Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Hard decision!! #36486 10/06/2008 4:11 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Bicholui Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Gentlemen:

I need some help!! I´m looking for a .44 magnum hunting revolver. At my local store I found four diferentes brands available and I´m not sure wich one will suit best for my purpose.

Ruger Super RedHawk 7.5”
S&W 629 6"
Ruger Super BlackHawk 6”
Taurus Raging Bull 6 ½”

Only the 629 and the RedHawk come with slots for a scope; all of them Stainless Steel. Prices ranged about the same >$100<

Question 1: What would you recommend for hunting in the bush: hog, cougar & doe, up to 50 yards?

Question 2: Which one can be most customized: rubber grips, scopes, breaks, slings....?

Good advice from you “experienced hunters” will be more than welcome.

Thanks in advance

Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36490 10/06/2008 10:55 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 49
El Che Offline
newbie
Offline
newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 49
Hi Bicholui, welcome to our forum!
The only advice I can give you is about my feeling with each gun you list at range, because in my country handgun hunting is prohibited.
I've tried all your guns (the Raging Bull only in .454 Casull) and I've had a great feeling especially with Rugers. In my opinion S&W 629 is a good gun, but I had serious difficulties to open cylinder and expel from it the cases after shooting hot and heavy loads (300 grs or more). Moreover, with heavier charges, I think S&W is much less confortable than Rugers.
About Raging Bull, the only I've tried (.454 Casull) is blown up after third round I've fired (!!!). Of corse was my piece that was defective, but since that moment I wanted no more take in my hand a Taurus revolver. Therefore about R.B. I cannot be impartial and reliable.
Consequently, my advice is: take a Ruger. Which? Which depends if you prefer single or double action. I'm a SA fan: I already own an Old Model Vaquero 5.5" in .44 Mag., and if I'd have the occasion I would take Super Blackhawk immediatly! But your Super Redhawk has 1.5" barrel more, so maybe for 50 yards shooting should be better.
This is what I think, but it's your choice.


hastalavictoriasiempre
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: El Che] #36491 10/06/2008 11:08 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Jeremy Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Bicholui, first off welcome to the site. You'll find people very friendly and more than willing to help. Going on what guns you are describing, I would take the Redhawk! As far as customizing, that is versatile for all of them, Just in all how you like em. Good luck to you!


Smith and Wesson 629 PC Magnum Hunter
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Jeremy] #36492 10/06/2008 11:49 AM
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
elkbelch Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
Welcome,
Blackhawk for me, but what ever feels the best to you.
I don't see where you could go wrong with any of the choices.

Shawn


A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.
Roosevelt 1913
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: elkbelch] #36493 10/06/2008 12:45 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
I would select the Super Blackhawk if you are sure that you will never want to scope it. If you may want to scope it, select the Super Redhawk. Both are very strong, dependable, and accurate.

Hard decision!! [Re: El Che] #36495 10/06/2008 1:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex. Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
Welcome to the form. If it was me... I would look at the Ruger!
Out of the box the SRH shoots 3" groups at 100 yards. At 25 yards it clover leafs. Just outstanding! JMHO


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36498 10/06/2008 1:20 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
 Quote:
Question 2: Which one can be most customized: rubber grips, scopes, breaks, slings....?


The grip stud of the SRH allows for many different grip styles. The factory scope slots are great, and you can remove and reattach the scope without losing zero. You won't need a brake on a 44, and none of them are ready made for one. Get a good holster, slings just get in the way on a revolver.

All that said, I'd also opt for the SBH as I like SA's for hunting. Better trigger and you can still scope it with aftermarket bases.


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: s4s4u] #36501 10/06/2008 2:52 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
super blackhawk fan, myself....KRal


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: KRal] #36502 10/06/2008 4:03 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 238
tred1956 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 238
Super Blackhawk for me. Welcome to HH.


Safe shooting
Doug


Enjoy life but, remember we are only practicing for something better.
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: tred1956] #36503 10/06/2008 4:18 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
briarhopper Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
Welcome to HH. I am a Super Blackhawk man, but it is mostly just personal preferance. I would not turn down a good deal on a Super Redhawk if it came along.
\:\)
I have to agree with El Che, I myself would pass on the Taurus.


If it were supposed to be easy, they'd have sent my little sister to do it.
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36504 10/06/2008 4:20 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704
Tigger Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704
WELCOME TO HH Bicholui!!

I would opt for the Ruger Super Redhawk, as matter of fact I have a 9 1/2" SRH and a 7 1/2" Redhawk in 44 Mag. The SRH is very easy to scope with the the iron sights still in place, and unscope as need. The SRH is a heavy gun, so even heavy loads are comfortable to shoot. The factory grip on the SRH is rubber and very comfortable to my hand. You can also get after market grips both rubber and wood.

