SA -vs- DA Grip position

[BoogieMan]

I was in my LGS the other day and they finaly had a used 44 in stock. Unfortunatly its a Ruger Super Blackhawk unfluted, SS. I really have wanted a DA revolver. I checked it out anyway. I was surprised at how comfortable the gun feels and how natural it points. I am a semi guy up until this point.
I plan to shoot this thing at the range and hope to hunt with it once I master it. Seeing as I have never fired a 44 mag let alone had the chance to compare a SA vs DA can anyone give me some advice? Does the grip position make a diference? Why would I need a DA? The price seems right on this revolver at $329. I may just take a chance anyway.

 

[Shotgun693]

First, you ought to buy a box of .44 Specials and shoot those before you try the Magnums. If you reload you'll likely shoot a box of lighter loads for every Mag round you shoot.
Now, a DA revolver is properly held as high on the back grip as you can without getting in the way of the hammer. The DA pull should be a smooth steady pull until it breaks. Shoot slowly at first working on a good smooth pull and keeping the gun aimed at the same point. Pick up speed as you get used to the feel and as your hand learns the feel and break of the trigger.
Single Action is more like shaking hands with the gun. The plow handle grip is made to roll up in your hand with the first shot, putting your thumb in position to cock the hammer for the second shot. However, if you shoot two handed, grip with the 'strong hand' and use the other hand to help hold the grip and that 'off hand' thumb to cock the hammer. By using the one hand to maintain the grip and the other thumb to work the hammer you can better control the position of the gun and with practice get really fast. I highly recommend getting a Cowboy Action Shooter to teach you how to shoot a SA revolver. No handgun can shoot 5 shots faster than the best Cowboy Shooters can.
Dry fire, dry fire, dry fire. It won't hurt the Ruger and the more you dry fire the better you'll get at shooting it.
The old real shooting Peace Officers I used to know could, blindfolded, pick their gun out from a stack of the same type gun just by feeling the action/grip in their hand. Me and the guys I hung out with easily shot a thousand rounds a month.