Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Ruger or Taurus

[JJPage]

Looking at both hand guns, want protection while berry picking and ATV'ing.

44 MAG, Super RedHawk or 444 UltraLite, 2 1/2 - 2 1/4" barrel vs 4".

Already have several 44 mag carbines, thus my pick for staying with this caliber.

I know it's a large cannon, and a . 40 SW would probably be more practical for everyday protection, but it will be my only firearm while my wife and I are out and about. Either barrel length would be suitable, can someone tell me advantages/dis-advantages?

Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan Double-Action Revolver Models
Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

Kind of leaning towards the Taurus, lighter and less $.

TIA, Jess

 

[jclark5810]

I have the Taurus Tracker. Packs quite the punch due to it's small frame but i gotta figure it'll get the job done. Very accurate as well. However the grip is terrible and i replaced it with Hogues the day after i got it home. I like it because i can get it out of the holster quick and easy.

 

[BIGNASTY]

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Recoil is going to be a MAJOR FACTOR in a 2 or 3 in barrel 44. I have a 629 S/W in 2 or 3 in its the Backpacker. I reload so no big problem but FULL HOUSE LOADS in that short of a barrel is NOT EVEN ENTERTANING And unless your wife has arms and wrists like Arnold Schwarzenegger she ain't going to fire it but once. JMO



P. S. LIGHTER AINT ALLWAYS BETTER IN LARGE CALIBER HANDGUNS

 

[GHarman]

BIG has a point there. Grip size and hand size, is more important that you realize with a handgun. Raw power is needed for bear, but you must be able to deliver it accurately, with confidence. If the shooter is receiving a wrist or a hand injury when firing full powered loads. It may be time to rethink the strategy.

I have small hands for my size. A S&W M-29 revolver with full powered loads is not comfortable for me to shoot. A . 454 Magnum has more recoil but a larger and differently shaped grip. It is far more comfortable for me to shoot. That being said, the grip is about as large as I can wrap my hands around. A larger hand would have no problem.

Now the question is! Which revolver has the largest and most comfortable grip that will fit your Wife's hand?

Practice with reduced loads. Fire full powered loads to check zero, and familiarization only. Carry them for Bear.

IMHO, My personal leanings are toward a lever action carbine, as opposed to a handgun for bear protection. More power, better control and more rounds available. Still, recoil is a factor but penetration is enhanced. For Grizz! Thats what you need! GregH

 

[tpuig]

I don't think there is a tougher made gun than the Ruger. But I also have a couple Taurus', so I like those as well. It will cost more, but a S&W 629 is, in my opinion, a better gun.



As mentioned, shooting a full power load in a 4" 629 is less than pleasant. I switched to the X frame S&W model . 500 grips, and they make a big difference. Almost tolerable.

But my 4" 629 in a Bianchi holster is my go to carry gun for the outdoors...

 

[JJPage]

I do have two semi auto Ruger carbines, and a Winchester Wrangler 16" barrel (all . 44mag), I want something "no one can see".



I am not attempting to fit my Wife with a handgun... . this weapon is for me. My Wife can shoot anything you put in her hands, she is an "All American Wheat Farm Country Farm Girl", and She is up to any task you throw at her.



Is the 2" barrel too violent to even consider? I have shot a M#29 SW 9" ported barrel, not really fun, but that is not my goal. I only want "last resource, nothing left to do but fire" protection from a large animal.



No one has to know I have a weapon on my person.

 

[MChildress]

I had a 7. 5 Redhawk great pistol. Still have and love my 7. 5 Blackhawk. Also have a 4" 629 and like said above can be a handful with regular loads. Really would think seriously about getting anything less than 6" in 44 mag.

 

[NIsaacs]

Sounds like you want double duty carry. Large enough for a Bear and also as a surprise for the two legged varmints Maybe carry it with 44-Special rounds. I am partial to the Ruger.



Nick

 

[Dl5treez]

The Ultralite is not pleasant to shoot at all.



