.44 mags: S&W, Ruger, Colt, or Taurus?

T

tjhands

New member
It'll be at least 6 months before I buy, but I thought I'd start collecting data now.
I'd like to spend no more than $500 total (including tax, license, freight, and doc fees). I'm not opposed to buying slightly used. I'm probably going to get a 6" model in stainless steel, which would be used mainly for target shooting.
Apparent bang for the buck is, of course, the Taurus 44, but I'm open to spending a little more if the Taurus has issues. Thanks. :)
 
Target stuff..

DA or SA?

Super Blackhawk :D Witha 10 1/2" barrel :cool:

Though, my 7 1/2" does okay out as far as I've taken it, 50 yards.
 
If you are going to shoot a lot, I am sure you can find a used Ruger Redhawk pretty cheap. They are indestructible and dead reliable. I, of course, favor N frame Smiths, but I think they are a little more delicate than the Rugers are, but feel and shoot better for me. I don't have any experience with the Tuarus and have only handled Colt's Anaconda a few times and I wasn't impressed.
 
Thanks, guys. Jonathon, wow......10.5" barrel? Any idea how much that sucker weighs? Oh, and I want a DA.
 
I honestly have no idea on the weight :confused: I'm a big guy and I can off hand(without support) my 7 1/2" SBH, but then again, for work I chop wood and dig trenches ;)

Smiths are more delicate compared to Rugers, but they are good. I find the recoil on a 29 to be a bit uncomfortable though. I've liked the feel of the Redhawk, and I love the feel of the Super Redhawk(I love big wheel guns). Though, I don't have much long term expirience with either.

Don't limit your options till you've tried everything ;) DA or SA :D
 
I've never owned a Taurus.

Won't own a smith.

The Anaconda is a fine piece of machinery, shoots very well, is very accurate. I had to let mine go, though, as it tends to bring the recoil straight back at your hand, . . . whereas the super Redhawk and even more so the super Blackhawk tend to recoil upwards.

I personally find the Redhawk my favorite (that is the one I still own, . . . all the rest are gone), . . . it is accurate out to as far as you can hold it still. I am good for a bit over 50 yards with open sights.

May God bless,
Dwight
 
Imho ...

You want a Peterbuilt ... get a Ruger RH or SRH. :)

You want a Ferrari ... get a S&W. :cool:

You want a Hyundai ... get a Taurus. :barf:

Colt? Are they still making guns? :p
 
Don't leave out the Dan Wessons. Probably the most accurate of all the DA revolvers and quite strong.
 
I have a 4" blue S&W 29 and a 6" S/S S&W 629 - both are great guns. I would not trade either off for a Ruger Redhawk, but I have always admired the Redhawk.

The Ruger Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger is one hot mamma! Unless you are set on .44 mag, take a look at the Super in .480; they go for about $600 new, though - a bit over your price range.
 
Yeah, the .480 is out, but it IS a smokin' gun. :)

Thanks for the advice there, fellers.

Are there any other online auction sites for guns besides gunbroker.com? Thanks again.
 
Comparisons

I've got a Ruger Super Redhawk with a 9.5 inch barrel. Of the three brands you mentioned this is probably the stoutest made gun of the bunch. Very accurate. Nothing wrong with whatsoever. Excellent gun.

I've also got a Taurus. 12 inch 44 Magnum Silhouette model. CDNN is dumping these guns now so if you want one NOW, not later, is the time to buy. Unlike any other brand I've ever owned, Taurus revolvers have a break in period. No idea why but they clearly get more accurate as you shoot them a lot. I own two Taurus revolvers, both have this thin long barrel. Both are ok. Nothing wrong with them. Certainly less accurate than my Ruger or my Smiths but nothing wrong with them. My general impression of Taurus is that some of their guns work just fine and some of them don't. Still, mine work and they were cheap, less money than you mentioned.

I've got six Smith 44 magnums. All Performance Center guns. One I'm picking up at J&G this coming Thursday. One is a Heritage series that I haven't shot yet. The other four, all Performance Center guns, I've shot a lot. One six inch heavy barrel, two 7.5 inch barrel models and a 12. Liked them all.

I love Smiths. That just an emotional thing. Still even I believe that the Ruger Super Redhawk is a better built more substantial gun.
 
You will be hard pressed to stay within your budget regardless of the gun you choose unless it is very used or you're very lucky. I like Smith's the best, but the SRH is one tough revolver. I would rather buy an American made handgun over another if it is even close in price to the foreign gun and is well made.
 
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