I appreciate the Forum here and all the good 'down to earth' advice on previous posts. I've always wanted a .44magnum and wondered what your recommendations might be. I want it mostly just to say 'I have one' but also to go out and shoot at the range on occasion. I don't want a long barrel and wondered what model's are out there that might satisfy the itch.

thanks

For a classic, a 6.5" model 29-2 or earlier. For a "modern" gun with upgrades, a blue 5" 29-4 or stainless 629-3 with the full lug barrel (the Classic?). Nothing wrong with a new 29/629 either, or a 4" barrel with the understanding they might be a double handful with full-power loads. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If I were forced to only have one, it would be a 4" 629.

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I've got a 4" 629. Wouldn't mind owning a 3" or pass up a 5" but I personally don't care for anything longer.
I'm waiting on the 69 with a 2 3/4" barrel but I reload and can tone loads down to suit the gun.

Morning 1GunLover61

One of my personal favorite .44 mags for all around usage is the S&W 69 with 4-1/4" barrel. Only 5 shot but it fits most of my other K/L frame holsters & shoots good.

Model 69 | Smith & Wesson

I've found my 629 classic 5" carries and balances well. For just plinking and occasional hunting, 5-6.5" would work with the 6.5" weighing a bit more. If your just plinking at the range, suggest staying away from the heavier loads/bullets.

I can't think of any right off hand.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

Anything will do for a shoot once in a while range gun but here's what I wouldn't get.
Aluminum framed guns because reduced weight doesn't matter for your intended purpose.
Anything with porting or a compensator - the noise and muzzle blast are intense enough with a standard barrel and these things just amplify it.
3" barrel - see above

Most shots with 44 magnum are done single action I would guess. So the Ruger Blackhawk - Super Blackhawks SA's are choices as well.

Edit: I put 20 rounds of full power 44 through my 69 today. Steel plates went down faster than the eye could see.... too much fun.

I really like my M69. It is accurate and balances well. If you do get a M69 I recommend getting the 500 grips for it. They are a bit bigger than the stock ones but more comfortable and absorb recoil better.

While I really like my M69 less than 10% of the rounds I fire through it are full power 44 magnum rounds. I normally shoot ammo that is listed as pushing a 240gr bullet to 1000 fps or light cowboy loads. One or two cylinders of real 44 magnum are enough for me most shooting sessions. If you want to shoot mostly full power ammo one of the heavier M629s would be a better choice. If you want to push the limits of what a 44 can be loaded to one of the Ruger models would be a better choice. I would rather buy a 454, 460 or 500 instead of pushing the limits if for some reason I wanted more power than I can get with a S&W 44 revolver.

My first owned handgun as a teenager in the 1960s was a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum.

I have a 4" S&W 29-2 for self-defense concealed carry in the woods. I have an 8" Colt Anaconda for open carry in the woods and target shooting. I have a 10 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk for hunting. I have a 6 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk Flattop 50th Anniversary for barbeque carry and fun shooting.

For a step up in power, I have a 7 1/2" Ruger Super Redhawk .454 Casull.

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U.S. Navy - U.S. Army, ret

A 4" 29 would be my first choice or a 4 5/8", 5 1/2" Blackhawk. I'm a fan of shorter barrels 5" being the best to balance but hardest to find. If you happen to run accross a nice model 24 or 624 I wouldn't pass it up. Also don't turn your back on a .41 Magnum Model 57 one of the nicest magnums in the Smith line up, very pleasent to shoot with max loads.

The only way to really know is to go to local gun shops and handle several pieces. Stick to S&W and Ruger. You have to consider single action vs double action, what feels best in your hands and budget. Ideal if you could shoot one first before you buy.

I would recommend a 29 or 629, my favorite is the 29 in 4". Love the lusterous blue and case hardened trigger and hammer. A classic beauty that shoots well.

Attached Images

29-2 #2.JPG (90.8 KB, 133 views)

I had a 6" barrel 29-3 back in the 80's and it was a nice shooting gun, did have a pretty hard recoil with full power loads and got stolen. In the 1994 I replaced it with a Desert Eagle and again, it was a nice shooting pistol but I rather a revolver for 44 Mag. So a few years ago I bought a low round count 6 1/2" barrel 629-3 Classic off GB and immediately fell in love with it. The full underlug helps tame recoil from full power rounds but isn't as heavy as the Desert Eagle. So my personal recommendation would be for a 5" or 6 1/2" barrel 629 Classic or the corresponding version in the 29 series. And I am a fan of the 629 series in the -2E, -3 or -4 versions as there are no MIM parts or locks built into them, but have the full Endurance package. Stainless is a bit easier to keep up IMO.

