Marlin Mike said:
I have no experience with a 44 Magnum in a revolver. The biggest revolver I have fired is a 357 mag. I am looking for advice from people who know more than I do. Which is the better 44 (ie. less recoil with a factory 240 gr.) Regular Redhawk or Super Blackhawk both will be 5 1/2" barrels. I will be using this for defense from feral hogs, wolf, and black bear. I just don't trust a 357 to have enough power. I do have smaller hands so that is definitely an issue. Thanks for any advice. Mike
Redhawk has one BIG advantage over Super Blackhawk; no screws to get loose. Don't get me wrong, my preferred handgun is stainless 5.5 SBH converted to Bisley, but any SA should have all those screws secured so they would not get loose. Redhawk does not have such problem, the only screw, except on sights, is on the grip.
For most of shooters, Bisley grip is easier to handle recoil. As a matter of fact, some custom smiths will build their 475 ans 500 hand-cannons on Bisley revolvers only.
For your smaller hands, Bisley grip might be better than SBH. On top of that, it has shorter trigger reach, see here why:
Also, you can modify Bisley stocks to make it same thickness as on the top.
In addition, you can make relief right behind trigger guard, as done on some custom stocks. See the difference, left are custom stocks, right are factory ones:
Vacuum tube extension with sand paper is perfect for such modification. Remove stocks from grip frame, you do not want to slip and sand the steel, especially if it has blue finish. Also, go slowly with this relief, even small amount removed has a big effect how grip feels.
Although, not rugged and strong as Ruger revolvers, another excellent choice is S&W, model 29 (blue) or 629 (stainless), as long as you are not going to shoot truckload of 300 grain ammo. And if you can grab one of those Classic DX models, you will have handgun that shoots 1.5 inch on 50 yds, tested at the factory.
Here is one DX, see marking on barrel:
My preference would be one 29/629-3 or -4. Those have so called Endurance Package, but no MIM parts. Here is the easy way to spot such revolver, look at the locking notches on cylinder; they are longer, and front side of the notch is longer than aft one, using small ramp as a reference. Revolver above is with Endurance Package. Bellow is without it, notice shorter locking notches:
Also, as far as i know, no MIM parts have revolvers with firing pin mounted on hammer, as those above.
Regarding dash number, it is located on the frame bellow barrel, just open cylinder:
This one is model 329-1, but you've got idea.