Revolvers in 44 Mag, looking for an education

[Rip Van Winkle]

There's a possibility I may have some extra money at the end of the month and I have an itch to buy a revolver in 44 Mag. I've always loved the lines of the S&W Model 29 ever since Clint Eastwood made it famous in the Dirty Harry movies.

While I know my way around 1911's I'm not sure what to look for when looking at a used revolver. I've heard the M29's can get loose after shooting full power loads but other than that I know little about them.

What are some of the things you look for when looking at a used revolver? Also, how do the Ruger Redhawks and various Taurus models stack up versus a S&W? What are their weak points to look out for?

[slo squeezin]

If you want to shoot a 629, stop by the range on Tuesday morning with the geezer group ( with notice ) and you can fire mine. I've got some loads at 65%, 80% and 90+% of factory velocity to see if you like. Can't say much about the Taurus, don't hear much good news about the brand. Never owned a Redhawk either, too ugly. But Rugers are typically built to survive the apocalypse so function is probably more important than good looks. Have owned two Super Blackhawks for over 35 years between the two. Unless you put a double charge of a quick burning powder in them, they will take a licking and keep on ticking. My buddy blew one up but that took some effort and a considerable quantity of beer.
I believe there is some truth to the idea you can make a 629 shake itself loose; I suspect that applies to all N frames. The single action frame of Ruger is pretty thick. Not very many parts either. The only thing that convinced me to get the Smith is double action and I can't shoot like Harry could. If you want durability and plan to shoot lots of factory loads, go with the Ruger Super Blackhawk. The Redhawk should be able to take the beating too; maybe someone here who owns one can speak up. If you want pretty and will load down to enjoy more than abuse the gun, go with the Smith.
There is a lot to like about the 44Mag and massive quantities of H-110; it will make a believer out of you. And no one will mistake a stainless 44 Ruger or Smith for a nickle plated sissy pistol either.
Of course, YMMV.

[goalie]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430

This should help immensely.

[goalie]

Oh, and when I had the same itch you are about to scratch about 10-15 years ago, I ended up with a SuperBlackhawk. I am happy with that decision all these years later, as it shoots well with "stout" hunting loads as well as accurately with mellow "powder-puff" loads.

YMMV

[slo squeezin]

Good thread, goalie; thanks, it quantifies a lot of specifics. Almost all new guns can benefit from a bit of tweaking. Decades ago, there used to be an outfit called Scorpion ( I think ) that made aftermarket spring kits for almost every hand gun out there. The springs were a bit softer than lawyer required and seemed to help with trigger pull. But there is no substitute for a good gunsmith putting a little lap on the right surfaces and correct springs to change the character of a gun.
One of my Super Blackhawks had a 2# pull. I warned people before allowing anyone to try it. No excuse for jerking the trigger.
Goalie, you didn't mention if you use lead bullets. For wheel guns I also recommend fire lapping if you plan to use cast bullets. Messy but its a one time investment that saves every time you clean the gun.

[rugersol]

go with the Ruger Super Blackhawk.

I ended up with a SuperBlackhawk. I am happy with that decision all these years later

Sound advice!

[gunforhire]

go with the Ruger Super Blackhawk.

I ended up with a SuperBlackhawk. I am happy with that decision all these years later

Sound advice!

I shot my super blackhawk in 4-5/8" bbl this weekend for the first time along with a mess of different guns. I am so glad I picked it up. my buddy has a model 29 stainless that I used to like shooting till I got this one. you won't be disappointed

[goalie]

Good thread, goalie; thanks, it quantifies a lot of specifics. Almost all new guns can benefit from a bit of tweaking. Decades ago, there used to be an outfit called Scorpion ( I think ) that made aftermarket spring kits for almost every hand gun out there. The springs were a bit softer than lawyer required and seemed to help with trigger pull. But there is no substitute for a good gunsmith putting a little lap on the right surfaces and correct springs to change the character of a gun.
One of my Super Blackhawks had a 2# pull. I warned people before allowing anyone to try it. No excuse for jerking the trigger.
Goalie, you didn't mention if you use lead bullets. For wheel guns I also recommend fire lapping if you plan to use cast bullets. Messy but its a one time investment that saves every time you clean the gun.

