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Do 4"-5" full lug .44 Magnum revolvers exist??

6K views 15 replies 8 participants last post by  Brandi 
#1 ·
I'm looking into 44 mag and am curious because I couldn't find one.
 
#2 ·
Smith & Wesson makes a 5" full lug Model 629 and a 4" full lug Model 329PD.



 
#3 ·
I think the Redhawk as close as you can get in a Ruger unfortunately. If they made a 44mag version of the full lug GP100 I would by one today. It's a shame you have to choose a S&W because there's no Ruger option. That being said the S&W 629 V-Comp will probably be what I end up buying...it's a custom shop gun and the price reflects that but I really like the compensator on it.
 
#4 ·
Thanls you guys, but I was referring to the Ruger line. I know of the S&W 629. But I was more hoping to get a ruger NOT a S&W. But unfortunately I may just have to get my .44 Magnum revolver in S&W. Ill get my .357 in Ruger for sure!!!

You all thin the S&W is a great option for .44? Sorry to go off topic just want opinions.
 
#5 · (Edited by Moderator)
44 mag revolvers

The Ruger Redhawk is THE sturdiest 44 magnum revolver made . S&W makes a fine 44 mag revolver but when it comes to holding up to thousands of the hottest magnum loads you could imagine , the Ruger will outlast. The S&W will shoot itself loose before the Ruger will. Built like a brick out house.
 
#6 ·
I agree...the Redhawk is a much tougher gun than the S&W but unless you're shooting hot loads both will work fine. My problem with the Redhawk is it doesn't have a full lug and that's what I want and the backstrap isn't padded on the grip *ouch*. I can't imagine why they aren't using the Hogue rubber grips like those on the GP100 for it. I keep crossing my fingers and waiting for Ruger to put out a 44 magnum with a 4" full lug barrel with good recoil absorbing grips and maybe a compensator...can't wait forever though.
 
#7 ·
I put a Pachmayer Decelerator grip on my 4" Redhawk with a padded backstrap, sent it off to Magnaport . They put 2 trapezoidal ports on each side of the barrel, and did an amazing trigger job. Sure it cost a bit more but now I have the stoutest pistol ever made that shoots like a dream! S&Ws are known for their triggers(they tend to be smoother than the Rugers) but my buddy with a S&W was blown away with the trigger on my Redhawk when he shot it. Smooth as butter and breaks like a glass rod. It is now a very shootable gun.I think I am in it for a bit more than 629.
 
#11 ·
I'm curious about the Magna porting...everyone keeps saying it's the worst thing to do because it makes it much louder, causes too large of a muzzle flash and doesn't really do much for muzzle rise. Magna-port says the exact opposite ...what's your personal experience? I'm more apt to believe someone who has one than someone who doesn't.
 
#8 ·
The Redhawk as described with Pachmeyer grips and either magnaport or a muzzle break will shoot as comfortably as a full lug smith 629 and infinitely more comfortable than a 329. I have fired many heavy kicking handguns and the 329 was the only handgun I only fired 12 shots out of. i know it fills a need as a lightweight anti bear or such gun but I have no need of such a gun so a heavier 44 is in order for me.
 
#10 · (Edited)


There's this,the Taurus M44........ but it's a Taurus so take from that what you will........I'm a Taurus owner too and if you get a good one, it could be a good deal. Taurus revolvers are fun to tinker with and since they have much less resale value, I don't mind modifying them, changing springs, etc. There is the lifetime warranty but I hear that's hit or miss. If you shoot the gun loose you can send it in and Taurus claims they will repair or replace it. Still, you'll go through 4 or 5 Taurus' before one Redhawk would come close to wearing out. The M44 will still run you like $550 or so, so it might be better to look for a used Redhawk.

If you have deep pockets you can get a nice Colt Anaconda!

I also have a 4" .44 Redhawk and it's THE best .44 Magnum revolver out there, period, hands down. I got mine used for $500 or so, back when they were impossible to get and all it needed was a Power Custom bearing to correct some slight endshake, that was probably there from the factory. It was well within spec but I'm OCD with revolver endshake and a few of my Rugers have bearings in them because I wanted to tighten them up.

With a stock spring the action is as slick as any S&W and it will last more than my lifetime.The Redhawk may not have the "spit and polish" of an older S&W like a 29 or 629 but like was said, it's more durable and every bit as accurate.
 
#14 ·
As mentioned there is the out of production Colt Anaconda. It came in 4" and a rare 5" version. I think it is somewhat sturdier than the S&W. Another alternative is another out of production gun, the Dan Wesson 44/744 which offered several configurations of barrel. The latter is also quite sturdy.
 
#15 ·
magnaporting

As far as the Magnaporting , you are going to get muzzle blast going places it normally doesn't go and you might have to clean your sight more often but it does decrease felt recoil and really cuts down muzzle rise. It does make target acquisition faster. As far as louder, come on IT'S A 44 MAGNUM, it's a loud gun! Overall it made my 4" Redhawk alot more shootable!:)
 
#16 ·
Cool, maybe I'll reconsider the Redhawk...I just wish it had a full log and better grips so I wouldn't have to spend even more money to get it where I want it. It's either that or pay for a 629 V-Comp...which is way more expensive but way better looking and comes with no need for customizing....I'll never decide lol
 
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