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  #1  
Old 07-13-2009, 07:10 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Default Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?

Yesterday, we met up with some friends at the range. The son of our friend brought with him his S&W 500 with an 8" barrel and his Ruger single action stainless .44 mag with a 6" barrel.

The son shot the S&W a few times until his hands could stand no more, and then offered it to me to try. No thanks. I was busy shooting my own stuff and didn't want to mess with that thing and ruin my day.

But later, I shot the Ruger. 3 times. It was a pain to load those bullets into the little porthole, I hated the barrel rise after each shot, and it was a pain to unload the empties and leftover bullets one at a time.

So what's the point of these guns? They are uncomfortable to shoot, they're expensive to shoot, you can't carry them for defense, I wouldn't want one for home defense, they make for a lousy target day at the range, and there are better options to hunt with.

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Old 07-13-2009, 07:27 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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While I prefer a Smith the Rugers are much stronger and better suited for heavy loads especially when equipped with a Bisley type grip and make an excellent hunting gun.

On the other hand I cannot stand an un-handy handgun When the frames get over sized anything larger than an N frame, the barrels get too long and they have scopes on them I would just as soon carry a rifle.

Len
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Old 07-13-2009, 07:29 AM
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As a longtime user of single actions (and double action Smiths) it's obvious you are not comfortable with the loading and unloading. Also I've shot thousands of full-power .44s from Super Blackhawks and just "relaxing" the arm lets the gun rise naturally and without pounding your hand.

True, it's old technology but the SA provides one of the strongest, if not the strongest,
platforms for powerful cartridges. Without a speedloader, I find recharging a six-shot
Smith just as laborious as the loading of a SA, which really isn't so troublesome in either case.

When you consider that an awful lot of double action revolvers are used most of the time in single action, the difference between the guns isn't so large.

And regarding ruggedness, the double action won't take nearly the "pounding" by hard usage or heavy calibers as the SA. It is certainly one of the greatest designs for outdoor use, reliable protection and for hunting.
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Old 07-13-2009, 07:33 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Barb, Barb, Barb,,,,*TAS shakes head*
The single action is possibly one of the most graceful and elegant revolvers in history. The grip is absolutely perfect at doing what it was meant to do. As the gun rises in recoil it rolls back in the hand for the perfect placement to catch the hammer with your thumb and recock as you bring it back down and on target.

Although I'm not a huge fan of the Super Blackhawk, it is the point by which all other big bores, especially single actions, are judged. Strength, good trigger, reliability, innovative....it is king of the big bores.

How can you not love these??





You must look to and embrace the past to fully see the future young grasshopper.
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Old 07-13-2009, 07:34 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Quote:
just "relaxing" the arm lets the gun rise naturally and without pounding your hand.
Yes, it was a strange sensation. While the recoil didn't bother me, it was a slow, odd rise, as if the gun had a will of its own.

I guess I haven't yet learned an appreciation of this type of shooting.
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Old 07-13-2009, 08:52 AM
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I love the looks and the "Old West" romance of the cowboy type single actions, but I don't like how they fit my hand and it seems like it takes forever for that long hammer to fall. I used to love practicing "quick draw" with my Hawes .22 SA and its black Buscadero rig, and I eventually got quicker than "greased lightning"!
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Old 07-13-2009, 09:02 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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I shot a Ruger in metallic silhouette competition for several years, and it is well suited for that role too. You can pound thousands of rounds of heavy loads through a Ruger single action without a whimper. Fitted with a good set of hand filling stocks SA's can be very comfortable to shoot. The biggest disadvantage for competition is a slow lock time compared to an N frame S&W, and even with a lot of work, the trigger pull never equals a Smith.
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Old 07-13-2009, 09:11 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Ms.C,

Back in the 80s when shooting the steel (IHMSA) you remember the steel chickens a 50m,

the little pigs at 100m, turkeys at 150 and rams at two hundred meters...

I could down 10 rams in a row almost every time with one of those slow to load Rugers
in 44 magnum.

