Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns What revolver do I need?

So, say you have $800-$1000 to spend on a revolver, and you want something from .44mag on up to the smith and wesson 500. You're going to use it for deer, blackbear, punching paper, etc. What do you look for, new, used, manufacturer, etc. Give me some ideas here.

S&W Model 629, 6" barrel.

Pretty wide-open question, depending on your preferences for SA, DA, irons, optics, bbl length, and on and on.



My only big bore revolver is a Ruger Super Blackhawk 44 Mag. Had it since 1978. It's always a sensible choice for a outdoors revolver.

A couple others I like, but do not have,

- Ruger Redhawk 5.5" stainless
- Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt/45 ACP Convertible

Yeah, I'm pretty open to ideas at the moment. I guess I'd say double action, irons(but not opposed to optics), and somewhere around a 6" bbl.

Double action .. I'm not a fan of the Smith and Wessons, the hump behind the hammer hits the joint at the base of my thumb and gives me a thrashing even in .357.

If you can find a 5.5" barreled Redhawk in .45 Colt that'd be a really flexible choice. So would any 7-1/2 inch barreled Redhawk R series or Super Redhawk.

If you want a S&W, I'd suggest the 629 Classic.

If you can find a used Colt Anaconda, those are pretty decent and at least for me more comfortable than the Smith.

I have 2 .44s I hunt with, both Super Blackhawks, a 4-5/8" barreled blued gun that's my day to day holster gun and a 7-1/2 inch bisley hunter I bought fairly recently and haven't really shot a lot ... but I like it!

629 4"

A Ruger Redhawk 44 or a Smith 29 in 44 for decent cast or jacketed dimensions, economy and ease of simplicity.

If you want to get beyond simple and take the reward to another level, the Redhawk, Smith 25-5 or a Colt Ananaconda, all in 45 Colt, get my personal vote. A 44 Anaconda also fits the bill in this category.

With your criteria, I would suggest a a 7.5" Redhawk .44 Magnum with the sight base cuts in the barrel. Used, if I could find it. If you don't care about easy scope mounting I might go S&W 629-6" or Blackhawk-6.5".

I like 629's a lot and have a couple of Blackhawks but IMHO the Redhawk offers strength, they are easy to scope, all stainless construction,reasonable weight, easily interchanged iron sights and a long enough cylinder to handle heavy bullet loads.

For a simon pure hunting revolver either the Ruger Bisley Hunter or Super Redhawk. Both have the weight and grips to really tame recoil of full house .44's, both have a long sight radius to allow pinpoint aiming out to 100 yards or more if your eyes are up to it and both come equipped for easy scope mounting if you want to use optics. I've never had an inaccurate Ruger .44 and I've had a bunch of them, they seem to get the dimensions right on those. Downside is their weight and size, they're hunting revolvers, not daily carry type firearms. But I carried a 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk quite a bit while hiking when I was younger and never found it to be a bother, the length only gets in the way if riding in a vehicle.

I used to shop used firearms almost exclusively, but there are sooo many bubba 'gunsmiths' and crappy handloaders around here that it has switched to almost exclusively new. The exceptions are the firearms I know a lot about and am comfortable appraising in the limited way most gun shops or owners allow.

I have purchased exactly one firearm sight unseen, and that was new and rare enough that I had to locate it on the web.

I like the Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter is quite a gun. Comes in 44 Mag or 45 Colt (harder to find) Comes with rings and you can carry it with or without the scope.

I also like the BFR 475linbaugh/480Ruger Single action. They go about $1000.

Dan Wesson 715 - - - 357 Magnum - $1,168.00
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Don't know if these are actually available? Worth looking into . . .

> http://cz-usa.com/product/dan-wesson-715/ <

I have a M29 (8 3/8" ) and P&R'd M629 (4") that would fill the bill. But I am not unloading 'til I retire in a few months.

I'm liking the feedback so far guys, all good info. I'll add to the mix that I already have a colt anaconda .44mag. I've hunted with it, but it's in pristine shape, and has the box, and every piece of paper it ever came with when it was brand new. Blank warranty card, letter from colt, etc. So, it's hitting collector status and taking up residence in the back of the safe. Which is why I need to get another. So far, it's looking like the Ruger redhawk and the smith 686 are getting the most votes. I'll be reloading for whatever I get if that makes any difference as well. Keep the info coming guys!

If you are going new vs. used .44 I would go the Redhawk 5.5". I had one in .41 Magnum and it is built like a tank. Also had a 7.5" .44 that I took one deer with.

If you want a little bigger take a look at the Ruger .454 Super Redhawk...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=466088989

Personally I like the grip on the Super Redhawk over the standard Redhawk...

Bob

Blackhawk, Redhawk, (Super or standard) or 29 in .44 mag.

If you don't shoot double action, I wouldn't buy a double action handgun.

In my opinion "do-all" pistol cartridges start and stop with the 44 mag.




Travis

Travis, 41 mag, it's the cartridge of champions. I agree with you about SA vs. DA. I'm looking for a Bisley now to compare with the standard Blackhawk.

