RedHawkvs Mod 29???

[Big joe]

If you were going to buy a brand new 44 Mag. which would it be... a Ruger Redhawk or a Mod. 29 ???

[skeet]

Well I have at least one of each. Actually have 3 S&W 29's and one Ruger. The Ruger may be a bit stronger than the S&W but it really isn't as nice looking and doesn't feel as good in my hand. The Smith's are all a bit more accurate than the Ruger but not by all that much...except by one of the Smith's. It is an early 29 and is very accurate. Also has a great trigger. Check 'em both out and pick the one you like the best... Still won't go wrong any way you do it.

[TreeDoc]

How much do you think you might shoot it? I would agree with Skeet about the ergonomics of the Model 29, they are balanced nicely and have a bit nicer trigger than a Redhawk, especially the older models with the forged, case hardened trigger and hammer (that's what I'd be looking for).

If you're going to really shoot it a lot I would lean towards the Ruger. It's a heavier framed gun that has an excellent locking mechanism on the cylinder which virtually eliminates the end shake and eventual slop that the S&W's are notorious for developing after a whole bunch of heavy loads go through them.

If you're going for a 4" bbl check out the S&W Mountain Guns, I have a 629 and a 625 in that model and they are awesome! My 5.5" Redhawk is a great gun too.

[Catfish]

Depends on what you want it for. I have a 4in. barreled 629 for CCW and it`s great for that. I also have a Super Red Hawk in .454 that I plan to start useing as a walk around gun for deer hunting. It wears a 2X Leupold scope. For a hunting gun I lean towards the Red Hawk of the 2 you named, but both will surve you well.

[Mickey Rat]

I've got 2 S&W. A 1976 29 8 3/8" blue that is VERY accurate, feels good and is just plain pretty. I have a 4" 629 that I carry around.

The Redhawk is a better hunting gun, but it's got no soul.

[PJgunner]

I have both. FRankly, if I were planning on doing a lot of shooting witht he most potent of loads, I'd go the Redhawk, period! My S&W is an early 629 that literally has to be rebuilt after about 250 serious rounds. Now before the flame pop up to engulf me, I understand S&W has made changes to the internal lock works to correct the problem, although it took them long enough to do so.
I hike in serious black bear country, serious because the local isiots feed them and they're very accustomed to humans and sometimes get a little ticked off if you don't feed them.
The S&W now is relgated to light .44 Spl. grade loads for targets and the Redhawks are on call for serious duty, should that become necessary.
Paul B.

[Mickey Rat]

My 1976 8 3/8 29 locked up early on. I was stationed in Weisbaden, Germany, so I took it back to the Rod & Gun Club. I got it back in just a couple of weeks with an apology from the tech that worked on it. He noted that he did trigger and action job on it while he had it. It hasn't missed a lick since then, and has had thousands of rounds fired thru it, almost all full power.

[Builder45]

I would go with the redhawk(not super) hands down. With it you can shoot the Garrett Hammerheads and any other hot round for the 44. As far as a smooth action a good gunsmith can fix that problem for way less than what a 629 sells for compared to what my local shop sells redhawks for.

[Rapier]

Spent 20 years as a match director on a range that shot steel critter matches every month. Saw many 44s over the years and have owned several and shot several in matches myself. On the double action side, the strongest is the Ruger. The Redhawk is just about unbeatable when it comes to strength. I have witnessed several S&W failures on the range after shooting hot 44 mag ram loads, they normally just seize up, leaving the shooter with a piece of iron, that is still loaded, to contend with. Most times the cylinder can be opened even if it requires a mallet.

It is not as if the Ruger has, no faults. The trigger is miserable and is just about impossible to get down past 3 lbs due to design. The tolerance on the Ruger barrels is .429 to .432. If you happen to get one with .430 cylinder exit holes and a .432-barrel, you have a problem. I had one like that. Ruger's acceptable accuracy would leave most true handgun shooter/hunters aghast. They do make oversized bores on purpose, seen the letters to barrel makers and parts mfgs.

There is another double action that can be the best of both worlds, accurate and strong, the Wesson or Dan Wesson. The Silhouette or hunting version of the Dan is a fine gun. The system of the torqued barrel can produce exceptional accuracy.
Ed

[GoodOlBoy]

mmmmm ruuugggeerrrrr. . . . . . . .

[Builder45]

Here is my next redhawk except it will be blued instead of stainless. I should have it by the last part of hunting season.