Tough, reliable, low maintenance revolvers in 44mag?

H Wally

H Wally

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Let me begin by admitting that I'm not overly familiar with modern handguns of any breed. I'm familiar with older antique and long guns, but seldom venture into the newer stuff, so most of what I've figured out so far has come from cruising the internet.

There's a chance I'll be able to carry a side-arm in a remote area, so figured I would look into what might be a good revolver for the job.

So far I've been reading up on what are considered the "most reliable" and toughest revolvers on the market. I'm familiar with SA's and am comfortable shooting them, and am also happy with their simplicity. I've also had experience with S&W 64 K-frames and liked them. I'm looking for a low-maintenance reliable gun in 357 or 44 magnum (I already shoot 44 mag, so it's preferred over other calibers). Gun would get wet, dirty, and bumped around in all sorts of conditions.Preferably the gun will be no-frills, simple, tough enough to be accidentally abused on occasion and easy to maintain with a minimum of tools. Since it's a wish list I'd prefer it doesn't cost as much as a car either.

So far I've liked what I've read about the Ruger Super Blackhawk. Seems simple and reliable. SA only, but hey, I can live with that.
The Redhawk comes in second, just because it's a bit more complex (being DA and all), a little pricier, and the occasional complaint about needing upgrades to shoot well.
I have also read some good things about the GP100, however haven't seen enough to merit switching over to 357 for it. Only real benefit might be a significantly lighter gun?

Anyways, what's your input? Have I missed something that's an absolute shoe-in?
 
I just read Handloader magazine, I'm pretty sure Ruger just made new for this year, for Lipsey's a brand new 5 shot Super Blackhawk in 454 Casull or 480 Ruger in stainless steel. Nice to have 45 Colt as an option and even the 480 is a slightly less powerful 475 Linebaugh. Win, win, win IMO.
Certainly less cash out lay then a brand new Freedom Arms SA sixgun.

If I was looking out for decent and strong SA revolver, this would be very high on my own, to import/purchase list.
 
Going on 30 years with an atc in mining and prospecting, I've seen more 629's than everything else combined, by a long shot.

I've broken a rear sight off but haven't ever heard of one being carried that was rendered unserviceable. A good holster with a flap is the trick.

I like Blackhawks but if you are in/out of a vehicle/Atv/heli a lot you will grow to hate SA revolvers pretty quick.

These days I carry a plastic 45 sprung to shoot 45 super and much prefer the light weight and fast and easy load/unload
 
rgv said:
Going on 30 years with an atc in mining and prospecting, I've seen more 629's than everything else combined, by a long shot.

I've broken a rear sight off but haven't ever heard of one being carried that was rendered unserviceable. A good holster with a flap is the trick.

I like Blackhawks but if you are in/out of a vehicle/Atv/heli a lot you will grow to hate SA revolvers pretty quick.

These days I carry a plastic 45 sprung to shoot 45 super and much prefer the light weight and fast and easy load/unload
Click to expand...

You have no idea how much this pains me to say but I have to agree about the 629. 6668 rounds through mine and although screws have come loose, nothing has actually broken. Yet?
 
Brutus said:
I just read Handloader magazine, I'm pretty sure Ruger just made new for this year, for Lipsey's a brand new 5 shot Super Blackhawk in 454 Casull or 480 Ruger in stainless steel. Nice to have 45 Colt as an option and even the 480 is a slightly less powerful 475 Linebaugh. Win, win, win IMO.
Certainly less cash out lay then a brand new Freedom Arms SA sixgun.

If I was looking out for decent and strong SA revolver, this would be very high on my own, to import/purchase list.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I'd likely stick with 44 mag and 44spl to practice, but good to know there's another option out there. Doesn't look like ruger even has the 454 casull model on their website.


Smcx said:
Raging bull in 44 or 454 are also very strong, and accurate.
Click to expand...

I'll look into them more - I briefly glanced at them then forgot. They look a lot beefier than the redhawks - I'll take a look at weight and disassembly comparisons.


rgv said:
Going on 30 years with an atc in mining and prospecting, I've seen more 629's than everything else combined, by a long shot.