If you like single actions I would start with one of the 5.5 Ruger Bisley 45's ( if you are a 1911 guy, make it a 45LC/ACP convertable). It will be way under your price ceiling, so I would spend a few bucks and have the cylinder reamed, a white outline rear sight blade, and a trigger job and a good holster or two.

They're cool. No doubt. But there's no .41 Specials on any shelf I've walked past.

That pretty much rules it out as a "do-all" in my opinion.



Travis

S&W Model 69 .44 Mag

That's what I use cast cowboy loads for. I hear what you're saying.

Smith Model 629

This if you can hunt with the 4 1/4" barrel, is something seek out to at least get the "feel" of. A mini red dot would be sweet as well.

If double action is your huckleberry, one of these:




Or one of these:

[IMG]http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x439
/rugershooter1/BFE0F6EA-E48C-4192-87A2-6AE622C5D844.jpg[/IMG][/URL


[URL=http://s1181.photobucket.com/user/rugershooter1/media/58DA4EAB-49BD-4E42-B0B7-DA0A336643BB.jpg.html]

Damn Photobucket! The 6" 629 didn't come thru.......

For the posters stated purpose I would recommend a Smith&Wesson 629 classic with 6.5" barrel (or the blued 29 classic with 6.5" barrel).

I would look on the pre owned market for an excellent condition pre lock 629 in a dash 3 or dash 4 version. In the 29 classic I would look for a dash 5 or dash 6. These versions have the full endurance package and forged parts and are before the MIM parts and ugly lock.

Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger. Accurate, affordable, and terminally effective.

For dead nuts reliable, I would go with the Ruger SBH.

If double action is what you need then the SRH. Both should be well under your stated budget.

I think you guys are correct about the 44 for the OP's stated purposes. Either in a Bisley, Redhawk or 629 (29), according to what sits best in his hand. I'm just a total sucker for the 41.

I like the new Model 69. L frame, 5 shot, 5 inch barrel

A couple pics of my SBH,

Depends on which grip or trigger guard you like. Ruger single action either way. For your uses single action is how you will shoot and since you have no complaints about the 44 it seem logical. You already have dies, components. I have a 10 1/2 super blackhawk that is very nice to shoot, but it will pull your pants down to your ankles. Have been looking for a 44 or 45 S&W Mountain Gun for myself, but the shorter barrel is probably not what you want.

that is because you have a refined taste, and understand quality.

RedHawk or a BlackHawk

RE: 'last round' - - -
"Damn photo bucket! The 6" 629 didn't come through . . ."
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Here's one - but it's actually a prop !

> http://www.thespecialistsltd.com/files/SW-Model-629.jpg <

Super Blackhawk Bisley hunter

a s&w 29 or 629 mountain gun fits in that range. put a set of hogues on it and a chest holster and you'll be set for deer, bear or whatever. i wear mine all day and don't even know its there. and with open sites it is accurate even for PA ranges. i carry mine when rifle hunting and have it sitting on my right side when sitting for the offhand shots that would be impossible with a rifle for a right handed guy. 50 yards offhand i can hit a paper plate. well, the first shot anyway.

Thanks weed,
That's it.

I just picked up a nice stainless SBH Bisley .44mag yesterday that I am really going to like, but I have a .45LC Blackhawk and a .44 mag Super Blackhawk I would not give up, either. In double action, I have a SRH .480 Ruger that could be the best choice. I can load it "down" with Trail Boss and make it a plinker if I want, or shoot factory 325gr at 1350 fps. I'll likely shoot hard cast 375gr and 410gr at 1000 - 1200 in most cases. It's been Mag-na-ported and has Hogue "Tamer" grips, so in my opinion recoil is not a lot more than a full power .44 mag.

For what it's worth, for just walking or working around the farm in all kinds of weather, my 629 Mountain Revolver is my goto loaded with cast semi-wadcutters at 1000 fps.

For hunting the game you listed I prefer a Stainless Ruger Bisley 5.5 inch .45 Colt loaded with slightly heavier cast semi-wadcutters at 1200fps. If it was .44 caliber it wouldn't make a difference.

Since I am a shooter and not a collector or gun investor, I would just shoot the Anaconda you already own and enjoy that I am shooting something few others have.

If it's for walking around, carry, and possible shooting at critters that may want to chomp on you, agree with the above poster, model 629 Mountain Gun, 4 inch.

If you are going to hunt with it, or shoot it a bit, go with the a gun with a little more barrel, (and more panache) go with a used Model 29, 6 inch barrel. Will never loose money, and the extra weight, and sight radius will serve you well.

Rugers are great, and almost indestructible, but the action doesn't compare to an older S&W.

Who who leaves the action untouched? Ruger triggers are quite tunable and frankly if they are done right, they will leave you wanting nothing.

In total agreement.

If your concerned about a bear attack than your going to need a double action.

If you're going to need a double action, you're going to need to learn how to shoot double action.

Most never will.



Travis

super redhawk 480 it will do everything asked of it

I disagree. You simply need to know how to shoot a single-action. Deflave also pointed out that one would need to learn to shoot double-action as well. Not so easy in a heavy-kicking caliber. I personally don't feel like I am underserved by a single-action for protection as I can rattle off a cylinder full of goodness probably faster than I can with a double-action revolver. But that's just me. In any case, you need to practice your butt off with your chosen firearm to be proficient irrespective of platform. Just like your concealed carry gun, you need to be intimate and proficient in its use.

