Contemplating a .44 mag handgun. I've had a 29 before and liked it (as usual wish I had it back) but I've been looking at the Redhawks and they seem like a good choice also. Probably the 6 inch in the 29 and the 5 in Redhawk. Probably go with a Pachmar grip on either. Starting off as a backpacking gun, and maybe eventually using on whitetail. Any thoughts on that 4 inch Redhawk?
Smith & Wesson Elmer Keith shot far too well with 'em. Easy to work on & tune.
You also might want to look at the S & W Mountain Gun (model 25) in .45 Colt
S&W's also retain their value a lot longer...
The Ruger Redhawk will need a trigger job (every Ruger does) BUT, you can't really do much with the mainspring due to the inherent chance of misfire. ONLY a professional Gunsmith (preferrably HIGHLY experienced) should work on a Redhawk Trigger...otherwise serious & catestrophic failures can occur. You'll usually also need to replace the front sight if it's got the old white plastic one for something a little more visable.
The Redhawk is a bit heavier as well. It helps on handling recoil a bit, but it also feels like a brick in yer holster.
The Redhawk can also handle heavier loadings, like the 300-grain offerings (Hornady XTP)...but they'll still hurt
I prefer a 6" barrel for hunting...and target work for that matter...gives just a wee bit more precision.
Of course, that might very well be psychosomatic
__________________ Marlin & Calico Specialist
I'm not just Trigger Happy, I'm Trigger Ecstatic!!
If you're going to shoot the snot out of it and reload hot hot hot ammo the Redhawk but otherwise the Model 29. Most any other gun will require some money to a gunsmith to match the big Smith's out of the box trigger pull, and the S&W Model 29 is just.... so.... damn.... cool.
Smith is the "Classic" -- looks great and has a super trigger and action.
Ruger is standard Ruger which means it's brute strong and rugged.
Can't go wrong with either--it depends on what you want.
If you want to stoke it with Elmer Keith memorial super duper loads or it's subject to adverse environmentals on a continuous basis I'd get the Ruger; otherwise I'd get the Smith.
Here's a pic of mine
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God gives us free will; the statist tries to take it away
IF YOU HAVE ELIMINATED ALL OTHER BRANDS EXCEPT THOSE TWO; YOU CAN STOP READING HERE....
Otherwise I'd suggest you look at a Dan Wesson. A 4" barrel for carry and an 8" or 10" barrel for hunting. More durable than the S&W; no trigger issues like the Redhawk and the reputation of being more accurate than both. Can handle any loads the Ruger can and, IMO, is more comfortable doing it. The way the grip is mounted, there is literally no limit to the style you can use. Additional barrel/shroud sets are still available from CZ Arms.
IF YOU HAVE ELIMINATED ALL OTHER BRANDS EXCEPT THOSE TWO; YOU CAN STOP READING HERE....
Otherwise I'd suggest you look at a Dan Wesson. A 4" barrel for carry and an 8" or 10" barrel for hunting. More durable than the S&W; no trigger issues like the Redhawk and the reputation of being more accurate than both. Can handle any loads the Ruger can and, IMO, is more comfortable doing it. The way the grip is mounted, there is literally no limit to the style you can use. Additional barrel/shroud sets are still available from CZ Arms.
DWFan, you got to quit telling guys about our DW's, it's driving prices up!
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Married men live longer than single men do, but married men are a lot more willing to die.
My .44 mag is a S&W 629 and I have owned it since the early 80s I like it a lot. the Red Hawk is a much beefier gun and probably would be better for super hot & heavy loadings. I have a Dan Wesson 15-2 in .357 and it is my most accurate pistol. they are also super strong and I wish I had one in .44mag or .45 LC
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peace through superior firepower
I have the S&W that is a newer model. Only about 6 or 8 months old. It does fine with the heavy loads and is pretty easy on the hand. I was torn between the S&W and Redhawk. I love Ruger Revolvers. Not too keen on their autos but like the revolvers. I have a GP 100 that is one of my favorite guns. Just something about a S&W .44 with me. I'm an old Dirty Harry fan. Might not be the best reason for choosing the S&W over thr Redhawk but I am very happy with my S&W.
If you like blue, go S&W. If you like stainless, go Ruger. S&W makes a fine gun, Ruger makes a rugged gun. Which do you want? Both will handle factory loads just fine, although some years of the M29 do not have the best reputation with a steady diet of heavy loads. Rugers are tougher, plain and simple. Make your choice, James Bond or The Hulkster. With the Smith, you'll worry about getting it dirty or scratched. With the Ruger, you'll just use it and enjoy it. The Smith will probably appreciate in value more, based on past performance.
__________________ Teach
Taxpayers voting for Obama are like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders.
anouther ruger to consiter is the sbh and especaly the sbh hunter.
i have the bsbh in 4 5/8 a sbh a bsh hunter a t,c contenderand a s.w stelth of all these i pick the hunter
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A LOADED GUN IN THE HAND IS BETTER THAN A COP ON THE PHONE
Elmer Keith shot far too well with 'em. Easy to work on & tune.
Teach
