If bears are expected, I’d want a double action over a single. And given its strength and durability, I’d pick the Redhawk any day.

I have a 6" Smith 629, and I really like it. I have hunted with it in my younger days. I can't see me ever parting with it. That being said, I'm on the look out for a 4 or 5" stainless Redhawk.

Now I gotta decide whether to get revolver or rifle first. I love all of the responses; thank you all.

My main purpose of revolver would be for animal protection in the woods. The rifle will just be to have another lever action in a different caliber.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
Now I gotta decide whether to get revolver or rifle first. I love all of the responses; thank you all.

My main purpose of revolver would be for animal protection in the woods. The rifle will just be to have another lever action in a different caliber.

Ok, Some thoughts.

Smaller/shorter barrel = more motion in hand when firing stout loads.

Smaller/shorter barrel = lighter packing, if for woods protection from animals.


IF that were my main concern, and I didn't expect to shoot it often, I'd probably go with the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. around a 3" barrel, but hecka stout. Heavier than S&W Mountain Guns [and avoid the 329- it can be painful], so better for range fun- and can handle more powerful loads.



The next step requires you to decide- DA/SA, or SA?

I personally prefer the Super Redhawk over the Redhawk, as it fits my hand better.

I'd go Alaskan. Or, get a Super Redhawk with a cut-down barrel to around 5-5.5".

Also, if attacked, you can have your left arm in the cougars mouth and keep pulling the trigger with the right into the belly.


Now, for elegance, and more thought involved in shooting- I prefer the look/balance/use of the 5.5" Super Blackhawk. However, if your left arm is in the belly, you have to cock and fire the pistol one-handed: more challenging than just pulling the trigger 5-6 times.


It all depends on what you REALLY want- portability, or comfort when shooting at the range. The best of both worlds is one of each.

As for rifles- you need to take a look at what Buffalo Bore recommends for their hottest rifles as a starting point.

I went Marlin, as I want to mount a scope for my eyes. Most others are top eject, and that can be problematic.

So- for animal protection, start investigating the Ruger SuperRedhawk Alaskan.

As others have said....Ruger's Blackhawk or Redhawk according to whether you want single or double action.

I've owned a few S&W 29/629 versions along with a Ruger SBH 7 1/2", and shot a couple of Redhawks in different lengths. The 7 1/2" Redhawk is a little too muzzle heavy for me, I prefer the 5 1/2" version of that gun. In a S&W the 6" is about right. A Redhawk in either length will absorb recoil that's downright unpleasant in even the 6" Smith. I had a 4" 29 for a while, that one was just mean unless I shot .44 Specials in it, then it was fun (it tended to annoy other people on the range, too). I occasionally get a yen for an older (3-screw) Blackhawk .44, but haven't found one when I had the money yet. One thing I found with the Super Blackhawk was, it tended to pinch the shit out of my trigger finger (between the trigger and the guard).

My preferences these days lean toward less powerful offerings like the .45LC. I've got two of those now, a Colt SAA and a Ruger New Vaquero, and love them. But at some point I'll probably pick up another 29 or 629 (or the 3-screw if I can find one).

My choice bear & more gun is my S&W 44 mag Mountain Gun, a delight to carry (used a shoulder holster) and more than enough gun if you do your part.

The S&W 69 is nice easy to carry five shot 44 magnum. You have a bit more recoil than the larger framed guns, but it's very easy to carry all day.

Allow me to be the lone weirdo here who recommends an S&W 329 PD, ideally carried in a Gunfighters, Inc Kenai 2 chest rig. They kick like a son of a bitch but there isn't a better bear (wheel)gun. If you're even mildly recoil sensitive, forget it.

My personal preference for a woods/bear/people/truck/antitank pistol is a G20 with Underwood 180 flat nose FMJs, but you asked for a 44.

quote:

Originally posted by Killer Instincts:...

My personal preference for a woods/bear/people/truck/antitank pistol is a G20 with Underwood 180 flat nose FMJs, but you asked for a 44.

I can understand that- but lean G29 instead. Of course, I am in Cali, which has had a 10 round mag limit since 2000, until 3 days ago, and it is up in the air now.

If 10 was max, no reason for G20 over G29, and gain ease of carry- at least, for my purposes.

But, .44mag is the focus- so, let's get back to it!

I have a hefty respect for bears. I always have my 4" magnaported nickled 29-2. I also have a Marlin .44 mag, but I prefer a .45-70 or a 12 gauge.

I would only consider ruger myself. Most durable. I have Blackhawks, red hawks and super redhawks. If I had to chose one, it would be the redhawk. Double action and not as heavy as the super.

quote:

Originally posted by bczrx:

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
Now I gotta decide whether to get revolver or rifle first. I love all of the responses; thank you all.

My main purpose of revolver would be for animal protection in the woods. The rifle will just be to have another lever action in a different caliber.

Ok, Some thoughts.

Smaller/shorter barrel = more motion in hand when firing stout loads.

Smaller/shorter barrel = lighter packing, if for woods protection from animals.


IF that were my main concern, and I didn't expect to shoot it often, I'd probably go with the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan. around a 3" barrel, but hecka stout. Heavier than S&W Mountain Guns [and avoid the 329- it can be painful] , so better for range fun- and can handle more powerful loads.

I had a 329PD, yeah it was not pleasant to shoot, but shooting it was/is more pleasant than being eaten by a wild animal!

quote:

Originally posted by Warhorse:

I had a 329PD, yeah it was not pleasant to shoot, but shooting it was/is more pleasant than being eaten by a wild animal!

I can get behind that!

I guess I was basically saying it seems best as a 'pack often, shoot seldom' firearm- whereas a 7.5" Super Redhawk is more a 'pack seldom, shoot often' pistol.

but it is better than pepper spray also [aka: bear breath spray].

Check out a S&W 69 if you have the opportunity. It is lighter and easier to pack than larger frame revolvers, and it is very accurate.