The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: JdePietro on October 11, 2010, 06:20:46 PM
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Now I know most of my friends here do not hold the proper certification to provide me with the help I very desprately need. As luck would chance however I do have a problem most of you wise guys can give some sort of advice on.
My name is Josh DePietro and I have a gun problem. :'(
I own enough guns for a person my age but for some reason there is always that one that while I don't need, I just... I just really want. I have a carrie/comp sidearm, I have a pump shotgun and a sweeeeet semi, I have a semi auto "sport" rifle. So I feel as though I got my bases covered but there is just one gun I don't think I can live without.
5" or 6" barrelled 44 Remington Magnum Revolver. In truth I have my sights set on a Model 29 maybe a -5 I would certainly settle for a 629 in any variant. But for some reason I just want one really bad. Now of course I would take a Colt Anaconda or a CZ Dan Wesson in 44 but in truth I really with a S&W.
Here is the thing, I am saving up to move out to Scottsdale, AZ and I have no business buying any sort of firearm. I have even decide to take the year off of 3 gun while I save up and get my things inorder for a very big move.
The plot thickens...
A friend of mine knows me just to well, scary well for my likings but it would just so happen that he is in posession of a Ruger Redhawk in you guessed it 44 mag. He wants to trade me even up for my brand new Trijicon TR23R that I put on my M1A. I am stuck in a brain fart because I don't think I'll be shooting 3 gun for a while and I can shoot just fine without a scope I just...
I want a 44 mag but I want a S&W and if this was a S&W I would have made the trade yesterday. I just never really liked the Rugers. However everything I read online and from people that actually have owned one say they are more stoudt than the S&W and will last longer no matter what I shoot. I have never owned a Ruger and cannot attest to anything other than what I have read.
So my friends. Give me your sagely advice. ???
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I really prefer S&W, they have the better double action, any of the above can be had with a great single action pull, I have the 5" which is great to carry in the woods, it wears a 2 power scope, and with Hornady 300 grain XTP will shot 5 shot 4" groups at 100 yards, so much for short guns not performing. The only thing I shoot in it now, are the 300 grainers at 1250 fps, been my hunting companion for a long time, killed white tail to 150 yards, and they usually drop right there. The iron sights are better as far as sight picture and adjustment, and can be upgraded too.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/m25operator/100_1373.jpg)
My .02 centavos.
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If it is a Smith and Wesson 29 you want then get it. Don't settle. Previous post is correct about the Smith trigger being better. The advantage the Ruger has is handling heavy loads. The Redhawk is stronger than the Smith. But I agree the trigger is not as smooth.
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Personally, I like Ruger big bore wheel guns over Smiths. Im not going to argue about triggers vs a stronger frame for hunting type loads, I'm just talking aesthetics. There is just something about the clunkiness (?) that appeals to me in their larger caliber revolvers. As for the DA trigger? How often will you be shooting .44 mag DA? That's what God gave you a thumb for. Personally, I'd ask myself whether you would replace the optc if the money fairy didn't visit for awhile. If its going to eat at you everytime you shoot your M1A, don't do it. Likewise, if you're not going to really enjoy the Ruger because its not a Smith, don't do it.
Still, I will say that Badger has a VERY nice price on a like new eo-tech 512 (I won't quote it as it was sent in a PM). Me? I'd make the trade and drop a (relatively) little green with badger. That way you are getting a very nice pistol at the price of a few bucks, and the only downside is that you move from a Caddillac optic to a Chevy. Win-Win.
FQ13 your friendly neighborhood voice of satan. ;
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That gun needs a home. Do the right thing ;D
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FQ has some good points, though I personally think the optic is worth more than the firearm in question. I think it would have to be the firearm and some cash to be a worthy trade. I own a few ruger cowboy guns and they are good quality, but their not a Smith or a Colt. For now I'd say wait for a better deal, as it's not a necessity purchase, you can wait for what you really want!
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Well if the price is right go for it, but consider what your gonna be doing with it. A 44 6inch is a hunting or silloghette gun plain and simple. S&W are the smoothest revolvers out there but the N frame is not strong enough to withstand the battering of the 44 with any more than very moderate use with loads in upper middle to max charge. Unfortunately that means it wont stay tight with with stout hunting loads, and accuracy will lessen. Though I think the model 29 is one of the prettiest looking revolvers ever created I opted for a ruger for the durability and longevity. My Super blackhawk with a 2X burris with my loads will shoot 5 shot 1" groups at 50yds. So the ruger doesn't give up much on accuracy either. I will admit the ruger almost always need a trigger job.
