Author Topic: I'm indecisive... which 44mag??? (Read 1420 times)

KYsquirrelsniper · « **on:** November 16, 2004, 02:36:56 AM »

Although it will probably be another month or two before I can afford one, I've decided to get another 44mag, I just can't decide which one. I already have a Taurus model 44 that does fine, but I'm basically just wanting something different. Also, I'd like something that could digest stout heavy bullet loads (I reload) without worry, so I'm leaning heavily toward Rugers. I've had an S&W 629 and liked it, but it's not a consideration because it won't handle heavy loads any better than my Taurus.

The main purpose for the gun will be for whitetail hunting at ranges up to about 75yds, with most shots being under 50yds. The main problem is I've never shot any of the exact three models I'm cosidering, so that makes chossing kind of difficult. The ones I'm considering right now (in order) are...
1 - Ruger Super Redhawk
2 - Ruger Redhawk
3 - Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter

I've decided on the 7.5" barrel no matter which I get as it seems to be about the perfect combination of velocity, sight radius, and handiness. I haven't decided for certain whether I will scope it or not, as I have good eyesight and prefer the handiness of carrying an open-sighted gun, but I want the option of scoping it just in case I decide to do so in the future.

So far, I seem to favor the SRH, as I like the grips and the way it feels, which is half the battle I suppose. Although many disagree, I think it's better looking than the RH, but I'm not buying it to win a beauty contest anyway.

The RH, although similar to the SRH just doesn't feel quite as good in my hand. A change in grips might fix that, but I don't know, it just has a funny feeling. The RH is a bit cheaper which is nice, but when you're spending that much money anyway, I wouldn't let just a bit more money persuade me.

I think the SBH Bisley looks the best of the three, and I don't plan on ever needing DA to shoot a deer. However, the grip seems small (for lack of a better description) to me between my thumb and index finger and therefore feels like I'm going to get a lot of muzzle jump and the muzzle will be pointing straight up after the shot :?. I have shot a regular framed SBH that my father had a couple years ago, and that was my complaint about it, a lot of muzzle jump. Then of course if I really hung on tight and tried to stop the jump and the impending movement in my hand, then my wrist took all the punishment. I know the Bisley frame should be better about handling the recoil, but since I've never shot anything with a Bisley frame, I have no idea whether it would really help that much. Basically I just don't want the big jump and rolling backward, I'd rather just take an almost straight rearward pop.

As I've been writing all this (which was a lot of writing :wink: ), I realize I've probably answered most of my own questions, but if you were in my position, which would you choose?

357magnum · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2004, 04:00:23 AM »

I would also consider the recent-production Dan Wessons. They're very strong. I emailed DW and they said you could load them up to the Contender levels.

44hunter · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2004, 04:42:14 AM »

I prefer the look of the Redhawk, I will agree that the factory grip on the Super is better. However a set of Uncle Mikes Grips will quickly make the Redhawk very comfortable.

Questor · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2004, 05:24:18 AM »

KYsquirrelsniper:

I think you've done all your homework well and you should pick the one you like. Those are all good guns, so you really just need to pick the one you like best and go with it. With the Rugers you may want to consider getting a trigger job done if you find the pull too heavy or creepy.

Personally, I'd take a look at the Smith and Wessons because I like them. You just take them out of the box and they don't need modifications. You pay more, though.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2004, 07:21:14 AM »

I would chose either the Redhawk or the Super Redhawk. I do love my Redhawk 44 MAG though.

SLAVAGE · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2004, 05:09:23 PM »

i would go with the hunter super black hawk toped with a nice buris or leapold scope you should send heavy lead down range with the best of them

JerseyJoe · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2004, 03:29:40 AM »

Here is my 44 mag SRH with the 9 1/2 barrel. This will be my first year hunting with this setup.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2004, 03:47:40 AM »

Quote from: 44hunter

I prefer the look of the Redhawk, I will agree that the factory grip on the Super is better. However a set of Uncle Mikes Grips will quickly make the Redhawk very comfortable.

I agree 100% -- though I bought Hogue's monogrip for my Redhawk. It shoots like a champ.....and the after-market grip really helps with the recoil and handling of the revolver. It's a great piece!

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2004, 06:36:51 PM »

KYsquirrelsniper,
I would vote for the SBH Bisley Hunter. It doesn't have the "roll" that the SBH does and,for me, it seems to balance better than the SRH or the RH.
I guess it would come down to which one fits and feels the best to you.

Old Griz · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2004, 07:43:05 PM »

:cb2: I've never fired the SRH, but I do like the grips. I have a Bisley that I had a scope mounted on, and it's my favorite hunting pistol. Used to have a RH, but it hurt the web of my thumb when I shot it. Put the Hogue monogrips on it, and it radically changed the feel of the gun. Traded it for another Bisley and never regretted it.

So my choice today would be the Bisley Hunter.

Good luck. It's not like you're making a bad decision with any of them!

Spencer · « **Reply #10 on:** November 21, 2004, 01:41:06 AM »

Of the three, the only one I have shot is the Bisley Hunter. My brother bought it and we put my burris 2X scope on it. That is a great combo for whitetail. Accurate as anything and recoil was moderate. I am a Smith & Wesson nut, but after shooting that, I have been kicking around the idea of getting a bisley hunter.

Good luck in choosing.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #11 on:** November 21, 2004, 02:22:00 PM »

:grin: Hello there shooters,

I have and LIKE the 5 1/2" Red Hawk and this would surely get my vote.

