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.

279443279444279445

[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


279452

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.

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.

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);

279479

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!

[badguybuster]

My vote is the redhawk 45lc/45 acp. I shoot 45 super our of mine as well. Plus itll eat the heavy 45 colt loads too. Extremely versatile wheelie

[RJM52]

S&W Governor (no...a short range toy)

S&W M69 (ok but there have been some QC issues)

Ruger Redhawk .45lc/.45acp (great gun but is heavy)

Ruger Redhawk .44 mag (again, great gun but heavy. I have a 4.2" .41 Magnum is very easy to shoot)

Ruger GP100 10mm/.40 S&W (bought one the first week they were out...GREAT all-around gun)

Charter Arms Bulldog .44 special (...no.)

Ruger Blackhawk. 45lc (a convertible .45 Colt/.45 ACP would be great with the 4 5/8" barrel)


If you want to carry the gun a lot, would go with the GP-100 MC in 10mm/.40 or the Blackhawk in .45 Colt/.45 ACP....and I would lean to the MC....

Have a great time choosing...Bob

[lar45]

I really like packing my 4 5/8" Blackhawk in 45Colt. It's light, handy, accurate and being stainless holds up well to lots of weather abuse.
The 45 operates at lower pressure than the 44, so it's not as hard on the ears should you need to shoot it without ear plugs...
I put a Hogue monogrip on it. It really helps with heavy loads. I bought mine in 94'. I have a 44 but it just sits in the safe.

[Lefty Red]

Blackhawk in anything that starts with a “4”!

I have the Stainless Convertible in 10mm/40SW and tickled pink with it. I carry it around the property and in town when running errands. Only thing I would replace it with would be a Flattop 45LC/45ACP but then you have to get those throats redone!

Lefty

[44MAG#1]

I have 4 Smith and Wesson M69 revolvers. Shot my 2.75 inch today along with a Blackhawk 45 Colt. No doubt the 2.75 inch M69 has become my favorite handgun period.
I jave 2 of the 2.75 inch and 2 of the 4.2 inch one of each with a dot sight too.

[rockrat]

I would vote for a Stainless Blackhawk in 45lc/45acp, a 625 in 45 acp or a 624 in 44 special.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

A 4"" stainless sounds like what you need. I would spring for a 629. But don't count on finding brass easily. Starline is completely out.

[arlon]

I like the 45 ACP revolvers unles you are hunting bear. Just so much ammo available (even some today), easy to reload, easy to find brass, easy to cast for, gentle on powder, accurate, less recoil, etc... I've had more than a few 45 ACP revolvers. My favorite is still an old SW model 1917. I'd love to have one of the Ruger convertibles. I recently acquired a SW 625-4 but haven't had a chance to mess with it much yet.

I guess it all depends on how you want to use the gun.

[osteodoc08]

I’d go for the Blackhawk or Redhawk in 45 Colt and 45 ACP. Anything that needs done in a revolver can be done with a 45 LC. If not, you need a rifle. The 45 ACP allows for conservation of lead and powder along with light recoil.

Close runner up would be the GP-100 in 44 Special. Honestly, if you need more than the 44 Special with a Keith running 1100, well, you may want to reconsider.

[lawdog941]

Ruger .45, built tough for the working man...you'll get used to carrying it

[44MAG#1]

The Smith M69 can easily shoot 44 Magnums, 44 Specials and 44 Russians. And, do it with good results.

[cwtebay]

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

I definitely have no love for the newer Smith and Wesson (WOW I think I could have machined better than the 460 X frame I purchased- and that's saying something!).
I would vote for the 44 mag Redhawk. I load 44 Russian for fun and the kids, 44 Special for a bit more, 44 Mag for hunting. Just keep your cylinder clean and it's by far the most flexible of the cartridges you mentioned IMHO. If you're recoil sensitive, go for the Bisley. If you're a double action fan - Redhawk. But I truly enjoy my Super Blackhawks.
I also have owned the GP100 - accuracy was horrifying, shooting 40 short and wimpy made the cylinder jam, and +P loads of either 10mm or 40 resulted in difficult ejection and poor function (yes I sent it back to Ruger - same results after I got it back).
I have always wanted to start getting a 45 Colt going in a modern revolver (cmon - ELMER KEITH for Pete's Sake!!) But I haven't gotten to that project yet.