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The Ruger will handle loads that will leave a Smith in pieces.
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The Ruger will handle loads that will leave a Smith in pieces.
I cant argue with you there lol. I had some newly developed WW296, 240gr loads that I took with me to my clubs sight in breakfast. A gentleman had his chronograph set up. I fired one thru it and it showed as 1610fps. He said to shoot again cause that couldn't be right. I did, 1615fps. He said there was something wrong with his chrony and he packed it up! Well there was nothing wrong with it, mine showed the same the day before lol. The Super Blackhawk ate them with no problem and though I didn't continue to use that load I use a load just under max. To this day the SB shoots very accurately and is as tight as the day it was new. Those loads would have ended the smiths life.
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Dude, I'd get the Redhawk. But I'm biased; I've always liked the Redhawk, anyway.
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Thank you all for the imput. I don't know what to say other than I marketed to and bought and sold. I have had a few different types of guns and my favorites were always the S&Ws. The real shame is that I'm about to admit that the only reason I want a (6)29 is because of dirty harry. I pulled the trigger on the Redhawk in question and while it is heavy and there is some grit its not as bad as I thought, and $65 would clear that right up.
Thanks for the input but I just don't ever see myself happy with the Redhawk. I want a 44 for BBQ/Coolness factor and I feel that the S&Ws put at least 10 more cool points to the books so I think I'll hold out for a while.
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I totally blame The Great Humungus" for this. Dirty Harry just has wet dreams about such things.
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010876.jpg?t=1286930574)
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I totally blame The Great Humungus" for this. Dirty Harry just has wet dreams about such things.
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010876.jpg?t=1286930574)
You know, you could probably mount a pistol bayonet on that thing and justify it. ;D
Question is though, how do you afford the gunbearer?
FQ13
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Well guys I am glad I held out. I called my local dealer and told him about my need for a fix and he said come on down. Waiting all ready to go for me is a beautiful Nickle plated, wood gripped, Spur on hammer S&W Model 29-3. I am in love! The lock up is tight as tight gets and the trigger is smooth as glass. Its a little longer than I had wanted at 8 5/8 but did I mention it has the firing pin on the hammer!!! :P
I don't know why that excites me as much as it does but this was the BFG I was looking for.
Problem is I don't have the cash at hand so my Trijicon is up for sale. He wasn't interested, has too many he said but said he would hold her till the end of the week. Check out the classified section for a steal of a deal I making just you guys.
I hope I can get this scope sold.
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Awww Fuey >:(
Good and bad involved. I sold my scope on ebay but now I got to wait until the post office reports that it has been delivered or the guy gives me some positive feedback to get my funds. Being the honest guy I am I told my gun dealer and he said there was a guy real interested in the revolver so I told him to let her go. I got to wait until the 5th of November (he he) or until the above mentioned items occur, then my hunt can begin.
Looks like I'll be awesomeless for a little a while longer. :'(
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Awww Fuey >:(
Good and bad involved. I sold my scope on ebay but now I got to wait until the post office reports that it has been delivered or the guy gives me some positive feedback to get my funds. Being the honest guy I am I told my gun dealer and he said there was a guy real interested in the revolver so I told him to let her go. I got to wait until the 5th of November (he he) or until the above mentioned items occur, then my hunt can begin.
Looks like I'll be awesomeless for a little a while longer. :'(
Quit yer b!tching, I've got a darn stress test the 5th, no biggie except where the hospital is I have to climb a freaking mountain to get to the stress test. ::)
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1st world problems always suck... ;D
Good luck on your test, study hard :o
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In .44 Magnum I have both the Smith & Wesson Model 29 as well as the Ruger Super Blackhawk and Stainless Super Redhawk. There is no comparison. If you're buying a gun to put a lot downrange with get the Ruger Super Redhawk. It's built like a tank and you'll be dust and it will still be firing. The S&W is a nice gun, but too delicate for a .44 Magnum. The X-Frame .500 is another ball game all together. Bill T.
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In .44 Magnum I have both the Smith & Wesson Model 29 as well as the Ruger Super Blackhawk and Stainless Super Redhawk. There is no comparison. If you're buying a gun to put a lot downrange with get the Ruger Super Redhawk. It's built like a tank and you'll be dust and it will still be firing. The S&W is a nice gun, but too delicate for a .44 Magnum. The X-Frame .500 is another ball game all together. Bill T.
