S&W performance center 44 mag hunter

[S&W357]

S&W performance center 44 mag hunter #170318
VS
Ruger super redhawk 44 mag w/7in. barrel
I have to pick one. My kids ask my wife -what does Dad want for Christmas ? My wife said -get dad socks n t-shirts.
The kids gave me CASH. IM glad they did because i been looking at these two guns -just to shoot at the range. I donot hunt anymore but love to shoot. I wanted some input from you guys. PICK one n why.
Thanks
I was looking at the S&W 629 44 mag w/7in -I know that is a great gun but i been reading that the S&W performance is just a little bit better.

[BobR1]

I would go with a Super RedHawk, and here is why.

Grips: The Super RedHawk design allows for a lot more padding in the web of your hand. The Houge Tamer Grip is the best way to go with it's Sorbothane Smurt Blue strip down the back. With either a 629 or a RedHawk Hunter you are going to have to tolerate much worse recoil. The Hogue "Tamer" grips are available through Midway USA.

Ammunition: The Super RedHawk has a longer cylinder, so it will shoot the big stuff like my 310 grain Hammer Head load. The 310 will not fit in a 629.

Scope Rings: The Super RedHawk comes with 1" rings. With a NEW Gun you can contact Ruger and swap in the 1" rings for 30mm at no charge.

Optical Sights: I am sold on the UltraDot 30 Red Dot sight. It has a 4 MOA Dot at 100 yards. I hunt in the woods. For me the 30mm UltraDot is way easier, and faster to get on target than a scope. The only issue I have had is getting a little Bloom in the scope real late in the day. This normally shows up when it is getting late enough the deer are almost hard to see.
Ultra Dot West Home

Another option is going to the newer MatchDot II or Four Dot UltraDot Red Dot sight. They will both turn down to a 2 MOA dot size at 100 yards. They are in the New 6 Series of Red Dots. I got a new UltraDot 6 for Christmas, so I should be able to report on Bloom at a setting of 1 on 2 MOA at Dark O Clock with it shortly. I believe you will need to install a Weigand Combat Super RedHawk Base to get enough ring spacing to mount a MatchDot II. Going with the Weigand Combat Base you can use other 30mm rings that fit a Weaver Base. I would stay with a 30mm Red Dot you can see a lot more through a 30mm than a 1" tube.
Scope Mounts Weaver Style Base Weigand

Sights: The Super RedHawk has a Quick Change Front Sight. Basicly push in the plunger on the front and lift it out. I have installed the Marble Green Fiber Optic front sight on all 4 Super RedHawks I have owned for a back up sight that I can see well. Available from Midway USA.

Trigger Work: Probably not necessary. However the 629 and Super RedHawk both have spring sets available, and neither is a problem to install. If you want to polish a little you can also find a U Tube vidio showing what to polish. I have two 480 Ruger Super RedHawks at the moment. I have a spring set in one, and I have never dropped the Trigger Mechanism on the other. The trigger is fine on both. Keep in mind you will probably be shooting a Hunting Revolver Single Action for precision shots. The exception might be Hogs under foot.

Field Carry: My prefered method of Field Carry is in a "Green" Boyt Rectangular Case. I have had 4 Dee Rings installed to the Handles just above the case body to attach a shoulder strap. Wear it across your chest like a muzzleloader Possibles Bag. When stalking you can leave the end unzipped for easy access.

I have owned several 29/629's over the last 40 years. I am a S&W fan. However for a Dedicated Hunting Revolver I prefer the Ruger.

My set up at this time on my Number 1 Hunting Revolver:
480 Ruger Super RedHawk
Hogue "Tamer" Grip
Marble Green Fiber Optic Front Sight.
30mm Ruger Factory Rings.
UltraDot 30 Red Dot Sight
No Trigger Work

By the way I filled both Tags last year with an 11 Point Buck and a Full Size Doe. This year I tagged an 8 Point, and let does go by almost every day of season. We lost several to Blue Tongue this year, so I decided not to harvest any does. I am sold on Handgun Hunting with my Revolver. My 35 Bullberry Contender is starting to get dusty.

Bob

[S&W357]

Both guns have the same grips. I know not to go with wood. The barrel on both guns are 7 + in. The ruger redhawk are double action. Do you think i should go with signal action ? That would be the blackhawk

[jaymoore]

The Performance Center revolver would be my choice. Have had several PC .44s and the Super Redhawk at the same time. Shot them back to back. Swapped off the Ruger.

The Ruger is probably a better choice if you intend on shooting very heavy bullets and super hot reloads. But factory and standard 240gr reloads are just fine for hunting most critters in the US outside of Alaska.

The Ruger also has a little shorter trigger reach if you have small hands.

But if you want the most accurate and stout .44, then the Freedom Arms single action revolvers might be worth a look. (Personally, the ergomonics of the DA revolvers are preferable.)

