Ok guys, you may be sorry I'm back...
For years I have struggled with arthritis in my right hand that has made shooting heavy loads (320s pushed 1300fps+ in 44 mag) less than pleasurable. My current gun is my old standby mod 29, 8&3/8, magnaported. Shooting it for the first time in several years a couple days ago reminded me of that...
I havent shot a SBH in many years, but just for fun today i took a friends old rusty crusty 7.5" SBH with pachmyers that he leaves at my house out today & shot it & my mod 29 side by side, alternating shots, with the same heavy ammo.
Surprisingly to me, the SBH seemed to be more pleasant on my hand...
Now I know gun feel is subjective but I need your input on whether this is common for most folks.
Also, how about the felt recoil difference between the Bisley & the standard SBH Hunter? Again, I know that's subjective, but where I live I found 1 standard hunter in a shop & no Bisleys, so I can't just go in somewhere & compare.
Thinking one of the ARs that drew me away from hunting handguns may need to go down the road to fund a new purchase!

Also, if you buy a Bisley hunter I assume they come with 1" rings, not 30mm?

I believe that most will find the recoil heavier with a 29 than either SBH Hunter. Personally, I prefer the standard SBH Hunter gripframe to the Bisley,but that is a very personal matter.
.

As mentioned above grip frame types are a personal choice. The single action Ruger will tend to roll up in your hand while the Smith tends to recoil back into your hand. I had a Bisley Hunter but sold it when I purchased my Freedom Arms Model 83. The Bisley Hunter does come standard with 1" rings. The Freedom Arms sort of has a Bisley grip angle as this helps on a single action with considerable recoil. I think you will be happy with the Bisley Hunter. Just my two cents worth.

The way I understand it the SBH had Pachmyers and that may have made a difference. I think when you compare one of the S&W Hunter Series to the Ruger Hunters that would be a more fair comparison. It may depend on your preference between DA or SA revolvers. I've owned Rugers and Smiths both and both served me well. I agree with 500WE I also prefer the SBH grip over the Bisley. Maybe you ought to look at the SRH before you make a final decision. Good luck with whatever you pick.

I'd say take that plow handle back out and shoot some more ... if you come away with the same thoughts ... buy one and dont look back.

Thanks guys...
Im thinking really hard right now about going ahead and ordering the standard hunter in 44mag today.
Also considered the standard super blackhawk in 45 colt but really like the rib and trigger guard on the hunter...

My AR platform 308 is probably going down the road for financing

I also prefer the standard SBH grip over the Bisley. If you need the 30mm rings Ruger will swap you new for new.

The 29's always seem to recoil too hard for my like. I like the Super Redhawks much better

Thanks for all the input guys!
New Super Blackhawk Hunter on the way!!!

l have a 629 SW Comp Hunter w/2x Leupold and a SBHunter w/2x Leupold.

l think l also have some 300gr Sierra 300gr JSP... Will try

and get to range w/both.. Then get back to you..

These are ''NOT'' plus P 44 magnum loads.. l don't shoot

''Ruger 0nly'' loads in my Smiths or even load them

The Model 29 fits my hand much better. However, the correct grips can make a world of difference in felt recoil. While many shooters like Pachmayers, they are not the last word for everyone. My best feeling grips on a heavy recoiling gun is a set of Hogue smooth round butt grips on a 2 1/2" Model 29.

Full size rubber grips on my RH & SRH fell much better on my hand than wood or skinny rubber grips. If they're not "thick" enough slide a Pachmyr rubber grip for full size .45s over them. Works great for me.
I even put the .45 Pachmyrs on all my XPs to take the slippery feeling away on factory or custom stocks.

Shot my 629 AND SBHunter at our monthly IHMSA silh today..

The 629 has more felt recoil than the SBHunter with the same load

The Smith has rubber Hogues... SBH are factory wood

Yes wvhitman, I hd the Hogues with the "sorebethane" insert on my SRH in 480 & it made all the difference!

sw282, that was my perception between my Magnaported mod 29 & a stock (pachmyer grips) SBH. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't "feeling" that just to justify buying a new gun. Thanks for the confirmation. It should be here tomorrow!
Now was that your comped PC 629 or a standard 629?
If so it seems I made the right choice. I was considering the PC Comped Hunter.

I say send the Super Blackhawk to Jack Huntington, no matter which frame you get, along with an outline of your hand, and have him put his custom grip frame on it for you. You'll never go back!

Super Blackhawk Hunter in 44mag arrived today! Looks nice. Need to get the 2x Burris mounted up & see what I think!


Raptottrapper, not in the bufget yet :-)

Carefully look over those rings ... make sure they dont have any burrs or high edges that could mar your new scope.

P

Vance it looks like you are back into handgun hunting again. I hope that you enjoy your new Ruger.

My dealer has a SBH in 480 aging in the display case. I have been thinking about trading my Alaskan in 480 in on it.

Bob

Yeah Bob I fear I am...
I really like the looks & feel of this SBHH. Hope to go make some noise with it tomorrow & see how it feels with my heavier loads.
The guy I sold my SRH 480 to a few yeas ago contacted me yesterday & told me he would be willing to part with it, but after the gun & scopes I just bought that's not in my near future. I may want to go with one of the 480 SBHs after I try this SBHH. I loved my SRH but I may become a SA guy...
You better get that one so you can tell me what you think!