I avy DO put a vote in for 45 LC/410 revolvers. My wife carries her Judge in her saddle bags while chasing cows in the hills. Hasn't saved her from any 4 legged critters yet, but it's definitely made a few undesirable encounters with the 2 legged variety result in her and our kids coming home in one piece. (And she can shoot the tar out of that thing too).
Good luck in your venture!!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[cp1969]

If you're going to carry a lot and shoot a little...5 1/2" .45LC Blackhawk, belt holster.

If you're going to shoot a lot and carry a little...5 1/2" .44 Mag Redhawk, shoulder holster.

You're going to have to look for brass for any of them. Everybody's cleaned out. Starline isn't even accepting backorders for most calibers.

[Lloyd Smale]

most bang for the buck in a GOOD gun would be a 4 5/8s blackhawk in 44 mag. 45 colt would work too but with the 44 you can find a wider varity of ammo and even use 44 spec. That said if money was no object a 4 inch 69 all the way.

[Cargo]

First of all I'm going to say, you guys were supposed to make this easier lol.

After reading all the comments, I'll be rereading them a few more times, I'm going to go with the .45 colt/.45acp. I don't have a lot of brass but I have enough to get started. Now I just need to decide between the BH, RH and Governor. I'm not huge on the Gov but the wife prefers the lighter weight. I'm more a fan of the 255gr Keith with 8.5gr of Unique and I'm pretty sure the Gov doesn't want a piece of that.

[JoeJames]

My favorite revolver is my Lipsey - Ruger BH 4 5/8” in 44 Special. No mastodons or griz here in the Arkansas; so 44 Special will do whatever is necessary. I had a 6” S&W Model 629, but sold it after I got the BH. Never shot it in 44Magnum, and never fired it in double action. Load my BH with 430”-.431” 240 grain cast swc’s sitting on 6.8 grains of Unique for 894 fps. Accurate and does not whomp me around; too old for that silliness.

[contender1]

Ok, so you have selected the .45 Colt.
Now from your list,, and comments.

The Governor,, & lighter weight. More felt recoil, as well as a bit more cumbersome to carry.
The Redhawk, heavier, less felt recoil, and can handle anything (withing SAMMI specs,) easily. Better carrying options. But in general, due to size & weight, many ladies & smaller framed folks feel awkward.
The Blackhawk. This one is in between the 2 others. So it may be the best compromise from your list. It's not as heavy as the others,, less cumbersome, and in a shorter barrelled version, very handy. Plus,, most ladies can shoot it easier than the other 2. (I teach ladies to shoot, & have for almost 18 years doing NRA WOT clinics.) Thrown in the fact that the convertible Ruger allows the 45 acp, for light & mild stuff, while the Colt can be loaded all over the map. Last selling point,, the expense. It's the least expensive of the 3.

Once again, from your list & desires,, the Ruger Blackhawk, in 45 convertible.

[osteodoc08]

To add further complication, there are the full-size Ruger Blackhawks and mid framed flat tops. Mid framed flat tops are limited to “Level 2” 45 colt loads. Not sure if they made those in dual cylinder configurations.

[Cargo]

To add further complication, there are the full-size Ruger Blackhawks and mid framed flat tops. Mid framed flat tops are limited to “Level 2” 45 colt loads. Not sure if they made those in dual cylinder configurations.

Thanks for the info, it would bite to accidentally buy a neutered BH.

[Bigslug]

First of all I'm going to say, you guys were supposed to make this easier lol.

After reading all the comments, I'll be rereading them a few more times, I'm going to go with the .45 colt/.45acp. I don't have a lot of brass but I have enough to get started. Now I just need to decide between the BH, RH and Governor. I'm not huge on the Gov but the wife prefers the lighter weight. I'm more a fan of the 255gr Keith with 8.5gr of Unique and I'm pretty sure the Gov doesn't want a piece of that.