I love my M69. I don't have the experience that many of our other members have but I can tell you it shoots great. It weighs a full 3 oz. less than my 686.

Have fun shopping! ��

A 629 classic with a 5 or 6 inch full lug barrel and a patridge front sight. It will be your favorite, I promise.

Another vote for a pre-lock 4" M29 or M629.
I like the looks of the blued M29 a little better, but the finish durability of the stainless 629 is a plus.
Can't go wrong with either, and for my money the 4" is the ideal length. Long enough to get good velocity and have a good sight radius. Short enough to be be easy to clear leather and handle well.
3" is a little short, and 5" would be OK, but not much gain. Anything longer is great as a range and hunting gun but not as practical for general purpose carry and use.
Just my $0.02...

x2 9n this for me. 5" or 6 1/2" is my idea of the sweet spot. Don't write off the new guns.

I picked up a 629 Classic 16 years ago and would recommend the same to anyone looking for a 44 mag today. I have the 6 1/2" version but they are available with shorter barrels. A friend has the 5" model and he too is quite satisfied with that one. The 629 may be the most accurate repeating centerfire handgun I have ever owned. The level of felt recoil is another plus - only a 10 1/2" Super Blackhawk I briefly owned was more mild firing 44 Magnum loads.

For me the 4" is the most versatile. This 629-1 4" is absolutely my most fun revolver for the range and number one go to when out and about in the high country.

The backstrap.

The one on the left is a Ruger. The one on the right is a 629. The Ruger is closer to an X frame than an N. Your question has been a source of puzzlement (yes! Sunday morning ;coffee-puzzle-ment became a word) for the past decade. I've broken a Redhawk. It was my first one. Handloading. The smith is a lot lighter in any flavor. If you're going to load for it, I'd pick the Ruger. Occasionally shoot; smith. 20160615_170658.jpg

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If you are not into long barrels I would shy away from anything longer than 5 to 5 1/2 inches. To just have and occasionally shoot I would go with a 4 inch 629. I like the 4 inchers best of all so I am biased admittedly.

You don't specify what you consider to be a "long" barrel. To some people, a 5 or 6 in. barrel is long. To me, a 6 in. barrel is standard. A 7 1/2 in. or longer barrel is "long".

Since your main use seems to be primarily as a range/target gun, I would say a 5 or 6 in. barrel would be fine, but longer tubes would serve well also. The longer barrels will give you a longer sight radius for better accuracy potential (unless you have a vision issue which makes it difficult to focus on things a bit further out...some folks with similar issues are more accurate with shorter barrels), and the greater weight will help to tame recoil.

While I've no doubt the M.69 is a great gun (never fired one, nor even handled one), it's raison d'etre is ease of carry...something which shouldn't be a concern for you.

I agree that S&W and Ruger are the best choices in currently produced .44s, but you might also consider a Dan Wesson. A bit harder to find, but if you run across one, you might want to at least give it a look. They offer interchangeable barrels, so you can switch around to whatever barrel suits your need at the moment. They're also extremely accurate.

As others have said, if this gun is only to be a range gun, a single action Blackhawk seems a great choice. More affordable (slightly) and very accurate.

A huge consideration as to Redhawk, Blackhawk, or M.29/629 will be how they fit your hand. If the stock grips don't suit you it will probably be easiest to find an aftermarket grip that works for you with the S&W, then likely the Blackhawk after that. I don't see a lot of variety in aftermarket Redhawk grips, and even worse for Dan Wessons.

Handle as many as possible. If you have friends with a .44, or a local range that rents guns, try shooting as many as possible. Take your time...enjoy the "hunt".

Tim

Why no love for the long barrels? I'm not trying to talk anyone into changing their mind but I love my 8 3/8" 629-2 with unfluted cylinder and full underlug (Classic?). I'd probably love it more if it was a 629-2E but I bought mine from my brother when he needed money so I won't complain. I also won't seel to try to buy a model with the Endurance package since it did come from my brother who passed away 10 months ago.

