Ruger or Smith DA .44 Magnum for hunting

[elnor]

My recent purchase of a Taurus Tracker 4" 44 for critter protection and up close deer/pigs has hooked me on .44 Magnums (isn't that always the way it is? ).

Given that I already have the Taurus, I'm looking for a different make for a longer barreled, probably 7 1/2", dedicated hunting gun. I'll leave the Taurus with open sights and continue using it for a packing/fishing/backup gun, but probably scope or red dot the TBD hunting revolver.

Now I know it's heresy, but I don't currently have a Ruger or Smith & Wesson revolver of any kind. I've been looking at Ruger Redhawks (don't know if I can get used to the look of the Super Redhawk so it may be a regular old Redhawk) and S&W 629 Hunter models. I'm set on a double action for a number of reasons and want a gun that's well designed to mount optics, but other than that I'm open to either of those manufacturers' offerings.

Any suggestions? I know there are others here with far more revolver hunting experience than I; your comments and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Tink]

double actionI like a Smith Double action when they come running at you I shot a chargin wounded warthog with a Smith Model 29 onthe last slug in Africa

[Straight Shooter]

I tried both the Smith and Ruger Super Blackhawk in the 7 to 7 1/2 inch range. Personally I like the Ruger and the 44 mag round, there is nothing in North America it will not take down. I don't see any need for a double action on a large magnum pistol, just to much power to control.

The new model in Ruger Super Black Hawk Hunter has the machined scope mounts and comes with the scope mounts standard. I will take a 50 yard shot with my SBH and iron sights.

Bottomline, if I had to choose between the two, it would be the Ruger Super Red Hawk since your wanting the double action revolver.

[Orion_70]

I don't think you can go wrong with either, it just depends on which one fits you better. I'll throw this out though, if you look around the shops, see if they have a Dan Wesson, I've had one since the early 80's and will put it up against an .44 mag out there.

[Strut10]

I don't think you can go wrong with either, it just depends on which one fits you better.

That's the bottom line right there.

[m gardner]

I've owned and shot the Redhawk, Super Redhawk and the S&W's. If you have a strong upper body and hands you can learn to control a double action 44 mag. I like the S&W's myself for quick double action shooting. I managed to finish a wounded elk for a hunter (for some unknown reason he only put 3 rounds in the rifle and had no other cartridges) and hit it 4 out of 5 times. The Ruger is a tremendously rugged firearm and is a good choice too.

Mark

[Hoosierbuck]

I shoot a Super Blackhawk-7 1/2", stainless, unfluted cylinder...I love that gun.

You won't regret either one of the two choices you have listed, IMO.

HB

[elnor]

Thanks to everyone for the comments so far. I'm hoping to get into some shops this weekend and try some options on for size, weight, grip, etc. Will post a follow-up when I get a chance.