Opinions and ideas for a large bore revolver

[Cargo]

This will likely be my last revolver for at least the next 4 years. I have powder, large standard and magnum primers along with .401, .452 and .429 bullets and moulds. I also already have dies for .40, 10mm, 45acp and 45lc. I would have to buy brass so that needs to be obtainable. My primary uses are carrying around the property/varmint patrol and fun on the range.

So far I've been considering the:

S&W Governor
S&W M69
Ruger Redhawk .45lc/.45acp
Ruger Redhawk .44 mag
Ruger GP100 10mm/.40 S&W
Charter Arms Bulldog .44 special
Ruger Blackhawk. 45lc

If there's a likely candidate I missed please suggest away.

[tai95]

I picked up a taurus judge years ago used for like $150. It's a fun little gun and for the price i'm super happy with it. You could also look into a S&W 460.

[stubshaft]

You can't go wrong with the Blackhawk.

[onelight]

A Ruger Bisley 44 special or GP100 44 special

[44MAG#1]

A Smith and Wesson M69 without any doubt.

[black mamba]

Another vote for the Smith 69. Keep your loads in the 1100 fps range and it's all you'll ever need.

[ddixie884]

Anything .40+ in a S&W or Ruger is always a good idea........

[rintinglen]

I can not concur with the chorus advocating for the S&W M-69. The one I had was terrible, the bore looked as though it had been plowed, not rifled, and even after I had the too-tight cylinder throats opened, it remained a dog. My letter to Smith and Wesson went unanswered. I sold it earlier this year and I'll eat a bug before I buy another one.
My vote is for either the Red Hawk 44 magnum, a Super Blackhawk 44 Mag or a 45 LC Black Hawk. I won't guarantee that a Ruger won't have problems, but if it does, Ruger stands behind their product.

An older Model 29/629 Smith might suit your fancy, though.

[sharps4590]

On a budget, Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk in 45 Colt are really good. 44 Spl. would be fine as well. If you want the best, Freedom Arms Model 97 in 45 Colt, hands down no questions asked. I had both a Blackhawk and a Redhawk in 45 Colt. After getting the FA, they both got sold. There's no comparison.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

How's about a S&W Mod. 25 in .45 L. Colt; or a Mod. 25 or 625 in .45 ACP, which also lets you explore the world of .45 Auto rim? But, you can't really go wrong with a Ruger either.

DG




625 Mountain Gun, .45 ACP

[Outpost75]

Best bang for the buck is Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP. Send both cylinders to DougGuy to have honed and uniformed to .4525" then buy Accurate 45-264H to feed both cylinders, cast bullets 1 to 30 tin-lead from Roto Metals, size .452, load 4.5 grains of Bullseye in the .45 ACP and 7.5 grs. in .45 Colt and you are done.

Attachment 279457

[DougGuy]

Best bang for the buck is Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP. Send both cylinders to DougGuy to have honed and uniformed to .4525" then buy Accurate 45-264H to feed both cylinders, cast bullets 1 to 30 tin-lead from Roto Metals, size .452, load 4.5 grains of Bullseye in the .45 ACP and 7.5 grs. in .45 Colt and you are done.

Attachment 279457

And that's not even venturing fully into the tier 2 arena, which the gun will do handily out to 23kpsi, so there's your hunting loads for deer, hog, bear and probably even elk as well as your plinking loads when you want standard pressures.

[charlie b]

Depends on what you like?

My preferences run to double action and less recoil, so .41/10mm, .44spl, .45lc/acp. The last large bore I had was a BH with .45LC and acp cylinders. Sold it after a couple years (1980's).

[contender1]

From your list,, the Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt will be the most versatile.

[Texas by God]

.410/.45revolvers are a joke IMO.
A 4-5/8" Ruger Blackhawk would be my pick.

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Wheelguns 1961]

I agree with the 45 colt blackhawk. It is the most versatile. Brass is available fairly easily, and I think you said that you already have dies. My 45 colt blackhawk bisley is my most used hunting handgun

[Mk42gunner]

I like the stainless 5½" Redhawks in .44 Mag, unless you plan to carry it on your belt daily. Then they get a bit heavy.
The 4 5/8" Blackhawk would carry easier, but the single action isn't quite as versatile as a double action revolver.
Never been around a GP-100 in 10mm, but I have shot several in .357. I would not be against one in 10, just never had the opportunity to try one.
Brass? Buy a box from Starline. If you go with a gun that requires moon clips, buy a bunch to start with.
As far the guns go, buy quality.

Robert

[Targa]

The Blackhawk and particularly the Redhawk in either .44mag or .45Colt will really let you get the most out of your reloading because of how heavy you can safely load them if you choose. I have a Blackhawk and Redhawk in .44mag, I will say that if one of those had to go it would probably be the Redhawk but it’s close.

[Bigslug]

The round butt grip frame on the ACP/LC Redhawk makes all the difference in how it feels compared to the classic square butt version (own both). Added a Hogue finger groove grip to mine and belt-sanded the finger grooves off (not many options available);



In a DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard it is DARN COMFY.

[kingrj]

If you plan to carry the gun on you in a holster then a Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt with a 4 5/8" barrel would be tough to beat. Fairly light, packable, reasonable price, tough as an anvil and would work on mice to moose!