But I really fell in love with that gun. It's unbelievably accurate. I expected accuracy but this gun is amazing. I've seen other 629's do very well too. I know mine is no good for CCW but that isn't why I have it. It's my bear gun. I have a holster for it that allows for a fast draw with it.

My dad owned several short barrel magnums (mostly .357 but some .44). That was his main gun and he collected entire sets of them. Anywhere we sat down we had to make sure we weren't sitting on a Smith. Dad liked to hide them under couch cushions back under the back cushion so we really weren't in real danger but I always checked anyway. And dad knew we would always check. Freaked my soon to be wife out though. I had to tell her to watch out and she nearly had a cow thinking she might have sat on one. Not much chance of making a double action fire anyway but still.

Anyway I love my long barrel Smith mainly because of the long range accurcy. I've shot other Smith's that were very accurate at shorter distances but mine is the only one that I have shot that was accurate at long distance like it is.

29 with 6-61/2" barrel, no noticeable weight difference from a
4" and more practical for different uses. Ruger SAs are nice but
harder to shoot for most people. Ruger DAs are built like a tank,
good guns if you don't care about the weight.

God love ya 75Vette, a pool table and 44 magnums! Always happy to see your stuff.

A few of mine:

Why not go for the best?? A mint in the box pre-29 five screw with a factory 4 5/8" barrel. Preferably one that letters to Elmer Kieth. Just kidding of coarse unless you're an heir to the Trump fortune.

Seriously if you're looking to add to your collection and not really intending to use it for a specific purpose such as hunting or self protection. Go for any 44 that feels good to you. Chances are wanting one simply to have one. Means you as will as many on this board. Will become seriously addicted and you wont be satisfied with only one.

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Dave

I've got .44s ranging from a five screw 4" pre-29 to several 629-6s. If you're buying new and are wanting a less than long barrel: Model 69.

Otherwise, well...a used 69. Or any S&W that passes inspection and fits your aesthetic and practical considerations. Except probably for the scandium/aluminum framed 329s. Too much recoil!

I've owned a Ruger Superblackhawk 7.5" for decades.
Ruger® New Model Super Blackhawk® Standard Single-Action Revolver Model 0814
The shorter barrel won't make much difference and the stainless steel means relatively low maintenace, if you wax it nicely.
Geoff
Who needs to get it out and clean it up and fire it this decade.

6" Model 29, or as mentioned above a Dan Wesson with interchangeable barrels if you want several options for barrel length.

Based on the L frame, the model 69 is full magnum power in a smaller lighter package.

I had a 629 with the 8" barrel and it was a great hunting / range gun but the 69 just looks and feels right. Recoil is very stout but manageable if you are prepared for it.

I put a CT laser grip on it which helps, and the laser is very nice for home defense. For longer shots the Burris FastFire 3 is great for my old eyes.

For open carry I've got a front break Don Hume that accommodates the FastFire.



I've cared it concealed in this Cordura pancake retention holster which rides higher and holds it tighter to the body.



I've even been able to carry it AISW with a cheap Uncle Mike's fabric holster, although my 360PD AirLite is a bit more comfortable there.

digiroc

I wouldn't mind a da/sa on .44mag with a barrel between 4 and 5.5".

I have a Ruger Super Redhawk w/7.5" barrel. Sold a model 629 w/powerports for it. I like the trigger (no longer factory ) snd can fire all levels of .44mag.

My friends 11 year old daughter shot 3 rounds with 'normal ' .44mag ammo (740 ft/lbs me). No control issues.

I have a 5.5" Super Blackhawk. It is more lively in my hands.

For your puposes, first decide if you want a traditional da/sa revolver, or an old west looking sa revolver.

Then start narrowing field.

Unless packing it is a desire, i lean toward lengths between 5 and 8" long.

Shorter reduces muzzle velocity, reduces frame weight, and generally increases perceived recoil.

For a range only gun, i would recommend 6.5-7.5" barrels. Gentler on recoil, and just look cool at range.

My 5.5" is for the off chance i could carry it.

But it isn't as comfortable with max power. 44mag loads when compared to my SRH. I mean those putting out over 1230 ft/lbs from 7" barrel.



EDIT:

btw, in case anyone thinks I'm anti- S&W revolver: I have a Model 10-6 and a K38 Target Masterpiece. I plan on getting a K22 Target Masterpiece also [5 or 4 screw versions]. I just want a Magnum [.44 or .357] that is rated for the most powerful loads I can buy pre-loaded, even if they are more of a boutique house, like Buffalo Bore. I don't want you all to think I don't like/respect S&W revolvers- they are very nice!