I would (indeed DID) make my decision thusly:

1. The double action and swing-out cylinder reload of the Redhawk make it a more valid defensive arm than the SAO choices in the current era.

2. In the 4.25" round-butt version, the Redhawk is hefty, but not unportable in the right holster.

3. The Redhawk's construction enables you to load to the point where YOU are uncomfortable with the recoil - the gun is less likely to quit before you do.

4. With the broad selection of bullet weights and powder choices, you've got outstanding versatility. Even comfy Peacemaker-level loads were considered adequate for dealing with the other guy's horse back in the day.

5. The .45ACP option is kind of "meh" for me, especially since it requires Ruger's proprietary moon clip (not the ubiquitous M1917 spec one). Still, it gives the gun some versatility that will be attractive to some. If I could have the gun in .45C only or .44 Mag, I would have gone that way, but it's a serious shootin' 'arn.

I'm a fan of loads that are in the "big mass / low to medium velocity" ballpark. Staying in, or slightly exceeding, the recoil level of a full-size 1911 with hardball gives a lot of capability, and I would argue that the only reason for more would be to flatten the trajectory. If I were seriously interested in that, I'd bring a rifle.

And if you're considering arms for Wifey, the Match Target version of the .357 GP-100 without the heavy underlug would never be a bad selection. A 175 grain flat nose out of that format is no joke.

[onelight]

To add further complication, there are the full-size Ruger Blackhawks and mid framed flat tops. Mid framed flat tops are limited to “Level 2” 45 colt loads. Not sure if they made those in dual cylinder configurations.
They made or make the stainless flat top in a 45 convertible I have a 45/8 model good shooter.
I will mention the 45 had a lot more thread choke (I fire lapped it ) than my stainless 44 special bisley 45/8. I don't know if that is typically true or not.
The governor is a neat idea but you loose quite a bit of velocity and accuracy in the long free bore of that 410 chamber.

[Mackay Sagebrush]

The .45 Convertible Flattops are pretty neat guns and make for very nice packing guns on the hip. Great for tromping around the field chasing rabbits, or as a companion in wolf country while fishing or whatever.



https://i.imgur.com/caJ7lcu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hxA5xPL.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/xVYBhZ8.jpg

[Mackay Sagebrush]

It has become a favorite single action, carried with the ACP cylinder, which really can handle most any chore one is likely to come across.

https://i.imgur.com/Jpq621Q.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/pZuixND.jpg

[downzero]

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.

279457

I don't know why you'd buy 45 Colt brass to load it with Bullseye if you have the 45 ACP cylinder. That gun will do 300 grain bullets at 1200+ fps (and maybe 1300+ fps depending on barrel length). A 7.5 grain Bullseye load in a Ruger is a waste of time.

My usual recommendation is a 45 Colt Ruger, but 44 is probably a better choice than most people.

[onelight]

I don't know why you'd buy 45 Colt brass to load it with Bullseye if you have the 45 ACP cylinder. That gun will do 300 grain bullets at 1200+ fps (and maybe 1300+ fps depending on barrel length). A 7.5 grain Bullseye load in a Ruger is a waste of time.
That would be quite the test on a Ruger flat top 45 colt . I don't think I would want to shoot any of your loads.

[Old School Big Bore]

I have Super Blackhawks in .44 Mag, Blackhawks in .45 LC, all 4-5/8", an M29, a 629, and a 625-8 JM, all 4". I had a 4" 45LC Mountain gun but its weight (or lack thereof) required me to load poofter loads just for it.

I also have a B92 in .44 and an R92 in 45LC. No one has mentioned carbines yet but it is nice to have a same-caliber pair. Besides the 44 & 45 92s, I binged on .44 rifles and have a Handi, a 788 and a DeerStalker I hunt with. Next purchase will be a 92 and pair of Blackhawks in .357, and I'd like to get a pump in 45LC. I also like woodswalking with an elderly 4" 1905 and B53 in .32-20.

