This one...

Gents,

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. After close consideration, I ordered the Smith 69.

Here's are my reasons why:

The Redhawk was just too blocky and overbuilt to be used with .44 Specials most of the time. The need for its strength was not there.

The Smith was to my eyes better looking.

The Smith was around $170 cheaper.

I believe Ruger also offers the GP100 as a five shot .44Spl. No magnums, though.

I think the S&W was the right choice for your purposes.

I thought about the GP, but might as well have the magnum capability.

I carry a Taurus Public Defender in my console.

I have a box of birdshot for snakes on the property.

It can fire .45 LC or a variety of .410 loads.

It is simple, inexpensive, and reliable.

It is not as heavy as a 44 Magnum or 44 Special too.

I liked the 696, 3" .44 Special so much I bought a spare. I think You will like the Smith.

Standard old .44 Specials are pretty mild but with some Keith SWC slugs they are a lot more effective. Then again ,if all you're doing is plinking anything works for that.

Guys, what do you think is a better idea. Loading target .44 Specials, or downloading the .44 magnum cases to duplicate Special recoil and velocities.

Basically the argument of extra case space vs. bullet being closer to barrel. I'm not shooting for tightest group, but don't want to hurt the gun shooting lead semi wadcutters in Specials long term either.

Let me know please.

I don't think you will hurt the gun with lead semi-wadcutters as long as you keep the velocity below around 850fps or lower. Usually somewhere between 900-1000 fps leading starts to be a problem with pure lead bullets. Hard cast can go around that or maybe a smidge faster depending on alloy. I have shot many rounds of lead .45 Colt at around that 800-850 velocity with no ill effects.

You have already discussed the choice-magnum case will be a little more accurate; shorter case gets you closer to a full case with the same powder charge. With lighter powder charges, I think I would lean toward the shorter case; I don't think you'd be able to tell the difference in accuracy from a 2.75" barrel.

Perfect. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Colby Bruce:
Hogue makes stocks for the 2.75” RB Ruger Redhawk, I have a set on mine.

Interesting, they didnt make those back when I had that specific ruger revolver. Now if they would make the mono grip for the super blackhawk bisley...