I've broken a rear sight off but haven't ever heard of one being carried that was rendered unserviceable. A good holster with a flap is the trick.

I like Blackhawks but if you are in/out of a vehicle/Atv/heli a lot you will grow to hate SA revolvers pretty quick.

These days I carry a plastic 45 sprung to shoot 45 super and much prefer the light weight and fast and easy load/unload
Click to expand...


Was thinking the same on the flap holster. Very good point on loading/unloading as well.
I've heard mixed things on S&W's recent quality. I'll be doing some more reading but is there some merit to the rumors / are there some generations/eras to be avoided?
Edit - is the only difference between the 29 and 629 that the second is stainless as denoted by the prefix 6?
Agreed on the weight advantages of a plastic gun - I suspect wheel guns are the only option in terms of approval.
 
dirtybarry said:
You have no idea how much this pains me to say but I have to agree about the 629. 6668 rounds through mine and although screws have come loose, nothing has actually broken. Yet?
Click to expand...


Yes, the older guns would break the front screw, and probably the most common failure was from the ejector rod unscrewing, but that is something that can be easily checked and prevented.

I've followed your endurance thread and have enjoyed it. My first 29 had over ten thousand through it relatively trouble free, but 90% were a 245 LSWC over 8-ish grains of unique
 
H Wally said:
Interesting. I'd likely stick with 44 mag and 44spl to practice, but good to know there's another option out there. Doesn't look like ruger even has the 454 casull model on their website.




I'll look into them more - I briefly glanced at them then forgot. They look a lot beefier than the redhawks - I'll take a look at weight and disassembly comparisons.





Was thinking the same on the flap holster. Very good point on loading/unloading as well.
I've heard mixed things on S&W's recent quality. I'll be doing some more reading but is there some merit to the rumors / are there some generations/eras to be avoided?
Edit - is the only difference between the 29 and 629 that the second is stainless as denoted by the prefix 6?
Agreed on the weight advantages of a plastic gun - I suspect wheel guns are the only option in terms of approval.
Click to expand...

Yes the 629 is the stainless 29

I wouldn't shy from any generation S&W myself, as long as I could inspect it.

the BC/YT CFO refusal to allow semi pistols was only for a year or two (2008-ish?). They don't question it nowadays. Glock 20s are pretty common, maybe second to the 629
 
You had the right idea with the Ruger revolvers I have both super birds and can't say enough about them but would imho say take the super RedHawk if you can only have one. Obviously the extra weight would be a downside to carry but at the same time the weight,Hogue grip and double action trigger make one handed shooting a breeze.
 
Weight is an issue for sure. I had my ATC and went from a smith and Wesson 460 in 5" barrel to a 629 5" barrel. Better yet would be the 4.2" barreled 629. I would not carry a single action for an ATC permit but maybe that's just me.
 
JohnnyMac said:
Weight is an issue for sure. I had my ATC and went from a smith and Wesson 460 in 5" barrel to a 629 5" barrel. Better yet would be the 4.2" barreled 629. I would not carry a single action for an ATC permit but maybe that's just me.
Click to expand...

I would agree with not carrying a SA revolver for carry purposes.
If a bear is coming for you, you don't wanna be fumbling with a hammer before you can get a shot off, and followup shots are also slower...
 
JohnnyMac said:
Better yet would be the 4.2" barreled 629. I would not carry a single action for an ATC permit but maybe that's just me.
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I think the 4.2 629 would strike the perfect balance for an ATC gun. The 69 would be good for the recoil insensitive but when I shot one (once was enough), it was noticeably more uncomfortable to shoot than the 4.2 629, so I would frankly put up with a little extra bulk.
 
any particular reason you want to go with a revolver? is that a restriction for wilderness carry? I think I'd want something like in .45 Auto or 10mm with a hi cap mag over a revolver.
 