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bczrx hit about all the points I would make.
My two .44 Magnum revolvers are a 6.5 inch S&W 29-10 and a 4 5/8ths inch Ruger Super Blackhawk. I am very partial to big bore Ruger single-actions in the 4 5/8ths and 5 1/2 inch lengths.

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Virtue,Liberty & Independence

I'm sure you have your reasons for not wanting longer barrels but in my opinion the 44 mag is best from longer barrels. Try shooting a 629 Classic 6 1/2 inch barrel before you decide. Bet you will change your mind. I also like 8 3/8 inch barrels and would probably like 10 inch barrels but I haven't had a chance to try one yet.

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Accuracy supercedes Speed

I have two 29-2's, one an original 6-1/2", the other a 4" for when I want to CCW it. One can never have too many .44 Magnums!

6 1/2" 29-2. You can get one with a little blue wear and cylinder turn line for $900 or so.

A lot more fun to shoot than the 4" and easier to handle than the long tubes.


Charlie

I generally prefer the longer barreled .44s myself, but the short barreled versions are good too, esp. with reduced loads. The 69 surprisingly is tolerable with factory loads, though, rather more so to me than the 4" 29/629. Lower bore centerline?

The 10 5/8" 29s are good standing shooters. Probably less front heavy than the 8 3/8" Classic barreled guns, if that helps any.

Well I don't have a ton of expertise on .44 Magnum shooting, but I have found my 5" 629 Classic to be about as much as I can handle with full power loads. IMO, it's a great "if you're only going to have one" .44 Magnum as it's still a manageable carry gun in the woods while being a good range shooter as well. While some may disagree, I don't see how you can say the same for a 8-3/8" gun or a 329/629 snub. Those are neat guns but definitely don't compromise.

Seems as though we're all wasting our effort in making recommendations to the OP. He hasn't been back on the forum since the moment he posted his original question!

Tim

That seems to happen all too frequently. Some of us go to
considerable time and effort to give helpful advice and then
never hear from the OP again.

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In Omnia Paratus

OK, 1gunlover61 did a post and run, but I have benefitted from the discussion and got to post photos of my model 69 some more.

I just love the look, feel, balance, and carry ability of the 69. The 629 with the 8 inch barrel was great for hunting and range shooting, much less perceived recoil, but in my opinion the 4" 69 gives much more "bang" for the buck.

My 360PD AirLite has more recoil when firing .357s than the 69. I can't imagine what a 629 lightweight .44 must be like.

digiroc

How is that possible?

A SS 629 is all I use these days. No optics and no longer barrel than the 6". Its the most balanced and effective hunting handgun when it comes to weight, portability, knockdown power and accuracy. I hunted all over the country with larger handguns and calibers like the 454 but have since come back to the good old 44mag and its putting them down just as hard and as far a distance.

You Rascal!!!!

I would suggest a Mountain Gun version. Good all around all purpose, size, weight, configuration.

I understand what you're saying about "so I can say I have one". I bought a "classic" 29 6 1/2 inch a few years ago because I always wanted a Dirty Harry gun when I was a kid. Shooting full power loads are painful and I plan on switching out the "issue" grips that came with it to something with more heft. My only other .44 is an AutoMag.

That is my choice as well. I seldom need full .44 Magnum power, so I bought the M629 Mountain Gun. I mainly shoot .44 Specials through mine, but can move up to Magnum loads if needed (bears).

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

That's a fine shot. My 8" 629-2 shoots plenty accurate at 175 yards. I tested it at the gun range and that was about as far as I could shoot accurately without using a rest. I did lean against a post. But at that distance it would have been a good shot on a whitetail. And that's with off the shelf Hornady LEVERevoltion.

Hellva shot, once again it shows that a 44 Magnum in the skilled hands can get the job done. Thanks for sharing, and I am not a hunter.

Can you change grips on a M69 from rubber to wood for the 'classic look'...

considering these below:

ARMSLIST - For Sale: SMITH & WESSON 629 DELUXE .44MAG 6.5" (TALO)

ARMSLIST - For Sale: Smith & Wesson 69 L-Frame DA/SA 44 RemMag 4.25"