http://www.ruger.com/products/superRedhawkAlaskan/models.html

 

Thoughts?

i've never held one of those.. but i just bought a Ruger GP100.. and it's solid... i love it so far.. no issues, and it's accurate...

 

i don't see why this would be any different.. looks like it's built the same .. trigger assembly comes apart under the gun and the cylinder just pops out..

 

i don't know how a .44magnum would feel out of a 2.5" barrel.. that's bound to hurt.. lol... i've shot the S&W .44 magnum, 8 3/8" barrel, the dirty harry model, don't remember the number, and that thing kicks like a mule with just basic Federal American Eagle..

Can never have too many wheel guns. I'll say they both must be fun to shoot, what do you plan on using them for? Just wondering being they are short barreled

hunting bears?

i don't know how a .44magnum would feel out of a 2.5" barrel.. that's bound to hurt.. lol... i've shot the S&W .44 magnum, 8 3/8" barrel, the dirty harry model, don't remember the number, and that thing kicks like a mule with just basic Federal American Eagle..

 

Thats what I was thinking, well the .454 isn't no slouch either, lol.. Now you mentioned the one gun I have wanted for years and just never gotten around to getting just yet, but I will have a Model 29 next year sometime..

Thats what I was thinking, well the .454 isn't no slouch either, lol.. Now you mentioned the one gun I have wanted for years and just never gotten around to getting just yet, but I will have a Model 29 next year sometime..

 

 

yes, i believe it is a 629.. does that sound right? .. it's blued, .. long a$$ barrel.. lol... i believe the dirty harry was a 6" version, but my friend has the 8 3/8" barrel... i hate shooting it, but I'm not getting called a b*tch every time he brings it out.. LOL...

yes, i believe it is a 629.. does that sound right? .. it's blued, .. long a$$ barrel.. lol... i believe the dirty harry was a 6" version, but my friend has the 8 3/8" barrel... i hate shooting it, but I'm not getting called a b*tch every time he brings it out.. LOL...

 

The one he used was a Model 29 and IIRC it was a blued 6 1/2 barrel but may be wrong on the length. Either way, I like shooting the 44Mag and could get used to it if not for the cost of ammo, even with me having the ability to reload it.

 

The wheel guys will confirm, but I think the 629 is the newer version of the old 29.

Really like the build quality and challenge to shoot.

^{That's an interesting looking gun! However, its not super practical unless you were a hiker and wanted a last ditch bear gun. Ammo will easily set you back around $30+ per box. One thing to consider if you were looking for a powerful range plinker would be to go with the Super Blackhawk and add a scope for long distance target shooting. It would also make a great hunting handgun.}

The one he used was a Model 29 and IIRC it was a blued 6 1/2 barrel but may be wrong on the length. Either way, I like shooting the 44Mag and could get used to it if not for the cost of ammo, even with me having the ability to reload it.

 

The wheel guys will confirm, but I think the 629 is the newer version of the old 29.

 

The 629 is the stainless version of the 29 (blued or nickel carbon steel). And you are correct - the model 29 used in Dirty Harry was a 6.5" barrel. Smith later went to 6" and now on some of the classics, they are back to 6.5"

 

My question to the OP is also: What is it's intended use? The Alaskan is aptly named, because that is where you would derive the most bemefit from a short-barrelled gun in a major caliber - carried a lot, shot a little. Comforting bear medicine. If I were in that situation I think I'd prefer a S&W 329 (lightweight version of the 29).

 

If you intend to handgun hunt (of course, that would be someplace other than NJ), you would be better served with a longer barrel.

 

There is a pretty good turnover to the secondary market of these "big boomers" because people buy them for the "cool factor" and then find out they aren't so much fun to shoot.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

If you're looking for a .44Mag in shorter barrel length, you may want to look at the 4.2 - 5.5 inch Ruger Redhawk. I have the 7.5 inch version and it's a beast. I also reload so I tame down the .44Mag to make it more pleasant to target shoot although they're no slouch. Full power .44Mag isn't a great target round unless you like to punish your hand.