rocknrone

I'm looking into buying one of these revolvers for a back up hunting weapon. Has anyone used it? How is the recoil? Do you think it could be used to hunt with as well? I like the balance and feel of the gun and the fact that it's some what compact. This piece will go with me on horseback and hiking through the mountains of Idaho.

Ruger-Redhawk

Welcome to the forum Rocknrone, If it were me I would go with at least a 6"bbl.Better velocity, better sight(radius) picture. Lowers the felt recoil for better control.I have a 7.5" 44 mag and a 9.5" 454 Casull.Both Ruger's of course.Even the Casull cartridge is controllable with the longer barrel.I would suggest shooting a 4" then a 6-7.5"bbl and see the difference.I think you'll go with the longer tube.
Ruger Redhawk

cherokee_outfitters

I was also curios how the taurus shot.

akbound

Hi rocknrone,

You'll have to decide if you think the extra portability is worth the trade off of the additional sighting radius of the longer barreled gun. The shorter the barrel.....easier to carry.....harder to shoot well. That's the compromise.

When I lived in Alaska a number of years ago my common carry gun was a 4" S&W Model 629. I was willing to trade the better shootability....for the enhanced portability. You'll have to decide which factor is most important to you!

Best of luck,

Dave

James B

I had a Smith and Wesson 5' 44 Mag. I forget what they called that model. It was a special run and based on the 29. The Taurus Revolvers shoot very well. I have had about ten of them. All but one were great shooters. I also had a Dan Wesson Pistol Pack with 4 different lenght barrels in 44 Mag a 4 inch 6 inch eight inch and 10 inch. I had the same thing in a 41 mag kit. However at this time If I were to buy one it would be a Ruger. They are just built like a tank. A little heavy but if you will shoot it a lot then its the only way to go. If you will carry it a lot and shoot a little then the Smith or Taurus would do a good job.

Dodger

The Taurus 44 Mag is an excellent choice. It shoots well and is accurate. As far as using it for hunting, check your state game laws. In Maryland you need at least a 6" barrel for it to be legal to hunt with.

akbound

Hi again rocknrone,

All of the Taurus's I've owned have been nice firearms....and represented very good value for the money. And the Taurus .44 Mag is fairly portable....(except the Raging Bull is a little heavier). If you want to split the difference so to speak between portability and shootability give a serious look at the 5 1/2" Ruger Redhawk. It can be had in Stainless or Blue Steel. They are built like tanks.....and very shootable in .44 Magnum. But they are heavier than the standard Taurus .44 or the S&W .44 Magnums.

Once again....good luck!

Dave