My itch for a new .44 magnum is back. I had been focused on a BFR Single Action several months ago, but have expanded my search. I currently have a Smith 29-2 with an 8 and 3/8 inch barrel, with a red dot scope, and it is a deer-slaying machine. The new one is not going to be scoped, but will be iron sights only. I've limited my search down to a couple of candidates:
BFR, with a 7 and a 1/2 inch barrel. Some folks have suggested the plow handle stock, rather than the Bisley, so I'm leaning away from the Bisley. The BFR is supposed to be quite accurate, and the weight tempers the recoil quite well. A single action would be different than most of my other revolvers. But, it is heavy. I have not seen one in person.
Colt Anaconda, with 6-inch barrel. It's a re-creation of the old classic, with several improvements. I've heard reports of the triggers being everything from awesome to awful. It's the best looking of the three, but also the most expensive.
Smith 629, with a 6 and a 1/2 inch barrel, with the full underlug. My other Smith revolvers have phenomenal triggers, which is important, but this one would provide the least variety from my existing.
Opinions on the one to bring home? Let me know if you have personal experience with these, pro or con. Trying to learn all I can before I pull the literal trigger.
Thanks.
The BFR is the right choice if youre after a single action. Get it with their version of the bisley. So much better than the plow handle grip imo. It will be more accurate than you can most likely shoot. They are wonderful firearms. Mine in 500 jrh shoots better than any ive owned and ive owned most
Oh and they are ridiculously strong firearms that will live forever on a steady diet of heavy loads
I am a diehard double action revolver fan…..and love my Smith’s. That said, one of the new model, “full under lug” as you described, would be my choice. They reputedly hold up better to a high shoot count of heavy loads! memtb
If you shoot "heavy loads", recommend a SA.
I have a S&W full under lug and don't feel safe wearing gloves in the trigger guard with a "heavy load" recoil.
You cannot go wrong with any of them.
For dimensions, the BFRs are outstanding.
The loads used may need defined a bit; all will handle factory standard ammo with no issues.
Colt new Anaconda. Very well made but the rear sight and action need a little work. Wilson Combat Eliason copy rear sight and Heffron Engineering single and double action trigger work. I know you should not need to improve a new weapon, but Heffron changed the single action pull from 6lb 3oz to 2lb 13oz. and double action to 9lb 1oz. Very smooth and very little overtravel. Mine is an 8 inch. It came with Hogue grips.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with the original Anaconda.
one not mentioned yet Ruger super redhawk
The Redhawks and Bisley are also great arms.
Ruger gas dimensions down pretty good on their 44s.
Ruger Super Blackhawk with a Hogue rubber grip. 7.5" bbl, stainless. Hogues prevent trigger guard slap on the middle finger.
Can’t warm up to the BFR’s. FA 83 for me.
They also elevate the iron sights "high" from the hand on an already "tall" frame.
Most shoot handguns better if the sights and weight of the gun is closer to the hand and forearm.
If shooting off rests this becomes a bit moot but its something to take into consideration in making hits offhand.
As noted, if the gun is beating you up there's that as well.
I’ve had a few BFR’s over the years and was very impressed with them. I like their bisley style grip, it’s similar to the FA in feel but I otherwise prefer BFR. Can’t go wrong. They are bull strong.
Colt. Buy once cry once.
8 inch original Anaconda here.
I would buy the Colt Anaconda.
All my .44 magnum revolvers are Smiths except a 7 1/2” RedHawk. Barrels from 4” to 8 3/8”. To my mind, the RedHawk is the outer limit in terms of size and weight for a .44 mag handgun. The Smiths, to me, are the most elegant and nicely made production revolvers out there. They just hit the sweet spot.
I've owned the guns on your list, except for the BFR. I would go new Anaconda. Mine exhibits great quality and super accurate.
Mine only needed a single-action trigger job. I've read they make the single-action heavy to meet drop requirements for a couple of states. Not sure if that is true, but the factory double action is better than the old guns.
