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Post by bulasteve on Apr 4, 2016 8:32:20 GMT -5
If our contract works out in a everybody plays nice kinda way this summer, I'm considering filling another niche here. I kinda live with my 44spec Bulldog on board, but bears n such are growing ever more numerous and grumpy around here and at camp. Sooo..a big brother may be considered. Things on my possible list, S&W 4" 629 or Mtn Gun version and I can't get away from the thought of a Alaskan in either 44mag or 480. I've shot the two Smiths mentioned, and they are viable options, and just visited the Ruger website and it seems the 480 Alaskan is still in production ? Just how hard is it to get your hands on a 480 Alaskan ? How dearly do they come now ? Any of these options can come to me used, as they won't be a high volume gun for me. Thoughts ? See Alaskans are in the 40oz plus range. Guess the Smiths would run 6-10oz less ? Your thoughts, rambling or concise, welcome.
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Post by magnumwheelman on Apr 4, 2016 9:43:55 GMT -5
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Post by needsmostuff on Apr 4, 2016 10:37:50 GMT -5
Steve , I know you love your Bulldog ,and it is adequate for two-legged social work but,,,,,. When the antagonist is big hard thick and mean a 5 shot 44spl. loaded at the bottom of the scale will probably not fare well. Disclaimer,, I don't live in or go to bear country and have never or expect to shoot one. Assumption,, I am guessing you are seeking a small as possible snubby packing gun. That said I would expect ANY magnum starting in a 4 , loaded to full capacity with a heavy , hard , cast bullet to be worlds ahead of the bulldog. Get a small ,packable version of some caliber you already have and load for, and look for the most potent load you can stand popping out of it. Most guys I see with big cartridge snubby handguns end up reducing loads back to a level achievable with a 44 mag anyway. This 41GNR when full of 28 grains of 296 is about the upper limit of snubby fun I enjoy.(enjoy is a funny word)
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Post by shortbarrel on Apr 4, 2016 12:06:34 GMT -5
The Mountain guns weigh about 39 oz.Add about 5 oz for 6,240 gr cartridges.The 4" 629 weighs a couple oz more.The .480 Alaskan is supposed to be 44 oz and you could add about 7 oz for 400 gr cartridges.My Mountain gun would need a sight change to have 300 grainers hit close to point of aim,so I use strictly 240 grain bullets right now.You might also consider the 4" Redhawk.Mine,in .45,weighs 44.8 oz.Add about 6 oz for 6,300 grain cartridges.
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Post by seak89 on Apr 4, 2016 13:28:17 GMT -5
I replaced my Alaskan with a 3 3/4" SBH 44mag and would do it over and over again.
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Post by Encore64 on Apr 4, 2016 18:23:24 GMT -5
I normally go for single actions. My FA97 in 45 Colt can be loaded to impressive ballistics.
Like the OP, I carry a Charter Arms Bulldog. But, more recently added a S&W69. It weighs 37 oz and is impressive.
I think the 4" Redhawk would be a great choice in 45 Colt or an Alaskan in 454 or 480 if you don't mind the weight.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 4, 2016 20:08:45 GMT -5
My two favorite DA revolvers are an Alaskan in 454 and a 4" Redhawk in 45 Colt. Had I known what I do now I'd likely have skipped over the 44 magnums I traded away and gone straight for the 45 Redhawk. You can run some really hot Colt loads in a Redhawk and it probably has the widest variety of factory ammo available. That said, a 480 Alaskan would be a good choice.
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Post by rjm52 on Apr 4, 2016 21:11:24 GMT -5
Mountain Guns are a delight to carry...and one of my favorite shooters.
With your list you really can't go wrong...
Bob
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rigby
.327 Meteor
Posts: 769
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Post by rigby on Apr 5, 2016 5:08:19 GMT -5
Really like the looks of the RH Talo 2.5" 44. Loaded with longer RH type loads would be good choice.
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Post by bulasteve on Apr 5, 2016 8:33:45 GMT -5
Hey Guys ! Thanks for all the thoughts and info. This gun, a carrot on the stick thing. Am anticipating a horrible year,but..? If it goes well, a gun. Some further narrowing. Have had a long barreled RH 44 years ago as a hunting arm but didn't shoot it any better than my '81 44mag SBH and it was heavier so it went. Would like to stay with either 44 or 480 as have dies, components and data compiled already. I wasn't aware of the Talo 44mag RH, Maybe too snubby for me ? With a 3" barrel on my Bulldog, don't really consider it a snubby. Kinda wanted to keep this a DA piece, but yeah that 3 3/4" 44 SBH might have to go on the list, just because. Lots of joyful day dreaming to do.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Apr 5, 2016 10:32:39 GMT -5
Would like to stay with either 44 or 480 as have dies, components and data compiled already. A 480 Alaskan sounds like the ticket.
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Post by bulasteve on Apr 5, 2016 11:21:29 GMT -5
While I'm in dream land, a 3rd model Dragoon...sigh..a long legge..nevermind.
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Yetiman
.327 Meteor
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Post by Yetiman on Apr 5, 2016 15:57:03 GMT -5
Would like to stay with either 44 or 480 as have dies, components and data compiled already. A 480 Alaskan sounds like the ticket. Just an hour ago I brought home a 44 mag Kodiak Backpacker as Rigby posted above. Found it on GunSmoker for a good deal, and it works for my application. But even I would agree, the 480 Alaskan would be a hot ticket for Steve's situation.
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rigby
.327 Meteor
Posts: 769
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Post by rigby on Apr 5, 2016 21:54:48 GMT -5
Yetiman congrats! does it feel as good as it looks?
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Post by bulasteve on Apr 6, 2016 6:52:23 GMT -5
OK, the M69 can go on the list too. Handled one in a nice gun shop in Leesburg Va a while back.
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