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Post by subsonic on Jun 11, 2014 22:24:29 GMT -5
So my dad who just retired has finally got the itch to chase whitetails with a handgun and is asking for my advice on what to hunt with. Part of his motivation is that Missouri allows handguns during the "alternative methods" season now which used to be reserved for muzzleloaders and bows.
He is not a handloader and does not shoot handguns alot (but he is a great "natural" rifle shot and not especially recoil shy), so I'm thinking a .44 mag in a heavy gun with an Ultra-Dot 30 is what he needs. And a lot of practice!
I pretty well think I have it narrowed down to a Super Blackhawk or Super Redhawk. I think the BFR would be great too, but the short 5" barrel is a deal breaker.
I have shot SBHs, Bisleys, my 629 and BFRs in .44 but I have never fired a SRH.
How do the SRHs handle recoil compared to the SBHs and Bisleys?
His Birthday is July 19th and I'd like to surprise him with a .44 of some flavor.
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Post by tek4260 on Jun 11, 2014 22:29:55 GMT -5
The only SRH I ever fired was a 480 and it had those small Hogue finger grooved wood boot grips. It was pretty dang bad. Your 475 is a pussycat compared to it. Dad ended up with it and put some sort of rubber baby buggy bumpers on it with some sort of soft insert in em on it. He fired it 3 rounds with the wood grips and told me he would not fire it again, ever, with those grips.
I guess the gist of what I am saying is that they have more recoil than a comparable single action IMHO. I suppose it is the grip angle and lack of roll.
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Post by 98redline on Jun 11, 2014 23:07:04 GMT -5
A SRH is going to recoil very similarly to your 629. Maybe a bit less due to the weight.
As far as a comparison between a SRH and a SBH or a Bisley in 44mag.....Kind of a toss up for me. Recoil from either is neither punishing or unmanageable. Maybe a slight edge to the Bisley.
One thing I do notice is that the double actions tend to fatigue my hand more quickly than the single action grips. That is true with both the Hogue and Pachmyar grips on my SRH. Not that I can't go out and shoot a box of barn burners in either, just that I feel it more after shooting the double action.
I would say something like a SBH Bisley Hunter would be a great gun for your dad. The hunter profile gives a little more weight in/over the barrel, and the Bisley grip is one of the best for taming recoil. With an UD 30, you should be able to use the standard Ruger rings that come with it.
Out of the box, they are plenty accurate for hunting.
Given a little judicious firelapping and it will shoot as well as anything I have seen.
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Post by whitworth on Jun 12, 2014 5:08:30 GMT -5
The SRH with Hogue Tamers is a pleasant gun to shoot. Typically they are accurate out of the box as well. Can't go wrong with the SRH. I agree that the old style grips were rather miserable, but the Tamers make a world of difference.
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Post by subsonic on Jun 12, 2014 5:37:05 GMT -5
My 4" 629, after trying 5 different types of grips including X-frame grips, is still my least favorite revolver to shoot with heavy loads.
I am leaning towards a 10" SBH.
I thought about the hunter models, but IIRC, the factory scope mounts don't accept an Ultra Dot 30 withought some adaption due to spacing and I like the Weigand Ruger D&T base to get the optic more to the rear for better balance.
Guess I need to shoot a SBH before I make the decision though. The Tamers and a 9" bbl ought to be pretty shootable... Right?
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Post by whitworth on Jun 12, 2014 7:08:40 GMT -5
Subsonic, I am pretty sure the Ultradot 30 will fit between the factory rings. Let me mock one up on mine tonight and I will report back tomorrow. I used a Weigand base on mine only because I was using both an Ultradot 4 and an Ultradot 6.
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Post by zac0419 on Jun 12, 2014 7:29:31 GMT -5
Subsonic, I am pretty sure the Ultradot 30 will fit between the factory rings. Let me mock one up on mine tonight and I will report back tomorrow. I used a Weigand base on mine only because I was using both an Ultradot 4 and an Ultradot 6. My UD30 fit my 45 hunter. |
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Post by webber on Jun 12, 2014 8:01:35 GMT -5
I have owned, shot and shoot these handguns. My suggestion is this, and it is something you probably don't want to hear but here goes.
A 44 recoils some. The difference between the guns you mentioned is not going to bother anyone that can handle the 44 Mag recoil from anyone of the individual guns you mentioned.
If the difference between one gun to another bothers that individual than I question if they need a gun of that level.
If he can shoot one he can shoot the other.
