot. I like the whole single shot idea!
1. Anyone have thoughts/experience on the recoil difference between the two guns? Actually don't really mind it too bad with the SRH.
2. How much velocity gain out of the Encore?
3. Will the Encore be more accurate?
4. Will I notice the 1/2 pound or so difference between the SRH and Encore (SRH @ 3.6lbs. vs. Encore @ 4lbs - without mounts/scope)?
Thanks to all who choose to add their two cents . . . 
Ranger413
I've never shot a 9 1/2" srh or 12" encore, but did once test my 4 5/8" blackhawk, buddies 7 1/2" blackhaw, and his 10" contender in 44 mag on the same day.
Considering the encore is heavier, I'd expect somewhat less recoil, also no cylinder gap, so muzzle blast will likely be somewhat reduced.
I'd expect at most another 100 fps from the encore, when you add the cylinder length to the barrel on the SRH, you are about the same length as the encore barrel, but loose 100 fps from the cylinder gap. I don't think 100 fps difference will give any real world differece in performance on game, or trajectory in the field.
The encore will likely be more accurate, but considering the ranges you'll use a 44, I wouldn't take that as a deciding factor. My 480 SRH will group 5 shots into 1" at 50 yds with a scope, and has shot 3 shot 1 1/2" groups @ 100, yup a single shot would likely beat that, but not by much.
Properly rigged, I don't think you'll notice much difference in the field.
Now, what you didn't ask is which platform is better matched to the round? I honestly think a 44 mag is much better matched to a revolver. The trajectory is simply too arched for shots much over 100 yds, and inside that range, I'd rather have a revolver. I find a revolver much easier to shoot offhand then a single shot pistol.
IMHO, where single shot pistols shine is when you use a bottleneck round for 200+yd capability. Now, if you get a 454 barrel, then you'll be able to take advantage of it's high velocity, but I just don't see the benefit of a single shot 44 mag.
