Author Topic: What should I get????? (Read 2988 times)

goodwrench6710 · « **on:** July 04, 2007, 01:48:45 PM »

I don't own any pistols at all. I want to get a double action revolver. It's sole purpose would be for my own pleasure of course. The second purpose would be for hunting whitetail deer when driving out the heavy brush area where it a pain to carry a rifle (& my 270 win. 7600 isn't a good brush gun). I shot a box of shells out of my friend's Ruger super redhawk 44 mag. with a 7 1/2 barrel & I loved it. Was also looking at the target gray 454 casull, can get one with a 9 1/2" barrel for $634.75, they dont have the 7 1/2" in stock & would cost $690.00 due to price increases. I really like the grips on the super redhawks. I looked at some Taurus revolvers & really don't care for the grips. I don't know if I would like a long barrel. Found a used super redhawk target grey 7 1/2", but it's a 480 ruger & I saw the price of ammo & is very limited. I do reload for rifles, but still to reload for a 480 is expensive. I'm really not shure what to look at. Was trying to stay within a limit on prices. Any suggestions would be appriciated. Was really looking to go new.

dougk · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2007, 04:14:59 PM »

Sounds to me that you are leaning toward the Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 mag. I had a Redhawk which was a very nice gun. The 44 mag is a proven round on North American game.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2007, 04:16:01 AM »

get a super blackhawk and spend the rest on an inexpensive loading set up so you can afford to shoot it enough to get proficient.

1sourdough · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2007, 04:57:48 PM »

If you don't own any handguns a jump to a 44 mag or stronger can be a little much. I have a 7.5 Super Redhawk that I like a lot but I also have a bunch of smaller guns. I do think a double-action is a good choice. A 6" 357 would be worthy on consideration. At least you have shot some of the larger rounds. A hardcast 180-185 grn 357 round would be fine for close range deer. If you handload that opens up some options & you have the 38spcl & 44 spcl as reduced options. I don't feel the need to go for more than my 44 mag with a 250grn hardcast over a max load of Hodgdon 110 offers, in the lower 48 anyway. With the big bores a 7.5" barrel is just right for me. I would get a Redhawk over a Taurus.

Ahab · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2007, 05:58:32 AM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale on July 05, 2007, 04:16:01 AM

get a super blackhawk and spend the rest on an inexpensive loading set up so you can afford to shoot it enough to get proficient.

Yup, I'm with Lloyd.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2007, 12:11:26 AM »

Id have to argue with this. First i think anyone that is dedicated enough to spend a little time at the range can master a 44 mag about as easily as a 357. For most beggining hangunners its the muzzle blast that shakes them up more then the recoil and the 357 is every bit as loud as a 44 mag. If you take my advice and buy a super and reloading set up so you can ACTUALLY AFFORD to shoot your gun enough to really master it you will do fine with a 44 mag and if you reload you can back a 240 grain bullet down to a 1000 fps and have to best of both worlds. Recoil as light or lighter then a 357. Very little muzzle blast and a load that is more capable of killing deer and bear then any load in a 357 and even if you dead set against handloading you can buy a box or two of corbond or buffalo bore 44 specials that will still out kill any 357 load.

Quote from: 1sourdough on July 06, 2007, 04:57:48 PM

If you don't own any handguns a jump to a 44 mag or stronger can be a little much. I have a 7.5 Super Redhawk that I like a lot but I also have a bunch of smaller guns. I do think a double-action is a good choice. A 6" 357 would be worthy on consideration. At least you have shot some of the larger rounds. A hardcast 180-185 grn 357 round would be fine for close range deer. If you handload that opens up some options & you have the 38spcl & 44 spcl as reduced options. I don't feel the need to go for more than my 44 mag with a 250grn hardcast over a max load of Hodgdon 110 offers, in the lower 48 anyway. With the big bores a 7.5" barrel is just right for me. I would get a Redhawk over a Taurus.

damascusblade5 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2007, 04:39:37 PM »

Since he wants a double action,that sort of rules out the blackhawk. I have a Super Redhawk 44 9 1/2" with a 2x Leupold that is an excellent deer gun. Itried the big S&W's (500&460) and sold them both. Too much gun for a deer.

