.44 Magnum VS .44 Magnum

Southern Shooter · May 30, 2010, 09:47 PM

If you had to choose a gun for general protection in the backcountry of Wyoming, Montana, or Idaho...strictly sticking to the two listed here...which would you choose and why??

1)
Ruger Redhawk, .44 Magnum, Double-Action, 4" barrel

2)
Ruger Super Blackhawk, .44 Magnum, Single-Action, 7 1/2" barrel

30-30remchester · May 30, 2010, 10:14 PM

Double action only for me. I have studied both animal and human attacks and the one thing that stands out on the vast majority of them is the speed and suddeness of the attack. I want to know all I have to do is pull the trigger.

phil mcwilliam · May 31, 2010, 04:01 AM

I think the choice is entirely up to you & what your most comfortable with. For me, I don't notice a discernible time difference in getting away a quick couple of aimed shots from a single action 44 mag when compared to a double action. The recoil from a 44 mag tends to give enough time between shots a pull the hammer back ready for when your next on target if going single action.
If you wanted a gun that was quick to draw, and mainly for defense as opposed to hunting, I would definately go with the shorter barrel. I had a S&W 44 with 8 inch barrel & found it a little slow to draw because of barrel length, when compared to other handguns I've hunted with, but for hunting the longer barrel proved more accurate.

shortwave · May 31, 2010, 07:42 AM

Although I own several SBH's and am partial to them, I think I'd opt for the DA,SRH for same reason as 30-30remchester stated.

cerberus65 · May 31, 2010, 07:57 AM

I'd pick the Redhawk since it has the shorter barrel. For wildlife moving quickly towards me I'd want the one that's easiest to draw.

treg · May 31, 2010, 08:08 AM

4" RH

Shorter barrel makes for a handier gun that carries better and draws better. Can be easily fired DA single handed if one hand is injured or busy. Those big sticky Hogue grips they're putting on them now would have to go, otherwise a great gun.

It is still accurate and powerful enough to hunt with if one desires.

rickyjames · May 31, 2010, 08:14 AM

a 44 mag vs a 44 mag? the end result should be the same. it is what happens before the bullet hits the target that should concern you. how fast can you draw, holster and barrel length are a factor. how easy to aim, sights and pointability are a factor. speed of first and follow up shots, comfort and confidence. while this might seem to favor the da revolver an experienced shooter with a single action can be just as effective. so you make your choice and pay your money but remember the odds of needing to protect yourself from a bear are small. your gun should be able to do many other tasks that may interest you.

Art Eatman · May 31, 2010, 08:18 AM

I've had two or three of the SAs. I have found that with a Weaver stance and hot loads, I can get pretty tight double-taps with my 7.5" Redhawk, quite rapidly.

The SAs are fun, but the Redhawk IMO is more practical as a bear-defense weapon.

When shotgunning for quail in my far back-country, I carry my Redhawk in front of my left hip for cross draw in the event I'm attacked by a rabid Bambi.

kraigwy · May 31, 2010, 08:33 AM

I like the 6 in Smith Model 29. Not that the Rugers arnt good, I can just shoot the Smiths better.

I've had several Rugers, I just cant shoot them as well.

Having said that, I do a lot of back country travel in Wyoming, all I carry is my model 642. I've found that while camping, fishing, or horseback, the heavy pistol, or rifle is often left with the tac while doing camp chores, my 642 is always in my pocket.

Art Eatman · May 31, 2010, 08:46 AM

I'll sure agree with kraigwy about "The best handgun is the one with which you can best hit a target." I once did a comparison test of a Python, two nice S&Ws and a GP 100. 50 rounds of hot loads through each. IPSC-style speed on multiple targets. I did best with the Ruger. Go figure...

But I figure my 642 CT is more of an in-town social-use critter than what I'd want in bear country.

TX Hunter · May 31, 2010, 09:50 AM

For Bear Protection I would choose the Redhawk.
The reason for me would be that it is faster to reload.

BIGR · May 31, 2010, 10:12 AM

The 4" Ruger Redhawk, more compact, easier to get into action and easier to tote around.

22-rimfire · May 31, 2010, 10:47 AM

I would definitely choose the Ruger Redhawk due to the compactness and ability to rapidly fire in double action if necessary. Also I believe you can reload quicker not that you are likely to have to reload.

If you shoot single actions, you can get pretty darn fast with them. I would however choose a shorter barrel for your purpose.

