Help needed .44 Magnum decision

[TMan]

Since my new range allows .44 Magnum, I've been toying with the idea of getting one. I realize the recoil will be a lot more than the .357 Magnum, but in a large handgun? I don't want to spend the money on a S&W 629 in case I don't like shooting the caliber.

So, I'm thinking either the Ruger Super Redhawk KSRH9 or the Taurus Raging Bull 444SS8. The thing I like about the Taurus is the porting and the grips. The Ruger, well I guess because it is a Ruger.

Any opinions or should I forget about it because of being a bit recoil sensitive?

[psustang89]

I own the 7" super redhawk in .44. It's definitely not for the faint of heart. I bought it to hunt with. The recoil is more than I expected and I haven't shot well enough with it yet to hunt with it. Hopefully in time it will come.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; Best to start by looking at S&W and Ruger and understand a little about how you will apply the use of each. The 44 magnum was once considered to be the most powerful cartridge in existance, dethroning the .357 magnum.
The Ruger is designed for the more heavier bullets, with the hotter loads, mostly for hunting applications. The S&W is designed on the N Frame, same as the model 27. With the Model 27 being designed for the use in law enforcement, using the S&W "N" frame, the S&W Model 29 / 44 Magnum, using the same "N" frame, is almost like handling the same gun chambered in a larger, more powerful cartridge.
There are many who handloads the 44 magnum to higher pressures, using heavier bullets for the S&W. The S&W has also evolved into heavier versions from it's original model 29.
One has alot to choose from when looking for a 44 magnum, whether it's single action or double action, stainless, or carbon steel.
Many were introduced to the 44 magnum through the Dirty Harry movies, where Harry actually admitted to using the 44 special in "Magnum Force".
The 44 magnum has become to revolvers what the .45 acp is to the 1911, so it should come to no surprise of the information available.
Of the revolvers I've handled in 44 magnum; The Ruger Super Blackhawk was my first and the S&W 29 was next. I love both but enjoy the double action trigger and swing out cylinder on the S&W more because it provides me with the same characteristics found it a Combat Magnum Target Revolver, with the knock down power of a mack truck.

["DoubleAction"]

While searching the internet for something else, I found this article, written by John Taffin, on the history, development, and information regarding the 44 magnum. Much of it is about the S&W but also includes information about the use of the 44 Magnum in the Ruger. Scan down on the page to read the article.

www.freepatriot.com/44magnum.php

[TMan]

Hey that was a super article DA. From your posts in the past, I have the impression that you are a strong S&W believer. In the article it was interesting that they pointed out all the problems that S&W had with this cartridge.

I don't want to spend the money on it and end up hating it. My primary concern is of course with the recoil, being I'm such a wimp.

According to ammoguide.com, the nominal muzzle energy of the .44 Mag is 970 ft-lbs. They show the nominal for the .357 Mag as 535 ft-lbs. I regularly shoot S&B .357 Mag, which has a muzzle energy of 683 ft-lbs. So from 683 to 970 doesn't seem like too big a jump.

In the the Taurus 608 the recoil from the S&B .357 Mag is barely noticeable, but that could be because of the compensator. I don't know. I'd kind of like to get the Ruger Super Redhawk, but it isn't compensated.

Yes, that 629 PC of Smith & Wesson's Performance Center is very attractive, but not until I know that I'm comfortable shooting the .44 Mag.

Ask me why I want to do this... beats me. Wish the shrink that used to live next door hadn't moved away.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; I've fired everything from the 3" up to the 61/2" barrels in the S&W. If you look in my Handgun Profiles and Gallery pages, you will find that some of my S&W 44 magnum revolvers have the standard ejector lug shroud and full lug barrels. The full lug barrels provide a liitle more weight to the muzzle end of the barrel to assist in the muzzle rise from the recoil. The extra length on the 6 1/2" S&W 629 DX , along with it's trigger, makes it one of my best shooters. Oh yea; most of the S&W 44 magnums comes with the longer hammer spur and the wide .500 target trigger, which I know you like. You do have the option of having trigger actions performed on the S&W, but you have that option on the Ruger as well.
For my own preference, I like the older model 29 S&W revolvers, having the cased hardened triggers and hammers with the hammer mounted firing pin.
I would not try to talk anyone out of the Ruger Super Redhawk unless I thought they were going to use it for mere target shooting, using standard factory loaded ammunition.
One other item of interest with the S&W, You can chamber not only the 44 magnum but you can also chamber the 44 special or the 44 Russian in the S&W.
When I first started shooting the magnums I first experienced the power in the single action Ruger Blackhawk in the .357 and the Super Blackhawk in the 44. I focused on nothing but accuracy with the Ruger and pretty much hit what I was aiming for. With the S&W I was working on controlling recoil while using the double action triggers and practicing reload with the speed loaders more than just accuracy alone. It took me a little more work to find my niche with the S&W but it hooked me on these revolvers.
Another good alternative to the recoil of the 44 magnum is the S&W Model 625/25 in 45 acp; Same size frame as the 29 and 629 but designed to handle the 45 acp. You can use moon clips with the 625 instead of the speed loaders.
Recoil ? Dirty Harry said that his Model 29, using 44 Specials, had about the same recoil as a .357 magnum wadcutter. Dirty Harry was right; MY brother and I tested it using 240 grain factory loaded specials in a 6" S&W 29 verses .357 magnum lead wadcutters in a 4" Python, both guns in carbon steel.