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2007, 03:41:14 PM »

I'm looking at the 454's ability to shoot 45 long colts. I really like the target gray finish too!!! That's what is really swinging me in that direction & the ability to shoot the big ones too!

EDELWEISS · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2007, 10:07:00 AM »

Well, I dont hear any "wrong" answers here. Everyone is giving you good advice the question is which to choose. It seems to me if I "heard" you correctly that your friends 44 mag wasnt too much gun for you. Also you mentioned that you might use it for hunting in heavy brush. That being said the 9 1/2 in 454Casull is cheaper than waiting for the 7 1/2 44 mag. At the risk of invoking rath upon myself, I would doubt a deer wouldnt notice the difference between 44mag or 454 Casull.

The 9 1/2 stretches the limits of a handgun in my mind; but as an option to a rifle it has some merits. Im thinking with the 9 1/2, you'll most likely want to scope it, and you'll want either a sling or chest holster, but I doubt the 7 1/2 will be "that much" easier to carry in the thick stuff Both the 44 and 454 have lesser powdered options if you dont reload. My question if you dont reload, would be what factory ammo choices are available to you, and at what price.

The in stock 9 1/2 is $55 cheaper, you might see if the dealer will offer a discount on accessories. If its been there awhile he may be motivated. I cant believe theres a run on Big Hunting handguns in July.

Just my take on your dilemma, as I see it from the "Not so Free State" of the Peoples Republik of Maryland

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2007, 01:30:19 PM »

The whole idea of a 9.5" barrel is to get the front sight far enough away from the eyes of folks like me so we can see it and NOT have to scope the gun. Why in the world would you just assume a long barrel would be scoped? To me it's just the opposite. If I get a long barrel like that it's for an iron sight gun and if I scope one it will likely be a 6" to 7.5" max with 6" being preferred for scoping as it's long enough the scope won't hang past the end of barrel but short enough not to become such a monster when scoped.

EDELWEISS · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2007, 10:17:07 AM »

Well I guess its just different strokes for different folks..... as for me a 9 1/2 barrel screams for a scope, and then throw in a bi-pod or some sticks and its more like a short rifle. My eyes are older too and Id never think about irons, but most of my time has been spent behind a scoped rifle, so thats where Im coming from.

dougk · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2007, 04:08:47 PM »

I dont own a 9.5 inch barreled revolver. 2 of my 3 8 inch barrels have scopes the 3rd is a silhouette gun and I wont mount a scope on it. I am looking at mounting an illuminated dot on the 6 inch 44 mag which will be used as a back up/possibly primary for hog hunting mainly at night.

To me the biggest thing about mounting a scope on a hand gun is balance. My limited experience the smaller the barrel the more problems with balance.

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2007, 04:22:07 PM »

I have made up my mind & I'm going with a 7 1/2" super redhawk, target grey 454. It's what I really wanted to begin with. I just hope I don't regret this, but I like the way it looks & it'll shoot colt 45's too. I just hope it shoots 45's good. The main reason is the looks. I do love the way the super redhawk feels in a 7 1/2". I've shot both a 7 1/2" & a 9 1/2" in the 44 mag.
I do reload for rifles, so would just have to get dies & supplies. Not real worried about ammo price, even the 454 isn't real pricey in comparison. (that is to reload for)
I just hope it isn't unbearable to shoot, if so I hope it's accurate with the 45 long colts.

dougk · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2007, 01:22:07 AM »

Great choice. Let us know when you get it and would you post a pic in the Picture thread? For ammo I have a hard time finding anyone with better service and very attractive prices than Reeds Ammo www.reedsammo.com You enter the site at the bottom of the page.

