44 Mag for Hunting: Advice?

[jdlii]

Check out your local gun shops and sales networks. Some folks acquire a .44 magnum due to the allure of the caliber but, if they don't reload the court of ammo makes them rethink their acquisition.

My 629-5, 4" came from a dealer at a gun show where I traded a Mod. 27-2 with an 8 3/4" barrel. I just couldn't warm up to the extra long barrel and without a sling, it was a range gun only. The 4" 629 is extremely handy and alternates with the 6.5" DX for hunting.

A Mod. 29-4, 3" was acquired from a client/friend who owns a local pawn shop for a very righteous price. It gets some time in the woods but, TN handgun hunting laws require a 4 inch barrel.

Ruger flat tops and Redhawks are sometimes encountered as well. You just need to turn over a lot of stones but, eventually, one will show up that will fit the bill.

 

[junglefighter]

I do not think that you will be disappointed with a M69 w/4.25" bbl.I am very pleased with mine and IMHO it is the best hiking/woods revolver.The bbl. length is right for hunting and the weight is perfect for a holster/belt combo.

 

[Paul105]

Thanks for all your help guys.
What limitations do the 69s have vs the 629s if I go that route?

The M69 is a five shot and barrel length is limited to 4 1/4" on the long end. Also, can't use +P+ Buff Bore ammo because it is too long (sorry, can't shoot in 629 either). Personally, I don't find any of that a limitation. Have loaded and shot Beartooth Bullets 325gr WLNGC at a chronoed 1,180 fps from the 4 1/4" AND 1,100 fps from the 2 3/4". If you need more than that in a "trail gun", then a Ruger SRH Alaskan is probably the right choice.

The m69s -- both bbl lengths have been my go to .44 Mags since they were introduced.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[Abbynormal]

If you are shooting from a blind, stalking, or using dogs, a 6" 29/629 would be the thing. Anything from 15 to 200 yards belongs to you if you prepare right.

 

[sw282]

Growing up in the Low Country of South Carolina deer hunting with a

shotgun with dogs was and IS the NORM... Thick woods and swamps

aren't really friendly to long barrel big scope rifles.. After moving to

another area of our state where dogs are NOT permitted a handgun

was NATURAL for deer... Woods and bottoms were still thick... Most

important.. THATS where the deer are!! A 44Mag makes a really nice

BIG hole for getting the blood out of a deer.. Nice big FAT 250gr cast

lead boolit usually makes TWO holes... 0ne going in. 0ne going 0ut..

Great for getting all that RED stuff out!!!

 

[Old Corp]

A M29 that I got rid of - traded it for a M629. This was the Northern Piedmont area of my native state of NC.

 

[WCCPHD]

I hunt with a rifle but always carry a handgun as a "backup." I find the one below as a great compromise deer hunting revolver. Not too big, 6 inch barrel. Enough caliber, .44 magnum. No scope so quick shots can be taken. Adjustable sights, front and rear, so adjustment can be made (four positions which can be "dialed in" in advance) for shots when time allows. Carried in an old Roy Baker pancake holster the gun disappears and does not feel heavy.

 

[Sol-Invictus]

Yes, for packing you want 5.5 or less. My favorite backup gun to my black powder rifler is the new vaquero 44mag on the old model frame. At 25 yards I can hit a small paper lunch plate standing unsupported all day and kneeling or arms supported can really drive them in there. I use any of the 240 grain loads. The Hornady XTP is excellent. I also have no problem carrying an old model 357 which gets the job done with 158 grain Hornady loads. I have taken them with an N frame mod 28 4inch barrel but those N frames hurt like hell to shoot. I won't shoot the Bisley gripped guns anymore either, too many fractures of my right middle knuckle.

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