+1. My Model 29 gets 44spc only now. It just turned 40, and it rattles a little. My Super Blackhawk gets the heavy magnum loads. Locks up tight and belches fire.
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I just hope I don't die on the stupid tread mill. :(
Correction : I hope I don't die climbing the f&%$ing mountain to get to the miserable tread mill.
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Tom....take the friggen elevator! LOL
Richard
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If you would prefer something other than that Trijicon...trade it for the Ruger.
If you want an S&W and the Trijicon....pass on the Ruger and the Model 29.
Get an S&W X frame.
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Its getting thick now. I am being bated with a S&W Model 21 Thunder Ranch Edition.
Life is full of choices and I am horrible at making them. :P
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Its getting thick now. I am being bated with a S&W Model 21 Thunder Ranch Edition.
Life is full of choices and I am horrible at making them. :P
Words of wisdom young jedi:
When faced with temptation sucumb. Willpower is just another word for wasted effort. Buy them all and try them. Then sell the rejects here for a bargain price.
FQ13 who is always looking out for you, and has no ulterior motives! ;D
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I love you guys so much. ;D
My mind is made I just need the deal to fall into my lap. I laugh though that 8 3/8 monster still sits at the gun shop waiting for an owner to come waltzing in. Alas I know I could not hold onto that piece, if I can't carry every once in a while I'll just end up loosing out. The M21 is so very tempting. It may very well be the best in combat revolver pedegree. However I made my GF a promise and I need to make good on it and 44 spec just won't slay the velicorapters. :P
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Apparently "LovemyXDs" has been reading and reported my whining, or I'm really lucky.
They called me and canceled ;D
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Tom I really hope everything turns out for the best, I like having you around.
In other news...
I am sooooo Freaking excited!!!! ;D ;D
I stayed up tonight because I am starting my 3rd shift tour, but tonight had some extra flare! I got to watch as I won the auction on a beautiful S&W Model 29-7 6". Probably be a week or two until I get to touch my new girl but she as good as mine.
So lets shift gears a little here...
I have heard MB rave on the qualities and general good disposition of 44 spl loads. For those extremely rare cases that I decide my 1911 isn't enough what are some good loads for this gun? Is it smarter to carry spl loads instead of full house magnums?
I am extremely fond of the Fiocchi line of ammunition. I carry the Fiocchi Extreme 230gr 45ACP rounds and love the results. The bonus to my carry ammo is that their FMJ's shoot exactly the same out of my gun and are point of aim with my XS small dot set up. It would be awesome to duplicate this wonder with my 44 but I don't have high hopes. There seem to be so many new bullets being made its hard to figure out what works where and why. Complicating this problem is the fact that most of the tacticool agencies that drive ammo sales and marketing don't even look at the 44 as a contender.
Can you pals recomend me five commercial loads for when I get my paws on her?
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JD, different guns like different ammo. Two revos off the line one right after the other will have different likes. Best to try out a few on your own...more better that way! Congrats and keep us posted.
Richard
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Sorry guys I should have had these pictures up long before now, I just got busy at the Fire House.
My wait for a S&W 44 Magnum is over. On Friday October 29th I went to my local dealer, who's mortgage I am sure has been paid by me a few times. There I picked up the prize I won on gunbroker just 5 days prior. The case is blue and plastic with just plain old foam inside, nothing special there. On the side of the case it says S&W Model 29-7. Cal. 44 Mag, 6" barrel, SS Cylinder, Serial Number *******.
Wait a sec? SS Cylinder?
Thats right boys and girls. My own investigation as to why this revolver would be equipped as such led me to the S&W forums. There I emailed a local scholar on the subject, by his own account the 29-7 vintage is hard to come by, they were produced in the late 90's in very small numbers and often had parts on them from the 629 line. The intent was to use up all the blue parts stock and phase out the model, of course they were brought back in 2002 as the model 29-8, 9 and 10 but all of these models included the dredded internal lock. The Model 29-7 has all of the improvements made througout the years just none of the BS.
My only complaint would be the rubber grips, an asthetic complaint as of now but I always thought firing a 44 would be made easier if the gun was allowed to roll back in your hand. The Houge grips do not allow for movement at all. In the long run I would like to have a set of wood stocks made from Rowan or European Mountain ash as part of my family hails from Scotland and this is considered sacrid wood.
Now without further delay, pictures...
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i28/WhiteFeather93/29-7.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i28/WhiteFeather93/44ammo.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i28/WhiteFeather93/SW29-7.jpg)
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Enjoy ! ;D