Best Big-Bore Revolvers?

D

dentodoc

New member
Need some advice and comparison shopping for several big-bore caliber handguns. I'm wanting to compare and contrast the .41 mag, .44 special, the .44 magnum, and finally the .45 long colt. I'm looking at initial cost, ammunition costs, possible re-sale value, and ammunition types and availability of ammunition. Thank-You!
 
Don't over look the S&W 625 in .45ACP. Moon clips provide for FAST reloading and the ammo is everywhere at cheap prices. These are a big favorite in action games . Mine is one of my most accurate and pleasent shooting wheelguns. If you want to know about resale on them, just try to find a used one at a reasonable cost.

p.s. You can also shoot 45 auto rim out of the same gun without the clips.
 
Its a pretty broad range in your question but here goes. I love the 41 Mag but factory ammo is not as widely available as the other calibers you mentioned and to get best utility handloading is almost required. Most 44 special loads are under loaded so again the caliber is best if you handload. 44 Mag is the one of the most popular and widely available big bore cartidges and you can find ammo just about anywhere. 45 Colt has made a bit of a recovery and is quite available. If you handload for a heavy duty handgun you can about equal the 44 Mag. I find myself in agreement with the recommendation of a gun in 45 ACP. Ammo is plentiful and reasonable cheap, and my S&W 625 revolver is very accurate and a joy to shoot. :)
 
My favorite is the .44 Special, but if you have to buy factory ammo off the shelf, the Magnum version is probably the only choice. Handloading, or ordering ammo, opens up all the others. And handloads make the 44 Special the best choice. All the rounds you listed do about the same for almost every job, with the right ammo in the right pistol, the exception being the .45LC heavy loads in the strongest pistols.

For ammo off the shelf & cost, the .357/.38 beats them all.

Here is a 4" .44 Special
M24_RtSide.jpg
 
Redhawk family

I have 5.5" Redhawks in 357, 41, 44, and 45 Colt.
If a handloader 45 Colt is most versatile, but if 'store-bought' is all you do then highly recommend 44 Magnum.
Full gamut of performance available including inexpensive remanufactured ammo.

Could have bought different guns but these serve me best; I don't care about "resale".
 
The S&W 44 Magnum is my choice for most versatile, best bang for buck, and easiest to resell should you need to. YMMV
 
I favor the S&W N frames in any of the calibers you are considering, but a Ruger Redhawk woud also be an excellent choice.
 
Resale = Zip in my part of the world. Most dealers won't even consider trade ins on 44 mags. Cheapest price with highest quality is what I have learned from the .44 mags. That usually translates to Ruger. Super Blackhawk, Redhawk, Super Redhawk from cheapest to most. All worth every penny and you can give them to your grandchildren when you die. Made in America by Americans for an American Company. Are there any other companies that can make that claim?
 
What will be the intended use of these guns? Target plinking? Competition? Nightstand? Concealed carry? All of the above?

That would make a difference.

Cheers,
Scott :D
 
Recoil-wise, the .44 Special and .45 ACP will be at the low end, followed by the .45 Colt, .41 magnum and .44 magnum.

Expense-wise, least expensive would be the .45 ACP, the .44 magnum, then .45 Colt, then .41 magnum and .44 Special.

Power-wise, in FACTORY loads, .44 magnum, .41 magnum, .45 Colt, .45 ACP, .44 Special.

If you're sticking with facotry ammo, the .44 Magnum will be the most versatile, followed by the .45 Colt.

If you're going to handload, the .45 Colt and .44 Magnum are about equal.
 
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