[TA]

TMan,

I enjoy the hell out of shooting my 629. Yeah, it does let you know you are firing a large caliber round, but I don't find it intimidating. I find it fun! They are also very accurate revolvers.

If able, I would suggest renting one and see what you think. It will be loud indoors, but you can find out the cheap way if you like it. Being that your range just started allowing that caliber, they may not have one for rent yet.

The indoor range by me rents a 4" 500 Magnum. The ammo is pretty expensive, but I will have to try it out one day. That may be closing in on my threshhold of recoil tolerance.

[Callahan]

tman said:

I regularly shoot S&B .357 Mag, which has a muzzle energy of 683 ft-lbs. So from 683 to 970 doesn't seem like too big a jump.

Famous last words! ;D

[Callahan]

ta said:

TMan,

I enjoy the hell out of shooting my 629. Yeah, it does let you know you are firing a large caliber round, but I don't find it intimidating. I find it fun! They are also very accurate revolvers.

If able, I would suggest renting one and see what you think. It will be loud indoors, but you can find out the cheap way if you like it. Being that your range just started allowing that caliber, they may not have one for rent yet.

The indoor range by me rents a 4" 500 Magnum. The ammo is pretty expensive, but I will have to try it out one day. That may be closing in on my threshhold of recoil tolerance.

I fired the S&W 500 with that barrel, which includes a muzzle brake. It is incredibly loud and has a huge amound of recoil. Makes me pine for the civility of the 300 Win Mag...

[TMan]

admin said:

...I would not try to talk anyone out of the Ruger Super Redhawk unless I thought they were going to use it for mere target shooting, using standard factory loaded ammunition.

Okay, since that was what I really was thinking about doing, why are you talking me out of it? Do you mean .44 Magnum in general or just the Ruger? Would you feel the same way about the Taurus Raging Bull?

TA, said he really enjoyed shooting the 629. That is what I'm looking for is fun to shoot, not necessarily functional. Analogy: my Honda Element is functional, but not fun to drive. my BMW Z8 is not functional, but a lot of fun to drive.

I enjoy shooting the little Bond Arms with .410 in spite of the recoil. So, I was thinking like maybe I'm missing something by not shooting .44 Mag.

DA, you are my guru, if you tell me not to buy something, I won't.

[Callahan]

Wow! Thanks so much, TMan. I had visited a place called something like home remedies.com but they did not tell me about the brace at night only and those particular stretching exercises. Figures, whenever my back gives me trouble, stretching cures it. (Tight hamstrings.)

Thanks again. I will try this out for a few days and let you know how it goes. It has been bothering me at work so much I was using ice...

[TA]

The 629 is functional and fun to shoot. Mine is a Classic with 6 1/2 ported barrel.

["DoubleAction"]

tman said:

admin said:

...I would not try to talk anyone out of the Ruger Super Redhawk unless I thought they were going to use it for mere target shooting, using standard factory loaded ammunition.

Okay, since that was what I really was thinking about doing, why are you talking me out of it? Do you mean .44 Magnum in general or just the Ruger? Would you feel the same way about the Taurus Raging Bull?

TA, said he really enjoyed shooting the 629. That is what I'm looking for is fun to shoot, not necessarily functional.

TMan; Glad your still pondering your thoughts, rather than jumping the gun on this one.
So far we have two positive votes for the S&W 629 classic with it's 6 1/2 inch barrel.
Smith & Wesson has been manufacturing the double action 44 magnum revolver for fifty years; It's fame has spred across the globe, as with many other versions in the lineup of S&W revolvers.
When I think of double action magnum revolvers, I think of S&W first. When I think of police combat revolvers, I also think of S&W. The S&W revolvers have served not only law enforcement, but military as well, for many decades.
Seems like the magnums has become the back bone of S&W since the introduction of semi-autos to many departments in law enforcement.
Ruger has been on the cutting edge of the 44 magnum since they caught wind of it during it's development in the fifties. When I was growing up the Ruger offered a good alternative to the pricey S&W, for someone looking to purchase a chambering for the famed cartridge.
S&W has always been synonymous with the 44 magnum, as they were with the .357 magnum and it's introduction to the world.
It's sometimes difficult to imagine many double action revolvers fitting into the same class of guns as a S&W; I reckon that serves reasoning to the extremes in which Colt went through in manufacturing the design of it's high polished hand fitted Python.
When I think of a gun's functional purpose, I also think of it's functional beauty. The S&W is one of those revolvers for which I've been overwhelmed on more than one occasion by it's functional beauty, and the model 29 in its chambering of the 44 magnum is such a gun.
If you choose to acquire a Taurus over a S&W, the decision will be impacted with an outcome of either satisfaction or regret. Speaking for myself, I have nothing to gain and only tears to shed from the corner of my eyes .
I'm not the only one who trusts the Smith & Wesson Steel, their foundry has forged the steel for many others, among many industries. You might feel this in the absorption of the gun's recoil with the larger 44 magnum cartridge. If you think of nothing else, think of the steel used to manufacture the gun.

