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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #51  
Old 09-21-2018, 08:56 AM
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one eye joe beat me to it. that's what I was going to say in the North country it would be a Super Redhawk in the lower 48 it would be a S&W 629
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Old 09-21-2018, 09:30 AM
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I have two .44 Magnums:

1. Ruger Redhawk 4" barrel. Great for heavy duty shooting, or if Cantral Texas gets over run with Grizzly bears.

2. For the "gots to have" category, early S&W 6 1/2" M29-2. The Dirty Harry gun.
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Old 09-21-2018, 09:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rogerwnuss View Post
A friend recently bought three from an estate auction, for cheap. Has less than 2K in all three. One was a 70s gun, one a 60s, and one was pre- 29, first year production. They were beautiful. The look and feel can't be duplicated today. I guess my point is, if it were I, I'd be looking for an older- at least prelock- 29. A good used "quality" firearm isn't inferior to a new gun. It ain't like buying a used toothbrush.....:-)
I run into this syndrome every day and not just on S&W. There
are so many guns on the market that "ain't what they use to be"
I don't know how they sell them. A major number of handguns
and rifles owned by hunters and casual shooters have low round
counts. A lot of 29-2s bought during Dirty Harry craze haven't had 2 boxes through them. Deer rifles are like this too. Hunters
don't shoot hundreds of rounds. When you look at the value of
the dollar 40yrs ago these guns are a good deal. Still some people will run out and buy a new one. They say they want to
know what they are getting. These are same guys that buy used
cars. Anymore I just save my breathe.
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Old 09-21-2018, 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Lou_NC View Post
If I could buy only one, it would certainly be the 5 inch classic with the heavy under lug. The first 44 mag I shot was a Dan Wesson with an 8 inch full under lug barrel, and it was lively enough for me! I think the 5 in is the best overall compromise regarding recoil control, carry-ability, and sight radius. If you even THINK you want a 4 inch, light barrel 44 Mag, by all means borrow one before you buy!
Hey, do you want try my 329 Night Guard? I have some 240 LSWC’s over a compressed charge of 4227
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Old 09-21-2018, 02:35 PM
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I WAS BROWSING THROUGH YOUTUBE, AND I STUMBLED UPON HICKOCK 45'S VIDEO ON "THE DIRTY HARRY SPECIAL". THIS OL' GEEZER IS VERY KNOWLEDGABLE, AND HE CAN SHOOT ! ! !


IN THE VIDEO HE DISPLAYS A BEAUTIFUL M29-2, WITH A 6 1/2" BARREL, THAT HAS TT,TH,RR,WO FEATURES. ITS THE EXACT VERSION THAT CLINT EASTWARD CARRIED IN THE DRTY HARRY MOVIES......

DESPITE THE FACT THAT I FAVOR STAINLESS REVOLVERS FOR THEIR WEAR AND WEATHER RESISTANT FINISH, AND THE FACT THAT I ALREADY HAVE SEVERAL M629s---I TOO WOULD HAVE PURCHASED IT, ON THE SPOT ! ! !

I DID NOT POST A LINK TO IT HERE, BECAUSE THE WARNING ABOUT GOING TO AN OUTSIDE WEBSITE MIGHT DETER POTENTIAL VIEWERS. THE VIDEO CAN BE EASILY ACCESSED BY A SIMPLE SEARCH ON YOUTUBE....

THIS VERSION OF THE S&W .44 MAGNUM, MAY WELL BECOME A "GRAIL GUN" FOR SOME OF OUR FORUM MEMBERS......
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Old 09-21-2018, 02:42 PM
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I thought his blue one was 8 3/8"?
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Old 09-21-2018, 05:46 PM
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Quote:
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I thought his blue one was 8 3/8"?
Nope, 6 1/2".
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Old 09-21-2018, 06:45 PM
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I have found it easy to find slightly used 44 magnum revolvers for sale at good prices. People who don’t have much experience bought them and didn’t learn how to shoot them and then decided to get rid of them. Here are a couple that I found and bought for well under a grand and they have worked out great for me.
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Old 09-21-2018, 06:54 PM
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If it's just for fun how about something like this?
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Old 09-21-2018, 06:55 PM
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For my uses, which are backpacking and CCW, I prefer the 629 MG/Revolver and 3” 629. I tried the 329PD, but its vicious recoil and various durability issues convinced me to send it down the road.
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Old 09-21-2018, 07:07 PM
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I do it Ridgewalker's way.You get good bargains that way.As for OP,since I already have a Super Blackhawk(7 1/2''),a 629(8 3/8)and a Dan Wesson(6''),I guess my next one is going to be a 5'' 629.
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Old 09-21-2018, 07:12 PM
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You asked the wrong person the wrong question. "All of them" from 3" to 10-5/8" barrels, 7 have full lug barrels and unfluted cylinders, 2 are M29 with half-lug barrels and fluted cylinders. Favorite is 5" full lug barrel with unfluted cylinder, M629. None of the 44 mags have a lock.
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Old 09-21-2018, 08:00 PM
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There are some real beauties posted here and there is no doubt that the 629 is the King of the hill all around.