If I don't want to carry a carbine, I find myself more and more carrying the Miculek 45 ACP/AR with some "carry" ACP in moon clips and some speedloaders of my woodswalking AR load as well. The heavy lugged barrel soaks up the recoil of the stout carry and hog loads. If the snakes are active and I don't want to carry a dedicated snake snubby, I just put a couple of AR snake loads first up followed by the deer/hog loads. The two-round 1/3 moon clips (clippettes?) are a good option for a mixed cylinder of ACP snake & defense loads. I'm getting about equal accuracy out of the same ACP match loads I make for my 1911 and AR brass with the M-P 45 HBWC. Being able to reverse the HBWC as a cup point is handy as well.

If you aren't going single action, I recommend the heavy M29 or the non-mountain M25. I would stay away from scandium, skinny barrels, or K/L size DAs. The M624 packs a skosh lighter than the 29 but I only shoot for-real Specials in it due to its lighter weight - no Keith frame-stretchers. NOTE: I 'grew up' shooting heavy .44s in the 4" 29 and two 7-1/2" Super Blackhawks, and even in the Bulldogs, and used to pride myself on handling fairly stout defense and hunting loads. I shot the Blackhawks in IHMSA silhouette and the 29 and Bulldogs training myself up as a LEO street guy and later firearms instructor, but that stinkin' 45 Mountain gun and to a lesser extent the 624 have broken me of suckin' that particular type of egg. I started noticing acute pain in the palms of my hands and that the pain was lasting a fairly long time - a couple of days - before dissipating. I traded the Mountain 45 off to a masochist friend for an AR9 for Milady and have not missed it. Only S&W I've ever let go. And I shot my Skeeter Specials up in the magnums instead of the 624. The main load I now use in the 624 is the MP HBWC or any of the light-weight RNs, WCs or SWCs. Carry is the factory GDHPs.

As far as Bulldogs, they're for a pretty narrow niche. I have a 3" and a 4" Target from the '70s and use them primarily for lawnmower duty with snake loads, or very seldom as CC with factory GDHPs on trips to "town", the 4" in a strong-side behind the hip holster and the 3" in a crossdraw for the "Noo Yawk reload", or the 3" in a crossdraw full of snake loads if I'm hunting or woodswalking with the 29, 629, or a Blackhawk. I see that Charter has them in .41 Mag, .45 ACP and .45 LC now. Sounds like an awful lot of recoil.

Whatever you end up with, good luck with it. Hold 'em and squeeze 'em.

Ed <><

[eb in oregon]

That's a mighty fine Ruger Blackhawk Mackay, however it seems that particular model isn't offered in Ruger's lineup or as a special order pistol these days.

[onelight]

That's a mighty fine Ruger Blackhawk Mackay, however it seems that particular model isn't offered in Ruger's lineup or as a special order pistol these days.
Looks like he might have fit the aluminum grip frame and some really nice grips to a Bisley or a stainless with a Bisley hammer to shed a few ounces .

[JoeJames]

That would be quite the test on a Ruger flat top 45 colt . I don't think I would want to shoot any of your loads.I agree must be some Mastodons and Griz around the place.

[onelight]

The flat tops are not for Ruger only loads they are a smaller gun.

[Jtarm]

I find it odd that your DA picks jump straight from medium frame up to the Redhawk, skipping S&W N-frames.

For me, anything bigger that a 4” N-frame is going to be obtrusive for carrying around the property.

I spent many many years brush-stomping with either a 4” S&W 24-3 or 5.5” Ruger SBH. I was young and fit back then so the weight of the SBH didn’t bother me and it was on a 2” gun belt. But the length got annoying.

I got rid of the SBH and switched to a 7.5” Bisley as a hunting revolver and the 24-3 for general field carry.

Nowadays it’s a 4” GP100 MC 10mm fitted with a SwampFox Justice and carried on my britches belt (a 5-11 Operator).