Have to say....my pietta in .44mag was fantastically reliable....great old fashioned sa pistol....loved the blueing and brass accents....
 
Mr. Friendly said:
any particular reason you want to go with a revolver? is that a restriction for wilderness carry? I think I'd want something like in .45 Auto or 10mm with a hi cap mag over a revolver.
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I know that is directed at the OP but IMO I would think with a DA revolver, there is just less to mess (no cocking, safety, racking) and less to go wrong (jamming). An auto would be easier to carry and I'm sure if you were proficient with your handling, reliable enough. Just something appealing about a simple DA revolver in a serious calibre.
 
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You want a 5" DA revolver preferably stainless with a synthetic grip in a chest holster...it'll be in the way of just about everything you do out there, but it's worse on the hip imho.

Redhawk...yep
S&W 629...yep

Short shottie {12ga} strapped (bungie) to the upper torso...yep

I also shoot a GP100 .357Rem Mag, (4.2") and although I like it, I wouldn't carry that for bear. The .357 is faster than i dunno what, but it's just a little light on pill weight for my comfort level. It would most likely be just fine against a charging Elephant, but if you can go bigger with off the shelf ammo, why wouldn't you?

*edit* Actually, Mr. Friendly raises a good point...Glock chambered in 10mm (if you can shoot it well) would be the ticket. Light weight carry, dependable, with ample capacity and quick magazine change out if necessary...aside from not being ###y, what are the detractors of a tenifer and composite Glock for bush carry?
Proper holster is a must have which ever way you decide to go.
 
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I have 629 4.2" Canadian and I am very happy with it. I load 44spl & 44mag with campro 240gr plated FP to the max without any issues. very accurate gun.
another choice should be ruger redhawk. no personal experience, but from the reading I did when I tried to do the same thing as you are doing right now, it's tougher than 629. I got 629 only because a great deal popped up which I couldn't say no. You should be happy with either one.

H Wally said:
Let me begin by admitting that I'm not overly familiar with modern handguns of any breed. I'm familiar with older antique and long guns, but seldom venture into the newer stuff, so most of what I've figured out so far has come from cruising the internet.

There's a chance I'll be able to carry a side-arm in a remote area, so figured I would look into what might be a good revolver for the job.

So far I've been reading up on what are considered the "most reliable" and toughest revolvers on the market. I'm familiar with SA's and am comfortable shooting them, and am also happy with their simplicity. I've also had experience with S&W 64 K-frames and liked them. I'm looking for a low-maintenance reliable gun in 357 or 44 magnum (I already shoot 44 mag, so it's preferred over other calibers). Gun would get wet, dirty, and bumped around in all sorts of conditions.Preferably the gun will be no-frills, simple, tough enough to be accidentally abused on occasion and easy to maintain with a minimum of tools. Since it's a wish list I'd prefer it doesn't cost as much as a car either.

So far I've liked what I've read about the Ruger Super Blackhawk. Seems simple and reliable. SA only, but hey, I can live with that.
The Redhawk comes in second, just because it's a bit more complex (being DA and all), a little pricier, and the occasional complaint about needing upgrades to shoot well.
I have also read some good things about the GP100, however haven't seen enough to merit switching over to 357 for it. Only real benefit might be a significantly lighter gun?

Anyways, what's your input? Have I missed something that's an absolute shoe-in?
Click to expand...
 
I have currently have the Ruger Redhawk 44 , and I use to have the Ruger Blackhawk 44.....go with the double action .
 
I had two 629 modded for moonclips that I used for IPSC. I run about 8000 rounds a year between the two in practice and competition. So far I have had a trigger pin break after extensively dryfiring one. The 629 holds up as well as anything else in competition. Also smith has a lifetime warranty if you do end up with a problem. I have never seen anyone shoot IPSC revolver with anything but a smith. IPSC you are shooting on a clock if the gun fails you lose. Your spending a ton of money on flights hotels, meals, shooting fees, ammo accessories, if anything worked better than a smith then folks would be shooting that as the cost of the gun is a fairly minor cost for the sport.
 
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