James R. Burke · May 31, 2010, 11:52 AM

I aggree with Phil Micwilliam, I think time wise recoverying from the recoil would give you time to get a better aimed second shot, I also will say that I am like Kraigwy I can shoot the Smith better than the Rugers for some reasons. Not saying the Rugers are not a great firearm. I seen lots of folks shoot them real accurate.

Buzzcook · May 31, 2010, 12:03 PM

The Redhawk would be a better option. But my choice would be bear spray and my trusty Ruger Mk II.

Old Grump · May 31, 2010, 04:07 PM

Love my Blackhawk but the Redhawk is kinder to my hand and in a life and death situation the double action could be the difference between good/bad outcome. For target shooting and deer hunting I'll stay with my Super Blackhawk but its not my gun of choice for carry.

ZeroJunk · May 31, 2010, 06:53 PM

I have spent a lot of time bow hunting in grizzly country with a 629 S&W which for all practical purposes is the same as the RedHawk. I like the idea of the double action.

I have been 40 yards from a grizzly and it is sobering.

I had a close guide friend that had one of his hunters mauled by a bear he stumbled on that was on an elk carcass. He kicked the bear in the side trying to get him up where he wouldn't hit the hunter and as he turned up shot him three or four times with a 44 mag in the side.The bear left with the hunter's rifle in his mouth shaking it. They trailed the bear several miles in the snow but never found him.

So, depending on your talent take whatever shot you can to the head. With me, I would probably have to stick it in his ear as he knocked me down.

If a bear is on a carcass there is usually a bunch of birds in the trees overhead raising hell. Ravens, vultures fussing waiting for their turn. If you see that approach with extreme caution or go around. Sow bear with cubs is the other bad scene.

Hunting companions of mine have got on to a grizzly twice over the years. In both cases they ran one way and the bear ran the other. But, you never know.

Daryl · May 31, 2010, 07:27 PM

The one with the shorter barrel is what I'd choose.

SA vs DA is a legitimate concern, depending on which one you shoot best.

But for defensive purposes, I don't like long barreled handguns. To me, the overrides action type in importance.

Long barrels are great for shooting, and allow a longer sight radius for more accurate shots while hunting (for most, anyway).

But self-defense seldom involves precise bullet placement. If you need it fast, it's gotta clear the holster quickly.

Daryl

GeauxTide · May 31, 2010, 08:32 PM

I'd go with the 4" Redhawk, but in 45LC.

bamaranger · June 1, 2010, 02:19 AM

I have never wandered the states you mention, but I have toted handguns for "general protection" afield here in the south and east for a long time.

I traded away two very nice 6" N frames, a 27 and a 29, because 6" was just to darn long for strong side hip holster for me for everyday, everywhere carry, afoot on trails and rough country, and awkward in and out of a vehicle and off and on an ATV to boot. An ahead of hip, cross draw was most practical and accessible for me, w/ these guns, but it put to much gun right where I didn't need any more bulk, especially when very active. (little did I know what a blue M27/29 would be worth down the road)

I can only believe that a 7-1/2 bbl on the SuperB would be even worse.

The 4" redhawk sounds more compact. I believe they are a bit stronger and heavier than a comparable Smith 29 but that may not be a bad thing in .44mag.

Rifleman1776 · June 1, 2010, 07:36 AM

Both are very fine pistols. I think, in this case, barrel length is immaterial.
I own and have shot my .44 mag. Redhawk many thousands of times. If you plan to get the DA, do practice, practice, practice shooting it in DA. If you are not practiced, speed in follow up shots means nothing if you pull off target. It is a matter of personal choice.

davlandrum · June 1, 2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

For Bear Protection I would choose the Redhawk.
The reason for me would be that it is faster to reload.

ROTFLMAO!!!

sc928porsche · June 1, 2010, 02:15 PM

The SA fits ME better so that is what I use. Find out which you are the most comfortable with and go to it.

Reload? at a charging bear? Good luck!

2rugers · June 1, 2010, 03:38 PM

It's not the length of the barrel but the speed at which you can deploy it.

crghss · June 1, 2010, 03:45 PM

Easier to handle a 4" plus double action. For self protection I can't see using a single action.