All my .44 magnum revolvers are Smiths except a 7 1/2” RedHawk. Barrels from 4” to 8 3/8”. To my mind, the RedHawk is the outer limit in terms of size and weight for a .44 mag handgun. The Smiths, to me, are the most elegant and nicely made production revolvers out there. They just hit the sweet spot.
All of my 44 magnums are RedHawks. One with the 7.5” barrel, and two with the 4” (4.2”). I have worked the trigger on all three until they are smooth and light. I couldn’t ask to be more satisfied with any other brand.
Please tell me how to work the Ruger redhawk trigger mine is horrible.
Please tell me how to work the Ruger redhawk trigger mine is horrible.
Its a single main spring mechanism. Wolff sells reduced power kits that helps immensely, just make sure the caps go pop, EVERY time. The kit comes with three springs.
The trigger group drops out from the bottom; if you know what you are doing, the sear can often be polished. If you don't, there's no shame in spending the money to have the spring and sear gone over by those who do such work.
Yeah, OP, BE SURE you know what your doing or you may hurt yourself or others!
Am sure you KNOW that, but just a friendly safety reminder when it comes to sears.
I prefer double actions. I really like my S&W M-69.
Many years ago I smoothed a Redhawk up immensely by disassembling the trigger assembly and using Brasso, on a pencil eraser chucked in a drill press. I polished all surfaces that slid past each other. It gave a jeweled appearance and was very smooth. I did NOT touch any sear surfaces. I have done this to several GP 100's also. Wolf spring kits help, too, but I have had failures to fire with light springs when shooting aerial targets especially double action.
I have a dan wesson with 8" 6" 4" and 2" barrel. I love the ability to change barrels and have the cylinder gap as small as I can make it. I've changed the barrels at the range a couple times, but just keep it on the 8" now. You can change the sights also. Someone mentioned the FA83, I have one of those in 454 and if your budget allows, that is the tightest gun you'll get. Great gun.
My itch for a new .44 magnum is back. I had been focused on a BFR Single Action several months ago, but have expanded my search. I currently have a Smith 29-2 with an 8 and 3/8 inch barrel, with a red dot scope, and it is a deer-slaying machine. The new one is not going to be scoped, but will be iron sights only. I've limited my search down to a couple of candidates:
BFR, with a 7 and a 1/2 inch barrel. Some folks have suggested the plow handle stock, rather than the Bisley, so I'm leaning away from the Bisley. The BFR is supposed to be quite accurate, and the weight tempers the recoil quite well. A single action would be different than most of my other revolvers. But, it is heavy. I have not seen one in person.
Colt Anaconda, with 6-inch barrel. It's a re-creation of the old classic, with several improvements. I've heard reports of the triggers being everything from awesome to awful. It's the best looking of the three, but also the most expensive.
Smith 629, with a 6 and a 1/2 inch barrel, with the full underlug. My other Smith revolvers have phenomenal triggers, which is important, but this one would provide the least variety from my existing.
Opinions on the one to bring home? Let me know if you have personal experience with these, pro or con. Trying to learn all I can before I pull the literal trigger.
Thanks.
The 44 can take any game in North America with a 250-grain SWC at 1,000 fps. That load doesn't kick very hard, so there's no need for a big, heavy revolver.
So why not a S&W Model 629 with a 4" barrel? The trigger and sights are superb. Options for grips, holsters, speedloaders, and other accessories are off the charts. It's compact enough that you can put it on your belt and almost forget that it's there until you need it. Lots of folks like the Mountain Guns but the standard 4" barrel puts a few extra ounces in exactly the right place, plus S&W made more of the standard guns so they're less expensive and easier to find.
If you just want to a big 44 with iron sights, then anything on your list would be hard to beat.
Okie John
Two posters above mention having a trigger job done on a new Anaconda. I am having a hard time accepting that I'd need a trigger job right out of the box on a new handgun of that price. Colt should get it right the first time.
This is a tough call. Decisions, decisions...
I love the 44 Magnum. It is a nice handgun.
I have a few.
Two posters above mention having a trigger job done on a new Anaconda. I am having a hard time accepting that I'd need a trigger job right out of the box on a new handgun of that price. Colt should get it right the first time.
This is a tough call. Decisions, decisions...