[Elmer Fudd]

Post #4. I second the GP in Special. It is a classic cartridge, capable of most handgun tasks. You can opt for the rubber grip and fiber optic front sight, or you can go wood and brass bead. I mixed it up, but kinda wish I had the fiber optic front some times.
It's stainless, so take that or leave it. Mine has about a 3" barrel, which gets me most of what I intend a Special to do. You can please the revolver gods and use a Keith, or you can go HP and get good results (assuming you like some things to pop when you hit em).
The concept is maybe rather unconventional, but it works. I'd like to have its big brother, the Alaskan in 480.
Or if you want a once and done type gun, look at a Freedom 97 in 41, Special or 45 Colt. That's about the final word in handgunnery right there.

[Jtarm]

Yeah I’ll sign on the the GP100 .44 special.

Problem is I’d want a 4”, and that stupid commemorative is going for stupid money.

Problem solved if Ruger would just legitimize the .41 Special in a 6-shot GP100.

They’ve wasted lots of R&D money on dumber ideas.

[sharps4590]

Or if you want a once and done type gun, look at a Freedom 97 in 41, Special or 45 Colt. That's about the final word in handgunnery right there.

Well said. Cannot be improved upon. One would have to go Bowen, Reeder or Linebaugh to almost equal it. None of the others compare.

[WestKentucky]

If used is an option you could look for a Ruger Buckeye. 38-40 and 10mm convertible makes for a lot of fun. You get old school cool in 38-40 and flashy modern in the 10mm. Too bad they tend to be a bit on the expensive side, but with patience you can get one reasonably.

[lar45]

If you want light weight, go with a big bore. Larger hole in the barrel = Less weight ;)
Here's my Big Bore packer.
Stainless Ruger Bisley in 500 Linebaugh with 5 1/2" octagon barrel and Ebony Grips.

http://www.lsstuff.com/pics/500linebaugh/500l-01.jpg

http://www.lsstuff.com/pics/500linebaugh/500l-02.jpg

http://www.lsstuff.com/pics/500linebaugh/500l-03.jpg

http://www.lsstuff.com/pics/500linebaugh/500l-05.jpg

[high standard 40]

Of the guns listed in the OP, I would opt for either the GP100 or the Blackhawk.

[imashooter2]

The S&W 625.

http://imashooter2.com/pictures/d625-760-1.jpg

[Cargo]

I find it odd that your DA picks jump straight from medium frame up to the Redhawk, skipping S&W N-frames.

For me, anything bigger that a 4” N-frame is going to be obtrusive for carrying around the property.

I spent many many years brush-stomping with either a 4” S&W 24-3 or 5.5” Ruger SBH. I was young and fit back then so the weight of the SBH didn’t bother me and it was on a 2” gun belt. But the length got annoying.

I got rid of the SBH and switched to a 7.5” Bisley as a hunting revolver and the 24-3 for general field carry.

Nowadays it’s a 4” GP100 MC 10mm fitted with a SwampFox Justice and carried on my britches belt (a 5-11 Operator).

The Governor is my wife and oldest son's pick as it's a large revolver but still pretty light at around 29ozs. The Redhawk is a throwback to my younger days. My best friend in school had one and we had a lot of fun with his 5.5" SS Redhawk.

These days my back is pretty gimpy and my 3" GP100 and 4" Service Six are my most commonly used revolvers.

I was made aware of the S&W M21 yesterday and that might have some promise.

[onelight]

Sounds like you know what your looking at . I think every suggestion would be a fun gun to have .
I like all of them 😎

[downzero]

That would be quite the test on a Ruger flat top 45 colt . I don't think I would want to shoot any of your loads.

Obviously Ruger Only loads are for large frame Rugers only...not flat tops.

[nhithaca]

Is that a 4" 625? Looks like mine except that mine is older (-3 1989) and a 5" barrel w/o the lock.

[smkummer]

Really like the lightweight and compact of my 4” target bulldog 44 special. Maybe the 44 special GP100 is similar. 44 special at even 750-800 FPS will dispatch a lot of things. Shot loads too.

[imashooter2]

Is that a 4" 625? Looks like mine except that mine is older (-3 1989) and a 5" barrel w/o the lock.