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2007, 12:49:20 PM »

I had to order it, will be in next week or 2 at the most they said. I found one shop that said they could get it for $674.99 & East Coast Gun Sales said "We can't have that, we'll match it". I buy most of my reloading supplies from them, so they know they'll make more money from me. I'm just in the waiting game now. Guess I'll need to find a shoulder holster, dies for both 454 casull & colt 45 now. All my other dies & press are RCBS. I have heard good things about the Lee dies for handgun ammo, seems like their factory crimp die is the best I've heard alot. I might give them a try unless someone has any better suggestions.
As far as the handgun choice, my friends told me to get what I wanted in the first place, that way I won't be disappointed. Can't see compromising buy getting a gun that's longer than I wanted or a different finish.

dougk · « **Reply #15 on:** July 13, 2007, 03:48:59 PM »

Great points.... Go with what you really want...

papajohn428 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2007, 11:08:59 AM »

Goodwrench, glad to see you're getting what you really want. One question, though..........why two sets of dies? I've never loaded 45 Colt or 454, but I thought the 45C dies could be used for both, like 38 dies can be used for 357 loads. Did I miss something here? And I'll cast a vote for the Lee dies, I have dozens, and have never had a problem with them. The only bad dies I ever had were RCBS, and they cost substantially more than the Lee's!

As for the Lee Factory crimp die, you won't need it. The rimmed revolver rounds will need a heavy roll crimp, the FCD is for rifle rounds only.

And if you find the full-power 454 ammo is a little too stout, you can always load it down a bit. You could also load extra-heavy charges in 45 Colt brass, but accuracy will likely be better if you use the 454 brass.

And like Doug said, pix would be appreciated!

Papajohn

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2007, 04:25:47 PM »

Thanks for the advise. Handguns are new to me. I know a turret press or progressive would be faster, but I'll get by for now. I didn't know the 45 dies could do both, thanks for the tip. I'll post a pic. when I get it.

1sourdough · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2007, 12:14:01 AM »

Just get the dies that say 454/45 & you will be fine to load both. Keep the gun clean when going from 45 & then to 454 loads. You can also load 454 cases on the light side, with the proper powder & data, to avoid a 'Crud ring' with shorter 45 cases. Even though the plan may be to shoot any 45's in your gun it is usually not a good idea to have 45's around loaded above normal 45 cal pressures(same as loading 38 cases above 38+ pressures). Again you can always download a regular 454 case with the proper data. I have not felt the need to scope my 7.5 44 SR. I like the easier carry & for the range I deal with it is fine for now.

warrior1 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:49:26 AM »

i loaded a few 454s the other night with my 45 colt dies ,did just fine. can't gaurantee i'll hit anything butg tehy look like normal 454S. I ALSO WENT WITH 25 FULL BORE 45 COLTS WITH 250 GR XTPS. NEXT I'LL HEAD TO AN INDOOR RANGE TO GET THIS THING ON PAPER.GOOD LUCK WITH YOURS,DAN CHECK OUT GRAF'S FOR 454 BRASS.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #20 on:** July 19, 2007, 09:34:51 AM »

Quote

I have made up my mind & I'm going with a 7 1/2" super redhawk, target grey 454. It's what I really wanted to begin with.

It wouldn't have been "my" first choice, but if that's what YOU really wanted, then it's the right choice for you!

Now, i hope you will take the time to practice enough with it to know how far away you "should" be shooting at game animials, and not try shooting at them any further away than what ever distance that is...

