If you have never actually fired a revolver chambered for 44 Magnum, your reluctance is likely based upon their reputation for infamous levels of recoil. You may like the idea of shooting what movie detective “Dirty” Harry Callahan dubbed the world’s most powerful handgun — which it was at one time — but muzzle energies of 900 foot-pounds or more that equate to power factors above 300 can be too much to deal with regularly.
But Gun Tests has tested many of these hand cannons, and our mission, as always, was to collect objective performance data at the range, and using those numbers, form opinions about whether to buy, or not buy, any of these guns. And, as always, we are completely partisan about making those judgments: We like accurate, reliable, comfortable-to-shoot firearms. All others need not apply.
During testing sessions, we have noticed that 44 Magnums often require a more enthusiastic chamber-cleaning regimen than revolvers in other calibers because they can suffer from cylinder bind when empty shells interfere with chamber clearance. Reason: During recoil, the gun moves upward and backward; correspondingly, the shells in the cylinder shift forward toward the breech-face. If the chambers get too dirty, the empties aren’t able to slide back into the cylinder after recoil, thus causing binding. When this problem occurred, we simply cleaned and lubricated the chambers.
Herewith, then, are a selection of very good handguns chambered in 44 Magnum, but with different configurations. We haven’t tested every 44 Mag on the market, so we’ll be interested to hear what your favorite big-bore boomer is.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The ported muzzle worked well to reduce muzzle flip. The M44, even with the factory trigger, came close to matching the S&W Model 29 on the speed trials. It wasn’t quite as accurate, so we bumped the grade down a little. How would we choose between these two? If you expect your handgun to live its life outside in inclement weather, the Taurus M44 is the easy choice. Its stainless finish is much more utilitarian than the gorgeous blued Model 29. Also, availability gives the Taurus an edge if you want to find a competent sample to put into use immediately. Overall Length, 9.4 in. Overall Height, 6.1 in. Weight Loaded, 3.2 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.0 in. Cylinder Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 5.7 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 11.5 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The Super Redhawk uses Hogue grips. In fact, all three of our tested 44s used Hogues. We call that a sign. Adhesion in our hands was good without being overly abrasive. At the same time, the grips provided a bit of cushioning while they completely covered the backstrap. On the Ruger, the Hogue grips attach to a single stud extending from the bottom of the frame. Function was perfect, as we would expect on a good revolver. Average group size across the three types of ammo was just over an inch at 15 yards. The Ruger really liked the 320-grain bullets, posting an average group size of 0.86 in. Overall Length, 13.0 in. Overall Height, 6.25 in. Weight Loaded, 3.7 lbs. Barrel Length, 7.5 in. Cylinder Capacity, 6. Trigger-Pull Weight Double Action, 11.2 lbs. Trigger-Pull Weight Single Action, 3.2 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
This Very Good used specimen had a trigger that was a joy to shoot and a beautiful old-school blued finish and changed-out grips. Recoil with full-boat 44 Magnum loads wasn’t that fun; but with 44 Special loads, it was a joy. Overall Length, 9.5 in. Overall Height, 6.0 in. Weight Loaded, 3.0 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.0 in. Cylinder Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 2.2 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 7.1 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Model 29 Classic easily fits into target and hunting roles. It has a retro look and is equipped as such. Accuracy was good, and we wouldn’t think twice about using this handgun for hunting. If we owned it, we would swap out the factory stock for fuller stocks like the Altamont Coke Bottle Target stocks ($98; AltamontCo.com) and give the Model 29 a even more retro look while adding more shooting comfort. If you are a fan of the Dirty Harry movies, this is the 44 Magnum to own. Overall Length, 12.0 in. Barrel Length, 6.5 in. Overall Height, 6.1 in. Weight Loaded, 58.28 oz. Cylinder Gap, 0.009 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight (Double Action), 12.0 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight (Single Action), 5.3 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Redhawk is an accurate, powerful revolver. It should come with a second set of rubber grips that make the revolver more comfortable to shoot. We would have liked a front sight that popped more in low light and in bright light. The Redhawk is heavy, and that should be an asset when shooting a 44 Magnum revolver, but it can be tiring when you are carrying it on your hip or under your arm for miles at a time. We know the adage: Carrying a handgun should be comforting, not comfortable. For the price, this a suitable revolver, but it is on the heavy side. Overall Length, 11.0 in., Barrel Length, 5.5 in. Overall Height, 5.7 in. Weight Loaded, 54.2 oz. Cylinder Gap, 0.008 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight (Double Action), 9.8 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight (Single Action), 5.9 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The good news about the Anaconda is the sweet double-action trigger. The sights are good. The bad news is the grip. A grip with rubber that covers the metal backstrap would make this revolver more comfortable to shoot. The Anaconda is Colt’s biggest snake gun, and it is basically a bulked-up Python capable of handling the powerful 44 Magnum cartridge. If you are a fan of Colt’s snake guns, the Anaconda needs to be in your serpent collection. Overall Length, 13.0 in. Barrel Length, 6.0 in. Overall Height, 7.2 in. Weight Loaded, 58.24 oz. Cylinder Gap, 0.005 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight (Double Action), 10.2 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight (Single Action), 6.5 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Desert Eagle is a soft-shooting pistol that tames 44 Mag recoil. The Desert Eagle makes shooting the 44 Magnum fun and enjoyable due the reduced recoil and the heft of the pistol. The pistol’s point of impact was low, and adjustable sights would fix that. This would be an excellent pistol for handgun hunting, especially with the optic-ready Picatinny rail. It will also cause strangers to stare at you when every one else at the public range is shooting 9mm and you are launching 44 Magnums. If cost is not an option, this is a great pick. Overall Length, 10.7 in. Barrel Length, 6.0 in. Overall Height, 6.2 in. Weight Loaded, 76.8 oz. Capacity, 8 Slide Retraction Effort, 20.0 lbs. Grip, Textured rubber. Trigger Pull Weight, 4.0 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
