Trouble deciding on a new addition...

Hey guys, I'm having trouble deciding on my next hunting/field carry handgun. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter in 44 Mag that I like for hunting, but was looking at something slightly smaller for closer range hunting and just packing with me in the field.

I'm a big fan of the Bisley grip, so will probably stick with that. I like the Super Blackhawk Bisley 3.75" 44 Mag or Blackhawk Bisley 45 Colt 5.5", but I keep eyeing a Redhawk 4.2" 44 Mag as well. Any thoughts and experience would be helpful. Thanks.

I AM PARTIAL TO 5 1/2 INCH RUGER BISLEYS IN 45 COLT.

This comes as no surprise based on you user name

The little 3.75 is easy packing and mine had that Hi-Viz sight.
Handy on 2 counts since the ammo would be the same as your Hunter, and you can shoot 44Sp from it too.
A Vaquero in 45 is cool since it is light and easy to carry. But you would need to hand load to get the most benefits.
A Bisley in a 45 is very nice, as it can handle the heavier loads. The 5.5 barreled one with a 45ACP cylinder makes for a lot of fun, cheap shooting, and options for hunting or just carrying around a ranch or Farm.
Not as handy as a short barreled pistol. But nice balance.

I like to keep same ammo if possible. But they are all nice guns!

Look at a S&W 4" 44 mag Mountain Gun

Smith 69 possibly?

I've looked at the S&W 69 and 629 variants. They just aren't comfortable to shoot for me. I have tiny hands I guess. I have a S&W 686 6" .357 Mag already and I'd rather shoot the Super Blackhawk...it's just more comfortable for me to handle.

Close but no cigar

Gp100 44spl....

Actually just saw those today. I guess it they can handle a heavy 44spl load it'd be good for deer and I could use lighter loads for varmints and plinking.

Just carry me with you. I will guaranty you will return with something!

Take this deal ... he's a BIG Deer magnet!!

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Yes sir. I believe they will handle the 25k pressure loads just fine. I'm still waiting on brass for mine but it will be carried on the ranch a lot and I suspect it will be taking deer and hogs as the need/want arises. I expecting to push a 240gr about 1100fps.

here is a vote for the redhawk- have had one for a year now and dont regret it- easy to carry and very accurate- the round butt grips are good for all sized hands- cant go wrong with a 44 mag.

The forcing cone on them is very thin. Don't know if I would put too many high pressure rounds though it. The one I had I got rid of, just couldn't get it to shoot, no matter what I put through it. The gun feels great in the hand, will probably break down and buy another in hopes that it shoots.

Is the forcing cone thinner on the GP100 than it is on the OM 357 Blackhawk conversions? People had no issues with a steady diet of heavy loads through them.

What kind of holster does this require?

A BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.one!

The short Bisley .44 Mag is great choice as far as I'm concerned.

I went to the LGS yesterday and handled every revolver they had. GP100 feels really nice. So I may end up going that route in the 44 Spl. I wish it had a 4" barrel though.

Redhawk 4.2" 45 Colt felt pretty good too. Also still like the Super Blackhawk Bisley 44 Mag in 3.75", but kind of want to try a GP100 since I already have the Bisley Hunter.

Couldn't say, have never seen one, but I will say that they are much thinner than the current single action ruger flattops. I know S&W had some problems with their 44 specials in (correct if I'm wrong guys) L-frame because they had such a thin forsing cone.

To be determined!

Agree with Whitworth,....the little 3.75? Bisley gets my vote of the choices listed.
I carry a 3.75? Vaquero in 45 colt, when I?m not carrying my 4? 500L.

Trapr

Well...I went for the Super Blackhawk Bisley 3.75" 44 Mag. Looking forward to getting it and spending some time shooting it. Should be fun to carry and plenty effective for whitetails.

Now to decide on a holster...

good choice. should do exactly what your looking for- looking forward to the range report.