.44 Magnum

[briankk]

There was a thread somewhere about how the Ruger Blackhawk, shooting full house .44 mag loads, will beat your arm to death, as compaired to, say, a Redhawk or a Taurus Raging Bull.

So. If the Blackhawk is the worst, what's the best? Is there a .44 Mag that is genteler to the arm than any other? Shooting magnum loads, not .44 spcl.

I was at a guns show, couple of weeks ago, there were a LOT of .44 mags for sale, mostly S&W 29s, one of the vendors said that all those guns that were sold by the movie "Dirty Harry" were being sold by old guys who couldn't handle 'em any more...FWTW.

[cornholio1]

The Desert Eagle shoots pretty good. But I think I was holding it wrong. Two brass casing hit me in the forehead. I wonder if I could handle some "hot" loads as well.

[maxicon]

For revolvers with a certain type of ammo, it's all about the weight and the grip.

Heavier guns are easier to shoot, and rubber grips with covered backstraps are easier to shoot.

It's hard to beat a S&W 29 or 629 with Hogue grips. Blackhawks are cheaper, and are great guns, while the Redhawk is kind'a ugly, IMO (and I'm a Ruger fan).

You can also shoot .44 special or light load .44 magnum. My main complaint about them is the cost of feeding them, no matter what kind of ammo you choose.

[cactuspete]

I'd guess that two of easier shooting .44 mags would either be the Ruger Super Redhawk with 7-1/2" or 9-1/2" barrel - with the addition of the padded Hogue grip as well as one of the larger S&W 629 models - 6-1/2" barrel and bigger - also with the Hogue X-frame grip. I have a 629 Classic with 6-1/2" barrel. I put the X-frame grip on it - made all the difference in the world.

[Black Majik]

The Desert Eagle shoots pretty good. But I think I was holding it wrong. Two brass casing hit me in the forehead. I wonder if I could handle some "hot" loads as well.

I agree. It's been a while, but I remember the DE .44 to be a soft shooter also.

[6079Winston]

I have a 6 1/2" 629 with the ported barrel that I think is way under appreciated, power port or something? Recoil is very pleasant for a .44 mag. I really wanted a Freedom Arms .454, but common sense got the better of me.

[natedogg1777]

I've shot a few hundred rounds out of my dad's Super Redhawk...I don't have another .44 mag to compare it to, but it is not overbearing by any means. Dead on accurate too!

[StraightShooter]

My dad has a Colt anaconda that is a pleasure to shoot. It has hogue grips which I think helps but it feels perfect in my hand. The only time it hurt to shoot was when we bought some Buffalo Bore ammo that was insanely powerful.

[Turbinator]

I have a 6 1/2" 629 with the ported barrel that I think is way under appreciated, power port or something? Recoil is very pleasant for a .44 mag. I really wanted a Freedom Arms .454, but common sense got the better of me.

I was going to suggested porting - just be aware that the ports may make the report of the shot louder to the shooter, or potentially make more of a shockwave to nearby observers. At least from what I've seen, anyway.

Turby

[Parag]

Try a Super Blackhawk with a Bisley grip. I found I couldn't handle the .44MAG loads with the normal grip (nor in S&W's) but find it much much easier with the Ruger Bisley. (Thanks to Bill.)

-- Parag

[Rob454]

You can also shoot .44 special or light load .44 magnum. My main complaint about them is the cost of feeding them, no matter what kind of ammo you choose.

Yup. Thats why i rarely shoot my 44 mag. i have a taurus 44 mag 6 inch barrel and it has porting. I shoot off the shelf ammo and it doesnt seem overly hard to shoot. I shot a buddys 44 mag and it seemed to have lots of recoil. shot the same ammo in my 44 and it seemed less potent. His gun is also lighter with a shorter barrel. Mine is a heavy brick so I think that makes a difference also
Rob

[metalhead357]

Wimps


Just shoot the %^%% thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Broken wrist? HA! Its only a flesh wound!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, I dunno how the Blackhawk would be bad...its built like a Brick Shat house with all the weight you need for full loads...though the *sissy* side of me does tend to let newbies use softer loads and hogue grips on a differnt gun when allowing .44 virgins to shoot.

[6266guy]

The Desert Eagle is a ***** Cat...I have both the S&W 29 and the Eagle...bought both just because...I think there both ends of the spectrum...but they both get pricey to shoot...

[JTROKS]

I have a SRH 7.5" and SBH 10.5" bbl, ;the SRH is much easier to shoot than the SBH due to the grips. I have Hogue finger grooved rubber grips on the SRH and Pachmyr on the SBH, the recoil on the SBH is a lot more punishing when both are shot with 300 grain max loads. I have shot lighter 44 mag guns such as the S&W Mt. Gun and man that thing kicks.

JTROKS

[battleship]

Just bought a SW model 29-10 44 magnum, have yet to fire it, i bought a couple of boxes of 240 grain bullets, but am wondering what the 325 + grain bullets will feel like. best start to learn to walk before i run.

ive fired a 629 classic with the full lug and that was a handfull the 29 has a half lug which i think will create more recoil.

chose this gun for its classic good lucks, which i think have been lost somewhat with over models, unless its the colt anaconda.