May 30, 2010, 09:47 PM	#1
Southern Shooter Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2005 Location: central Louisiana Posts: 469	.44 Magnum VS .44 Magnum If you had to choose a gun for general protection in the backcountry of Wyoming, Montana, or Idaho...strictly sticking to the two listed here...which would you choose and why?? 1) Ruger Redhawk, .44 Magnum, Double-Action, 4" barrel 2) Ruger Super Blackhawk, .44 Magnum, Single-Action, 7 1/2" barrel __________________ "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Gordon B. Hinckley

May 31, 2010, 08:08 AM	#6
treg Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Posts: 1,102	4" RH Shorter barrel makes for a handier gun that carries better and draws better. Can be easily fired DA single handed if one hand is injured or busy. Those big sticky Hogue grips they're putting on them now would have to go, otherwise a great gun. It is still accurate and powerful enough to hunt with if one desires. __________________ .44 Special: For those who get it, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't, no explanation is possible.

May 31, 2010, 08:14 AM	#7
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 558	a 44 mag vs a 44 mag? the end result should be the same. it is what happens before the bullet hits the target that should concern you. how fast can you draw, holster and barrel length are a factor. how easy to aim, sights and pointability are a factor. speed of first and follow up shots, comfort and confidence. while this might seem to favor the da revolver an experienced shooter with a single action can be just as effective. so you make your choice and pay your money but remember the odds of needing to protect yourself from a bear are small. your gun should be able to do many other tasks that may interest you. __________________ ya only got 1 arm and ya carry 3 guns for Christs sake. Well I don't want to get killed for lack of shooting back.

May 31, 2010, 08:33 AM	#9
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I like the 6 in Smith Model 29. Not that the Rugers arnt good, I can just shoot the Smiths better. I've had several Rugers, I just cant shoot them as well. Having said that, I do a lot of back country travel in Wyoming, all I carry is my model 642. I've found that while camping, fishing, or horseback, the heavy pistol, or rifle is often left with the tac while doing camp chores, my 642 is always in my pocket. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

May 31, 2010, 04:07 PM	#16
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	Love my Blackhawk but the Redhawk is kinder to my hand and in a life and death situation the double action could be the difference between good/bad outcome. For target shooting and deer hunting I'll stay with my Super Blackhawk but its not my gun of choice for carry. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

May 30, 2010, 10:14 PM	#2
30-30remchester Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2009 Location: mountains of colorado Posts: 977	Double action only for me. I have studied both animal and human attacks and the one thing that stands out on the vast majority of them is the speed and suddeness of the attack. I want to know all I have to do is pull the trigger.

May 31, 2010, 04:01 AM	#3
phil mcwilliam Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2007 Posts: 573	I think the choice is entirely up to you & what your most comfortable with. For me, I don't notice a discernible time difference in getting away a quick couple of aimed shots from a single action 44 mag when compared to a double action. The recoil from a 44 mag tends to give enough time between shots a pull the hammer back ready for when your next on target if going single action. If you wanted a gun that was quick to draw, and mainly for defense as opposed to hunting, I would definately go with the shorter barrel. I had a S&W 44 with 8 inch barrel & found it a little slow to draw because of barrel length, when compared to other handguns I've hunted with, but for hunting the longer barrel proved more accurate.

May 31, 2010, 07:42 AM	#4
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Although I own several SBH's and am partial to them, I think I'd opt for the DA,SRH for same reason as 30-30remchester stated.

May 31, 2010, 07:57 AM	#5
cerberus65 Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Posts: 384	I'd pick the Redhawk since it has the shorter barrel. For wildlife moving quickly towards me I'd want the one that's easiest to draw.

May 31, 2010, 08:18 AM	#8
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I've had two or three of the SAs. I have found that with a Weaver stance and hot loads, I can get pretty tight double-taps with my 7.5" Redhawk, quite rapidly. The SAs are fun, but the Redhawk IMO is more practical as a bear-defense weapon. When shotgunning for quail in my far back-country, I carry my Redhawk in front of my left hip for cross draw in the event I'm attacked by a rabid Bambi.

May 31, 2010, 08:46 AM	#10
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I'll sure agree with kraigwy about "The best handgun is the one with which you can best hit a target." I once did a comparison test of a Python, two nice S&Ws and a GP 100. 50 rounds of hot loads through each. IPSC-style speed on multiple targets. I did best with the Ruger. Go figure... But I figure my 642 CT is more of an in-town social-use critter than what I'd want in bear country.

May 31, 2010, 09:50 AM	#11
TX Hunter Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2010 Location: East Texas USA Posts: 1,805	For Bear Protection I would choose the Redhawk. The reason for me would be that it is faster to reload.