They're cool for a last resort emergency type of back up carry weapon because they don't weigh very much, but as far as shooting it goes, even the most hardcore handgun people admit it's not a fun thing to do.



I have a J Frame Airlite in 357 Magnum and absolutely honestly, it hurts my hands after 3 rounds or so, and I have a hard time hitting the broad side of a barn with it after the second shot. Granted it's much lighter than the Taurus Ultralite but I can't imagine the Taurus being anything less than painful in 44 Magnum.

 

[JJPage]

Thanks for all the input guys. I think using 44 Special rounds maybe a good idea, not as expensive, but still have plenty of punch. Similar to 38 Special rounds in a 357...

Would 44/40 rounds also shoot from a 44 mag?

 

[GHarman]

NO! On the . 44/40 in a . 44 Remington Magnum! The dimensions of the . 44/40 case are not compatible with the . 44 Magnum chamber. GregH

 

[JJPage]

NO! On the . 44/40 in a . 44 Remington Magnum! The dimensions of the . 44/40 case are not compatible with the . 44 Magnum chamber. GregH

Ok, Thank you Greg!

 

[dresslered]

Protection from what or who?

If there are bears by those berries, you might want to consider the S&W 460 with a short barrel. If you miss, the fireball will probably scare him off. :-laf

 

[HHhuntitall]

44-40 Winchester Center Fire(WCF)/Largo is . 427 bore diameter, while the . 44 Special/. 44 Magnum is . 429. They DO NOT INTERCHANGE!



As for quality of either firearm you're considering, either would be a fine consideration. I've had both(in various barrel configurations, but never shorter than 4"), and both were more than acceptably accurate and reliable. Personally, I'd opt for the minimum of a 4" barrel for ballistic, accuracy, and shooting control reasons. As a secondary consideration, I've found here in the southwest, shorter barreled magnums do not resale as well as ones with a minumum of 4" barrel. The same can't be said for the . 38 specials, but that's a different class of handgun, to me. Also, a charging animal might can be stopped at a greater distance with the longer barrel, simply because of accuracy. For a large animal, I'll do my best to have a large centerfire rifle, such as a levergun, but I understand you're trying to be discreet and be able to protect yourself. From my understanding, and I'm sure BIGNASTY and GHarm have more experience about this, a big bear is going to be difficult to stop with a . 44 Magnum. I've seen large brahma bulls shot with . 44 mags that never penetrated the secondary shield of skin around the neck and shoulders, and never even slowed down... ... something to consider if you have to pull it and use it. Bears are extremely tough animals, too.



As an instructor, (I have taught Youth firearm safety and Police Tactical) I stressed to youth the importance in practice with YOUR firearm. Profeciency is obtained this way, and all my kids always obtained merit badges for marksmanship, every time, the first time. I'll say the same to you, practice with it. Besides, what fun is it to own one and not be able to shoot it?!?!



As a side note, from a simple measurement and fit standpoint, I've found the Taurus brand of pistols to have tighter tolerances than the typical Ruger. While both tend to be fairly accurate, overall fit tends to go to the Taurus. Cylinder lockup, barrel to cylinder, hammer release, spawl engagement, chamber dimensions... ... ... . I prefer the Taurus, although it's not made here in the states. They do all their investment casting and forging in house, too... ... ... ... Saying that, I do have a Ruger GP100 in . 357 Mag that you don't want me shooting at you with if you're inside 100yds... ... It's pretty lethal on coyotes, coons, and skunks around the house and barns, currently sitting at 35-42 (I've missed twice with it, and had to finish off one or two!!!) I do love those grips!

 

[SpeedBeef]

I frequently carry my 4 inch model 29 Smith. In a Simply Rugged pancake holster it conceals well under a sweatshirt, and it's comfortable to carry. Two HKS speedloaders in my offside pocket. Given a choice between Ruger and Taurus, I'll go for Ruger every time.