If he can't do that then his tolerance is not where it should be.
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Post by curmudgeon on Jun 12, 2014 8:15:10 GMT -5
I tend to agree with Webber, has he shot any of your 44's.Rcoil is subjective, sights can be added at a later date after you figure out what caliber. Over the years I have seen too many shooters start with the 44 Mag, and it is usually a bit much. Don't want to start him out with a flinch. Have you thought of a GF-100 ?
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Post by zac0419 on Jun 12, 2014 9:22:22 GMT -5
I've owned the Redhawk, the super Blackhawk hunter, and the Bisley, all in 45 colt. For "ME" the recoil and feel was always better with the Bisley. It's the only of the three I still own. The Redhawk was the worst.
The good news is if he has a few extra dollars he can buy all three, shoot all three, and sell the two losers for a minimal loss (maybe $30-40 if he shops smart), knowing he got the right platform for "him".
I do agree with the above poster that the feel will be totally individual to the shooter.
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Post by taffin on Jun 12, 2014 9:50:12 GMT -5
So my dad who just retired has finally got the itch to chase whitetails with a handgun and is asking for my advice on what to hunt with. Part of his motivation is that Missouri allows handguns during the "alternative methods" season now which used to be reserved for muzzleloaders and bows. He is not a handloader and does not shoot handguns alot (but he is a great "natural" rifle shot and not especially recoil shy), so I'm thinking a .44 mag in a heavy gun with an Ultra-Dot 30 is what he needs. And a lot of practice! I pretty well think I have it narrowed down to a Super Blackhawk or Super Redhawk. I think the BFR would be great too, but the short 5" barrel is a deal breaker. I have shot SBHs, Bisleys, my 629 and BFRs in .44 but I have never fired a SRH. How do the SRHs handle recoil compared to the SBHs and Bisleys? His Birthday is July 19th and I'd like to surprise him with a .44 of some flavor. FELT RECOIL IS OF COURSE HIGHLY SUBJECTIVE. I DO NOTICE QUITE A DIFFERENCE FROM SIXGUN TO SIXGUN. FOR "EASE OF SHOOTING" MY CHOICES FROM EASIEST TO WORST WITH FULL HOUSE .44 MAGNUM LOADS ARE 1) TAURUS RAGING BULL WITH RIBBER GRIPS; 2) RUGER SUPER REDHAWK WITH PACHMAYR RUBBER GRIPS; 3) RUGER BISLEY MODEL; 4) FREEDOM ARMS MODEL 83; 5) S&W M29/629 WITH CUSTOM STOCKS; 6) RUGER OLD MODEL FLAT-TOP BLACKHAWK; 7) AND THE WORST FOR ME IS THE RUGER SUPER BLACKHAWK. THE SQUARE BACKED TRIGGER GUARD NAILS ME EVERY TIME. WHATEVER THE CHOICE START WITH .44 SPECIAL LOADS. |
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Post by subsonic on Jun 12, 2014 11:55:23 GMT -5
That's what I figured. It's just too personal and subjective to put a fine point on.
I have a plan to get him on the triggers of my .44s & .45s to see what he thinks.
Unfortunately I don't have a SRH in my safe.
Yet?
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fatcpa
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 26
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Post by fatcpa on Jun 12, 2014 15:07:46 GMT -5
Sounds like it's time for someone in the family to get into reloading. As Mr. Taffin suggested, no matter which gun you choose, start with midrange 44 specials and work your way up to magnums that match your tolerance. I bet that a moderate 44 magnum load would more than meet your dad's hunting needs. Since he's retired now, maybe he has a little spare time. I'm a rank novice at the whole big bore thing, but my time at the reloading bench is very relaxing and satisfying.
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okie44
.30 Stingray
Posts: 177
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Post by okie44 on Jun 12, 2014 21:35:48 GMT -5
I fall into the SRH camp. Factory grips not bad on the 44, 454 came with Hogue rubber grips that work pretty good.
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woody
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,116
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Post by woody on Jun 13, 2014 7:16:28 GMT -5
Have you considered a contender in a caliber than doesn't recoil as much as a .44 but may be just as effective? I've shot some calibers in contenders I find horrible to shoot(a .44 I scoped being one of them)but my contender set up wit the .357 max barrel scoped is what my dad shoots and finds it much more comfortable than his 629. Not sure if the contender would be legal during that season or what the caliber restrictions maybe. What state are you in? Ammo may also be a problem.
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