[Mountaineer]

TMan, I have a Ruger Redhawk in .44Mag. with a 7 1/2" barrel, and I also have a Taurus M44 in .44Mag. with an 8 3/8" Ported barrel. They are both big heavy DA Revolvers, but the Taurus seems to have less felt recoil, and a better trigger. Both revolvers are pretty accurate. The grips that came with the Taurus are rubber but they are a little on the thin side for me. I have Pachmayr Presentation grips on the Ruger.

[TMan]

Thanks for all the input guys, and I still haven't made a decision. DA, the thought of the quality of the steel never crossed my mind. I'm not going to rush into a decision on this. I also found out that I may be spending some money later this month or early next month. My dealer called Navy Arms and said that the Schofield should be available by then. I know, no doubts, I want one of those. I think I've been driving her crazy lately since I've gotten more demanding on the type of guns on want. I like exotic cars, exotic guns, and exotic women (my wife is an import), and not necessarily in that order.

[TMan]

Well, I got tired of waiting for the Schofield, my trip to China got postponed, I was bored, my birthday was coming up, so the girls got me a S&W 629-6.

I took it to the range this morning (you didn't really think I'd wait until my birthday to open it did you?), and was quiet surprised.

Using Magtech 240 gr JSP, you could feel the recoil, but it wasn't at all punishing - very unlike the Taurus in .38 Special, which is my recoil king.

In retrospect, I'm glad that I went with the S&W. I thought if I got the less expensive gun, and then the recoil of the caliber didn't bother me, I'd be sorry I hadn't got the better gun. If I hated this thing, I could always sell it; it isn't like you have to go through a divorce to get rid of a gun.

When I bought the 627, I put the rubber grips on it, shot it, and then put the wooden grips back on it, and they remain on it. With the 629, it came with the wooden grips on it, so I didn't bother with the rubber ones. I now have 3 S&W PC guns, and I'm very pleased with the workmanship and performance. Colt who? ;D

[Callahan]

tman said:

Well, I got tired of waiting for the Schofield, my trip to China got postponed, I was bored, my birthday was coming up, so the girls got me a S&W 629-6.

I took it to the range this morning (you didn't really think I'd wait until my birthday to open it did you?), and was quiet surprised.

Using Magtech 240 gr JSP, you could feel the recoil, but it wasn't at all punishing - very unlike the Taurus in .38 Special, which is my recoil king.

In retrospect, I'm glad that I went with the S&W. I thought if I got the less expensive gun, and then the recoil of the caliber didn't bother me, I'd be sorry I hadn't got the better gun. If I hated this thing, I could always sell it; it isn't like you have to go through a divorce to get rid of a gun.

When I bought the 627, I put the rubber grips on it, shot it, and then put the wooden grips back on it, and they remain on it. With the 629, it came with the wooden grips on it, so I didn't bother with the rubber ones. I now have 3 S&W PC guns, and I'm very pleased with the workmanship and performance. Colt who? ;D

Are you "Dirty Harry" now? ;D

[TMan]

After several hundred rounds through the S&W 629, I can say that I'm glad that I listened to DA's subtle advice about S&W. The 629-6 is a fine revolver. Also, I did notice that it had more recoil than the .357 Magnum, but certainly not objectionable.

The real test was having one of my shooting buddies fire it. He used to own a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 Magnum and the recoil bothered him. He said that the S&W was much better, and he shot quite well with it too.

The only "problem" I've had is that I have to catch myself or I tend to slightly rotate my hand on the gun to get the back-strap on the meatier part of my hand below the thumb. Naturally, this slightly throws me off on my aim.

Okay, I've conquered the .44 Magnum. What is next - the .454 Casull

[5ontarget]

Since you have such fondness for S&W, why not the S&W 500, or .460 S&W?

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; S&W has offered many versions of the 44 magnum through the years, which derived from the orginal "44 Magnum" and the numbered Model 29. This is, and still remains (In my opinion) the flagship of the Smith & Wesson line up since the second half of the 20th century. Although it is difficult for me to attempt in owning every version ever made, without sacraficing other interest, other guns, and altering my needs for existance, I do like having more than one version of this great revolver. Because many versions are now discontinued, I have found it necessary to pursue certain models on the pre-owned market place ( Pre-owned but used very little or never fired ). Because you can also fire the 44 Specials in the S&W, it can also serve duty as a defensive piece as well.

My first 44 magnum was a S&W Model 29-3, blue, with a six inch barrel; I still have this gun, bought it new. It was the 4" inch barrel Colt Python that change my attitude about requiring magnums to have only six inch, or longer barrels. I still have the six inchers, but I still like the four inchers for all practical purposes; Three inch 44 magnums are surprisingly fun to shoot as well.
As difficult as it is to have only one of anything, whether it be one wife, one job, or one life, I truly find it a blessing that I can choose to have more than one 44 magnum.