Best 44mag revolver for accuracy?

B

BB

Moderator
What I'm looking for is a new stainless double action revolver. I want a really dependable, multi-use gun, I decided on 44mag because the round can be loaded up or down, from target loads to hunting loads. I also want a revolver for accuracy, and IMO no semiauto under $1000 can match a good revolver. I may want to start bullseye type shooting as well. So which 44 magnum is the better pistol? Choices I've seen are the Taurus M44, the S&W 629, the Colt Anaconda, and the Ruger Redhawk. I'm also thinking about spending a little more and buying a Dan Wesson .445 Supermag, anyone have an opinion on these? I've not heard much about them from owners.

Thanks-
BB


[This message has been edited by BB (edited April 13, 2000).]
 
Just FYI: There is no Ruger "Double Eagle". Ruger makes two double action .44 Magnum revolvers, the Redhawk and the Super Redhawk.

Also, the Colt Anaconda has been discontinued and supplies of the S&W 629 are likely to dwindle as dealers refuse to take part in the government take over of S&W. Good specimens of either model should be available on the used market.

One last point: if you want to shoot NRA Conventional Pistol (Bullseye) matches, you'll need a .45 caliber handgun. You could use a .45 Colt, but not a .44 Magnum.

Do you plan to carry this revolver in a holster as a "trail gun"? If so, you'll probably want to avoid some of the bigger guns, such as the .445 Supermag and those with barrels over 8".

Do you plan to mount optics on this revolver? If so, you might want to get something that can mount a scope without removing the rear sight so you can add or remove the scope with a minimum of fuss.
 
The ruger super redhawk or the redhawk with at lest a 7 and 1/2" barrel.
The super redhawk comes in 5 1/2" to a 9" barrel. Both are excellent guns and extremly accurate.
And will last more the one lifetime.

Tony Z

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[This message has been edited by tonyz (edited April 13, 2000).]
 
The only new in box Smith & Wesson product that I would still buy is a Performance Center 629 V-Comp in .44MAG. I want one with a passion!! I almost bought one a few months ago but I passed on it and bought a SIG P229. Now that I want to buy a 629 V-Comp I can't find one anywhere. :(

I wish I could pick up a used one but what are the odds of that?



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R6...aka...Chris
 
Don't know where I got "double eagle" from. To early, and I havent had my morning coffee I suspect :)

Lets see, I'm would prefer to buy used if it's a Ruger/Colt/S&W. I'm not going to compete in NRA Conventional Pistol, more like local bullseye and bowling pin, maybe silhouette shooting, hunting and as a backwoods sidearm, so I'd like a barrel </=7". Not really concerned about mounting a scope, I'm still young so my eyes are good :)

GP100 is a no-go as it's a .357mag, right?

[This message has been edited by BB (edited April 13, 2000).]
 
Yes, the GP100 is available in .357Magnum. I don't think I've seen one in .44mag. In my opinion, the .357 is just as versatile as the .44mag in that you can load it hot for hunting and down closer to .38 special velocities for target work. The guns that shoot .357 are also usually lighter than those designated for .44mag, making them easier to carry in the woods and probably more practical in target shooting competition.



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R6...aka...Chris
 
Many moons ago, in the BK (before kids) era, I noticed many, many IHMSA (Int'l Handgun Metallic Sihouette) shooters favored the big 8" Dan Wesson SS revolvers. They had a fine reputation for durability and accuracy, which are both crucial when you're popping the cap on as much HOT .44M ammo as those folks did. I reckon the new product is comparable.
 
I'd love to check out the Dan Wessons but I can't find a dealer that carries them in GA! I've not even seen one at the gun shows that come through.
 
Find a used S&W N frame and do a little stoning and polishing on the action. I can get 2" groups offhand at 50' with my pre-model 29 .44mag shooting DA.
 
BB,

Save yourself some money and find a used 629. They can be had for the $400 range and you would not be breaking the Slick & Wesson boycott. They are simply the best! Without question.

S&W629classic.JPG


Robert
 
I've a S&W 629 "Rocky Mountain Hunter" with an unfluted cylinder, a 6.5 inch barrel, full length underlug, and magnaporting that drove tacks out of the box. I had the trigger cleaned up a little. It still drives tacks.

My next revolver will be a Ruger Redhawk.

Erik
 
You mention hand loading up or down, multiple use, hunting, etc. for a 44 mag. I would sure urge you to take a look at the Ruger Super Redhawk in the 71/2" barrel. It is probably the strongest 44 mag on the market. It can handle the hottest commercially loaded stuff (Garrett et. al., is quite accurate, and IMHO certainly offers the versatility and strength you seem to want. It's a good one!
 
since the original question was about accuracy, here are 6-shot group sizes at 50 ft from my S&W 629 classic 5" shot from a ransom rest:

american eagle 240gr JHP - 1/2"

winchester 240gr JSP - 5/8"

speer gold dot 270gr - 5/8"

federal classic hi-shok 240gr - 1"

winchester partiton gold 250gr - 1 5/8"

winchester silvertip 44 spl 200gr - 2 1/8"

i'm not 100% confident that i got a good reading with the specials. since their power level is so different from the magnums, i think i should have shot a few rounds to re-seat the gun in the rest before shooting the group. it later occurred to me that the pattern i got with the specials resembled the pattern you get with your first few shots in the ransom rest, as the gun is seating itself.

also, i didn't have any garretts at the time i did the testing. i really wish i had, since they are now my carry load.

needless to say, i really love this gun! :cool:
 
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