which ruger

[lima-1]

Need some info. on which ruger to buy, both will be 44 special vaquero or the flat top 44 special. be for target shooting, been away from ruger for several years want to join ranks again. will be reloading for which ever.
thanks for some input.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Since you've been away from Ruger for awhile, you should get both of them to make up for lost time. 8)

 

[gak]

I'm a Vaquero/NV guy and have the .44s. Love them--both barrel lengths--but didn't get primarily for formal target/range, but mostly camp and trail. IMO, you'll be happier with the flattop with its adjustable sights for your stated purpose. Better assortment (so far) of barrel lengths as well, unless you want the shorty (3.75") New Vaquero Sheriff, which is a sweetheart but even less of a range-gun, optimally speaking.

 

[flatgate]

Target shooting? I'd go with a 6-1/2" barrel minimum.

JMHO,

flatgate

PS Here's a recently made .44 Special...... kinda scarce, though.

This is more like it; 10-1/2" .44 Mag!

 

[Yermo]

I agree, long barrels are good to target shooting. My best target gun is a 7.5" Bisley Super Blackhawk.
Today I shot a 2.25" group from 17 yards out with open sights using 300gr factory ammo. Given that I'm relatively new to shooting I'm very happy with that. In comparison, I don't get such groups with my 3.75" Birdshead 45 LC unless I move the target closer.

Update.
I just saw a 4.62" Bisley Blackhawk in .44sp on GunBroker, and snatched it right away! I've been looking for that gun for quite a while.
Gak, if you're reading this, thanks for your help! Back in January you gave me some tips as where to look.

Pictures to follow as soon as the gun is here.

 

[contender]

Definately if the goal is target shooting,, then get the flattop 44 spl. It'll have adjustable sights to be able to adjust to whatever load you will use.

 

[Dale53]

I sure like BOTH of mine (a 5½" .44 Lipsey Special and a SS 4 5/8" .44 Special Flattop). It hardly gets any better than that.

I DEFINITELY suggest the adjustable sighted model. The .44 Special, for the reloader is one of the finest calibers going for all around use. It will shoot extremely well with light target loads, medium field loads, and heavy hunting loads.

1 - Light 4.0 grs of Bullseye or equivalent with a
200 gr full wadcutter
2 - Medium - the Skeeter load of 7.5 grs of Unique with
a 250 gr Keith bullet.
3 - Heavy load - Elmer Keith load of 16.5-17.0 grs of
2400 with a 250 gr Keith bullet

If money is tight, then the 250 gr Keith (my choice is the
Mihec mould for the H&G #503 clone) will work for all
three loads, just fine.

Here's my 5½" .44 Lipsey Special in Red Dog Leather:

Dale53

 

[Tommy Kelly]

Some awesome looking leather there

 

[Dale53]

Thanks for the kind words, Tommy. I have to say, the leather is as good as it looks. That is really a two gun rig with one holster removed.

Dale53

 

[Rodfac]

Good on 'ya..as a Kiwi would say. I'd opt for the shorter barreled (4-5/8") .44 Special Flat Top. The longer barrel doesn't carry as easy for me on any sort of vehicle (4x4, tractor, lawn mower etc).

As to groups...there's no difference in size between the 5-1/2" and the 4-5/8" barreled guns, in my experience. The 6-1/2 .44 Magnum does a might better but only about 1/2" at 25 yds in my example and does not balance nearly as well for me.

Can't argue with any of Dale53's suggested loads...all will work well and that 7.5 gr load of Unique (known far and wide as Skelton's Load) works with any quality 240 gr lead SWC I've tried it with. In my guns it gives me just under 1000 fps. It can be duplicated with 6.5 to 7.0 gr of 231 or HP-38 as well...these are my loads and were worked up carefully...you should do the same!

I've said it before here, that 4-5/8" barreled .44 tucks nicely in a rear jeans pocket for casual woods loafing, is more than accurate enough for all but the most demanding bullseye target panning, and has perfect balance. Ya can't ask for more. Not to be outdone by Dale, here's my version with a home made belt and Tom Threepersons holster.

Best Regards, Rodfac