Hello,

My LGS has a 6.5" Raging Bull that captures my eye, but it also needs some work on the cylinder, as the stop/bolt is weak during lockup- allowing a lot of rotational wiggle.

I can do a lot of work. I can fit a stop/bolt and do any work short of welding and recutting. I've fixed revolver timing a few times so know the principles of tightening up the cylinder rotation.

I know Taurus has a warranty but am hesitant to ship in something since they may say 'we don't have parts so we destroyed it. Here's a credit for another firearm.' when I am in California and 99% of their handguns are not on our gun list.


Still, the price is very attractive.


Yet, would I really gain anything over the .44mag revolvers I already have?

4" S&W model 29.
5.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk.
7.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk [old 3 screw]
7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk.


It crossed my mind that I may be better off spending that money on sending the S&W model 29 in for Magna Porting, as it moves in the hand a lot more than the Ruger handguns. This should actually save me a couple hundred dollars.

Or I could Magna Port the Super Redhawk and have the least possible muzzle flip ever [weight and porting].

So- IF I get the Raging Bull timed properly and remove the rotational play, would it be worth buying compared to my other options?

Thanks for your insights.

Given what you own, Mag-Na-Port the 29 and the 5.5 Ruger.

Don't waste money on the Taurus.

Do NOT port ANYTHING. Ports are the invention of Satan and have no place on a handgun.

Depends on how attractive the price really is.

Does it leave enough for you to get the parts also?

Would the total out of pocket expenses let you get a Desert Eagle instead?

The Raging Bull doesn't seem to be significantly different than what you already have.

I wouldn’t trust a Taurus to handle 44 mag. It already broke once.

quote:

Originally posted by clayflingythingy:
Don't waste money on the Taurus.

Do NOT port ANYTHING. Ports are the invention of Satan and have no place on a handgun.

I tend to agree, on both counts.

Unless that Taurus is like $100 and you're looking for a project or a gun you can beat the piss out of without guilt, I'd shy away.

I've shot ported .44s and found the blast and overpressure in my face to be more distracting than the recoil of an unported gun. My buddy has a Smith and Wesson 629 Stealth Hunter and the ports on that are designed pretty well so it's not too bad, but those vertical holes that Taurus uses are absolutely awful.

If this wheel gun is that worn, it is from someone cycling it hard and fast. People are always going to run hard on this gun makers products to show they can't possibly measure up to an American sidearm. Well known. That said, I wouldn't put money into it unless Taurus would trade you a new one. If by chance the .44 Raging Bull is the same frame and cylinder size as their .454 gun, with proper use, the gun from new, should be fine. I have shot some nasty ass reloads and all manner of factory ammo through their .454 gun and it is an excellent tool. Seppin for that dang sharp punch in the palm. Even their red cushion factory grips ain't much relief from the Casull round. I wouldn't fix a previous owner's damaged revolver. That's just me.

quote:

4" S&W model 29.
5.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk.
7.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk [old 3 screw]
7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk.

You seem to have the 44s covered well.
A Taurus that needs work? Hard pass

If you are looking to expand your 44 mag collection I would suggest you try a Dan Wesson 44 mag or kick it up a notch and find a 445 SuperMag.

Hard Pass.

The gun will never work correctly.

Practically speaking, a 29 and Super Blackhawk are two of the finest .44s that are made to shoot .44s.

The Taurus is not built to shoot .44s beyond the handful the thrifty shopper might. It’s likely the reason it’s out of time.

quote:

Yet, would I really gain anything over the .44mag revolvers I already have?

No, not even if it were in good condition. Cylinder play and timing problems, possibly even peened-out bolt notches in the cylinder? Absolutely not.

You could split the difference between the 4" Model 29 and the Super Redhawk and get a 6" or 6½" (pre-1982) Model 29, or for something different, a Colt Anaconda. I found the Super Blackhawks I have owned or shot unpleasant to shoot. For a Model 29 I had, I put a Hogue Monogrip on it for when I actually wanted to shoot it.

Thanks for all the advice.

I am getting past my 'its a great deal and I want to make it better' stage. Not unlike dating someone to improve them. Similar outcome in the long run.

As for the longer barreled model 29 [or even 629], I am unlikely to get one unless it is a current production gun on the california roster. So a pre-82 model 29 is not likely to happen. That said, my 4" model 29 was made in '81.

egregore, you didn't like shooting the super blackhawks. I can understand but was wondering if it was the rolling in the hand aspect or the trigger guard hitting the knuckle aspect, or something else?

They definitely feel different in the hand on recoil from a DA/SA revolver.

As for a Dan Wesson- it would have to be a used F2F sale from a california resident, due to our list.

Not familiar with the .445 SuperMag. I HAVE tried the .454 Casul, in a Freedom Arms model 83. The revolver was wonderfully built and very accurate. At 10 yards I kept all 5 rounds in a space the size of a playing card, with 4 of them touching and the 5th a bit of a flyer.

[funny story- owner of the gun later jokingly told everyone I embarrassed him when he let me shoot it. His groups were around 10-12" in size at that distance.]

I'd never fired .454Casul and realized I had no desire to shoot a caliber larger than .44mag.

5 rounds of .454 left my had feeling like I'd fired around 40 rounds of .44mag. It was accurate and looked nice, but I just didn't have fun shooting it.

I have the feeling I'd feel that way about the .445 SuperMag- if I ever found it. Deer Grenade rounds from BuffaloBore in .44mag are probably as hot as I'd ever try.

quote:

I'd never fired .454Casul and realized I had no desire to shoot a caliber larger than .44mag.

When I was younger and yes, more stupid, that idea crossed my mind also.
Glad I didn’t.
Full house 44s like the 275 or 300gr options are more than enough to satisfy my recoil fix…and then some.

You might consider a nice Bisley to expend your SA group. They may even make them in stainless steel. A lot of nice options for you in .45 Colt too. If you care to hunt a rare bird, the Ruger .357 Maximum would be a hoot to own.

I'd think no. You have much better 44's already. Plus the S&W. I'd put the money into a nice Henry or 10/22 or reloading stuff or an as yet unnamed draft choice.

Yeah, what LDB said...you've got some nice .44 handguns already. You need a carbine to go with them.