[2hawk]

First off, you got great kids if they are opting to let you pick a gun instead of socks and underwear. Kudos to you, sir!

I am not sure what's in the PC lineup these days, but I can tell you that my PC Hunter from Lew Horton is probably the most accurate revolver I have, and seems to shoot every kind of load with great accuracy. I'd recommend that if you can find something like this, get it!

[kennyb]

for me...it would be the smith all the way

[KLYDE]

If you were going to hunt with it I would say go with the Ruger for the capability of heavy loads and bullets. I owned a SRH purchased in late 80's. Regretfully I sold it about 10 years back. Rock solid tack driver. I still have a Redhawk hunter circa 1983 in my possession.

Since you are not hunting I would say go with the Smith for the superior trigger. That PC model you have pictured may be overkill also. With long barrel and optics the gun gets HEAVY. Unless shooting from a rest, holding the sights on target become an issue. I shot my SRH much better with open sights versus scoped. For target and general use, a shorter barrel, open sights may be more pratical.

Also do you reload? That factors in also.

Good luck in your choice.

[kwselke]

Having both a 6.5" 629-3 Classic and a 7.5" Super Redhawk, I can honestly say they are both excellent revolvers.

Both have been with me for over 20 years and have been used extensively while hunting feral hogs by stalking on foot. Both have seen a lot of range work. Both have excellent single action trigger pulls. The double action trigger pull on the 629 is slightly better, but not by much.

Weight was what got me to use the the 629 more for hog hunting. While stalking on foot I also carry a Ruger MK-II .22 LR pistol, three extra magazines of ammo for it, ten extra rounds of .44, and a 5" drop point fixed blade knife. After a three hour hike the weight difference between the two revolvers is noticeable.

The extra weight is of little issue for a range gun. If you intend to use extremely heavy loads at the range, the extra weight of the Super Redhawk does noticeably reduce felt recoil.

If I could only keep one of the two, it would be the S&W 629-3. I'm not looking to get rid of the Ruger by any means.

[KLYDE]

Originally Posted by 2hawk

First off, you got great kids if they are opting to let you pick a gun instead of socks and underwear. Kudos to you, sir!

I am not sure what's in the PC lineup these days, but I can tell you that my PC Hunter from Lew Horton is probably the most accurate revolver I have, and seems to shoot every kind of load with great accuracy. I'd recommend that if you can find something like this, get it!

2HAWK, That is one beautiful revolver. If they still made them like that I too might be looking for a new gun.

[S&W357]

I read that these HP guns need 7 in. barrel to get the blast out. The 5in are to short n flames come out when fired. 6in would be good but Ruger doesnot make that in 44 mag. I just got back from hold a 7in. blackhawk n i dont like them, the barrel is to long. Im just shooting at the range -200 -240 ammo is max i will be shooting. Thats brings me to S&W.Model 629 Stealth Hunter $1,579.00 or the competitor? One of these guns has only a 7 in barrel. S&W site is down. I like -2hawk- gun....
Im easy lol.

SKU:
170323
.Model:
629
.Caliber:
.44 Magnum®
.44 S&W Special
.

SKU:
170323
.Model:
629
.Caliber:
.44 Magnum®
.44 S&W Special
.I like your gun [2hawk] Can you tell me the model n what size is that barrel ?

[Snowwolfe]

S&W hands down. Ready to use right out of the box with a great trigger and smooth action. Could care less if the Ruger might last longer with heavy loads. If (and thats a big if) you shoot the Smith loose just return it for repair on their dime. Before anyone claims I am partial to S&W's be happy to know I own about a dozen different Rugers.
Ruger is crude and stout. Smith is smooth and 95% as stout.
Before you decide take a look at the S&W Stealth Hunter.

[kennyb]

i have the stealth hunter as pictured above...i removed the lock and "plugged it" beautiful gun and it really shoots well!

[kwselke]

Originally Posted by S&W357

I read that these HP guns need 7 in. barrel to get the blast out. The 5in are to short n flames come out when fired. 6in would be good but Ruger doesnot make that in 44 mag. I just got back from hold a 7in. blackhawk n i dont like them, the barrel is to long. Im just shooting at the range -200 -240 ammo is max i will be shooting. Thats brings me to S&W.Model 629 Stealth Hunter $1,579.00 or the competitor? One of these guns has only a 7 in barrel. S&W site is down. I like -2hawk- gun....
Im easy lol.