DM

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 20, 2007, 01:32:46 PM »

I done alot of reading on the net. I stopped by the shop on Thursday to see if my 454 came in & found out they had ordered the wrong one & it was on back order!! I got to thinking do I really want a gun with 54% more recoil than the 44 mag. The 44 mag. Super Redhawk is a sharp looking handgun so I changed my mind & told them to cancel the order. I bought an in stock 44 mag. Super Redhawk with a 7 1/2" barrel. It's alittle shiny, but I don't think the deer will mind. LOL. I'll most likely be happier with this choice anyhow. Now I just need to break it to the wife. I'll also need to get some dies & find out some good whitetail loads & some good target loads. Any suggestions? I was thinking of using H-110 for the hunting loads, not quite shure on the bullits yet.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #22 on:** July 20, 2007, 06:12:30 PM »

And now you have picked my first choice of caliber...

I still hope you will practice a bunch too, and you don't need to shoot full power loads for practice either...

My bullet of choice for hunting and practice, is a "hard" cast bullet of about 250 grains in weight... I like H110 for my hunting loads...

DM

dougk · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2007, 05:00:29 PM »

Quote from: goodwrench6710 on July 20, 2007, 01:32:46 PM

I bought an in stock 44 mag. Super Redhawk with a 7 1/2" barrel. It's alittle shiny, but I don't think the deer will mind. LOL. I'll most likely be happier with this choice anyhow.

You cant go wrong with the .44 mag... How is the trigger on yours?

I had a Redhawk and found the trigger as rough, sent it back to Ruger, they did a complete trigger job. I then traded the Ruger for a Dan Wesson as the Dan Wesson fits my application better. Also if you dont want to reload you should check out Reeds Ammo, they are a sponsor and have the best prices I have found.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #24 on:** July 21, 2007, 05:25:16 PM »

Quote

I had a Redhawk and found the trigger as rough, sent it back to Ruger, they did a complete trigger job. I then traded the Ruger for a Dan Wesson

Sorry to hear that..... "maybe" if your REAL lucky you can get it back??

DM

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #25 on:** July 21, 2007, 08:46:03 PM »

Traded a Ruger for a D...D...Dan...W... WE...WEsson

? Surely Not!!!

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 22, 2007, 07:21:24 AM »

Didnot shoot it yet, but the trigger feels pretty good to me, it's smooth. It feels a hell of alot better than the toggle switch they call a trigger on my remington 7600!

dougk · « **Reply #27 on:** July 23, 2007, 12:17:36 PM »

Quote from: Ken ONeill on July 21, 2007, 08:46:03 PM

Traded a Ruger for a D...D...Dan...W... WE...WEsson ? Surely Not!!!

I love the Dan Wesson, in my opinion it is a better engineered gun than the Ruger, which is a great gun.

1sourdough · « **Reply #28 on:** July 23, 2007, 02:39:09 PM »

Congrats on the 7.5" SR 44, I like mine. For full power loads with the 250-300grn bullets H-110/Win 296 is about tops. My HD loads are 250 grn beartoothbullets.com hardcast sized .432 for the Ruger, over 23.8 grns of Win 296. I also loaded up some Berry's plated 200 grn with Hodgdon Universal for light duty & plinking. I also mold my own 240 grn lead plinkers with a Lee mold. I use H Universal for light loads but there are other choices out there. You can also pick up some 'Cowboy Action' 44 SPCL rounds to get aquainted with. Let us know how you like shooting it & if you miss the added recoil of the 454.

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 19, 2007, 05:29:11 PM »

I went shooting alittle yesterday with 2 uncles & my cousin. We were shooting free hand & this was the first time I got to shoot my 44 mag. I had some target ammo loaded 240 Speer LSWC, 7.0 gr. Unique CCI lp primers, shot 6 rounds & they were very pleasant to shoot. Then I loaded up 6 rounds of Hornady 240 gr. XTP/HP, 23.8 gr. of H110 & CCI mag. LP primers & wow was that fun. I was shooting about 2" to the left at 25 yrds. open sights. My uncle shot it too & he was about 2" to the left too. He's a lefty & I shoot right handed. I need to set it up on a rest & see but I think it'll need some adjustment. Overall, I think I made the right choice with the 44 for now.
I could see a possible 454 & a 357 in the future.