I've been really happy with my Ruger Bisley in 45 colt. It has a 5.5" barrel and is stainless. I run 300 gr Beartooth WFNGC over 25 gr H110. Its a little barky but does everything I need it to do. It is the gun I carry when I'm scouting, retrieving meat, looking for a handgun deer, etc. It is very good for hunting purposes. For general goofing around the woods and hiking, I carry my 357 Security Six loaded with 180 WFNGC because its a bit lighter and has a 5" barrel. It is more carry friendly than my 45.

I also recently sold my SBH 4 5/8 44 mag. It also fit the bill as a general purpose hunting gun. It shot 265 gr WFNGC into small groups with HS 6. The 44 or 45 colt are hard to beat.

Hitting in general....besides, what looks like a double action might be a single action....

borden811, This is more something to consider,rather than a need handgun. I'got both a 629 S&W and a 460 S&W(bought used,like New for 850.00)I hunted with the 629 for 6or8 years and ran several thousand rounds thru it(most being light loads).With heavy bullets at max loads it was not a comfortable gun to shoot.I went through several types of grips, looking for more comfort.I improved it,but never really got it where I wanted it. I've had the 460 for a couple of years now,and find it very pleasant to shoot.It shoots flat and hard out beyond my abilities. The drawbacks are: it's heavy(needs wheels and a Briggs&Stratton),and with the factory porting,unbearably loud(ear protection-not an option).I've not hunted with it yet,but looking forward to it! memtb

There are a few hundred of them in my cabinet. And the best part is, they are loaded in full length brass, so you do not have to scrub out the front of the cylinder when you go back to magnums.

5 gr of Titegroup under a light weight cast bullet seated to crimp just over the ogive shoots real pleasant, even in the lightest of handcannons.

Enough of the hijack. Back to the original post.

If you are serious about optics, nothing beats a Ruger hunter model in Super Blackhawk, or Redhawk. Mine is a 7.5 inch SBH Bisley hunter (41 mag) and I use a Nikon Monarch 2x20 on it. It makes a nice combination.

As previously mentioned, the Ruger hunter comes with scope rings. I strongly suspect you could cover the revolver and scope for less than a $grand.

Bordan811 sent you a pm!

My choice was a Super Redhawk .44 Mag with 7-1/2" barrel. No regrets.

Super Red .44 Mag
Blackhawk .357 Mag
Single Six w/ .22LR and .22WM cylinders
SP101 .327 Fed

S&W 629 4".

S&W 629 5"

Great balance, easy carrying, shoot extremely well.

borden811,

Do you handload? The answer to that question can change this topic around a lot.

Definitely a S&W 629-5 with a 6" barrel in .44 magnum with a custom action job. Definitely!

Go ahead, make my day!!!

I personally do a lot better with a single action. The beautiful one pictured above in 45 LC would be my first choice and I would cast a bullet much like pictured. If you load you can shoot everything from loads you could teach a kid to shoot to loads that will at least equal 44 Mag loads.

Just my opinion.

I do handload. So far, it looks like I'm leaning towards a 629, 29, or a redhawk. I'm thinking 6 inch barrel.

If possible, fondle a 5" 629 along side a 6" before choosing one or the other.

If you can't wear ear protection then you shouldn't shoot it. Get the electronic muffs that protect your ears while letting you hear.

629 5" would be my vote for an all-around. You may benefit from a longer barrel if for hunting only but the 4-5 inchers are nicer to wear.

I've owned or shot most of the revolvers mentioned on this thread (except for any Taurus') and still own a few dozen. Here's my only suggestion for you to keep in mind:

There aren't many game animals in the lower-48 that can't be taken with a slug of at least .44 caliber, at least 250 grains, going at least 800fps.

My choice in a single action is a 5.5" Ruger Bisley in 45 Colt firing a 285gr cast bullet over HS-6 for 950fps.

In a double action, I like a S&W N-frame in 44spl, 44 Magnum or 45 Colt (loaded properly there isn't much difference between them--it's the gun, and its balance in the hand--that matters), 4-5" barrel, firing either a 250gr Keith bullet at 900fps or a 285gr .45 cast bullet at 850fps.

That is because you are a smart man.

I think the big S&Ws, while technically handguns, are not a very practical choice. I'm not saying they are not quality firearms or that they don't fill some niche but they are big, heavy, and cumbersome IMO. With as big of a blast.

In regard to your question, my own is a Ruger RH 5.5" in 45 Colt; a heavily loaded Colt in this fairly heavy handgun will still break the skin web between thumb and trigger finger if without a glove and is as much power as I care to touch off in a handgun. My hunting handload is a 300-gr Hornady XTP or XTP Mag over Lil' Gun for about 1150 fps. This is not even a top load but is a serious one.

But "cowboy loads" commercial or hand-loaded are easy to get/make and a hoot to shoot.
Of course the same is true for the .44 mag.

Edited for clarity.