Never heard that a .44 Mag barrel needed to be 7". My 6.5" 629 -3 Classic makes about the same amount of noise as my 7.5" Ruger .44s. I generally use copious amounts of W-296 under a 240 grain JHP. I've never seen a slow powder full power load shot from a .44 mag that did not produce a big flame. My hog hunting buddy once used his 5" .44 Redhawk on a hog while I was probably 10' to his left. My right ear was ringing badly for 48 hours after that. I'd look at 6" or 6.5" 629s and would not worry whether it was new or used or a Performance Center gun. By the way, the Blackhawk, Redhawk, and Super Redhawk all have a different balance and feel in your hands.

[bobf]

I have the Black and Silver 44 mag hunter pictured and I love it. I sold a Ruger Redhawk, not the super Redhawk, because I prefer to shoot the S&W. It got me back to regularly shooting 44 again.

If I was constantly running very heavy loads I would have kept both.

Bob

[S&W357]

I try finding the gun that 2hawk has - forgetaboutit- That gun is no were to be found. I went to my gun guy n he has this gun that he uses to hunt n shot at the range n i been looking at it for weeks. I bought it. Model 629 V-Comp 44 mag...
Gave him $1150.00 n he is going to a gun show soon n will get it for me. Let me tell you that the gun 2hawk has is --KING!!!!! If you ever want to sell it PLEASE let me know.

[KLYDE]

Good choice. Enjoy it. Fill us in on the range report when you get it.

[2hawk]

No flies on the V-Comp, that's for sure. I think you'll be very happy!

[S&W357]

Today started out that the gun store were i bought my Sig 556 classic swat wanted to know if i would sell it back to him. I know the prices when up. I took the gun, 556 to him with the 1000 rounds of 226 ammo n sold it back to him for the same price i paided. Am i nuts ?? He gave me a Ruger 44 super blackhawk that was his own gun. Its used- but MINT MINT ! He also said he will not charge me for ANY more gun transfers. What did i do with that money? I bought the S&W Model 629 V-Comp.
I also order last week -S&W 41 from gunsamerica on line. That gun came in when i was at the gun store but had a problem - When i ordered the S&W 41 from Gunsamerica it said it was the 41 from S&W performance center n it had a picture of a rail on the gun. The 41 that came in -didnot have the rail. The gun was from OAK HILL n JOHN was his name.
I called and spoke to JOHN n i was very nice. I told him what gun he shiped me n he didnot want to hear it n i ask him to take the listing number down that shows what gun i bought n he said ---'' i dont have a pen''-- not a nice guy !! I paid $1200 for this S&W 41 w/rail performance center. Am i keeping the gun YES. but will never order with OAK HILL again !!! The order # was 959123444 on gunsamerica n the store that was selling the gun was OAK HILL.

[TheMystro]

That's ****. I wouldn't keep the gun. It's not what you want or was represented. Don't let him get away with it.

[S&W357]

Im 60 years old n just dont want to fight with anyone. Yes he did me wrong n i just will not buy from OAK HILL and i will not buy from TAURUS guns also. If i keep this up i willnot have any friends. LOL
The pict im going to show you happen to me 4 years ago. It was my first big gun n my first shot. It took me 4 years to go buy a 357 n i made sure it was a good gun, i bought a S&W.

[2hawk]

Originally Posted by S&W357

Im 60 years old n just dont want to fight with anyone. Yes he did me wrong n i just will not buy from OAK HILL and i will not buy from TAURUS guns also. If i keep this up i willnot have any friends. LOL
The pict im going to show you happen to me 4 years ago. It was my first big gun n my first shot. It took me 4 years to go buy a 357 n i made sure it was a good gun, i bought a S&W.

Damn, that would've scared me off for awhile.
No luck with Taurus Customer Service, huh?

[S&W357]

Taurus gave me a new 357 gun. I sold it. That 357 was a 7 shot n i think the walls were just to thin on the wheel. Im sure if it was a 5 or 6 shot -all would of been good. But thats old history. What can i do to guns that the front site cant be removed ? I dont want to put red dot on. My eyes see the target but the front site is blurry. Putting red paint on ? Any info ?

[KLYDE]

I would surely at least report that transaction to the moderators at Gunsamerica. They could possibly intervene and correct the situation.

[S&W357]

Yes i did !!! Is funny ---because i was born n lived in the bronx untill i retired n moved to Delaware. I was a hot head -my mouth would get me in or out of trouble. Living down here for 7 years now -The people are so calm n layed back. I became one of them, i like that. I dont run my mouth anymore. BUT i do use the mighty pen !!!
I wrote to gunsamerica n to Ripoff on line -i send a email to S&W n put it up on facebook. I also sent Oak Hill a email n to my two gun stores n said something here on S&W.
When i went to ripoff -there was already a complaint about Jon Unruh-Oak Hill.
Im happy with the gun n im keeping it. Jon told me with the shipping $35 both ways. 3% repacking fee n to have a gun smith check the gun to make sure it wasnot fired- it would of been $150+.
The only thing is -that gun you cant remove the front site. I cant see that good close up.