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44 Mag. Guidance - Revolver and Rifle

chuckfromnj
I want to ask two questions and get opinions. Quick background I target shoot a lot and hunt on occasion since it's illegal in N.J. to hunt with handguns or rifles meaning a trip to P.A. when possible.

1) Would you buy a S&W 629 classic 6 1/2 inch for $630 or a Super Redhawk with 7 1/2 bbl for $545 if you were me? I have a 686 Plus. Is it enough for deer size game?

2) Is there any truth to the often made statement that Rugers handle the hottest loads and S&Ws don't? It's obvious the Ruger is very strong but does S&W actually say to top out at 240 grains? If so Why?

3) What are thoughts on the rereleased Ruger 44 Deerfield carbine? I don't see it discussed much. Anyone have one and if so what do you think of it? Primarily as a deer gun.

Thanks

Chuck from NJ
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • haroldchrismeyer
    Have you looked at Dan Wesson?? They have the best shooting 44 magnum of anyone. As long as you don't exceed maximum load data, I don't really see you blowing up any of your choices.
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  • bambihunter
    I personally love the old-style Ruger .44 mag carbine, but can't stand the new Rugers that are based off the mini-series. Here's my prized .44 fingergroove:

    Ruger_small.JPG
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  • gskyhawk
    the Ruger Super Redhawk is considered the stronger gun but unless you load hot loads all the time the Smith and Wesson will do just fine and the S&W will have a much better trigger pull right out of the box than the Ruger , as far the the rifle goes can't help you much there because I like the Marlin 1894's lever gun in 44 mag better
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  • ern98
    A close friend and hunting partner has owned one of the early Ruger 44 carbines for many years. He went out and bought a second, near new early model, as a back up for when he wears the first out. He hunts with pistol hunters regularly, they use 7" or better barrels, and each time one of the pistoleers trys to buy it off him. He waxes poetic about how it is only a tad slower to get on target, but has better velosity and extends the snap shot range to a factor of 2 or 3 over the pistols. He thinks it is because of the greater sight radius, which is still much shorter then most/many iron sighted rifles.
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  • Laredo Lefty
    Chuck..... It is generally believed that the Ruger .44 mag revolvers, due to their heavier frames, can handle hotter loads and last longer than other makes. I have not seen any torture tests to confirm this.

    I have a Ruger Vaquero and several S&W .44 mag revolvers and none of them have shown any problems with any of the ammo I have shot in them. Iam partial to the smooth action of the Smiths.

    I have one of the new Deerfield .44mag carbines and like it a lot. It does not have a scope on it and I have only used it for informal shooting so far. The Ruger manual states not to use aluminum cased ammo in it as it will not cycle the action. I tried it and they were right. I think the Blazer type ammo just does not generate enough pressure for the short impulse gas system. It functions flawlessly with full power factory .44mag ammo and is accurate with the open sights.



    "Never let school interfere with your education"
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  • CS8161
    I was under the impression that you can't hunt with any semi auto in PA? Correct me if I am wrong.

    Chris8161
    Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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  • Porchdog
    No Semi-auto rifles for hunting in PA.

    I shoot a 629 because the grip is better for me. the Ruger grips "Bite" me. Others have the opposite experience. You my want to try shooting them before you buy.
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  • ndbilly
    .44 mag., 240 gr. jhp, S&W M29, 4". Five PA white tails in seven years. M94 "Trapper" carbine in same caliber, same loads, equally effective. Confirm that semi-autos for deer are a no-no in PA. Can use semi-auto shotguns for small game.
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  • gotstolefrom
    I'm married to a couple of Super Blackhawks and a Marlin lever gun in 44 mag. The lever gun keeps me prepared for the longer shot, but none of my hunt areas are non-auto.
    Both pistols shoot the 240 gr best when not a full house load.
    My best pistol load is for a 255 gr in the max range with IMR powder, unfortunately the OAL is a little too much for the rifle, so I really don't have versatility with my pet revolver round. I have shot some pistol lead in the 300 gr range with good results too, But enough of that.

    I find the balance of the Ruger Super Blackhawk preferable to the S&W, and don't have any bite problems with Pachmyer grips. I stick with the SA revolver over personal , probably mis-guided, thoughts of a stronger piece. My kills are generally one shot affairs in the brush... not that I am good, some of the opposite, I can't make a decent and quick #2 shot.

    my 2 cents

    If we do not hang together,
    We will most certainly hang separately.
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  • buckdeer
    my personal experience is to stay away from the super redhawks, it is a large heavy revolver, strong perhaps but it is not well balanced the regular redhawk is much better in my opinion or the smith
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