For the handgun hunter or woods bum it's a great tool.

As a defense tool, I can get by with what's at hand...

With all that bein' said, I like SA revolvers and I'm sportin' one as I type this;

A Colt 2nd gen. .44 Special and yes, I have sometimes used some pretty stout loads that some would consider lower end mag loads.

Barb, it's all about down range performance, heavier targets call for heavy hitters...



The big bore magnums are not for every situation and do not suit everyone needs.

Other times, it's just the ticket.

Just another passin' thought.

Su Amigo,
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  #9  
Old 07-13-2009, 09:47 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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I must say, while I may or may not ever learn to appreciate this type of shooting, I have a new respect for this type of shooters!!
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Old 07-13-2009, 09:52 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Barb:

I too began competitive shooting at IHMSA matches with those clunky 44 mags.

There's something deeply satisfying about a 200 yard coyote-size steel ram going 'clang-g-g' as it falls....

The grace and simplicity of the SA recoil must have been imprinted those decades ago matches, as none of the bottom feeder games give *me* similar contentedness. Not that I can see that well now with my geezer eyeballs.

Cowboy Action serves well as a substitute. Mild-moderate 44 and 45 loads are quite adequate for THAT game. Perhaps you need a cowgirl hat & a day with the SASS folks to get into the zone....I'd even suggest the Holy Black as additional therapy as remedy for your malady with SA.....
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  #11  
Old 07-13-2009, 10:23 AM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Default Hi Barb

I have both a big Ruger and a wonderful S&W Model 29, the Classic Hunter with full underlug barrel and unfluted cylinder. The difference in handling is amazing with the Smith soaking up recoil and making follow up shots easy.
The Ruger kicks way up and makes it impossible to get a quick follow up shot. But they both get me out to the range, and that is never a bad thing.

Pete
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Old 07-13-2009, 11:00 AM
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The Ruger 44 was the only other handgun in that caliber at a time when everybody was looking for a 29-2 w/6 1/2 inch barrel. It was also the only handgun strong enough to use for wildcat development such as the 500 Linebaugh. I remember reading about a gun mag guy shooting the Linebaugh who said his wrist was red from the recoil.

As for it being difficult to load, it's no different than any other single action.

I've had several. I wish I'd kept them.

One I had customized by Trapper Guns w/the barrel shortened to just ahead of the warning. Then had my initials engraved in the frame. Then I traded it. I want it back.
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Old 07-13-2009, 12:38 PM
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Thumbs up Single actions

For general target shooting and messing around I prefer a DA.For hunting and working up loads a SA is the only way to go IMHO.I also like traditional grips over aftermarket.

samIam
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Old 07-13-2009, 12:46 PM
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Somebody say Ruger?




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Old 07-13-2009, 01:13 PM
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Gizamo,

