Hog hunting with a .44

[ozstriker22]

Good day, fellow JHO'ers. I asked about hunting with a .44 vs a .357 a little while ago. The overwhelming response was to go with a .44

My local gun dealer has 2 used .44's.

1. A blued Ruger Redhawk 7 1/2" for $319 (Very minimal wear, cylinder has very little side to side and front to back movement, regular holster chaffing on the barrel)

2. A Stainless Ruger Super Blackhawk 10 1/2" for $350 (A little more wear than the redhawk. You can tell it's been used as someones workhorse for some time, But still looks good. There is more play in the side to side and front to back movement on the cylinder)

I won't be able to shoot either of them before purchasing.


What do you guys think is the better gun for pig hunting, size and weight, etc? I would also be carrying around my scoped 30.06 until I get good enough stalking and shooting with the .44 (probably a couple years from now!)

Thanks again for your time.

Jesse

 

[Speckmisser]

I'd go with the 7 1/2" blued. 10 1/2" of barrel is a BIG gun, especially since you'll be carrying it along with a rifle.

If you keep it cleaned occasionally, the blued won't be that much of a problem vs. the stainless.

 

[Arrowslinger]

I've got a 7 1/2" ruger 44.....it's plenty heavy to be carrying all day as a back up. Stainless is nice & i won't own a gun that's not.....but weight & comfort is more important. Get the 7 1/2", i doubt you'll regret your purchase.
k

 

[heldog]

I carry a 8” Colt Anaconda as my back-up. Its not to bad to carry, I just need to be aware of it when I sit down. A good leather holster keeps it tight to my body and minimizes its movements while hiking.

 

[Rancho Loco]

I dunno...

Last couple of times I've been with Speckmisser, he's been carrying around that 44 mag of his, and the hogs ran away rapido.

Mebbe it scares them too much.

 

[One Track]

I'd go with a 4 5/8 inch barrel in stainless, and stalk to within five yards.

 

[Hogskin]

I'd go with a .22 and walk right up and stick it in his ear and let him have it.

 

[Raully]

Originally posted by Hogskin@Mar 3 2004, 01:08 PM
I'd go with a .22 and walk right up and stick it in his ear and let him have it.

LOl!!

 

[hanginghog]

Ozstriker22,

Just checked my email and found the newest add from Turner's...had something I thought you might be interested in:

Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter .44 Magnum - Heavy 7-1/2"
Ribbed Barrel
Machined For Scope Rings, Includes Scope Rings, Stainless
Steel, Black
Laminated Grips.
SKU# 33324
Regular Price $529.99 - Now Only $479.98

HangingHog

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

I own a Ruger Redhawk 7 1/2 inch in 44 Mag...I wouldnt hunt with any other pistol..I use it for mostly hogs and it stops them in there tracks......Great gun IMO....

 

[hicntry]

Originally posted by hanginghog@Mar 3 2004, 07:12 PM
Ozstriker22,

Just checked my email and found the newest add from Turner's...had something I thought you might be interested in:

Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter .44 Magnum - Heavy 7-1/2"
Ribbed Barrel
Machined For Scope Rings, Includes Scope Rings, Stainless
Steel, Black
Laminated Grips.
SKU# 33324
Regular Price $529.99 - Now Only $479.98

HangingHog

Excellent gun, I have been using the same gun from the original run before it was discontinued and then brought back. Don't use a scope but the extra barrel weight makes shooting 300gr. XTP's with 21gr. of H110 about the same as shooting a .357. I did put a 1/16th" lexan spacer under each grip panel to widen the grip. Killed a lot of hogs with that rig.

 

[ozstriker22]

HiCntry, do you think the 10 1/2 inch barrel is too long and heavy to carry while also carrying my 30.06, my pack, and a pig when I get one?

Jesse

 

[One Track]

Yah Dude. My Ruger. 44 with 4 5/8 inch barrel gets heavy!!! You only need a 10 inch barrel if you plan to shoot out past 100 yards, or in competition. I'm deadly at about 40 yds with a short barrel and open sights. Put a 100 lbs. of pork on your back and you will wish you were in Cabo eating Chicharones.

 

[ozstriker22]

I made a type-o.

They're both Super Blackhawks. One's a blued 7 1/2 inch for $319 and one's a stainless 10 1/2 inch for $350.

 

[Widux]

I love hunting hogs! Have gone with and without dogs-,over feeders, spot and stalk- with a muzzle gun-pistol(44) and rifle- haven't been in two years so this spring I'm off to Texas again with my rifle (06), Muzzle gun (50cal LymanDeerstalker) and my trusty 44mag- a Ruger Super Blackhawk with 7 1/2" barrel- ported- with custom scope mount- I'll start with the Ruger and 50 cal but might go to rifle if needs be. I have several on the wall and hence am looking for meat this trip and fun.will also be hunting turkeys.

 

[hicntry]

Jesse, I would find a 10 1/2 in pistol awkward to carry around all day. The 7 1/2 is bad enough. What makes carrrying them liveable is the holster rig. The most comfortable and convenient I have ever used is a Bianchi cross draw holster. Holds the gun at an angle in front of my left hip. I can climb, sit down, or get to it quick. The only featue that I would have liked to see on it is an open toe so leaves and such would go on through. Bianchi quit making this holster which is unfortunate because it was, by far, the best design on the market for those hunting with an unscoped six gun. The choice of the holster will determine how comfortable the sixguns are to carry all day.

 

[Widux]

I have three great holsters for my 44- first is a shoulder holster- store bought- ok-second is combo cross and straight draw model custom made by friend and third is a chest model- great for horse riders as well

 

[ozstriker22]

-
Any thoughts? How does this gun compare to a Ruger RedHawk?

Please let me know what you think, Thanks!!!

Jesse