Favorite 44 mag for mountains and trail

[Mike Bravo]

I have been looking at the following 44 mag models for a side arm while backpacking and fishing in the mountains:
S & W 329 alloy; S & W mountain ; and a Ruger Redhawk.

Any pro or cons between the models? Or suggest a model that you have used.

Thanks for your time!

[gasman]

Don't have any opion on the S&W. I am partial to the Ruger, i my self have a Blackhawk.


I vote for the Redhawk

[elkaholic123]

Colt Anaconda 6"  My friend has one and loves it!Jerry

[PBinWA]

I've got Taurus and S&W.  I would reply on the S&W more than the Taurus. 

[grousetracker]

just buy a model 29, if its good enough for dirty harry its good enough for everyone. i do like the redhawk though!

[sisu]

S&W 625

Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter

Ruger’s Bisley Hunter .44 Magnum

These are all good guns. The Ruger can be purchased in a shorter barrel but I find the barrel is good for keep the muzzle down. I don't have scopes on any hand gun, so far I can see the sights and the target but age is catching up in that department and I maybe forced to do something so I can see the front sight clearly.(all the underlined are links just click on them.)

[Bofire]

Redhawks are nice and stout. S&W 29 is a wonder of a 6 gun, lighter, supurb trigger, honestly not as stout.
Carl

[high country]

I have the 629 and 329. the 329 is far and away the best carry gun for the mountains you will find today and prolly ever. if you want to shoot it a bunch....you better be tough or have some past gloves. the mountain gun is a creampuff to shoot comparatively, but is considerably heavier. if you are going to want a gun you take everywhere.....the 329 is THE answer

[high country]

this is my old 450ti. it is a 45lc +p rated and weighs 19oz. it was amazingly light, but it bucked so hard it would unseat the bullets even after the lee factoy crimp die.

[spikehunter]

got a s/w 629 love it ! never had the oppurtunity to shoot the 329. I would vote for s/w

[sisu]

I have the 629 and 329. the 329 is far and away the best carry gun for the mountains you will find today and prolly ever. if you want to shoot it a bunch....you better be tough or have some past gloves. the mountain gun is a creampuff to shoot comparatively, but is considerably heavier. if you are going to want a gun you take everywhere.....the 329 is THE answer

Highcountry here is a great review on the 329
gunblast review of 329

[Huntbear]

I have owned S&Ws, but sold them once I got my hands on a Ruger.  I now own a Redhawk, and love it.  Would not dream of another weapon to carry in the woods as a side arm. 

[MikeWalking]

I've owned both a S&W 629 Classic 5in bbl, and a Ruger Redhawk 5in bbl.

The Ruger will let you shoot the hottest loads on the market including the stuff from Garrett that is a pinch too long for the 629. But if you're carrying only in WA you don't really need that kind of power or recoil, OUCH.

The 629 was by far the more comfortable of the two to shoot, fit my hand better, had a wider smoother trigger compared to the narrow sharp edged feel of the Ruger. You can also adjust the trigger pull on the 629 your self, just make sure to test it well before hitting the woods. You can crank it down to the point of not firing.

I got great groups at most ranges with the 629. In addition to the Redhawk .44 I had a GP100 .357 6in bbl.  Resting on logs or benches I had a hell of a time getting good groups with either?? And despite several differant grips on both, they never fit my hand as well as the .629  Personally I'm not one to care about the weight of a gun, especially in larger calibers. "Weight is my friend" Besides what are we talking about in terms of weight difference in handguns, the weight of a full water bottle vs half full?

Of the two the 629 is the only one I still feel bad for selling (sudden layoff)

[high country]

Highcountry here is a great review on the 329
gunblast review of 329
[/quote]

Highcountry here is a great review on the 329
gunblast review of 329

I agree whole heartedly. I have a set of crimson trace grips for mine and as neat as they are....they are even more painful then the wood ones. the hogues do help, the xframes are the answer.

if forced to keep only one pistol it would be the 329 or the 1911sc

[Phantom Gobbler]

While bow hunting in Montana this Fall I carried a 44 Mag Ruger Super Blackhawk, with 4 5/8 in. barrel in a soft camo holster.  Carrys well and is accurate.