I see your Blackhawk is one of those ****** old three-screws. I'll give you $50 for it.
It's my way of seeing that people don't hurt themselves with those "five"-shooters.
You deserve an updated New Model.
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Old 07-13-2009, 01:28 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Yeah, on my short list of firearms I should have kept is a Old Model Ruger in 45 Colt with a factory brass trigger guard. It came with box, papers and original receipt. I honestly bought it for the reloading supplies that came with it. Found out after I sold the pistol the brass trigger guard was only offered for about a years and a half. I did get what for then was a premium price for it, $200 in the early 80's was a lot when you could find Standard Model Blackhawks for < $140 easily.
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Old 07-13-2009, 01:29 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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I have never shot one but I think it boils doen to learning how to shoot it, kind of like shooting a semi for the first time after shooting revolvers forever, or visa versa it's just something to get used to
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Old 07-13-2009, 01:53 PM
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I think it's a double edged sword in a way Barb?
Every little boy growing up in the 40's, 50's and 60's could no more go without dreaming of an 1873 SAA, than go without dreaming of girls when a bit older. A dozen cowboy TV shows or movies of the era permanently installed it into the male DNA. Some may have even had relatives extant that used them? That's one edge of the sword. The other is, the Ruger Super Blackhawk has always been built like a bank vault and is rated for testing thermonuclear weapons in. Put the two items together in one package and it's impossible to resist for the male of the species! I've owned the SRSBH for nearly 40 years now and have used it to test every load out of, before risking a 29-2 on them. The SRSBH also has harvested a pooper load of hawg, deer and even a bear or two. Before I cross the river Styx I hope to own a SAA or clone in .44 Special. The SRSBH is a useful strong tool, that has just enough of yesteryears appeal to assure it's survival. FWIW: Everything I said above applies in spades to the lever action rifles and carbines as well!
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Old 07-13-2009, 02:14 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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To me the best way to carry a big SA concealed is to stick it inside my pants and open the loading gate so it won't fall through. A lot experts reccomend a revolver with a heavy cast SWC for dangerous animals and to me nothing is more dangerous than a 200 lb. gangbanger hopped up on something. My wife says I don't know much but I think a .44 SA is a good defense or offense gun. As for repeat shots (double tap or triple tap), a .44 mag. will triple tap with one shot. Larry
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Old 07-13-2009, 02:55 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Although for me a Ruger Super Blackhawk certainly doesn't carry as easily as a Model 29, and I can't draw and fire it as fast (some folks can), for hunting it as least as good a gun, perhaps better. I can shoot just as well SA with a 4.625" SB as I can with a 4" M29, and I can use loads in the Ruger that I would rather not use in the S&W. They (300gr Federal load & 250gr Partition loaded by Winchester) are probably perfectly safe in the 29, but they are not all that comfortable.

Of course, if you don't hunt (or shoot metal silhouettes), it just comes down to one more toy to play with. I'll drink to that.
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Old 07-13-2009, 03:10 PM
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I don't have a Super Blackhawk but I have two "Old Model" Blackhawks in .357 Magnum and a "New Model" in .41 Magnum. One of the .357s has been around since the 1970s. I used it for everything for a few years then, including home defense, NRA Hunter's Pistol Silhouette, and hunting. It is still one of the easiest carrying woods guns I have ever hauled around on a trout stream, or in the deer woods. I didn't have much in the way of good leather for it either, it rode in a beat up "throw in" Hunter holster.

I shoot mostly double action Smiths now so it takes me a little while to get used to the Rugers again. They still shoot well for me after refamiliarization and are very tough guns.

If you shoot them more, with lighter loads you might find yourself appreciating them more.
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Old 07-13-2009, 03:22 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Some (many?) feel that the recoil of some of the heavier hitting handgun cartridges is more manageable in a SA revolver owing to grip shape and other ergonomic factors. In the case of the Ruger, this is combined with an ability to handle heavier loads than a S&W DA and a relatively approachable price point to make for an attractive blue collar handgun hunting proposition. One can probably get into one of the SA Rugers for about half of what a S&W X frame will cost, and N frames have gone up quite a bit in price as well. They seem a bit more refined than some of the tank like DA Ruger offerings.

Garrett cartridge company is one of several niche makers turning out "big game" .44 mag ammo. Combined with a Ruger SA, it might be reassuring to have where big bears, man eating mega hogs or Sasquatch roams.

The .44 mag isn't particularly expensive to shoot depending on what one feeds it. Walmart sells basic "practice" 240 gr JSP ammo for 30 some bucks a box - the price seems to vary a bit regionally. That's only just over what I pay per box for "practice" Rem/UMC .357 Sig JHP and only perhapse 7 dollars more than what .357 mag ammo goes for these days. One can of course also use .44 specials or simply reload from mild to hot.