Agreed
My itch for a new .44 magnum is back. I had been focused on a BFR Single Action several months ago, but have expanded my search. I currently have a Smith 29-2 with an 8 and 3/8 inch barrel, with a red dot scope, and it is a deer-slaying machine. The new one is not going to be scoped, but will be iron sights only. I've limited my search down to a couple of candidates:
BFR, with a 7 and a 1/2 inch barrel. Some folks have suggested the plow handle stock, rather than the Bisley, so I'm leaning away from the Bisley. The BFR is supposed to be quite accurate, and the weight tempers the recoil quite well. A single action would be different than most of my other revolvers. But, it is heavy. I have not seen one in person.
Colt Anaconda, with 6-inch barrel. It's a re-creation of the old classic, with several improvements. I've heard reports of the triggers being everything from awesome to awful. It's the best looking of the three, but also the most expensive.
Smith 629, with a 6 and a 1/2 inch barrel, with the full underlug. My other Smith revolvers have phenomenal triggers, which is important, but this one would provide the least variety from my existing.
Opinions on the one to bring home? Let me know if you have personal experience with these, pro or con. Trying to learn all I can before I pull the literal trigger.
Thanks.
The 44 can take any game in North America with a 250-grain SWC at 1,000 fps. That load doesn't kick very hard, so there's no need for a big, heavy revolver.
So why not a S&W Model 629 with a 4" barrel? The trigger and sights are superb. Options for grips, holsters, speedloaders, and other accessories are off the charts. It's compact enough that you can put it on your belt and almost forget that it's there until you need it. Lots of folks like the Mountain Guns but the standard 4" barrel puts a few extra ounces in exactly the right place, plus S&W made more of the standard guns so they're less expensive and easier to find.
If you just want to a big 44 with iron sights, then anything on your list would be hard to beat.
Okie John
Okie John is spot on.
I own and/or have owned the Redhawks/ Anacondas, Bisleys, SBHs, etc, as well as a slew of S&W N Frames and would take an S&W N Frame over any for a hunting/packing piece. They will handle heavier loads than are really needed, but a good 240/250 SWC at 1000-1200 FPS is certainly going to do the job for whatever one may run across. Moderate use of heavier loads, such as 300 grain hard cast bullets at 1000-1100 FPS are not going to hurt it either, and you will likely wear out your wrist before you wear out the handgun.
These heavy 300 grain loads at 1100 FPS from a 5" Model 29 are more than sufficient for anything in North America.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/egZv2ELl.jpg)
Though 95+% of the time a 240 grain SWC will do all that needs done.
do you use a gas check on those 240 SWC bullets?
With a proper hard cast bullet, there is no need for a gas check.
6 inch is too long.
4 or 5 would be better.
6 inch is too long.
4 or 5 would be better.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/xujnUDP.gif)
My itch for a new .44 magnum is back. I had been focused on a BFR Single Action several months ago, but have expanded my search. I currently have a Smith 29-2 with an 8 and 3/8 inch barrel, with a red dot scope, and it is a deer-slaying machine. The new one is not going to be scoped, but will be iron sights only. I've limited my search down to a couple of candidates:
BFR, with a 7 and a 1/2 inch barrel. Some folks have suggested the plow handle stock, rather than the Bisley, so I'm leaning away from the Bisley. The BFR is supposed to be quite accurate, and the weight tempers the recoil quite well. A single action would be different than most of my other revolvers. But, it is heavy. I have not seen one in person.
Colt Anaconda, with 6-inch barrel. It's a re-creation of the old classic, with several improvements. I've heard reports of the triggers being everything from awesome to awful. It's the best looking of the three, but also the most expensive.
Smith 629, with a 6 and a 1/2 inch barrel, with the full underlug. My other Smith revolvers have phenomenal triggers, which is important, but this one would provide the least variety from my existing.
Opinions on the one to bring home? Let me know if you have personal experience with these, pro or con. Trying to learn all I can before I pull the literal trigger.
Thanks.
The 44 can take any game in North America with a 250-grain SWC at 1,000 fps. That load doesn't kick very hard, so there's no need for a big, heavy revolver.