May 31, 2010, 10:12 AM	#12
BIGR Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2000 Location: Mountains Posts: 1,385	The 4" Ruger Redhawk, more compact, easier to get into action and easier to tote around.

May 31, 2010, 10:47 AM	#13
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	I would definitely choose the Ruger Redhawk due to the compactness and ability to rapidly fire in double action if necessary. Also I believe you can reload quicker not that you are likely to have to reload. If you shoot single actions, you can get pretty darn fast with them. I would however choose a shorter barrel for your purpose.

May 31, 2010, 11:52 AM	#14
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	I aggree with Phil Micwilliam, I think time wise recoverying from the recoil would give you time to get a better aimed second shot, I also will say that I am like Kraigwy I can shoot the Smith better than the Rugers for some reasons. Not saying the Rugers are not a great firearm. I seen lots of folks shoot them real accurate.

May 31, 2010, 12:03 PM	#15
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	The Redhawk would be a better option. But my choice would be bear spray and my trusty Ruger Mk II.

May 31, 2010, 06:53 PM	#17
ZeroJunk Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Browns Summit NC Posts: 2,589	I have spent a lot of time bow hunting in grizzly country with a 629 S&W which for all practical purposes is the same as the RedHawk. I like the idea of the double action. I have been 40 yards from a grizzly and it is sobering. I had a close guide friend that had one of his hunters mauled by a bear he stumbled on that was on an elk carcass. He kicked the bear in the side trying to get him up where he wouldn't hit the hunter and as he turned up shot him three or four times with a 44 mag in the side.The bear left with the hunter's rifle in his mouth shaking it. They trailed the bear several miles in the snow but never found him. So, depending on your talent take whatever shot you can to the head. With me, I would probably have to stick it in his ear as he knocked me down. If a bear is on a carcass there is usually a bunch of birds in the trees overhead raising hell. Ravens, vultures fussing waiting for their turn. If you see that approach with extreme caution or go around. Sow bear with cubs is the other bad scene. Hunting companions of mine have got on to a grizzly twice over the years. In both cases they ran one way and the bear ran the other. But, you never know.

May 31, 2010, 07:27 PM	#18
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	The one with the shorter barrel is what I'd choose. SA vs DA is a legitimate concern, depending on which one you shoot best. But for defensive purposes, I don't like long barreled handguns. To me, the overrides action type in importance. Long barrels are great for shooting, and allow a longer sight radius for more accurate shots while hunting (for most, anyway). But self-defense seldom involves precise bullet placement. If you need it fast, it's gotta clear the holster quickly. Daryl

May 31, 2010, 08:32 PM	#19
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	I'd go with the 4" Redhawk, but in 45LC.

June 1, 2010, 02:19 AM	#20
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,306	geography aside I have never wandered the states you mention, but I have toted handguns for "general protection" afield here in the south and east for a long time. I traded away two very nice 6" N frames, a 27 and a 29, because 6" was just to darn long for strong side hip holster for me for everyday, everywhere carry, afoot on trails and rough country, and awkward in and out of a vehicle and off and on an ATV to boot. An ahead of hip, cross draw was most practical and accessible for me, w/ these guns, but it put to much gun right where I didn't need any more bulk, especially when very active. (little did I know what a blue M27/29 would be worth down the road) I can only believe that a 7-1/2 bbl on the SuperB would be even worse. The 4" redhawk sounds more compact. I believe they are a bit stronger and heavier than a comparable Smith 29 but that may not be a bad thing in .44mag.

June 1, 2010, 07:36 AM	#21
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Both are very fine pistols. I think, in this case, barrel length is immaterial. I own and have shot my .44 mag. Redhawk many thousands of times. If you plan to get the DA, do practice, practice, practice shooting it in DA. If you are not practiced, speed in follow up shots means nothing if you pull off target. It is a matter of personal choice.

June 1, 2010, 02:15 PM	#23
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	The SA fits ME better so that is what I use. Find out which you are the most comfortable with and go to it. Reload? at a charging bear? Good luck! __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.

June 1, 2010, 03:38 PM	#24
2rugers Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2005 Location: texas Posts: 762	It's not the length of the barrel but the speed at which you can deploy it. __________________ Pain Is The Quickest Teacher 2RUGERS AKA "HALFCOCKED"

June 1, 2010, 03:45 PM	#25
crghss Junior member Join Date: July 1, 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 537	Redhawk.... Easier to handle a 4" plus double action. For self protection I can't see using a single action.