I have shot cast out of it, but mainly shoot jacketed bullets. XTPs mostly for hunting, cheapie jacketed for practice. I do not shoot more than 500 rounds a year of 44mag, and the last few years am usually south of 250 rounds, so it isn't too expensive. It takes a good amount of time to actually practice with a single-action, gate-loading wheel-gun. I like that.

[Rip Van Winkle]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430

This should help immensely.

Thanks for the link, lots of good useful information there.

go with the Ruger Super Blackhawk

Sorry, I just don't like single action revolvers, I already feel like I'm stepping backwards 100 years in technology with a modern revolver.

And no one will mistake a stainless 44 Ruger or Smith for a nickle plated sissy pistol either

Them's fight'n words buck'o.

[OldmanFCSA]

I used a Ruger Super Blackhawk 10.5" barrel for IHMSA competition, and did well with it. 35's to 40's were common.
I used a NEI 310 grain cast bullet loading that was good for 1440FPS using a healthy charge of WIN296.
The cast bullets with lube grooves allowed for this velocity, something that should not be attempted with copper jacketed bullets such as the Hornady 300 XTP or the Sierra 300 SP bullets, that I used for hunting deer and bear.
My trigger was adjusted for 1.5# - very light and too crisp for a hunting revolver.
I no longer have it - ex-wife stole it before judgement was finalized.
Besides, my eyes aren't up to it any more. Getting old sucks.
(At one time I had 7 Ruger Super Blackhawks, now just 1 in 7.5" barrel config.)

[Snowgun]

What are their weak points to look out for?

The only thing I know about a 44 revo is to keep your finger clear of the side of the cylinder gap. Emulating a good 1911 grip on a 44 revo and getting the weak hand thumb too close will cause pain and numbness, especially in a used/older revolver with a bigger gap.

[slo squeezin]

Don't be bad mouthing 100 year old technology, Rip. Please recall the 1911 is now 100 years old and there ain't nuthin wrong with it. Seems to me even you are kind of partial to that 100 year "old" technology, eh? Double action is different but still a wheel gun. A double action pull is never going to remind you of your Colt.
If you want to try a 629, let me know. Either on Tues AM or after our field day this Saturday if that works for you.

[Eric Marleau]

I have a 29-2 in 4" barrel that shoots great.
I reload light for target shooting, and only use my heavy reloads for hunting.

I also have a Ruger Super Blackhawk that is one fine shooter, and very accurate at 50 yards.

I would stay far away from the Taurus .44mags.
I have shot several, and the recoil goes straight to the heal of your hand, which hurts like heck.
One of my shooters a couple of weeks ago was shooting his, and the only way for him to shoot it was to wear a very heavy shooting glove.

Hope this helps.

Eric

[dleong]

Sorry, I just don't like single action revolvers, I already feel like I'm stepping backwards 100 years in technology with a modern revolver.

You might be stepping backwards a century in technology, but you're losing absolutely nothing in accuracy, and gaining much in simplicity, ease of maintenance, and just plain fun!

[Rip Van Winkle]

Don't be bad mouthing 100 year old technology, Rip. Please recall the 1911 is now 100 years old and there ain't nuthin wrong with it. Seems to me even you are kind of partial to that 100 year "old" technology, eh? Double action is different but still a wheel gun. A double action pull is never going to remind you of your Colt.
If you want to try a 629, let me know. Either on Tues AM or after our field day this Saturday if that works for you.

I understand the history and pedigree of the 1911.

It goes something like this:

This 100 year old technology


Replaced this 125 year old technology


Which in turn replaced this 150 year old technology


which of course replaced....


I know I missed a few steps in there but to be honest I have little interest in coal burning firearms.