Personally I hate to clean firearms. Most of mine get used and are NOT beautiful polished up safe queens. Making a choice on barrel length is always going to be an issue if you are limited to only one. And maybe it is just a personal thing, but for some reason I just can't stand that ugly hole in the side of some revolvers.

It took me a few years, but below is my solution.

From the top: 9.5", 7.5", 5.5", 4", 2.75"

Does anyone else tell their wife "I only have one big shiny gun, but it has extra barrels that are different sizes"?

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Old 09-21-2018, 08:26 PM
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Nice collection of Rugers.I do think you need the Alaskan-The Real King of Rugers!!
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Old 09-21-2018, 08:29 PM
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While the 6” 29-2 was Dirty Harry’s gun, the 8 &3/8’s did make appearances in both certain scenes and promotional material where they wanted the “affect” of the extra-long tube. Think point of view, face to muzzle.
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Old 09-21-2018, 08:42 PM
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8 & 3/8’s is a lot of barrel. My Sort-of-Step-father in law has one that I hope to one day possess. It’s a sick piece. In the box. But, it’s a specialized thing. I would never consider it a ‘hunter’, and even just an occasional ‘strutting shooter’ at that. It’s a bragging gun. And can deliver on that at a range or backyard fiasco. Working Gun is something entirely different than that.
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Old 09-21-2018, 09:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steelslaver View Post
If I was going to carry it a lot hunting, fishing camping hiking etc. A mdl
69.

If for just hunting, some target shooting or steel shooting, I would go with a 6" 629.

I would not get a 329. Just to light a package for full house 44 mags.

It would be a S&W. Some others make decent guns, but why not go with the best?


The only thing modern that comes close or rivals a S&W quality-wise is a Dan Wesson... But for the OP's requirement of $1Grand... no, probably isn't going to happen. That said, I'd choose a Smith .44Mag 6 times out of 7 and a barrel of 2.5" to 3" is my carry and woods gun barrel of choice. YMMV... If I have the choice of NO-LOCK or not, it's a No-Lock. But my M629-8 Deluxe with the Original Precision Lock-Delete has been great, good trigger, nice timing, tight lock-up, and has taken everything 300grain I've thrown at it. S&W still makes a nice product in .44Mag/Special and for well under 1K.
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Old 09-21-2018, 10:39 PM
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My first .44 Magnum was a Ruger Super Blackhawk. Even with "rubber" grips, it was painful to shoot. I sold it back to the friend I bought it from.

My second was and still is a 629-5 Classic DX, 6.5 inch. It is everything one would want in a .44 magnum. My third was a 29-4, 3 inch. It is a handful but, has its place.

My fourth is a 629-5, 4 inch and as Goldie Locks said, "its just right!" If I could only have one, this one would get the nod.

I was able to acquire a Ruger Redhawk, 7.5 inch in a "group" acquisition. Since I had more than my fair share, I was able to gift this handgun to a very good friend of mine. I have shot this revolver and it is worthy of consideration.

Select the one you like but, buy once, cry once and never look back.
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:57 PM
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Quote:
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The new Marlins do look pretty nice, and are on my short list as well.

However, for a revolver S&W still makes the highest quality product in thebmarket in my opinion. I have a 629-6 5” that’s just about as perfect as can be. It, along with my 620, have the best factory double action triggers I have used. That is in reference to my personal collection that includes several S&W’s from the 1950’s through the 70’s.
I just got a Henry octagonal barrel 44 Magnum with a color case hardened receiver. Beautiful and smooth as butter to operate.

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Old 09-21-2018, 11:59 PM
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OK, you are going today to buy a new (with lock) .44 Magnum. Any brand is up for consideration, price Under $1K ?
I have an old 629 4" that has been double Magnaported. An absolute dream to shoot. It's not for sale at any price.

