The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Ruger Super Blackhawk grip choice and barrel length

**44 AMP** · October 11, 2016, 12:27 PM

[QUOTE]suggest you also look hard at the 4" Redhawk in 45 ACP/45 Colt. [/QUOTE

Go ahead and take a look, but I think the Redhawk is not the best choice for the backpacker. They are fine guns, but Ruger "tanks" come with a "tank"'s weight as well as strength.

If the object of going to a short barrel is to save weight (as well as length) then choosing a larger, heavier framed gun, even with a short barrel, ADDs weight. Might only be 2-3 oz, but as pointed out, they add up.

The easiest .44 Mag to carry will be the most difficult one to shoot well, and shoot well, rapidly. There is no getting around that. I'm assuming that you are looking for a gun that will be carried a lot, and shot very little. Or shot very little with full house ammo.

I understand S&W now makes a 5 shot .44 mag on the L frame (don't know the model number, sorry) this might be just the ticket, a balance between size, weight and power.

Bottom line, it boils down to personal choice, and what best suits your requirements, AND your desires. SA style guns grip shapes are less punishing at .44 mag levels than DA revolver grip shapes. Less punishing, not punishment free.

If you don't have any experience shooting .44mags, it is very difficult to make an informed choice on what will suit you best. IF at all possible, get some experience, so you can tell what is, and isn't workable for you, personally.

October 11, 2016, 12:27 PM	#6
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 30,448	[QUOTE]suggest you also look hard at the 4" Redhawk in 45 ACP/45 Colt. [/QUOTE Go ahead and take a look, but I think the Redhawk is not the best choice for the backpacker. They are fine guns, but Ruger "tanks" come with a "tank"'s weight as well as strength. If the object of going to a short barrel is to save weight (as well as length) then choosing a larger, heavier framed gun, even with a short barrel, ADDs weight. Might only be 2-3 oz, but as pointed out, they add up. The easiest .44 Mag to carry will be the most difficult one to shoot well, and shoot well, rapidly. There is no getting around that. I'm assuming that you are looking for a gun that will be carried a lot, and shot very little. Or shot very little with full house ammo. I understand S&W now makes a 5 shot .44 mag on the L frame (don't know the model number, sorry) this might be just the ticket, a balance between size, weight and power. Bottom line, it boils down to personal choice, and what best suits your requirements, AND your desires. SA style guns grip shapes are less punishing at .44 mag levels than DA revolver grip shapes. Less punishing, not punishment free. If you don't have any experience shooting .44mags, it is very difficult to make an informed choice on what will suit you best. IF at all possible, get some experience, so you can tell what is, and isn't workable for you, personally. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.