44 Magnum: S&W, Ruger or Taurus?

[jack the toad]

Of the 3 mentioned, there's no doubt it would be a S&W.
Not to say the others aren't good, but the Smith has more of what I like in a revolver. If I were shooting lots of heavy load 44's I'd consider the Red Hawk. Not to bash Taurus but I'm just not interested.

 

[faol]

I'm going in the other direction here. I myself would prefer the Smith; but it is way out of my price range right now! Your post said that you wanted a .44; just to own one. So did I and I went with the Taurus Tracker. Since I've bought it, I've put 300 or so rounds through it without a hitch!!! It's accurate as all get out and manageable to shoot! I know that a lot of people give Taurus a bad rap; but I also know that many of those have not owned one personally either. Many of the earlier ones had some bugs; but the QC has gotten better. So, until I can afford to own a S&W, the Taurus will suit me fine!

 

[StatesRightist]

I'm going in the other direction here. I myself would prefer the Smith; but it is way out of my price range right now! Your post said that you wanted a .44; just to own one. So did I and I went with the Taurus Tracker. Since I've bought it, I've put 300 or so rounds through it without a hitch!!! It's accurate as all get out and manageable to shoot! I know that a lot of people give Taurus a bad rap; but I also know that many of those have not owned one personally either. Many of the earlier ones had some bugs; but the QC has gotten better. So, until I can afford to own a S&W, the Taurus will suit me fine!

You did fine, as I told you I like the M44 a little better, but you've got a good gun. My first 44 was a Taurus, it shot well. I prefer the S&W, but for the money, you bought a good gun. Enjoy it, I did mine.

 

[Delta Rose]

I've owned a 6" 629, a 7.5" Redhawk and currently have a 4 5/8" SBH. By far the SBH has been the most comfortable and easiest to shoot well.

 

[steamloco76]

I have a 629-6 Classic 6.5 inch with a 2X Leupold mounted and it's a very manageable rig. Not too heavy or huge and would carry well as a hunting rig in a hunting style shoulder holster.

The Super Redhawk is just plain MASSIVE. Might as well carry a rifle. The straight Redhawk is a very worthy competitor and should handle a steady heavy magnum diet. I had a Redhawk and after replacing the springs with Wolff performance springs, it had a very good SA trigger. I sold the Redhawk because it favored 180-200 grain bullets at maximum loads, whereas I prefer to shoot mid range 240 grain fodder from my magnums.

The Super Blackhawk with the 7.5 inch barrel is a fairly well balanced big revolver. Strong, accurate and comfortable to shoot if you have grips that fit your hands on the gun. The stock Ruger grips kill my hands. Hogues are OK but ugly. Vintage Herrett wood stocks are nearly perfect if you can find them.

If you can find a lightly used Taurus they can be a fantastic buy. Several guys at my club have Taurus 44's and a couple shoot silhouette and score well with them.
I've seen nearly new 44 Tracker's in the used case for under $300 making them a very attractive buy for the gunner on a budget.

 

[MaximumLawman]

It all depends on whether you feel lucky. Well, DO ya? Dirty Harry didn't carry a Ruger. Buy the Smith. As far as the Taurus, the only thing I buy that uses a cow for a trademark is malt liquor.

 

[kalei]

I have the Ruger Vaquero Bisley, very nice, easy to shoot. That said if my bank account could stand it I would own the S&W Model 29!!! I really don't think many of us will shoot enough max load .44 mags to do any damage to the S&W.

 

[DOEBOY1]

If you look at it from an initial cost perspective the ruger is the better choice. You could buy approximately 1.5 rugers for what you would pay for a new smith. The smith is great and feel is wonderful. Of course if you like playing cowboy better than dirty harry then go with the ruger. I have to say that the ruger is a better therapy gun when you want to shoot heavy loads. On the other hand you have more style with a smith. I have 1- super black hawk, 4- 629's, and 1- 29-2. Now if I could get a 4" 29 and and a 4" super black hawk. Just get the one you can afford. But if you can afford 2 get both. good luck Doeboy