Well I have been wanting one for a long time as a dedicated hunting handgun and I got it today! Stainless Super 14 in 44 mag. Price was right on it, just couldn't help it lol.

Anyway I'm looking for opinions on how to set it up for hunting. I do have the sling kit in a box down stairs some where and I'd like to keep it as light and simple as possible. The Factory sights aren't all that good. I was thinking about a peep sight if it is applicable here?

Also any good load recommendations as well.

Been a while since I had a 44 mag around and I wasn't happy with my SBH. I m hoping this one will work out better for me.

Thanks

What kind of hunting do you do? heavy cover or open fields? deer? A few more details will help with recommendations.

A 44 in a 14" tube will reach a good bit farther (100+yards) then most people will consider shooting open sights. They often get scoped with a fixed low (2-4) power scope. A red-dot sight is a nice upgrade from iron sights and can be smaller then a scope. A peep sight would work, but I think you would be missing out on a fair amount of the performance in the platform.

If you like scopes a nice 4x Weaver, Burris , etc.,etc . I have never wanted less than 4x but have often wanted more. You may also like one of the Ultra dot sights. I would prefer the 2 min. dot myself.

Agreed. A fixed 2x or 4x would be just about ideal. Nice and tidy on top to boot. Fixed power tubes are smaller and very robust.

I hunt varied terrain. Primary functions will be bruin's, boar's and buck's.

A 2x20 scope wouldn't be too bad.

This will also put my 10 mm back to carry duty and relieve it of also being a hunting
gun. It's fit the dual purpose role fine, however this 44 will make much better dedicated game getter.

My primary focus is hunting shots will stay well under 200

24 grains of H-110 works awesome in the barrels i load for, with the 240XTP. As far as a optic, I have a 2x Leupold on mine, don?t overlook the ultra dot, good luck with your decision.

Thank you for the load data!

I just ordered up a 2x20 Burris to try out.

What he said!!! I think a 2x is great as a first handgun scope and this load has hung many deer from the rafters.

That?s with a Winchester large pistol primer, have fun with it !

For an inexpensive light practice load, try a 250 cast with 10-11 grains of Unique.

Father of the 44 Magnum was Elmer Keith. His favorite load was

22gr of 2400 topped by a 250gr cast SWC of his design.. l prefer

that boolit also.. Home cast from wheel weights and range scrap.

l cast a 250gr Keith SWC from a Hensley&Gibbs #503 mould. Sized

to 431''.. My MAX is 20gr/2400.. l shoot these in a S&W revolver.

Not as strong as a Contender tho... 20gr is easier on the gun and

old guys like me

Hey Thanks!

I actually got out today with two loads I worked up.

1st load was 225 gr FTX with 20 gr H110

2nd load was 240 Rainier with 23.5 gr H110

No pressure signs and both were accurate and mild

I put Bushnell 2-6x scopes on all my scoped handguns, including this 14" .44 Magnum.

Shoots wonderful groups at 100 yards using the standard 24.0gr of H110 and 240gr XTP bullets.

Yeah I m going to load that exact load next. I wasn't super happy with my initial FTX results. I have a red dot on mine now. Trying to decide on a scope. I was going to go with a 2x20, but I m not so sure. My red dot covers a lot of the target. So I m not sure if its a long term solution.

That 14" 44 magnum with the right load & scope will handle the animals you mention quite easily out to 150 yds or so if you are up to the task. You might think about a compact variable scope so you are covered both ways, close & long distance.
The 10 grs of Unique that Gregg mentioned worked great for me on a muley buck last fall at 64 yds with iron sights from my OM 44 flat top using a 250 gr cast HP as he walked straight towards me. Found the bullet up against his left hip bone. Your gun is far superior to mine.

Dick

Awesome!

I'm wondering what I'm going to do. The red dot I'm using has a dot way to big for accurate shooting past 50 yards. Groups are doubling ever 25 yards. It is a very large dot. Can't find the paper work on it cause it's so old, but it's at least 6 moa.

I like the red dot concept, but it's not going to allow me to take full advantage of the handgun.

I'm going to look around and see what I can find.

Does any one have any other suggestions?

Yup I have the exact same thing. I'm leaning towards a scope to take full advantage of the handgun.

Look at the Ultra Dot Match Dot, it has a 2MOA setting

Yup , looks like it could work

I am a person that had a lot of trouble with red dots at first. What I learned was if I used the right target size for the distance I was shooting I could really tighten the groups. Just a for instance, if I used a 6" dot and wanted to shoot a 100 yds I should use an 8" bull. The trigger release should be when I see an equal ring of bullseye around the red dot. I hope this helps.

Thanks, yup I know exactly what your saying. I have had this go around before with a 35 rem rifle I was setting up for a hog hunting. Ultimately I went with a low power variable.

I ordered a Bushnell Trophy 2x6x32 handgun scope to give it a try. Should be here Friday. I'm going to if some magnification will help.

Can't hurt to try it out.

If you are going to use a red dot, make sure you get one with a small MOA dot. I just put a Burris Fastfire on my Super Blackhawk for hunting around the 50 yard range. My eyes are getting that it's tough to see the front sight. The Burris has a 3 MOA det dot which is great.

Yeah my club competition pistol I m running reflex sights with the 3 moa dots. They are better, but i m still doubting their effectiveness at the max range for my set up. I going to give the bushnell a good old college try and see what happens.

Thnaks everyone

I just grabbed a 2X6 Bushnell from Ebay for $119.00. It says lifetime guarantee. I couldn't pass it up.

I did the exact same thing! Awesomeness!