While one wouldn't be my first choice for a defensive gun, I'm sure that they'd work in a pinch if that was what someone was used to using for their working gun. Some people do use .44 mags as carry guns, albeit usually DA revolvers - Flopshank is carrying a 5" 629 at times if I remember right, and I sometimes carry a 4" 629 as a "Chuck Taylor BUG". There's ammunition to be had from Corbon and Speer (Gold Dot) designed (or at least eminently suitable for) personal defense. The presumed advantage - aside from a potential dual use against dangerous animals - is that in gelatin the better .44 mag offerings are doing damage more severe than some 5.56mm offerings. Against game, the hard and flat pointed bullets offered by Garrett and others deliver deep penetration to drop big furry things.
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Old 07-13-2009, 03:26 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Barb,

My first .44 Magnum was an old model Ruger Super Blackhawk. I handloaded REALLY stiff loads, and the gun digested them no sweat. The gun is built like bank vault. With respect to recoil, the single action grip is designed to rotate in your hand when fired, taking the bite out of recoil. I really liked the .44 Mag, and my next one in that caliber was a 4" Model 29. WHOA, Nellie! That gun transferred the recoil directly into my hand, through my wrist, forearm, and even up to my shoulder. I had difficulty even opening a door with that hand for a week. I fired a boxfull through the 29, and then promptly sold it. Now I know to tone down .44 Mag reloads for the 29, especially with shorter barrel lengths. But I still happily shoot full loads in the Ruger, and consider it ideal for hunting or long-range iron targets. If you've ever seen a master like Thell Reed handle a SA, you wouldn't say it was all that slow to reload, either. SAs are beautiful, traditional, strong and practical. Always were, always will be.
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Old 07-13-2009, 03:36 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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I only bring it up on this thread because it may help to give Barb some more insight re: the plowhandle grip frame:

I've been told by a couple of extremely knowledgeable collectors that the reason for the SAA's shape goes all the way back to the days of the original Pattersons. That shape was decided upon because Colt's designers were aware that their revolvers were going to be fired while on horseback quite a lot.

The issue arose about how to manage recoil while firing one-handed, as the shooter would still have to hold onto the horse's reins in their off-hand while the pistol was being fired.
The grip design was supposed to facilitate the pistol to roll upward in the hand during recoil, thus making it more manageable to keep control of the pistol with only one hand available to do so. This design concept, obviously, continued through the evolution of the single action revolver.

Barb, I do agree about the egonomics in relation to the DA revolver.
At one time, I had both a Super Redhawk and a Vaquero simultaneously, both in .44 mag.
In recoil, the Super Redhawk wasn't beastly at all but with the same ammo, the Vaquero comparatively felt like a bomb going off in one's hand.

As to the above history, it was told to me by a couple of very savvy fellas but please feel free to call BS if something from another, more definitive source should contradict its validity.
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Old 07-13-2009, 03:39 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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Barb...

I must say, that in this case you may have been a bit...let us say jaded, for lack of a better word.

Clearly, the firearm that was tried didn't fit your hand very well and was definitely not what you were used to handling and shooting.

However, a touch of "Barb-ism" applied somewhat sparingly to such a firearm would equal a much different experience than what you experienced.

First of all, Herrett Stocks has some limited offerings for the Ruger and Colt such the Single Action Trooper and the Roper- both extend below the grip frame of the gun, and also fill in the part between the back of the triggerguard and the grip frame. This would make for much more comfortable shooting and make the grip wider and easier recoiling. Just draw a tracing and send it in with the order of your grips!

Another thing that has got to go is that little tiny ejector rod- give it a bull's eye ejector! Much faster reloading that way. I personally can't use factory Ruger sights- replace them with anything such as a bead, fiber optic, red ramp etc.!

The grips, I'd say was probably the stickiest point of your experience.

Another option is the Bisley model grip frame, which is my personal favorite. Or get a gunsmith to fit an "Army" grip frame, which is longer and contoured differently than that of an Colt SAA, Ruger or Spaghetti clone.

Find yourself a Ruger Bisley in .22LR (if you can find one) and have the throat cut correctly, and you'd have a great introduction to the single action field and a great plinker.

