I had a pair of Super Blackhawks in .44 magnum, used them for CAS for a bit. Extremely solid guns, heavy enough that recoil isn't bad even with hot loads (265 gr jsp over a full load of 296), dead reliable guns. The other thing that may interest you is a .460 Rowland, something I've been looking at, you could carry 10 rounds of .44 magnum powered ammo in a 1911 pistol with a compensator, and have extra mags at the ready. I think it's the bees knees.
Tough, reliable, low maintenance revolvers in 44mag?
- Thread starter H Wally
- Start date
Double action revolver with little/no lube and 5/6 shots goes bang every time you pull the trigger, also until recently were the only handguns available in a large caliber and powerful charge enough to slow down/stop a large determined bear on the first or second shot. semi autos with magazines have many areas where moisture/lubrication can hide and freeze or gel. you will generally get the first shot but not always the second. that said a properly prepared semi auto (in 10 mm or similar), dry of lube and moisture will do the job just fine.
For slightly lighter carrying, reliability and ease of cleaning after a day or three in the wet and mud I doubt you're going to do better than a 629 with the short 4.2" barrel.
I might even go so far as to consider replacing the adjustable sight with a more durable fixed rear sight which you trim and dress with filing to produce a POA that matches the POI for full house loads. And just live with the .44Spl like practice loads hitting a touch higher than the POA.
The Rugers are certainly nice guns. But they ARE bigger and heavier. And over the course of weeks in the bush at a time where you may only actually use this gun in a real situation once or twice in your lifetime a gun which still delivers while being even slightly more trim in size and weight will count for a lot.
I might even go so far as to consider replacing the adjustable sight with a more durable fixed rear sight which you trim and dress with filing to produce a POA that matches the POI for full house loads. And just live with the .44Spl like practice loads hitting a touch higher than the POA.
The Rugers are certainly nice guns. But they ARE bigger and heavier. And over the course of weeks in the bush at a time where you may only actually use this gun in a real situation once or twice in your lifetime a gun which still delivers while being even slightly more trim in size and weight will count for a lot.
- Location
- Aaaaaadmontin AB
This is what I'm running here - and she is a beaut! My advice though (and I may get egged for it by the cool kids for saying so) - is don't burn IMR4227 in it. That chit is like Pyrodex FFg and it bungs my revolver up inside 100 rounds! It's hell for stout (or so I'm told) and it is the manliest of all the little guns. Only thing better might be one of these snubbies in a Bisley configuration...that would be a real gentleman's gun!
- Location
- British Canuckistan
hey gdawg...I wondered at that comment so did some Googling and found this, which refutes your statement:
http://preparedgunowners.com/2015/07/30/why-revolvers-are-not-more-reliable-than-semi-auto-pistols/
no matter in the end though, both will do the job.
hey gdawg...I wondered at that comment so did some Googling and found this, which refutes your statement:
http://preparedgunowners.com/2015/07/30/why-revolvers-are-not-more-reliable-than-semi-auto-pistols/
no matter in the end though, both will do the job.
Hey, who am I to argue with a Prepared Gun Owners article. Must be fact ;-)
Don't know about other provinces but BC used to allow semi's on an ATC license (I used to carry a G20 til I put 7 rounds into a grizzly and the only reaction I was getting was like it was getting stung by a bee). BC only allows a revolver for ATC's now. Like I mentioned I moved to the 460 knowing that it would put a bear down but the weight and the noise turned me off and I moved to a 629 with 5" barrel.
That was a very short lived policy change somewhere around 2008. They continue to approve large caliber semi auto pistols
No kidding. The Astra s&w copies are even worse
- Location
- British Canuckistan
what is the largest calibre semi-auto? the Deagle?
- Location
- British Canuckistan
the .44RM seems like a good bet, especially if you buy the 340g Buffalo Bore +P ammo. 1400fps and 1500 ft lbs.
that's some serious stopping power!
that's some serious stopping power!
I have had a pair of "Original" Ruger Vaqueros (4.62" barrels) in .44 mag for over 20 years, they were manufactured between 1993-2003. One of them has fired over 20,000 rds before it broke its transfer bar. Repair with a new bar took 10 minutes. They are a very strong and durable hand gun, you get your moneys worth out of them to say the least.
- Location
- British Canuckistan
I don't think I'd want a single action revolver if this was to protect my life. if I was dealing with an aggressive bear, I'd think DA would be preferred so you could empty out ASAP!
I have a 4" M29 in a shoulder holster. Gun is kept clean and does not interfere with activities.
A 4.5" Blackhawk in 44 or hand loaded 45LC would also work. In theory it is simpler (at the expense of less functional) but I doubt a carry 44 would get enough rounds through it to be an issue.
A carry gun get wet, full of condensation, gets packed with pine needles, etc., so should be protected internally with a real good lubricant.
A big bear might stalk and attack from the rear. Your first hint of trouble might be a massive hit as your tumble. The gun should be easy to put into action and a double action in that situation would be much better.
A 4.5" Blackhawk in 44 or hand loaded 45LC would also work. In theory it is simpler (at the expense of less functional) but I doubt a carry 44 would get enough rounds through it to be an issue.
A carry gun get wet, full of condensation, gets packed with pine needles, etc., so should be protected internally with a real good lubricant.
A big bear might stalk and attack from the rear. Your first hint of trouble might be a massive hit as your tumble. The gun should be easy to put into action and a double action in that situation would be much better.
H Wally: Since you said 44 Magnum that is what I will limit my comments to that cartridge. My dad has an old Ruger Super Blackhawk, the old original model before the introduction of their transfer bar ignition, in 44 Magnum. Great gun solid as a brick and damn near fool proof. I have a Ruger Redhawk, 5 1/2 inch barrel and in stainless steel. Hundreds of 44 Magnum loads have gone through that gun, even more 44 Specials, and what care has it received? A wipe down, bore brushing and careful oiling. Either gun would serve you well
Now those are the 44 Magnums I've shot extensively. I also have a brace of Stainless Ruger Vaquero Bisleys. Those two are in 45 Colt and have fixed sights. I like the straighter Bisley grip frame, when funds allow I intend to get a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley in 44 Magnum.
Now those are the 44 Magnums I've shot extensively. I also have a brace of Stainless Ruger Vaquero Bisleys. Those two are in 45 Colt and have fixed sights. I like the straighter Bisley grip frame, when funds allow I intend to get a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley in 44 Magnum.
