Pistol for Hunting.. Which .44 Mag???

[KimberRich]

:)What does he want to do? Does he shoot a big gun already? Is he a serious, handloading, hunter guy or a factory load shooter?
I think you need to really think about how he will use the gun, or will it be a wall hanger, cause it means so much?
Carl

Good questions!  He's killed deer with rifle's, muzzy's, and bow's and said he'd like to try to get one with a pistol.  He does shoot pistols regularly already and compete's in some cowboy action shooting and other pistol shoots.  He is a serious handloader and would be loading all his own ammo.  I want it to be primarily a gun to hunt with so I'm thinking Stainless, but with some custom engraving for him to remember all his hard work each time he picks up the gun.  Definitely not a wall hanger.  He does quite a bit of gunsmithing himself also and engraved my initials on the floor plate of my first rifle and every time I look at it I remember how I felt that Christmas morning.  Was hoping to kind of return the favor in one way or another..

[KimberRich]

The Ruger Super Blackhawk can take high pressure loads extremely well but are single action only. Usually sufficient for most hunting.

That's what I was thinking about the single action.  I guess there could be a situation where you may need to take a quick shot in an emergency but in general the single action is fine.

[cohoho]

Had several of what has been mentioned.  I didn't like the Blackhawk, due to the single action and felt uncomfortable to me....  The Ruger in 454 is great, but if your dad is getting older, it might be a bit much on the wrists.  I love my 629 .44 Alaskan model, a bit less on recoil and is darn near perfect in all hunting situations...  It it functions just like my 686 and my 642...  I guess it boils down to what he likes and what feels comfortable to him as we all know nothing is the same for everyone...  Quality, don't think either company has their flaws..

[KimberRich]

Had several of what has been mentioned.  I didn't like the Blackhawk, due to the single action and felt uncomfortable to me....  The Ruger in 454 is great, but if your dad is getting older, it might be a bit much on the wrists.  I love my 629 .44 Alaskan model, a bit less on recoil and is darn near perfect in all hunting situations...

He's about to turn 55 and in good shape so I'm not concerned with the wrists.  I am leaning towards the 629 currently.  The Ruger's are nice but S & W makes a damn fine pistol. 

[Bofire]

 :)I'd go with a standard Redhawk Stainless in that case. Might think about a 454. tho. you can shoot 45 colt in tham for fun.
the Super redhawk is too heavy.
Carl

[Blacklab]

Rickomatic said what I would have said. Yes, the integrated cuts in the frame/barrel for Ruger rings.

I bought my Rugers long before the factory scope mount features were available and have stuck with iron sights on a Bisley model 7 1/2" Super Blackhawk and a SS Redhawk 5".  Both get equal duty as companions to my rifles when hunting or as the primary gun when scouting or hunting the dense stuff. Both of my 44's have taken several Blacktail at handgun distances. Polished off a Bear with the SBH at close range.

-Steve

I have similar set up Bisley 44 7 1/2 with a ruger 44 carbine. Work great together and both take same hand loads.

As for the double action for me it's half full or half empty. Most people including me pull the hammer with the double actions make for a smoother trigger squeeze especially in a hunting situation    

[JackOfAllTrades]

I am leaning towards the 629 currently.  The Ruger's are nice but S & W makes a damn fine pistol.

If he's a serious handloader, then I would stay away from the 629. (I'll admit that I'm anti S&W) But he will be limited with the 629. The SRH or the SBH is a much stronger frame. As with the BFR's. They are sweet. But hell, you might has well be hefting a carbine rifle instead of a pistola. I am a Colt lover too. Still, I won't put my pet loads that I run in my Rugers through an Anaconda. (not on a regular basis anyway) Keep the Taurus Raging Bull off the list too. A Contender is a sweet choice if you think he'd like to go single shot. Another choice would be an older Dan Wesson. Especially if you can find a pistol pack. (I would limit DW pressures to that of a 629, but I know people that use them in siloette competition that load them to the hilt) Of the ones listed in this thread, the DW, BFR, or the SBH Bisley Hunter in SS would be something you don't see everyday. Nice additions to his collection. If he's a SAS shooter, the Bisley SBH will go well with his Vaquaro/Colt grip shapes. He'll be used to that. Probably not quite so used to the standard SBH, SRH, DW or 629 grip frame. And, the Bisley SBH could double as a backup gun to the Vaquaro/Colt in SASS competition. (especially if you could find one in 45LC in a 5" barrel. That is a sweet companion side arm to have in the woods. With modern brass, the 45LC can be loaded hotter than a 44mag.)