It is a 4 inch -8. When I decided to shoot USPSA revolver, I was looking for a 5 inch, but none were forthcoming. 625s were few and far between and asking prices were all above $800 (in 1998). Found that one on a table at the Harrisburg show for $350. Fondled it disappointed it wasn’t a 5 inch, put it back down and turned to walk away when my buddy asked me what I was doing. :)

He was right. I bought it and as we walked away he told me if I had taken a single step away from the table he would have bought it himself. I have had a LOT of fun with that revolver. USPSA 6 at a time was a great game. Breaking down the stages, figuring out the shots to avoid standing reloads. Good times! Revolver division took a turn down when they allowed 8 shot minor.

That picture is fresh from a match. Bullseye and Rooster Jacket tried hard to turn that thing into a blued gun. :bigsmyl2:

[Cargo]

Went out and ended up with a 10mm SRH. Moonclips and I can use large and small primers, what's not to love.

Thanks for all the input, I think this bad boy will be a lot of fun after I find a good chest harness holster.

[RJM52]

Congratulations....a very hard gun to find right now...

So why the SRH over the GP-100?

One could also have good custom shop chop the barrel down to make it handle like a Toklat...

[Beagle333]

Congrats on the 10mm SRH. Very nice gun.

I love a .45 Colt. Blackhawks are very nice and I love mine. But if you want big..... it's hard to beat the .460 S&W. (And you can shoot .45 Colt in it if you don't want "big" that day. You can even shoot .454 Casull in it if you want "medium big" that day) :grin:

[osteodoc08]

Went out and ended up with a 10mm SRH. Moonclips and I can use large and small primers, what's not to love.

Thanks for all the input, I think this bad boy will be a lot of fun after I find a good chest harness holster.

Took me a minute to realize when referring to small primers you were referring to shooting 40 S&W out of it.

Congrats on the new purchase

[Cargo]

Congratulations....a very hard gun to find right now...

So why the SRH over the GP-100?

One could also have good custom shop chop the barrel down to make it handle like a Toklat...

Well they had the SRH in the case and the price was pretty decent. I'll keep an eye out for the GP model that I want and one day it'll show up.

[44MAG#1]

The good thing about forums is the variety of responses to a question by member. That is what makes forums a good thing is to see how others think.
The OP said in his first post, "My primary uses are carrying around the property/varmint patrol and fun on the range." All of us who posted probably overlooked that. We gave recommendations that went from something that may be good for small rats to something that could stop a charging 230 thousand pound D11T Cat dozer with one shot. This is what makes forums interesting.
It is good to have forums because it causes one to think if nothing else.
I enjoy them.

[ddixie884]

Good choice...............

[Eddie Southgate]

I got Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Colt and Charter Arms in .40 Caliber and up and love every one of them but the one that gets carried the most for general purpose walking around on my place is the Charter Arms stainless Bulldog Target . It's lighter than all the rest and has decent adjustable sights . The .44 Special can do mild to wild and the CA can handle both if you can hang on to it . I shoot the 250 gr Keith bullet with 7.5 gr of Unique and have no problem with the recoil . I don't have bears where I live so the only likely danger to me would be loose dogs and even the factory velocity type loads with a better bullet will handle dogs no problem and are easy on the hand . The gun is accurate enough for any need I will have and is way lighter than anything else that I own . Very handy big bullet gun for what you want . Load the first two chambers with shot and your choice in the other three if snakes are likely to be an issue .





I guess I should have read the whole thread before I responded . Congrats on your new toy .

[murf205]

Cargo, you did well. IMHO you have the most accurate factory stock revolver made and that is satisfying to say the least. The way the SRH locks up into battery keeps the cylinder in nearly perfect alignment with the barrels forcing cone. Yeah, they are heavy but they are as tough as they come and the way you intend to carry it, you will not be constantly pulling it up off your hip and will have it handy when you need it. Now get a mold with a big flat meplat and some Blue Dot and it's all good!

[murf205]

280057 This mold is from Accurate Molds and it gets my vote for a real thumper of a boolit out of a 10mm SRH. Dangit, Cargo, you're giving me the itch for one!!