Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Which .44 Magnum?

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.

Using shooting sticks?

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 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.