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Old 09-22-2018, 12:12 AM
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I will be of no help at all because in my mind there's no such thing as having too many 44 Magnums.

That said, I want three more.

1) A 4" Model 29-10
2) A 4.25" Model 69
3) A 6-1/2" Ruger SRH
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Old 09-22-2018, 12:56 AM
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I will be of no help at all because in my mind there's no such thing as having too many 44 Magnums.

That said, I want three more.

1) A 4" Model 29-10
2) A 4.25" Model 69
3) A 6-1/2" Ruger SRH
Not positive, but I don't believe the Super Redhawk was ever built with 6.5 inches.
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Old 09-22-2018, 08:04 AM
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Not positive, but I don't believe the Super Redhawk was ever built with 6.5 inches.
Ruger made a batch of them in 6.5". I think it may have been a limited run, but they are out there. I had an opportunity to buy one last year, but I was too invested money wise into another gun project at the time...we all know how that goes!
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Old 09-23-2018, 03:02 PM
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FWIW, I've had two 629's, one Anaconda and one Dan Wesson. I only kept the DW. To me me it's a much more rugged gun than the S&W's and Colt. (Don't know about Rugers) The fit and finish was as good as the Smiths but the trigger, while very good, was not as nice as the Smiths. Plus it's nice to be able to change barrels.
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Old 09-24-2018, 12:38 PM
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FWIW, I've had two 629's, one Anaconda and one Dan Wesson. I only kept the DW. To me me it's a much more rugged gun than the S&W's and Colt. (Don't know about Rugers) The fit and finish was as good as the Smiths but the trigger, while very good, was not as nice as the Smiths. Plus it's nice to be able to change barrels.
I have to agree with your assessment, although I don't own a Dan Wesson in 44 Mag. I do, however, have one in 357 Mag and it is stout accurate and versatile.

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Old 10-12-2018, 10:03 AM
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Well, depends on the end use.

My mix right now is a 629-4 MG, a 7.5” RH and a 7.5” SRH in 480 Ruger.

My brother just bought a Mod 69 and I have a criticism of it. Been shooting it some and find it hits quite hard in the lower part of the strong hand lower side of the wrist.

Using my MG as a reference point the 69 is easier on the web (meat between your thumb and index finger junction) but really hard on the lower side of the wrist joint and lower side of the forearm.

My brother bought three boxes of the Buffalo Bore 270 gr. JSP’s. He shot a full cylinder full (5) and could not easily eject them. He brought me the gun and I popped them right out but not in a way I would recommend for regular practice (determined hits with my palm). I suggested he shelve those loads and send the revolver home with me for a few days.

My MG weighs about 39 oz. the 69 4” is advertised at ball park 37 oz. so the weights are very similar. The barrel length is virtually identical 4 vs. 4.2”.

The balance is different. The MG is frame heavy while the 69 is heavier in the barrel.

That leaves the grip.

Laying my MG along side this 69 there are some subtle but definite differences. The 69 is called and dressed as a “combat magnum”. The grip on my MG is the original (Hogue rubber).

My MG has a bare back strap and a more swept back lower rear on the grip. The rubber between the front upper part of the grip frame and the rear of the trigger guard is less filled in on the 69 compared to my MG.

So in effect the MG sits higher in my hand than the 69 does. Thus the axis of the bore on the 69 is lower in my hand than with my MG. My wrist is more vertical with the 69 also.

The net result is my MG stings my web more and the 69 pounds my lower side of my forearm more. I have shot the “feared” 329 PD with wooden grips and bear loads and did not have an issue with it so I am no “wussie” by any means.

If I owned a 69 I would switch the grip to the Hogue round butt to square grip model just like my MG has. This eats the web more but for my money I find the web sting goes away much faster than the deeper discomfort of the forearm.

Best regards

Three44s

Last edited by Three44s; 10-12-2018 at 10:41 AM.
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Old 10-12-2018, 02:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Three44s View Post
Well, depends on the end use.

My mix right now is a 629-4 MG, a 7.5” RH and a 7.5” SRH in 480 Ruger.

My brother just bought a Mod 69 and I have a criticism of it. Been shooting it some and find it hits quite hard in the lower part of the strong hand lower side of the wrist.

Using my MG as a reference point the 69 is easier on the web (meat between your thumb and index finger junction) but really hard on the lower side of the wrist joint and lower side of the forearm.

My brother bought three boxes of the Buffalo Bore 270 gr. JSP’s. He shot a full cylinder full (5) and could not easily eject them. He brought me the gun and I popped them right out but not in a way I would recommend for regular practice (determined hits with my palm). I suggested he shelve those loads and send the revolver home with me for a few days.

