.44 Mag question: Ruger or Taurus?

J

jmstr

New member
I am seriously thinking of getting a .44 Mag for target shooting and general recreation, and only emergency [once/twice in lifetime?] hunting. This will NOT be my home defence handgun. I already have the GP100 for that. I am just uncertain as to which to get: the Taurus .44 mag [6 inch barrel is the only one legal for purchase in California] or one of the Ruger Redhawks or SuperRedhawks. The Ruger gives me more barrel length options, and I really like my GP100, so that, plus the ability to fire every load imaginable is one set of 'plus'es. However, the Taurus feels good in my hand and already has porting done, saving me about $100 in porting fees, and it is less expensive. Thus, the question: which should I get?

I guess the three main concerns I have are: accuracy, strength [ability to fire a lot of heavy loads], and trigger 'feel'. Do any of you have any thoughts that could help me? Thanks!
 
When I was in the market for a 44 Magnum I looked at the Taurus M44, Smith & Wesson 629 and the Ruger Super Redhawk. I ended up with the Super Redhawk. It has the same grips as the GP-100 (I have a stainless 6 inch, full lug), heavy barrel and is extremely well built and durable. Accuracy? I have managed four inch groups at 50 yards with the open sights, that is really good for me shooting a handgun! The Taurus and the Smith have the sex appeal, but I think the Ruger wins in durability.
 
I can't rave enough about my super redhawk .44 7.5" bbl. Most controllable .44 I've shot. Only .44 I know of that shares identical frame w/.454 casuall model. Only handgun garrett cartridges reccomends for their +P .44 ammo. for accuracy: last week shot 2.5 group at 50yds from a "stump rest" w/ cheap ammo. Check out my range report post from a few days ago. I'm no expert, but I love this gun!
 
For "trigger feel", almost nothing beats a good single action revolver IMO (except of course a Colt Python ). ;) If you would consider going with a single action revolver, RUger makes several good ones in .44 Magnum including the Vaquero, Bisley-Vaquero, and Super Blackhawk. IMO, you don't really need double action trigger capability unless its a defense gun. For target shooting, I prefer single action revolvers. They feel better in my hand, the hammer is easier to cock, and I hit better with them. YMMV

If you are "set" on double action, the Ruger Redhawk and Super Redhawk are the gun to get. Both are very good performers.
 
if you handload, get one of the big rugers. they will handle some stuff. if you just shoot factory, get what pleases you the most. i don't think you will need a ported barrel on any of them. i have in 44, an old 29, a redhawk, a super redhawk, and an old load five super blackhawk. the 29, old one now, is very accurate, but have made some fantastic long distance shots with hotter loads in the super blackhawk. i do not have, and have never fired, the bigger taurus, so cannot respond to that. best advice: get what you want. you can get a lemon in anything, but generally, they are all good guns.
 
^Agreed. Dan Wesson revolvers are nice. You can even change barrels on some models very easily.
 
Ditto NAVIGATOR'S comments, as I own a S&W 629-5 "Classic"
with the 5" barrel.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
I just picked up a SuperRedhawk with 7.5" barrel to take some of the strain off my M29s. The Redhawk is offerred in a 5.5" barrel but the grip would have required immediate replacement for my hands. The action is smoother than my GP100. What a hogleg! Made up some top loads that I would never put thru the 29s. Three foot ball of flame at the muzzle and very easy to handle. For my hands the GP100/SuperRedhawk grip can't be beat. I have a SuperBlackhawk also and it does have a nicer trigger (see poorboy mods to Ruger SA posts) but after 50-100 rounds into a range session it is almost too hot to reload.
 
Surprise Surprise

I'll through my 2 cents in for the Dan Wesson as well. Contact Dan Wesson directly. They will deal direct with your local shop. Their revolvers are a lot more affordable than you may think. If you tend to trade often be forewarned Dan's do not retain a high resale value, this is not indicative of the quality, just low market demand.
As for strength and accuracy they are tough to beat.
Take Care
 
Any time the concern is strength.......

the vote has got to go to Ruger. Both the Redhawk and the Super Redhawk are as strong as can be.
 
The Taurus isn't a bad gun and is massive enough to handle any factory 44 Mag ammo you're likely to ever shoot in it. I think the Rugers are better guns though, better fit, stronger, better triggers. The Super Redhawk also has the advantage (or disadvantage depending on your point of view) of looking different from every other revolver. It also uses the same grips as your GP100 so should be very comfortable for you.

If I were in your shoes I'd get the 7.5" Super Redhawk, but that's just my opinion.
 
I'd go with the Ruger as well. Taurus a distant second.
I used to have a DW and it wasn't too bad, but a friend of mine who works at a local gunshop tells me that nearly every DW they've sold lately has gone back to the factory for repairs,some minor, some not so minor.
 
Although its not in your list, I must say the S&W 629 Classic--6-8" barrel. You will not be disappointed. I tend to stay away from ALL Taurus firearms.
 
44 mag

jmstr:
Neither! Having owned Ruger, Colt, S&W and played with Tauras I would only buy S&W 629 6.5 inch barrel Classic or Classic DX
Herb Leventhal
 
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