Herrett Stocks:
Gun stocks available

Ruger Bisleys (rimfires now discontinued though):
http://www****ger-firearms.com/Firear...l=447&return=Y
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Old 07-13-2009, 03:45 PM
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I'm not sure that guns, particularly handguns, HAVE to make sense. SAs became "obsolete" around 1898 and definitely so in 1911. But an old 1st gen. SAA was my first centerfire gun back when I had to lie about my age, and I still have it.

Even after being debunked the SA is still a pretty good tool and a damn sight more esthetic than a Glock--or an X frame. Many years ago I shortened a Flattop to 4 5/8" for the griz I expected to run into some day. We never met, and I haven't fired a full .44 load in it in 20 years. Don't want to, either.

In round numbers I probably have more SAs than anything else these days, with a .45 Convertible being one of my best shooters. On days when I'm feeling really retro the percussion Old Army comes out.

Logic ain't got nuthing to do with it.
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Old 07-13-2009, 04:16 PM
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I agree with you.

The first handgun I purchased was a Ruger Superblackhawk. That was some 44 years ago. Handsome as it was, it was not for me, for the reasons you describe. A S&W Model 58 better met my needs.

Later in life I fell into another Superblackhawk. Thinking I might have misjudged my first one due to inexperience, I gave the second one a fair shake before getting rid of it.

I know there are those that love single actions and enjoy them. More power to them. They are just not everyones cup of tea.
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Old 07-13-2009, 06:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by walnutred View Post
Yeah, on my short list of firearms I should have kept is a Old Model Ruger in 45 Colt with a factory brass trigger guard. It came with box, papers and original receipt. I honestly bought it for the reloading supplies that came with it. Found out after I sold the pistol the brass trigger guard was only offered for about a years and a half. I did get what for then was a premium price for it, $200 in the early 80's was a lot when you could find Standard Model Blackhawks for < $140 easily.
Look like this? This one is a .45LC with a .45ACP cylinder....



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Old 07-13-2009, 06:37 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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My first .44 Magnum was a 7-1/2" Stainless Super Blackhawk. I used it mainly for hunting. The extra time it took to load (vs. a double-action revolver) didn't bother me. I could shoot it accurately enough with the factory sights. But, it just never felt as good in my hand as the other revolver I had cut my teeth on...a GP-100.

I still have the GP-100. The SBH is long gone. They are a great gun, no doubt, just wasn't for me.
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Old 07-13-2009, 06:59 PM
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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No accounting for taste. I'd rather have a .44 Blackhawk than any other .44 Magnum. I don't need to shoot any revolver fast, I have a 1911 for that. If I am shooting a revolver I want to enjoy each shot and I want an accurate gun, the Ruger does all that.
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Old 07-13-2009, 07:41 PM
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I found the Super Blackhawk to point astonishingly well in attempts to shoot man silhouette targets by just aiming casually at the vital zones at reasonable combat ranges.

It also handles recoil well.

However, I'd normally choose a more modern design for defense.

Skeeter Skelton made the good point that a M-29, etc. can't be used effectively in DA fire, anyway. (With full loads.) He saw the .44 Magnum as being just a hunting gun. Went back to the .44 Special for general use, or the .357.

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Old 07-13-2009, 08:07 PM
Joni_Lynn Joni_Lynn is offline
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Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point? Ruger Single Action .44 Magnum - what's the point?  
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I have a few revolvers in 44 mag and some in 44 special, both sngle and double action. They each have their good points and I enjoy them whenever they go to the range with me. The few times I hunted with them they've worked quite well.
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Old 07-14-2009, 06:22 AM
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Quote:
the plowhandle grip frame
Quote:
The grips, I'd say was probably the stickiest point of your experience.
That might have been the issue. The large grips and long barrel did not balance the gun well for me. The recoil wasn't bad; I just didn't feel like I had good post-shot control and fast target re-acquisition.

It must be one of those things that takes some practice because it's totally different from the "regular" designs and ergonomics I tend to stick to.

I'd hate to become a convert. Those bullets are expensive.
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