Alright, i just found this forum and have already love it. I am gonna be buying either a taurus 44mag in S.S with 6 1/2" barrel. Model 44 "not raging bull" or a 454 in the taurus with a 8 3/4" barrel. Why these models- well i live in california and the guns have to meet exact ruling by the departement of justice.. Here is the question-which one would you all go with? It will be used as a protection gun while hunting in California. I currently own a ruger security six in .357 mag- load it with 180 grain winchester partition golds. This gun does not affect me with recoil. Feels like no problem shooting the 180 grains. Will the 454 rip my damn arm off- and do I really need one that big? So you probably asking why am I changing. Was deer hunting-got a stupid idea to hang in manzinita in thickets where i had seen deer 2 days before. No deer this day, just a 400 black bear that thought i was a deer came out about 15 feet from me. Scared the crap out of me- never been so close to a bear. When he relizied i was a man and not a deer., he took off. Sure got me thinking i would have rather had a bigger gun on my side. In the worst case scenerio, if i would have had to shoot, would the 44 mag hve worked if i had 300 grain bullets? Or should i take a man pill, and get the 454? Any suggestions would be great. I am open to any and all ideas. Why the taurus-simply because of cost.ohh ya, i have never fired a 44 or 454-solaugh at me, but hey -at least i am honest. Thanks
Taurus 44mag or 454? need your opinion!!
- Thread starter jeff1259
- Start date
Hey jeff1259
Here's a monster thread on bear guns. Hope this helps.
U.F.O.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154685
Here's a monster thread on bear guns. Hope this helps.
U.F.O.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154685
John Ringo
New member
I would go out and fire the 44 Magnum & 454 before you buy one. The 454 is a HUGE load. Most guys that I know who bought them have gotten rid of them because it is like firing a cannon. A lot of my buddies who hunt went out and bought them because...well...they're guys. Guys like big toys. I am the same way sometimes. But, if money is an issue you probably aren't going to like the cost of 454 ammo if you like to shoot frequently.
You really can't go wrong with a good 44 Magnum. You can get some decent 240gr ammo from PMC for about $14 for 50 rounds and have a good time. Just go rent one first and see if you like firing it. You never know until you squeeze a few rounds off.
You really can't go wrong with a good 44 Magnum. You can get some decent 240gr ammo from PMC for about $14 for 50 rounds and have a good time. Just go rent one first and see if you like firing it. You never know until you squeeze a few rounds off.
Sir William
New member
I actually like the Taurus M44. Mine always did what I asked of it. A suggestion is to buy cowboy 44 Russian to start with. Ease up to 44 Special. When you are confident, go to 44 Magnum. I had no trouble from my Taurus M44.
I'd be inclined to think that a Taurus in .44mag using 240 gr slugs would feel just about the same as shooting 180 gr .357's out of a Security six.
A decent JSP or hardcast .44Mag in 240 to 300 gr. wouldn't have any problems dealing with anything on 2 or 4 legs.
OTOH, the .454 can use heavy - beyond .44magnum level - .45 Colt rounds which can do the same thing as the .44mag only feel softer to shoot.
A decent JSP or hardcast .44Mag in 240 to 300 gr. wouldn't have any problems dealing with anything on 2 or 4 legs.
OTOH, the .454 can use heavy - beyond .44magnum level - .45 Colt rounds which can do the same thing as the .44mag only feel softer to shoot.
Remember that you can shoot .44 specials out of a .44 mag, AND you can shoot .45 LC out of your .454...this is if you find the recoil something you don't want to put up with all the time...but it is there if you want it...kind of like a fast car...or 4 wheel drive.
I love my Ruger Redhawk 5.5 inch .44 mag...I would also like to have the .454 version with a 5.5 inch barrel if they made one. Now the S&W 500 with the 4 inch barrel would be my next choice.
BTW, I use the 300 grain castcore Federal factory load...because it is the most accurate out of my Redhawk. It does not even remotely bother me to shoot...but the 500 S&W might. Maybe one day I will find out.
I love my Ruger Redhawk 5.5 inch .44 mag...I would also like to have the .454 version with a 5.5 inch barrel if they made one. Now the S&W 500 with the 4 inch barrel would be my next choice.
BTW, I use the 300 grain castcore Federal factory load...because it is the most accurate out of my Redhawk. It does not even remotely bother me to shoot...but the 500 S&W might. Maybe one day I will find out.
The reason for the m44 and not raging bull is because of the lovely califonia departemet of justice. They just will not allow purchase of it in 44mag in Califonia. Why, i dont know! Maybee the same reason alot of people here dont eat red meat. They are weird!!! Any ways- sounds like the 44mag will fit the bill. I was just looking at the smith and wesson 629. Better than a taurus?? Which would you guys choose. Again, thanks for all the replies and help....Jeff
If you can swing a 629 over the Taurus, I'd go that route without any questions. Matter-of-fact, I recently bought a used 629-1 as my 21st birthday present. Feels good to have a .44 in my hands, again!
Go .44, go Smith and Wesson if you can and go shoot! Don't forget you can use .44 Specials in this firearm, and I do believe there are some medium-velocity magnum loads to be had also. You don't have to run the .44 at full-power all of the time to enjoy shooting it. Actually, I might say that it is most enjoyable when loaded down a little bit.
Good luck and good shooting.
Go .44, go Smith and Wesson if you can and go shoot! Don't forget you can use .44 Specials in this firearm, and I do believe there are some medium-velocity magnum loads to be had also. You don't have to run the .44 at full-power all of the time to enjoy shooting it. Actually, I might say that it is most enjoyable when loaded down a little bit.
Good luck and good shooting.
Sir William
New member
The S&W will cost more. If you happen across a 6" half lug 629-3 BUY! If you find a M44 for right at $500.00 give it a pass. There should be used Taurus M44s for right around $300.00 if you shop around.
.44 magnum
I beleive, sir, that you will find more ammunition variety and availability for the .44 Magnum than the .454. That is the case here in Washington, anyway. You may enjoy your .44 mag more with cowboy loads or .44 special.
As far as the California DOJ, all I can offer is to help you find a decent apartment were you willing to move up the coast to WA
I beleive, sir, that you will find more ammunition variety and availability for the .44 Magnum than the .454. That is the case here in Washington, anyway. You may enjoy your .44 mag more with cowboy loads or .44 special.
As far as the California DOJ, all I can offer is to help you find a decent apartment were you willing to move up the coast to WA
FirstFreedom
Moderator
Since it's a defensive purpose, get the 6" bbl , not the 8.375" regardless of caliber choice.
I'd get the .454 if cost of ammo is not an issue, because you can shoot lighter .45 colt loads, and it's more versatile. If cost of shelf ammo is an issue, then go with .44mag. But the .454 would be a better, surer black bear stopper. Won't be fun to practice with however, in fullhouse loads.
I'd get the .454 if cost of ammo is not an issue, because you can shoot lighter .45 colt loads, and it's more versatile. If cost of shelf ammo is an issue, then go with .44mag. But the .454 would be a better, surer black bear stopper. Won't be fun to practice with however, in fullhouse loads.