Post by: ZEN on December 21, 2007, 10:13:54 AM
1. Taurus model 44, http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=278&category=Revolver
2. S&W model 686, http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=12762&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15705
3. Ruger Redhawk, http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdSpecsView?model=5014
Post by: smdave on December 21, 2007, 10:24:13 AM
(I really would go bigger but) well you know bigger does not kill any more. I just really like big bore handguns.
Dave
Post by: ZEN on December 21, 2007, 10:35:19 AM
Post by: smdave on December 21, 2007, 10:47:57 AM
DAve
Post by: smdave on December 21, 2007, 10:50:57 AM
Are you "Survivor" I use my real name over there. Look in the Dan Wesson section you will figure out who i am.
David
Post by: dbllunger on December 21, 2007, 11:12:49 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on December 21, 2007, 02:34:14 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on December 21, 2007, 02:59:49 PM
I had a Taurus 608, the 8 round .357 4in ported barrel. I WILL NEVER HAVE A PORTED TRAIL GUN AGAIN! Shooting an M2 .50 BMG without earplugs didn't hurt 1/10th as much.
The Taurus also started falling apart around 800 rounds, pins started working their way out, lock up got real sloppy, scary sloppy. No Garrets or +P loads, mostly 158gr sp.
I had a S&W 629 Classic, 5 in barrel. Best thing I ever fired. I still kick myself for selling it (unexpected layofff, ya, but still :bash: :bash:)
Had a Ruger Redhawk in .44mag Never felt as good as the Smitty to fire, was never as good with it as the smitty, of course it took the extra hot loads from Buffalo Bore and yes they hurt.
Quote
Now if I could talk you into getting a Dan Wesson in 445 then we can really talk.
I'm listening...Seriously the gun budget is going for next Junes solo arctic trip.....but if there's enough overtime this winter???
Post by: ZEN on December 21, 2007, 04:37:34 PM
Post by: YellowDog on December 21, 2007, 04:39:54 PM
My brother had a Taurus that I never really cared for. Actually, it wasn't that bad but it wasn't a S&W either.
Post by: high country on December 22, 2007, 08:50:42 PM
I also have a 629 classic that spit the front sight in the middle of montana....that sucked, but after I installed a new blade it is good as new.
I have to say ruger IS the strongest, the smith IS the smooothest, the taurus IS a decent gun for a decent price.
I would prolly go with the 329pd over my taurus if I did it over....but oh well.
Post by: dbllunger on December 22, 2007, 09:41:35 PM
Post by: smdave on December 22, 2007, 11:51:04 PM
All Dan Wessons
Top left 375 Supermag, right 460 Supermag (the only one made serial number 1)
bottom 445 Supermag, right 357 Supermag
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myhostedpics.com%2Fimages%2F445SMDave%2Fall4.jpg&hash=162ddff1c187b9305dbc30586db3a4b1aae4e5bc)
Dave
Post by: high country on December 23, 2007, 07:01:18 AM
Smith is the smoothest because every revolvers internals are hand fit still. Wish they put as much effort into their autos.
give the 1911pd a try....mine is as good or better than my old wilson and much better than my kimber
Post by: ICEMAN on December 23, 2007, 09:03:05 AM
Post by: smdave on December 23, 2007, 11:32:52 AM
smdave, so I take it you like handguns... :chuckle:
:guns: Yes maybe a little. :guns:
Dave
Post by: ZEN on December 23, 2007, 11:42:17 PM
sh!t). In hind sight I still feel confused about the smiths. Not many that get agreed upon. So many people have a different fave. That speaks to the depth of their line though. I lean towards them in my gut. There will come a time when I'll own a glorious gun like one of those DWs that Dave's got but my life style requires one of those more complex purchases ;) where I have to weigh the cost as heavily as function and fit. That's just where it's at right now. The next "K" I drop brings home a 30-06, maybe a souped-up A-Bolt, but not a DW.
