Recommend a .44 magnum

1GunLover61 · Dec 4, 2016

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

murphydog · Dec 4, 2016

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.

629shooter · Dec 4, 2016

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

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Collo Rosso · Dec 4, 2016

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.

wolverine · Dec 4, 2016

1GunLover61 said:
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.

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

ultratec00 · Dec 4, 2016

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.

75Vette · Dec 4, 2016

I can't think of any right off hand.

shocker · Dec 4, 2016

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.

Dave Lively · Dec 4, 2016

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.

LimaCharlie · Dec 4, 2016

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.

uspatentkid · Dec 4, 2016

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.

rays44 · Dec 4, 2016

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.

paragain · Dec 4, 2016

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.

muddocktor · Dec 4, 2016

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.

686-380 · Dec 4, 2016

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! &#55357;&#56833;

cadmike · Dec 4, 2016

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

BC38 · Dec 4, 2016

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...

Mr.Harry · Dec 4, 2016

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

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

357 shooter · Dec 4, 2016

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.

S&W Fan · Dec 4, 2016

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.

Recommend a .44 magnum

Member

Moderator

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads