Buy a new 44 Magnum (Which would you buy?)

If you are buying a new 44 magnum to use, not for your collection, which would you buy?


  • Total voters
    39
Fyi, some of the newer S&Ws don't have the lock.

S&W springs are easy to change and can make quite a bit lighter DA trigger. There are lots of videos on YouTube that cover about every model.

I've used the wolff spring kits on my S&W and on a Charter Arms Bulldog. Really easy to install and they make the trigger as good as my N-frame 357 that got it's trigger through round count.
 
I owned a Colt Python years ago. The Python is a 357 mag and had a 6 inch barrel. It was a very nice firearm and I used it for duty carry in the beginning of my career. I have never shot the 44 mag Colt. I sold the python and went to a 4 inch Model 57 S&W 41 mag for duty carry. The S&W fit me much better. Since then I acquired a nickel S&W model 29 6 inch barrel. It fits me the same as the Model 57 both are N frames. The Model 29 & 629 have went through changes through the years. The new 29/629 are built to handle heavy loads much better than the older models. The new model 629 mountain guns do not have the lock and the barrel has a lighter contour. Go to the S&W website and check out the weight difference between the different models. For carry in the hills and possibly hunting a good balance IMHO is the 629 Classic with the 5 inch barrel. The full lug gives added weight that will help tame the recoil better than the 4 inch standard or mountain guns. Currently I own SBH 4 5/8 inch, SBH Hunter 7 1/2 barrel with 2x scope, SRH 7 1/2 inch and the S&W 29 6inch. Still have the 4 inch Model 57 nickel. I can use either the 29 or 57 in my chest holster barrel length doesn't matter.

If weight is a big deal go with the mountain gun. If not I would go with the S&W 629 classic 5 inch model. Still easy to carry but more comfortable to shoot. If you prefer single action check out the SBH 5 1/2 possibly in a Bisley grip. Whatever you chose enjoy it.
 
The smaller the wheelgun frame, the more I carry it. Carry and hunting call for different construction/weight/barrel length IME. K frame size is my preference in 357. I had a large frame 44 mag off brand, DA, 7", it was like toting a boat anchor but easier to shoot accurately. Never hunted big game with a handgun. Say hello to my little titanium friend.
Taurus Ti 357.JPG
 
I forgot that your brother makes some good looking holsters.

@BAKPAKR It is insane, he makes custom ones, and every new gun I buy, I let him have the gun (if he doesn't have a "blue gun" mold already) and tell him to surprise me. Always impressive stuff.

If anyone wants to check him out, he is burdettegunleather on IG.
 
I carried a 4 inch red hawk 44 for years but it was a heavy piece. Ended up carrying a SP101 in 357 with hard casts for a nearly a decade. I’d go with the lightest one available that can handle the ammo you like
 
I’ve had a few later model 629s and Super Blackhawks. Recently looked at a used Bisley Super BH that was some limited edition. Very nice, tough as Rugers always are, and trigger good but not a Smith.

I’d vote for a Freedom Arms.
 
You could look for a 329 Nightguard if you are mainly thinking self defense. On the other hand, if self defense were the goal, I would just get a Glock 10mm.

IMG_3724.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I’ve had a few later model 629s and Super Blackhawks. Recently looked at a used Bisley Super BH that was some limited edition. Very nice, tough as Rugers always are, and trigger good but not a Smith.

I’d vote for a Freedom Arms.

Amen, @Blue Steel , I'd go for the Nate Romanowski version. That is past my price range. I can swing the Colt or S&W, but the Freedom Arms and the Korth get into used car price range.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
118,660
Messages
2,201,807
Members
38,605
Latest member
Berny Norza
Back
Top