So why not a S&W Model 629 with a 4" barrel? The trigger and sights are superb. Options for grips, holsters, speedloaders, and other accessories are off the charts. It's compact enough that you can put it on your belt and almost forget that it's there until you need it. Lots of folks like the Mountain Guns but the standard 4" barrel puts a few extra ounces in exactly the right place, plus S&W made more of the standard guns so they're less expensive and easier to find.
If you just want to a big 44 with iron sights, then anything on your list would be hard to beat.
Okie John
Okie John is spot on.
I own and/or have owned the Redhawks/ Anacondas, Bisleys, SBHs, etc, as well as a slew of S&W N Frames and would take an S&W N Frame over any for a hunting/packing piece. They will handle heavier loads than are really needed, but a good 240/250 SWC at 1000-1200 FPS is certainly going to do the job for whatever one may run across. Moderate use of heavier loads, such as 300 grain hard cast bullets at 1000-1100 FPS are not going to hurt it either, and you will likely wear out your wrist before you wear out the handgun.
These heavy 300 grain loads at 1100 FPS from a 5" Model 29 are more than sufficient for anything in North America.
Though 95+% of the time a 240 grain SWC will do all that needs done.
Wouldn't disagree with any of that, Daveman.
I have a pile of 44s, including the ones you're lookin' at. None of them are a bad choice.
Every time I take my 7.5" BFR out, I think to myself, "man, you should have gotten the 5".
My Anaconda 6" shoots fine, out of the box, with no trigger work. But, you know, each to his own and all.
Like Mackay said though, it's hard to beat a 4" or 5" N frame for balance and all 'round great handling.
I suppose, If I could only keep one .44 Mag, it would be the S&W Model 29 in 4". But I sure would miss my 44 Super Blackhawks.
Hold the BFR, pass the Model 29.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/R0o42sIl.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/5jAOffbl.jpg)
The 5" barrel the perfect balance point of packing and shooting for me.
Though a 4" barrel is pretty darn close.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/viYshuZl.jpg)
I've started hunting with a Ruger Super Blackhawk back in the 70's and acquired a S&W 29 6" after the Dirty Harry movies made them popular ,then a 44 Mag Desert Eagle, a S&W 629 4" and a Ruger Redhawk 7 1/2" with a 2x Burris scope....40+ years later if a could keep only one it would be the scoped Redhawk
I own all 3. Single action, hands down the BFR. It will put a Ruger to shame in every category. The Bisley grip might take the recoil out of the big boys but isn’t needed for a 44 mag. Besides it looks like a banana. I own a 500JRH and 475 Linebaugh with the Bisley grips. Hate looking at them. Going back to the standard grip then will send it to Jack Huntington for his grip mod. Kick myself for selling one I had already converted.
DA? Tough call, flip a coin and pick one.
All three will serve you well.
Oh, and yea. The new Anaconda does need a trigger job. Mine is scheduled to go to Heffron in February
I am a fan of red dots. They make target acquisition easy and fast. All you have to do is put the dot on the target and pull the trigger. No aligning the sights and the target.
The red dots that are about the size of your thumb are best because you can fit them in a holster.
Good if you never want to take the time to learn how to shoot the .44 designed sights.
Single action, hands down the BFR. It will put a Ruger to shame in every category.
The Bisley grip might take the recoil out of the big boys but isn’t needed for a 44 mag. Besides it looks like a banana.
Can't say I agree with the 1st and 2nd sentences, but the 3rd and 4th sentences are spot on.
I love the 44 Magnum. It is a nice handgun.
I have a few.
^^^^^
Wants attention..
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Arrrrrgh...
I LIKE .44 mags! Have an Anaconda, an S&W 629, several Ruger SBH's - including one with the 10.5" barrel, and a couple of TC Contenders. One Contender, with the 14" barrel, wears a suppressor and is in a carbine stock - this is my favorite "hog gun"! Oh, my wife also has a Ruger Deerstalker carbine in .44 mag! Also have a .44 Special or two in the safe - both Ruger and Charter Arms - along with a Ruger Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger.
Mike Holmes
