.44 revolver 8.3 or 6.5?

[orygun]

Everything ere depends on what you want the revolver for and how you can accept packing it.
Hunting? That's the one for a long barrel. A good shoulder or chest holster and yer set.
Anything else besides hunting I want nothing to do with a long barreled revolver.

With the options of the two guns posted by the OP I would pick the 8" and scope it.

 

[kmk1012]

I've had both lengths of these and can say that there's not a ton of difference in usability. The longer barrel is better for distance work but 6.5" ain't too shabby either. Heck, with my 4" 357 I can ring a 4" steel plate at 100 yards with boring regularity. It really should cost me down to what look you prefer, if quick action is needed, look at a 4" or less.

 

[MikeInOr]

Was going to buy a s&w 629 deluxe from grab a gun but they are crap company. Woudl not add my ffl for 5 days and you can't order for a ffl that is not in their system. They finally added it but in the meantime raised the price of the gun almost $200! That was the full lug 6.5" model.

Palmetto has half lug 629 for $600 after rebate but I'm thinking half lug might be too high on recoil.

So back to taurus which is full lug. Watched some YouTube videos and 6" seems to kick quite a bit and 8" much less. Have you guys found this to be the case when shooting?

Hard for me to get a feel for it based on videos alone. Thanks for any help or opinions!

I would go for the half lug 629 @ $600!

A 44 mag is going to kick... that is part of the fun. It is hardly uncontrollable if you are comfortable with magnums.

The recoil between my 2.5" barrel and 8" barrel is most noticeable in barrel rise after a shot. If you are shooting Buffalo Bore 44 mag shells for dinosaur hunters you are going to feel it. Regular Winchester, Remington, Federal off the shelf loads aren't that punishing. It takes me about 2 minutes to put the brake on the end of any of my Dan Wesson barrels... I pretty much NEVER use it. My friends 500 S&W mag is PUNISHING... 44 mag is mild in comparison.



I wish my 6" barrel was a half lug barrel. It would be a much more maneuverable pistol with a half lug 6" barrel. I have considered calling CZ and asking them if they would mill down my 6" barrel to a half lug (CZ USA now owns Dan Wesson and sells 357 and 44 mag barrels for these old pistols. Most of my barrels are CZ barrels).

 

[orygun]

I've had both lengths of these and can say that there's not a ton of difference in usability. The longer barrel is better for distance work but 6.5" ain't too shabby either. Heck, with my 4" 357 I can ring a 4" steel plate at 100 yards with boring regularity. It really should cost me down to what look you prefer, if quick action is needed, look at a 4" or less.

My choice, too.

 

[CountryGent]

For general purpose, 6½". For specialized (e.g., silhouettes, et al.), 8⅜". Though, with a quality piece, I don't know that you can really go wrong. On that score, between Smith & Wesson and Taurus, I'd, without reservation, go Smith. Despite what the haters may say, Taurus can and has put out a solid piece. But it is a crap shoot and their business practices are highly suspect.

Best of wishes with the search. The .44 Magnum is a delight.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Well I wound up going for the 8.3". Gotta get the full Sgt. Tackleberry experience

Action seems quite smooth dry firing. Have had excellent luck with my tracker in .357 and this feels very similar. If grab a gun would have honored their original price I would have ordered a s&w 6.5" classic with wood grip. For several hundred less this should scratch the itch though.

 

[MikeInOr]

Well I wound up going for the 8.3". Gotta get the full Sgt. Tackleberry experience

Action seems quite smooth dry firing. Have had excellent luck with my tracker in .357 and this feels very similar. If grab a gun would have honored their original price I would have ordered a s&w 6.5" classic with wood grip. For several hundred less this should scratch the itch though.

View attachment 1983926

Cinder blocks are are great targets for 44's.

 

[dangerranger60]

I have a Ruger BH in 44 mag with a 9" barrel. in a belt holster the barrel hangs below my knee. When I knelt down the end of the holster hits the ground.
It is not my favorite gun to carry. DR

 

[oremike]

I have a Ruger BH in 44 mag with a 9" barrel. in a belt holster the barrel hangs below my knee. When I knelt down the end of the holster hits the ground.
It is not my favorite gun to carry. DR

I carry my 7 1/2" redhawk cross draw.

 

[orygun]

I have a Ruger BH in 44 mag with a 9" barrel. in a belt holster the barrel hangs below my knee. When I knelt down the end of the holster hits the ground.
It is not my favorite gun to carry. DR

I carried a scoped Blackhawk SRM (357 Max) with a 10.5" barrel in a vertical shoulder holster. It took all of my arms length to draw that thing!