The S&W's are excellent guns but I feel the Redhawk is stronger and the SRH's are stronger yet.

The Super Blackhawk is a very strong gun. I don't like the hog leg grip. The bisley grip does fit my hand better.

I have had plenty of trouble with taurus, lets just leave it at that.

Are the guns used at the store? Is there any way posible to shoot them and see which one you like better?


NRA Life Member



** NEVER! Moon a Werewolf!!**
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Tigger] #36508 10/06/2008 5:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 49
El Che Offline
newbie
Offline
newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 49
I've also a 9 1/2" SRH .480 Ruger: this is my only double action revolver, but is a Ruger. If I've to advice you a Ruger handgun for hunting, it would be one like my .480 SRH, but in this topic we're talking about .44 Mag. revolver, and for me the best among Rugers is SA SBH.
;\)


hastalavictoriasiempre
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: El Che] #36509 10/06/2008 6:14 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex. Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
You are getting some great advice Bicholui. The best advice I can give is to see what you can get your hands on and shoot it. I don’t have a preference to DA or SA but some do. Another factor might be if you reload or not. The nice thing about the 44 is that there is a nice amount of “practice quality ammo” that is available to the non-reloader. The 480 is a fine round but it is more expensive to shoot. You might also check with the laws in South America as well to see any stipulations on large boar hand guns.


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: briarhopper] #36512 10/06/2008 7:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222
bisleyfan44 Offline
veteran
Offline
veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222
Bicholui, welcome to the forum.
My personal choice of the 4 would be the SBH, but that's because I prefer SA revolvers. But either of the Rugers would serve you fine.


I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a handgun today.
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: bisleyfan44] #36514 10/06/2008 8:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 237
Montanan Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 237
I get voted out cuz I like the Smitty 629 6" (grin)

Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36520 10/06/2008 11:31 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
 Originally Posted By: Bicholui
Gentlemen:

I need some help!! I´m looking for a .44 magnum hunting revolver. At my local store I found four diferentes brands available and I´m not sure wich one will suit best for my purpose.

Ruger Super RedHawk 7.5”
S&W 629 6"
Ruger Super BlackHawk 6”
Taurus Raging Bull 6 ½”

Only the 629 and the RedHawk come with slots for a scope; all of them Stainless Steel. Prices ranged about the same >$100<

Question 1: What would you recommend for hunting in the bush: hog, cougar & doe, up to 50 yards?

Question 2: Which one can be most customized: rubber grips, scopes, breaks, slings....?


Welcome to the HHM forum.

Any one of these is good for hunting in the bush for hog, cougar and doe but the Super Redhawk can take stronger loads.

All can be customized, not sure which can be more customized but that would not be a factor in my choice.

The Taurus is known for having poor quality. I am not saying that the one you are looking at is a poor piece, just that they are known for producing low quality handguns. Some people have purchased them and are very happy with them but I personally would avoid the Taurus.

The Smith and Wesson is a very nice piece having a smooth trigger and action. It isn't as strong as the Super Redhawk but can shoot mostly all factory ammo except the longest and strongest of them.

The Blackhawk is a very nice single action only piece. It is lighter than the Super Redhawk but not as strong. If you prefer single action only, this would be my choice.

The Super Redhawk is double action and can be shot in single action. It is heavier and stronger than all the others above and can shoot any 44mag load. Another plus for the Super Redhawk is the scope can be removing and reattached without loosing zero. I have the Super Redhawk in 44mag Satin Stainless with the 7 1/2 in barrel and I love this gun. My second choice would be the Blackhawk and then the Smith.

Hope this helps.
Vin

Last edited by dertiedawg; 10/07/2008 1:30 AM.

Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Montanan] #36523 10/07/2008 12:25 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 454
lhunter03 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 454
Blackhawk for me to. Oh and welcome to the site.

Lars


Lars

.357 maxi, .375 win, 30-30 ackley, .450 marlin, and anything else that goes boom!!!
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Jeremy] #36531 10/07/2008 1:26 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Bicholui Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Thanks Jeremy for your warm welcome.

Do you hunt with the S&W 629 PC? How was it?

Re: Hard decision!! [Re: s4s4u] #36534 10/07/2008 1:50 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Bicholui Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Thanks for your great ideas!!

What do you mean with BETTER TRIGER? Is it adjustable?

Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36536 10/07/2008 2:03 AM
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
elkbelch Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148
The triger is not adjustable. I will not speak for someone else but I think he was saying it is just a better triger cleaner crisper, Less creep. This is usually what is ment by a better triger. I have not shot any of the ones listed but the Blackhawk so I could not say.
Good luck which ever you choose.