If we were going into bear country, we would opt for the S&W Mountain Gun because of its weight-to-power ratio. Sure, it didn’t have the speed and energy of the longer-barreled Ruger Redhawk, but we prefer the Smith’s weight reduction over that. If we owned the Smith, we’d swap out the nice-looking wood grips for more practical and comfortable rubber grips. Overall Length, 9.6 in. Barrel Length, 4.1 in. Overall Height, 5.8 in. Weight Loaded, 44.2 oz. Cylinder Gap, 0.006 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight (Double Action), 10.0 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight (Single Action), 3.7 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The 629 Hunter was very accurate and quick on target, thanks in part to the provided UTG optical sight. The attached muzzle brake made a noticeable difference in mitigating recoil. We think the S&W Hunter would be a great choice for closer-range hunting. Trigger pull was less than 10 pounds for the double-action pull and just more than 4 pounds for the single-action movement, though it felt lighter than that. The M629 came in second in the accuracy testing with an average group size of 0.97 inch. It showed a liking for the 240-grain lead bullets, with a best group of 0.54 inch. Overall Length, 14.3 in. Overall Height, 6.1 in. Weight Loaded, 3.75 lbs. Barrel Length, 7.5 in. Cylinder Capacity, 6. Trigger-Pull Weight Double Action, 9.7 lbs. Trigger-Pull Weight Single Action, 4.2 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
All that weight out front dampened the recoil a good bit. We won’t call it pleasant, but it was very manageable. The Anaconda averaged group sizes of 0.82 inches across three different kinds of ammunition, showing it also preferred the 320-grain hard-cast lead bullets. The smallest group was a mere 0.46 inches, with an average of 0.61 inches. The longer barrel on the Anaconda also resulted in higher muzzle velocities and energy figures, 10% to 12% more than others we’ve fired. Overall Length, 13.6 in. Overall Height, 6.4 in. Weight Loaded, 4.0 lbs. Barrel Length, 8.0 in. Cylinder Capacity, 6. Trigger-Pull Weight Double Action, 6.5 lbs. Trigger-Pull Weight Single Action, 3.9 lbs.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
S&W Performance Center Model 629-8 44 Magnum, $900-$1000 (Nov 2014)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The ported 3-inch barrel, low fixed sights, and compact grip made this a concealable N-frame that was easy to shoot well. The 629-8 was a serviceable concealed carry big bore, but finding one may be difficult since it is no longer produced. The porting, longer sight radius, and lower sights exclusive to this model, along with the other features that were on some of the other models (trigger stop, grip, trigger pull, chamfered chambers) made this revolver a better choice for our shooters to carry concealed. Overall Length, 8.3 in. Overall Height, 5.1 in. Weight Loaded, 43.7 oz. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 4.0 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 11.0 lbs.
S&W Model 329PD Alaska Backpacker IV 150545 44 Magnum, $750-$900 (Nov 2014)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
The 329PD made a good compromise of weight using the stainless-steel cylinder and scandium frame. It was light but not so light that it stung the web of our shooting hand. The grip worked well to mitigate recoil, but it was too large for conceal carry. The sights were fast on target but plenty tall. Overall Length, 7.75 in. Overall Height, 6.2 in. Weight Loaded, 32.8 oz. Barrel Length, 2.5 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 4.1 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 11.1 lbs.
S&W Performance Center Model 629-6 170135 44 Magnum, $1079 (Nov 2014)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The 629-6 is serious steel to carry concealed, and testers thought it had the features to make a good, but big, concealed-carry revolver. All agreed they would carry 44 Magnum loads if they carried the revolver. They liked that with all of the 44 Magnum revolvers, there is a variety of ammo to choose from. The ability to run 44 Special in the 44 Magnums was a plus. This would make a good defense weapon for dangerous game, as well as against wolves of the four-leg and two-leg variety. Overall Length, 7.6 in. Overall Height, 5.5 in. Weight Loaded, 42.7 oz. Barrel Length, 2.6 in. Capacity, 6. Trigger Pull Weight Single Action, 4.3 lbs. Trigger Pull Weight Double Action, 11.3 lbs.
Ruger Redhawk KRH-444 44 Magnum, $780 (Sept 2007)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The 4-inch Redhawk shows how strength and consistency can pay off when properly downsized. The Ruger might prove too heavy for some to carry around on the hip, but it was small enough to be stowed handily in a drawer or other compartment. The Redhawk KRH-444 is a top choice for all around performance.
Taurus 444MULTI 44 Magnum, $666 (Sept 2007)
GUN TESTS GRADE: C
Taurus Raging Bull revolvers were originally chambered for the biggest, meanest loads and were probably never meant to be fired double action. But in this case a consistent double action is a necessity. The 444MULTI is never going to be an all-around gun, but a refined action would convince us to rate it higher. Thanks to the Raging Bull grip, firing full-power .44 Magnum rounds from the Taurus 444MULTI was not out of the question. It was downright fun to shoot with .44 Special ammunition, and specialty loads such as MagSafe frangible ammunition offers extra stopping power. But we weren’t satisfied with the inconsistent trigger pull. We feel that this gun could be much improved with simple refinement to its action parts therefore making it a worthwhile buy.
