44 magnums: Redhawk & Model 629

[Blue92]

For the Ruger Redhawk and S&W Model 629 44 mags, at least a 5.5" barrel.. anyone have an opinion for one over the other? Experience with one or both of them? Any problems with either?

[pacodelahoya]

I've shot a redhawk in .44mag. Very accurate. Very manageable.
I have a couple of other models of ruger and like them very much except for the bill board.
The only s&w I own is a 642, so I really can't comment on them.

[jakebrake]

I am biased towards the 629 revolver. The only thing I can say about the Ruger is basing it off of the Blackhawk. The Blackhawk is a very nice revolver. It is also extremely heavy compared to the 6:29. It was an extremely smooth revolver, and will probably outlive you, me, and survive global warming and trans fats. If you're going to hunt with with it I would definitely say go with the Ruger. If it is more of a target shooting pistol that you will not use that often I would say the 629 has a hands down better trigger.

[normanvin]

[Both good guns. The 629 is a prettier gun.

[unclejumbo]

[Both good guns. The 629 is a prettier gun.

What he said, take your pick. I'd also say the Ruger is a stronger gun. I have these and I'm in love...

[smoke-wagon]

I've never cared for ruger's grip frames or triggers on their oTher DA revolvers but I have not fired a redhawk. I loved my 29-2 and the 629-7 in my signature. I currently have a 57-1 in .41 mag and it's awesome. The older wide target triggers feel amazing.

[loknload]

Both are good guns, the RedHawk just didn't fit my hand!

[stack$99]

Just my observation on the two but the 29/629 felt more balanced in MY hand and when shot I feel like the recoil came directly back into my hands/arm. The Ruger I did not like the grip as much and when I fired a friends gun it felt to me the weight of the gun was higher which caused more felt recoil and more muzzle rise, hard to explain but just my experience. Both are nice guns but my preference is the 29/629.

[JenniferG]

The 29/629 felt more comfortable in the hand. I owned a 629 for a couple of years. I shot a Redhawk but it didn't fit my hand as well as the Smith. I prefer the traditional wood grips and blued frame over the stainless with rubber grips of the 629.

[dkf]

I have a 5.5" which I put the Bantam grips on. I like it it a lot and shoot a lot of cast out of it. The S&Ws are not as cast friendly. (models with EDM barrels) The throats are usually tight and more suited to jacketed, often with choke right past the forcing cone. If you are shooting all jacketed it is not as much of an issue, though the Ruger is better suited to handle a decent diet of hot loads. The S&Ws usually are prettier, the Rugers are more for shooting than looking at.