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I've been debating a Ruger Superblackhawk/redhawk/superredhawk or a S&W 629 for .44 magnum revolver. I alreay have a Ruger SRH Alaskan in .44mag and was looking for one with a bit more barrel for target shooting / home or on-the-road defense so I don't set everything on fire if I have to use it .

How does everyone here feel about the Ruger vs. S&W .44magnum revolver debate?

I think it is more of a style preference honestly. Both manufacturers make great revolvers. The Rugers are known to be more robust or beefier, while the S&W models are prettier I think.

RECIT wrote:I think it is more of a style preference honestly. Both manufacturers make great revolvers. The Rugers are known to be more robust or beefier, while the S&W models are prettier I think.

What I've heard is that the S&W's will shoot loose with a constant diet of magnum level rounds, whereas the rugers are indestructible.

Neither of which seem totally believeable.

My preference is for the Ruger wheelguns for anything starting with .4x. The main reason for this is that the Ruger revolvers do not beat my hand into hamburger with full-power loads, whereas the S&W grip shape is just "wrong" for my hand, and full-power loads will feel like they're trying to tear my thumb out by the roots. I can shoot a Redhawk all day long with no problems, but a S&W 29 will wear me out after only a cylinder or two.

Second reason, the Rugers generally tend to be a bit cheaper, especially the single-action Blackhawks, when compared to the double-action S&Ws.

Third, they're undoubtedly stronger. While injudicious handloading (or rather, deliberate massive overcharges) can destroy them just as any other gun, they are more tolerant of abuse and envelope-pushing.

On the flip side, if you're looking for more "target/defense" purposes for the gun, the S&W might suit you more. They generally have better triggers, and .44 Special is quite sufficient to both target and defensive tasks (not to mention a lot easier on the hand and the revolver), while still able to shoot the heavier ammo.

It all depends on your considerations:
Price
Durability
Trigger
Comfort

For me, the Ruger wins, in price, durability, and comfort. For you, I don't know. Either are good guns, though.

I prefer the Rugers for the same reasons as JSThane stated, but I would have no problem at all owning a S&W. You can't really go wrong with either, so as always, I would pick the one that feels better in your hand.

I have an S&W 629 with a 6 1/2 barrel. It is a great gun that has served me well for many years. I even CC it from time to time in a shoulder holster. It is very accurate and I have never had the slightest issue with it. It is easily the most accurate handgun I own, but with a 6 and 1/2 inch barrel, that should be expected I suppose. It has a great trigger and smooth action. I don't even know how many rounds it has through it now, but it is completely tight with no play in the cylinder whatsoever.
I can't say that it is better than Ruger but I can tell you it is very good. I bought mine many years ago and the price seems to keep going up on S&W wheel guns, so Ruger may give you better value, but I know you will not be disappointed with the Smith if you choose to go that direction.

Ruger Pros- Cheaper, can handle the really hot stuff like Buffalo bore, DT and Corbon all day long.

S&W Pros- Awesome trigger pull, usually a slightly better finish

If you plan to give it a heavy diet of the hot loads go Ruger!

7075-T7 wrote:

RECIT wrote:I think it is more of a style preference honestly. Both manufacturers make great revolvers. The Rugers are known to be more robust or beefier, while the S&W models are prettier I think.

What I've heard is that the S&W's will shoot loose with a constant diet of magnum level rounds, whereas the rugers are indestructible.

Neither of which seem totally believeable.

I've been feeding my Model 29 nothing but magnum loads since 1996 and it is still nice and tight. REALLY accurate too.

Also Colt Anacondas are awesome but expensive!

The Annoyed Man wrote:

7075-T7 wrote:

RECIT wrote:I think it is more of a style preference honestly. Both manufacturers make great revolvers. The Rugers are known to be more robust or beefier, while the S&W models are prettier I think.

What I've heard is that the S&W's will shoot loose with a constant diet of magnum level rounds, whereas the rugers are indestructible.

Neither of which seem totally believeable.

I've been feeding my Model 29 nothing but magnum loads since 1996 and it is still nice and tight. REALLY accurate too.

I know Model 19 S&W's have problems with a steady diet of magnum rounds , but I haven't seen any thing like that about the "N" frames. I have an old (1968) Super Blackhawk that has a very, very nice finish. It shoots nice even in my less than large hand. I do really like to look at Model 29's, but it's been a long time since I've shot one. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

Here is a nice article on Rugers from Handloads.com
http://www.handloads.org/articles/default.asp?id=41" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My preference is for the Ruger wheelguns for anything starting with .4x. The main reason for this is that the Ruger revolvers do not beat my hand into hamburger with full-power loads, whereas the S&W grip shape is just "wrong" for my hand, and full-power loads will feel like they're trying to tear my thumb out by the roots. I can shoot a Redhawk all day long with no problems, but a S&W 29 will wear me out after only a cylinder or two.

Second reason, the Rugers generally tend to be a bit cheaper, especially the single-action Blackhawks, when compared to the double-action S&Ws.

Third, they're undoubtedly stronger. While injudicious handloading (or rather, deliberate massive overcharges) can destroy them just as any other gun, they are more tolerant of abuse and envelope-pushing.

On the flip side, if you're looking for more "target/defense" purposes for the gun, the S&W might suit you more. They generally have better triggers, and .44 Special is quite sufficient to both target and defensive tasks (not to mention a lot easier on the hand and the revolver), while still able to shoot the heavier ammo.

It all depends on your considerations:
Price
Durability
Trigger
Comfort

For me, the Ruger wins, in price, durability, and comfort. For you, I don't know. Either are good guns, though.

+1 on all of the above. Try both - buy the one that feels best.

...having handled them both...the Redhawk fits my hand better...I like the balance better(7 1/2")...I think it's much less likely to need service...that'd be my choice...

This is my Model 29. It is just plain badass, and it is my only gun with a nickname—"Big Poppa":

speedsix wrote:...having handled them both...the Redhawk fits my hand better...I like the balance better(7 1/2")...I think it's much less likely to need service...that'd be my choice...

I had an Actions by T trigger job done on my 5 1/2" Redhawk, eliminating any perceived advantage of the S&W.

I love my N frames; 629, 24s, and 25. But for heavy loads, Ruger is the only way to go.