Thanks everybody! The responses have been great but are causing me to have a lot more questions!
@PzGren
I have a SRH in .44 Mag with a 7.5" barrel and like this revolver very much. I subject it to loads, that I would not want to shoot through my S&W 629s.
There is nothing wrong with the SRH that I have found.
Very glad to hear this kind of stuff. That picture makes me want one NOW!
@Lost Sheep
Make sure you get the Ruger Scope Rings with the gun. (Are you buying new or used?)
New. The prices I've seen for used weren't enough better for me to go that route, especially when I don't have experience with revolvers to know what problems to look for.
@Pond, James Pond
In DA/SA, there is of course the more comely stable-mate, the Redhawk Hunter model.
They come in 7.5" max, I think, but if it is scoped a shorter barrel length will not hinder accuracy and you'll only lose 50-60 fps on the 9.5" based on what others have said.
I personally prefer the standard Redhawk looks wise.
I'll need to look into the barrel lengths more I guess. I would prefer the 7.5" but I would take the extra weight for a considerable increase in speed. If its 50-60 fps, I don't think I need the extra 2". I handled both the Redhawk and the Super and liked the feel of the Super a lot better.
@turkeestalker
I own a standard Redhawk with a 7.5 inch barrel topped with a 2x Nikon. Have had it for near 30 years and absolutely love it. I chose the standard over the super based on how it fits my hands, and it does fit mine better than the super.
I second Lost Sheep on getting the factory rings.
Can't see you going wrong with Ruger.
Glad to hear the longevity of your love for the gun, hope I last that long with it! I was thinking the Nikon 2.5-8x28 for mine. I would definitely use the Ruger rings, mostly because I'm cheap and unless they are absolutely horrible I'd make them work. Glad to know they are decent.
@stagpanther
Then I bought a 41 mag BH and the SBH got sold. If hunting is your thing and you also reload I'd suggest taking a look at the 41 as a serious alternative to the 44. Just a suggestion--still love the 44 mag.
I will look into it. I was going with 44 mag just because I know a guy that deer hunts with it so I knew it was enough. If brass isn't too hard to find I like having the less popular sizes.
@TimSr
Best choice for a deer pistol! I've got one of the old Ruger Redhawks before the Supers came out with scope mounts. The 7 1/2" barrel seems to be most popular for hunting and you might want to consider it. I haven't handled a 9 1/2 but I think it would be a little long for my holster on the waist method of hunting carry. I've never used a scope because my vison is still adequate for its effective range, but a low power scope can be helpful if your vision is not so good, and in low light conditions, or for smaller targets at long range.
With the 7 1/2 " barrel I consider the recoil to be mild, but I'm sure not everyone feels that way.
I will look into it and I really hadn't planned on how I was going to carry it but I guess I need to. Vision is good but I just like scopes. I may get it and decide different though. I can shoot my 45/70s with hot loads or 416 Rigby all day long and may have a bruise the next day but it doesn't bother me. If I shoot two magazines out of one of my wife's .40s I whine to her for days about the recoil. I'm kind of a sissy when it comes to pistols. I'm hoping its not too bad because I shoot a lot before I feel comfortable hunting with something, especially if its something completely new to me like this will be.
@madmo44mag
I hunted white tail deer many years with a Ruger SBH with a 10 inch bull barrel.
Many a deer has blessed my table due to that gun.
For hunting with a 44 IMHO the SBH is the better option.
No need for a double action pistol because by the time you get back on target and have re-located your prey in the scope you have more than enough time to re-cock the revolver.
I don't know why, but I hadn't even thought about the Super Blackhawk. I will look into it. I agree about the follow up shot, its going to be like a first shot each time I pull the trigger anyway. I would probably shoot the Redhawk SA every time anyway.
Thanks again everybody!