So I lean towards the 629 or it's cousins. I think 4" or 5"max since I'll carry while hunting. Still tossing around 44 or 357. leaning on the 44. I don't like being undergunned. In the end I'll have a 22mag rifle, 9mm pistol, a 44 revolver(?), and a 30-06 rifle(another one, should've kept the old one :'(). That seems like my perfect set for a while. Had a bigger set but I've downsized. I don't want to see any big power gaps in that set.
Post by: Dakota Dogman on December 24, 2007, 11:04:48 AM
If your looking for a hunting handgun... well any of them would do... but the S&W 629 with a longer barrel (6"-8") will do you right. Mostly Rugers need a trigger job out of the box, but then they can handle the higher preasure shells that hurt the hand.
God Bless,
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on December 24, 2007, 11:11:29 AM
Post by: MikeWalking on December 24, 2007, 11:53:16 AM
If you're going for the 629 take a good long look at the classic with a 5in bbl. For a large frame you will be surprised at how well balanced it is. I also like being able to adjust the trigger weight my self. It just felt better and I shot it better than my Redhawk.
Yes the Redhawk will handle any load made, and then some. But if you're not sleeping in the land of 1000lb grizzlies a step back from the hottest ought to be ok.
Post by: high country on December 24, 2007, 11:58:49 AM
Post by: MikeWalking on December 24, 2007, 12:04:04 PM
Quote
the 629 backpacker is just heavy enough to tame recoil, yet light enough you will carry it often. there is a special edition alaskan backpacker that has a pretty cool scene on it.
Hm? think I'll split for the S&W website....
Post by: Huntbear on December 24, 2007, 12:13:54 PM
You just can not break a Ruger. and they are extremely accurate, especially if you handload and play with the loads. I have a 240 gr. load and a 300 gr. load. Both shoot to the same point of impact at 75 yds.
One note, go stainless. and use Pachmyar grips. You will not regret it.
Post by: LongTatLaw on December 24, 2007, 12:34:31 PM
I have hunted big game with handguns for years and years.
The two that I found that I really liked were an old old SW 357 then I upgraded to my current hunting hand gun.
Its a Taurus M44 - 9 3/8 inch barrel - nickel plated - ported - with a 4x leupold scope.
I love the Taurus Ive killed dozens of deer and boar with it. It puts em down and because Taurus does a better job than most with the porting...it doesnt feel like ur even shooting a 357. It feels like a 38 or less.
its very accurate and pushes the distance way out there for a pistol
Its a little large with the scope and requires a decent sized holster but I love hunting with it.
Post by: Slider on December 24, 2007, 06:44:17 PM
Post by: JJ79 on December 28, 2007, 01:20:20 AM
Post by: MikeWalking on December 28, 2007, 07:21:32 AM
IMHO If I were going after Deer .41 or .44 magnums. There are some really hot .357 loads and you can make your own. But if I were stalking around the woods all sneaky like for deer, as bears and cougars do, I'd want a .41 mag or better. I'm a big believer in quick humane kills too.
Post by: JJ79 on December 28, 2007, 01:47:46 PM
Post by: Dakota Dogman on December 29, 2007, 03:58:25 PM
In .357 you can normally choose between 158 grains & 180 grain bullets. The first are substantially faster, the later have better penetration (of course depending on bullet shape etc.) Personally I would say 180 is the better bet as they are more likely to be bullets developed for hunting.
If you are not real familure with handguns... you owe it to yourself & to the animal to 1) take a year to practice & learn your limits, 2) work hard to keep shots real close - then you can use a gun you are comfortable with.
Then again, as you grow in ability you may find that you can happily handle a little more power (recoil) like a Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 mag.
The .357 for big game is about like the .410 for wild birds, you can do it, but it often ends up being more of a stunt then a real logical choice.
For the record I am a huge .357 fan.
God Bless,
Post by: ZEN on December 30, 2007, 10:22:18 PM