I have owned and used a number of Black Hawks over the years, including a scoped hunter, and never had any kind or sign of a problem until I started using the 300+grain cast bullets.

When I started to shoot the heavier bullets, I started to have problems with the lock and center pin on the cylinder. Over time, the lock and pin were damaged from the recoil. Again,I never had any sign of this problem before I started using the heavy Lyman and LBT slugs.

There are after market parts which may solve this problem on the BH, however, with the Red Hawk there are no such problems. It just takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.

I like the size of the 5 1/2" RH and wear it left side butt forward. In this position, it is out of the way and ready. Were I left handed, I would want to reverse this position for the same reasons.

Keep em coming! :wink:

Yukon Gold · « **Reply #12 on:** November 22, 2004, 11:28:34 AM »

If your issue is wanting to use "high power" .44mag loads - why not move up to the .454 casull?

With the .454 - you can load everything from fairly mild loads for fun and practice - up to your basic "hand cannon" loads.

I currently have both the Ruger Super Redhawk and a Freedom Arms Model 83 in the .454.

Both are excellent - Freedom Arms hands down better - but costs a lot. (Fortunately, I got one as a gift from Dad - what a guy!)

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2004, 04:45:54 PM »

Hey there Yukon Gold,

Thanks for the come back,

It is not however, an issue of using "high power" loads in the .44, it is just a matter of using it for what it was designed, heavy .429 slugs/loads and seeing no point in packing it with "special" loads.

I realise the 300+/- grain bullets are for most people, a relative recent development when compared to the 240gr. slug, but as long as they are held to the pressures for which the gun was designed, a well made arm should handle them with no problem.

On the other hand, IF a person is wanting to "normally" use their .44 at .44 special velocitys why by the Mag? Just stay with the lighter and probably cheaper handgun and be happy.

When I am packing a .44 MAG. I see no reason to pack .44 Special loads. That would be about the same as driving a full fleged Datona car down the road at 55MPH. Someone is sure to ask, what's your point?

As to the 454, I would like to shoot one sometime and having one of the Freedom Arms units handed down by your father is indeed, a very special gift.

Keep em coming! :wink:

KYsquirrelsniper · « **Reply #14 on:** November 22, 2004, 05:22:53 PM »

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. I've narrowed it down to two, the SRH or SBH Bisley Hunter. I'm leaning toward the SRH though.

I've also considered the 454 or 480 in the SRH, but since whitetail will be the biggest thing it's used for and shots will be under 100yds, I don't see that great of a benefit to having all that power on tap. Of course I could load them lighter, but to me that seems like it defeats the purpose of buying one of them. Also, I already have dies and brass for the 44, so that's a bit of expense I can get out of.

I'm going to try to make it to the gunshop again next week (I know they get tired of me

) and see if they still have both in stock. I'll probably make my final decision on the spot, which might not be the best method, but it's worked well in the past.

If anyone else has any more thoughts, suggestions, etc, feel free to add them.

palgeno · « **Reply #15 on:** November 23, 2004, 10:15:01 AM »

It sure be easier for you to choose if you could shoot each gun with your intended ammo before buying----they all feel OK ---- until you bang out that heavy load----after 25 or so rounds, the the hands tell you what fits. Can you borrow an example of each to test? pg

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #16 on:** November 25, 2004, 07:33:39 AM »

I had this same problem and ended up with the SBH limited edition .45 Colt. It is a very acurate pistol and easy to handle and shoot. This is baby:

Ain't she purdy??? :lol:

Gregory · « **Reply #17 on:** November 25, 2004, 01:51:00 PM »

Quote from: KYsquirrelsniper

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. I've narrowed it down to two, the SRH or SBH Bisley Hunter. I'm leaning toward the SRH though.

If anyone else has any more thoughts, suggestions, etc, feel free to add them.

Here's my suggestion:
Thompson Contender 44 Mag. It's a great hunting gun out to 100-125 yds. You already have a 44 revolver anyway. And in the future, for the price of a new barrel you can try other calibers.

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #18 on:** November 26, 2004, 08:16:04 AM »

Quote from: Gregory

Quote from: KYsquirrelsniper
Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. I've narrowed it down to two, the SRH or SBH Bisley Hunter. I'm leaning toward the SRH though.

If anyone else has any more thoughts, suggestions, etc, feel free to add them.

Here's my suggestion:
Thompson Contender 44 Mag. It's a great hunting gun out to 100-125 yds. You already have a 44 revolver anyway. And in the future, for the price of a new barrel you can try other calibers.

Now that is a great idea. I went that way also:

I have yet to take this jewel in the woods. This will be rectified the last week of deer season here in Virginia. I may also take the .375 JDJ tooT! :wink:

KYsquirrelsniper · « **Reply #19 on:** November 28, 2004, 09:16:27 PM »

I thought I'd update everyone and let you know what I decided. As I was kind of expecting, when I went and handled them all again, I decided to go with the Super Redhawk. But... I did someting I said I wasn't going to, I got it in 454 Casull instead of 44mag. Yeah, I guess I could be accussed of being a liar :oops:, but there's two reasons I decided on it. The dealer had two used SRHs in stock, both 454s with 7.5" barrels, which made for a trade that was better than would have been likely otherwise. On top of that, he had a used set of RCBS carbide 454 dies in very good condition for half price. So, I decided I'd give the 454 a try, even though I will probably never need and likely will never even load a full power load, but at least it's there if I ever want to use it :grin:

Questor · « **Reply #20 on:** November 29, 2004, 03:18:45 AM »

That sounds like a sensible decision to me, especially if you are a handloader. It's more versatile than the 44.