Recommendations for a new revolver

A

azmark

New member
I posted earlier specifically about a .357 for deer and hogs because I own a GP 100, but I might be in a position to get a new revolver. For an all-around gun to use for fun, defense, predators, and the aforementioned critters, what suggestions do you have? What do you like; DA, SA, Smith, Ruger, calibers? A .44 Mag is the biggest I would want. I'm in AZ, not AK:)
 
Funny you should say that...I took a look online early this morning at the new 4" SP-101. I wondered how harsh the recoil would be with full house .357s. The GP is so heavy nothing really kicks very hard. Sweet gun, that 4" SP.
 
I would get that double action super redhawk if it was me......9.5 inch barrel..

soon to be ported............she's a keeper, no doubt.

I've had mine for over a year now with a red dot sight soon to be switched to a ghost ring set up..........you won't be disappointed unless you want one of those sawed off barrels..................

even then, maybe it's OK


:D and that hogue monogrip.....YO

that 44mag will grow on you in a good way
 
My thoughts.

I don't want a handgun too big. Anything over 4"-5" and I'd just as soon carry a carbine. A handgun is supposed to be something easlily carried.

I don't want anything too small. The little Ruger SP-101's in 357 mag lose so much velocity from their short barrels that a 9mm will out perform them and they are hard to shoot accurately at any distance.

A 4" full size 357 mag is very versatile and never a bad choice.

But a few years ago I bought a 4" 629. I found that it weighed exactly the same as my 4" GP-100 and S&W 686. The cylinder was 1/8" thicker but once holstered I could not tell a bit of difference in carryability. If I need full power loads the 44 takes performance to another level over 357. If I don't need full power loads there are some mid-range 44 mag loads and hot 44 Special loads that have far less recoil and muzzle blast than good 357 loads. And in my opinion these loads are more effective against 2 legged predators than the best 357 loads.

I eventually sold all my 357's and picked up another 629. For many years I did not own a 357, but a few years ago I found a great deal on a Smith 28 that i just had to have.

But for the pruposes you have listed I'd actually use my Glock in 10mm. It is less expensive than any of the revolvers, much lighter,shorter and beats any 357 load from a 4" barrel. A hot 357 load will equal 10mm if fired from a 6-8" barrel, but not the shorter barrels.
 
"...beats any 357 load from a 4" barrel. A hot 357 load will equal 10mm if fired from a 6-8" barrel, but not the shorter barrels."

While the 10mm is a fine caliber the .357 is more gun in a shorter barrel with a cast bullet compared to a longer barrel Glock with a Jacketed bullet. You can gert over 800 ft lbs with a .357. Fortunately, we have the "real world" facts right from Buffalo Bore's web site:

4 inch S&W L frame Mt. Gun
a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard cast LFN = 1375 fps

Heavy 10mm Ammo - 180 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point
1. 1311 fps - Glock model 20 4.6 inch barrel
 
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I just opened up the Ruger site and looked at the 4-inch Redhawk. It's roughly the same weight as my 6-inch GP. I like it. Very pricey, though. A Blackhawk is a couple hundred cheaper and probably not any bulkier. Lighter, too.

The 629 is lighter still and good looking, but costs as much as the Redhawk.

If I were to decide on a .44M, are there really milder loads out there? The only 44's I've shot had fairly serious recoil. I assumed I'd have to reload to get a comfortable practice load.
 
While the 10mm is a fine caliber the .357 is more gun in a shorter barrel with a cast bullet compared to a longer barrel Glock with a Jacketed bullet. You can gert over 800 ft lbs with a .357. Fortunately, we have the "real world" facts right from Buffalo Bore's web site:

4 inch S&W L frame Mt. Gun
a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard cast LFN = 1375 fps

Heavy 10mm Ammo - 180 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point
1. 1311 fps - Glock model 20 4.6 inch barrel
Click to expand...

My G-20 is chronographing 1315 fps with 200 gr bullets. Even if the 4" 357 is actually getting the claimed velocity it is at best a tie.
 
Many stories of success with the .357 on deer and hogs, but were I going for more power I'd go with a .44. Probably, a Redhawk and a seven-inch barrel. Maybe scoped, maybe not.

In the FWIW department, I found that my powder charge for IPSC Major with the .45ACP when used in the maggie and a 250-grain bullet has more punch on steel than the ACP load. (I got lazy one day while messing around with loads for both cartridges.)

More FWIW: You can approach 2,000 ft/sec from a six-inch .357 with a 110-grain bullet and a bunch of slow-burning pistol powder and still have a safe load.
 
Take it from me, if you're gonna shoot that 357 at hogs and such, wear ear plugs. My 4 inch barrelled Python makes a heck of a loud bang.
 
If you are willing and able to reload I would suggest that you look at the Smith and Wesson 329pd. If you hand load and understand that it is not a range toy but rather a specific use gun (woods carry for defense) then it makes a lot of sense. It is very light and easy to carry.

For general use I shoot a 240 grain SWC over 6 grains of unique. For carry I load a 270 grain cast bullet over 19 grains of 296. Both loads are very accurate and user friendly.
 
Ruger Black Hawk

I saw your comment about the BlackHawk and felt the urge to respond to it. i personally don't have much ex. with the ruger black hawk but my dad had one since he was in his low 20s (now 53) and he has shot thousands of rounds through it, some factory, some low reloads, and alot of them were reloads loaded to the outer limits of what you can load the to. and my dad says he never had a single problem with his ruger, he did some holster drawing in his time and said the finish was very nice and didn't wear at all through out the years. my dad sold the black hawk to a buddy of his, around 1994 or my in 95. since then, his friend has told us that he has countless rounds through it and it works flawlessly still after so much use. if i was you i wouldn't fear shooting the ruger super blackhawk, from my understanding, its a heck of a gun. :)
-Corey
 
41 Rem Mag??

Having never shot a 41 mag, this is merely repeating stuff. Evidently the 41 mag can nearly equal 44 mag ballistics with less recoil. Would be more than a 357. Ammo is high priced, but if you load your own that works out anyway. If not, then having a 41 mag gives you a reason to start loading.

Load data from IMR indicate hand loads can be as gentle as a 44 Special. In a Smith N frame, that could be a sweet firearm!

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
 
I have a Dan Wesson 44Mag with a 6"bbl. Will easily take game at 100yds if you do your part. I have a couple of 357's as well but prefer the DW for hunting. Get the 44Mag. you wont be dissapointed.:D
 
Look around for a 6" .357 S&W Model 28. It is a revolver you can load to near maximum without damaging it. Rather have mine than any new reolver.

Doug
 
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