My MG weighs about 39 oz. the 69 4” is advertised at ball park 37 oz. so the weights are very similar. The barrel length is virtually identical 4 vs. 4.2”.

The balance is different. The MG is frame heavy while the 69 is heavier in the barrel.

That leaves the grip.

Laying my MG along side this 69 there are some subtle but definite differences. The 69 is called and dressed as a “combat magnum”. The grip on my MG is the original (Hogue rubber).

My MG has a bare back strap and a more swept back lower rear on the grip. The rubber between the front upper part of the grip frame and the rear of the trigger guard is less filled in on the 69 compared to my MG.

So in effect the MG sits higher in my hand than the 69 does. Thus the axis of the bore on the 69 is lower in my hand than with my MG. My wrist is more vertical with the 69 also.

The net result is my MG stings my web more and the 69 pounds my lower side of my forearm more. I have shot the “feared” 329 PD with wooden grips and bear loads and did not have an issue with it so I am no “wussie” by any means.

If I owned a 69 I would switch the grip to the Hogue round butt to square grip model just like my MG has. This eats the web more but for my money I find the web sting goes away much faster than the deeper discomfort of the forearm.

Best regards

Three44s
Try the Pachmayr Deceleration grip on both. It encloses the back strap.

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Old 10-12-2018, 02:45 PM
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For fondling and ogling I'd go with a S&W.
For shooting and using I'd go with a Ruger.

Buffalo Bore doesn't call their loads "Ruger Only" just for chuckles.
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Old 10-12-2018, 07:58 PM
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Simply stated .....

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Old 10-12-2018, 08:09 PM
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Ruger Super Blackhawk (with Bisley grip)
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Old 10-12-2018, 08:16 PM
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This one ( 629 performance Center hunter) always puts a smile on my face. Very accurate even with my 70 year old eye's .
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Old 10-12-2018, 09:52 PM
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I've had 4 in my life: a 29-2 6" which I traded for a 629 4" Mountain Gun. I later stumbled across a 6" 29-3 and a 7-1/2" Ruger Redhawk in SS!

I loved the Ruger, after I uber cleaned it and lubed it with Liquid Moly. Best
factory action I've ever come across and it was accurate. A buddy without a .44 talked me out of it and now I'm down to the 629-4 4" Mountain Gun and a 29-3 6" and I'm happy.

FYI: The Mountain Gun almost only is carried with full .44 Mags when in
the field. It's too much recoil and impact to shoot regularly. So it's regular diet is .44 Spl.
The 29-3 6" gets nothing but .44 Mag diet.

Last edited by Abbynormal; 10-12-2018 at 09:53 PM.
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Old 10-12-2018, 11:07 PM
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Default EZ

A Ruger, single action revolver cuz I can't afford a Freedom arms one.
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Old 10-12-2018, 11:15 PM
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I think it all depends on what the OP wants to do with it as to what the best option is. Is it a bear gun for protection ?629 Snub. Going to use it as a backpack gun for hiking ? 629 snub or 3 inch. Belt carry for range use and self defense ? Anything from the 629 snub to either a 4 inch 629 or 69. Range only use ? Either a 69 or 629 in anything from 4" up. Hunting ? Do you prefer to walk while hunting and shoot shorter distances ? 4" 629 or 69. In a blind or tree stand ? I'd start with a 6" 629 and go longer for barrel length if you want a scope and have more room to stretch one out.

Honestly these would be my choices because I have zero experience with Ruger revolvers. Hopefully eventually I can change that.
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Old 10-15-2018, 10:30 PM
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Ruger Redhawk in 44 mag for heavy duty shooting.
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Old 10-15-2018, 11:30 PM
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When I started out with center fire revolvers I bought
the longest barrel they had. 1st 44mg was Ruger SBH
71/2", back in 60s. Then 83/8" S&Ws. They are hawgs
to carry but I could shoot them well. It took me awhile
to get smart and realize I could shoot 5"-61/2" guns
just as well. These sizes are the most practical if you
are going for target and hunting purposes. I have had
4" but can't shoot them as well. I have a 29-2 with 4"
barrel NIB. I don't shoot it, saved for trading stock. I
know buy 6"-61/2" guns. Of coarse I don't let any P&Rs go buy if they are a deal.IMG_1384.JPG


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Old 10-16-2018, 05:35 AM
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Default Ruger Redhawk 44 mag

