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

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.