Shawn


A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.
Roosevelt 1913
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: elkbelch] #36538 10/07/2008 2:10 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
Yes the trigger is much smoother, cleaner, crisper and has less creep... even when fired in single action. Lui, you might want to check out some information I posted previously about purchasing a revolver. The information is very good and you should read it before going for your purchase. Here is the link. I hope it helps.
Vin
http://www.handgunhunt.com/forum/ubbthre...=true#Post33729


Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: dertiedawg] #36542 10/07/2008 3:05 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 651
larry223 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 651
welcome to the forum and i would take the ruger the redhawk
larry


tc,s 223 35rem 7-30 waters 6.5jdj 375
30/30ai 6mm/223 22lr
encores 7mm-08 308
redhawk 44mag.
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36545 10/07/2008 4:19 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Bicholui Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Gentlemen:

I must say that you made me feel really important!! Thank you very much!!

Why am I looking for a handgun for hunting? Well, I usually hunt with a Maverick 12ga. Good shotgun, great for ducks, doves, rabbits, even on others,inside the range, but for walking the bush it´s too heavy and it lacks sportsmanship for wild pigs, pumas and other medium games. Also I own a customized Colt .45, my baby! excellent for poppers bad for precision fire.

I have to be honest with you. I did not have a chance to hold any of those revolvers, I spent lest than 15´ on the shop, asked a couple of question and run away, the first time.

But today, after your incredible support, I went on a more serious visit to the gun dealer. And this guy was really pacient (good salesman) offered me a outstanding presentation of the guns. I got more in contact and I ended up wanting everyone of them. My older son said that I looked like a child in toyRus

I didn´t like the wooden hog-leg grip of the BlackHawk but it has 10 1/2" (not 7 1/2") barrel that makes me think on it has the candidate. The 629 was wider than the RedHawk but this one was definitely the heavier, both of them come with rubber grips.
The Raging Bull was the cheapest one.

Now I got a shooting test appointment on the underground shooting range of the shop this saturday morning. Will see how it end up!!

I feel excited

Thanks guys!!

Re: Hard decision!! [Re: dertiedawg] #36548 10/07/2008 4:34 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Bicholui Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Excellent Vin. More than Tips, Hard Rules! I´ll keep in mind

Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36550 10/07/2008 9:49 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 49
El Che Offline
newbie
Offline
newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 49
Me too I've a 12 gauge Maverick

http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1271&cat=500&ppuser=2676

In Italy is not easy to find!

Last edited by El Che; 10/07/2008 9:52 AM.

hastalavictoriasiempre
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: El Che] #36552 10/07/2008 11:41 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Jeremy Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Bicholui, I didnt read your post right! You said that the 629 and Redhawk come with the scope mount! I have the 629 PC with 2 tone in color, unfluted cylinder. That gun is smooth as it looks. It is sweet shooting! A big plus for the heavy weight. I am using the 629 for hunting this year and I will keep everybody posted on the shots from it! Either way any of the guns you listed are very nice, not the Taurus.


Smith and Wesson 629 PC Magnum Hunter
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Jeremy] #36855 10/13/2008 11:58 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Bicholui Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17
Gentlemen:

The test fire went allright. I never shot indoors, Whatta blast!!

Finally I took the 629, I felt more confortable with the heavy .44 recoil on this one.

Thanks all for your support

Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36866 10/14/2008 1:18 AM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex. Offline
Shootist
Offline
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
Glade to see we could help. In the end, YOU are the one that has to be happy. The Smith is a good gun!


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: TCTex.] #36890 10/14/2008 10:52 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
Jeremy Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 813
At least you got to shoot all your choices for a hands on experience! The Smith is a nice gun.


Smith and Wesson 629 PC Magnum Hunter
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: briarhopper] #36956 10/15/2008 3:13 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 51
LouisB Offline
journeyman
Offline
journeyman
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 51
If it were me I would tote the SRH home and start sending lead down range to get used to the noise and recoil.

6-7.5 grains of Bullseye behind a 250 grain cast boolit will be great practice win essentially NO recoil.


Hunt, fish, go shooting or just fritter your life away
Re: Hard decision!! [Re: Bicholui] #36979 10/15/2008 3:12 PM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
dertiedawg Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 294
 Originally Posted By: Bicholui
Gentlemen:
Finally I took the 629, I felt more confortable with the heavy .44 recoil on this one.


The Smith is a very nice gun. Good luck with it and shoot it as often as possible. Hope you take something with it this year.
Vin


Scoped Satin Stainless 7.5in Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. 50 Cal CVA Optima Black Powder Pistol

Moderated by  Chance Weldon, Gary, Gregg Richter 

Newest Members
Redhawk41, Striker243, Sxviper, RobbieD, IRONMAN
9668 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 58 guests, and 0 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3