Absolutely THE strongest DA revolver made!
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Old 10-16-2018, 10:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw View Post
OK, you are going today to buy a new (with lock) .44 Magnum. Any brand is up for consideration, price Under $1K ?
With your criteria, I bring home a new 4” model 29.
Blue steel, 1/2 underlug, wood grips
And I’m glad I did 😁
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Old 10-16-2018, 12:55 PM
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Easy choice, the best shooting 44 I ever owned is a Ruger Super Redhawk.
Second if you can find one for your price would be a Colt Anaconda.
I have owned four model 29's and sold all four...
Still have the Colt and the Ruger.
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Old 10-16-2018, 01:45 PM
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I've been wanting the S&W Model 69 for a LONG time and recently finally got one used.

To me, losing 1 shot is not that big of a deal to trade for the smaller size and ease of carry. It's something I feel I can easily carry for miles down the trail. I wasn't looking for a CCW or range gun, but something for the outdoors.

I got it used and was a little pissed because the prev owner polished it and didn't tell me and I really LIKED that flat finish. I could have bought a regular unpolished one for $50 more if I had known. But new I think these retail for like $700 or something around that... I call that a bargain!
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Old 10-18-2018, 06:42 AM
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Ruger 3-screw Super Blackhawk
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Old 10-18-2018, 05:17 PM
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I have two .44 magnums. The first is a Ruger Super Blackhawk, 7.5 inch, manufactured in 1977, before the Ruger lawyer warning was put on the barrels.

The other is the 50th Anniversary edition, Model 29, 6.5 inch, manufactured in 2006. The S&W is a 29-10 with the lock but it has a great trigger and is a sweet shooter. I use it for bowling pin matches.
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Old 10-18-2018, 05:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by prairieviper View Post
I have two .44 magnums. The first is a Ruger Super Blackhawk, 7.5 inch, manufactured in 1977, before the Ruger lawyer warning was put on the barrels.

The other is the 50th Anniversary edition, Model 29, 6.5 inch, manufactured in 2006. The S&W is a 29-10 with the lock but it has a great trigger and is a sweet shooter. I use it for bowling pin matches.
I tried shooting bowling pins once. The buggers threw me out of the alley!
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Old 10-26-2018, 11:03 AM
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Well, for me I would choose the S&W 629 Classic 5" model. In fact, I hope to have one before the new year. I've already got a 629 Classic DX 8-3/8" that I bought in the late 90's, and a 7.5" Super Redhawk that inherited from my dad a couple years ago that I plan to scope. But it would be nice to have the 5" 629 added to my collection so as to have something slightly shorter for more convenient holster carry, and to use as a nightstand gun loaded with .44 Specials.
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Old 10-26-2018, 11:10 AM
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S&W is the only 44 magnum revolver I'd buy if I didn't already have a 29-2.
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Old 10-26-2018, 01:35 PM
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All I can add...

A couple comments suggested a FA M83. I would sure like to know where I could find one for $1k.
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Old 11-08-2018, 08:44 AM
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My next gun will be the Performance Center 629 with the fluted bull barrel to use as a hunting revolver. I plan to give it a fixed 2x scope in QD rings so I can run it scoped or with open sights as desired. I won’t be putting a light on the bottom. I thought about a Redhawk as well but I really don't need the ultra hot loads from a 44. If I get into a hunting situation that the 629 with loads up to 300gr can't handle, I'd be better off getting a 460s&w or a TC Contender in a rifle cartridge. That said, the S&W has a better feel to me, a much better trigger, is lighter and easier to carry through the field, and has better sights/features than a Redhawk.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center 629 Hunter 44 Magnum Revolver


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Old 11-09-2018, 05:13 AM
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I do only own one .44 mag, a pre-29 that I bought used 47 years ago for $150.00. It will go to one of the grand kids some day. I have carried it all these years and it is shy about 20% of it's blueing. Have lately been thinking about sending it back to S&W to be re-furbished/reblued.
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Old 11-09-2018, 05:46 AM
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For me a Ruger Redhawk Hunter #5003 is the best 44 Magnum out there. The trigger is not as crisp as the S&W 629 but you will never have to worry about anything on the gun. One other thing is I have smaller hands and the Redhawk fits me much better and really no pain from shooting.

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Old 11-09-2018, 03:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ribwizzard View Post
I thought his blue one was 8 3/8"?
He has a 8 3/8 bbl ...he bought the 6 1/2 bbl a few months ago.
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