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Big Magnum Revolver, what is just right?

Old Man with Gun

Old Man with Gun

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Minuteman
    • Feb 4, 2019
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    I've been wanting a big boom revolver for a bit and keep gravitating to the 454 Casul or similar, but wonder if I will miss going bigger.

    This will mainly be a range toy, but something I could carry in the woods if I wanted. This is for shooting standing, I have a bunch of Contenders for bench and supported shooting.

    I can handle recoil just fine, I've shot 500 S&W one handed and encore pistols in magnum rifle cartridges. I want something big, but must be enjoyable and accurate, not simply a double dog dare to try it.

    What pushes me away from the X frame revolver is the size and weight. Simply not fun to shoot once the novelty wears off. I am a big guy, but supporting a 4.5 lb pistol sucks.

    So finally getting to my question, what is the Goldie Locks perfect ballance, bigger than 44Mag, but not too big.

    I reload, and would like the option of different power levels like 45 Colt / 454 Casul, 44 Mag, 454 Super, etc. I mostly like S&W and double action, but open to any high quality single or double revolver. What is your favorite?
     
    Smith 27-2 with 3 inch barrel

    Registered magnum if you have the wallet.

    Shoot the shit out of .38s but have the ability to “up” at will.
     
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    For me, anything in the Ruger Super Redhawk line (or GP100 or SP101 as they are mechanically the same) is superior to Smith and Wesson as the more simple Ruger mechanism can be smoothed out / worked on / parts swapped by even the most ignorant Kitchen Table Gunsmith (ask me how I know).

    :)

    And, I say all of the above as someone raised in a Smith and Wesson family.

    -Stan
     
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    pmclaine said:
    Smith 27-2 with 3 inch barrel

    Registered magnum if you have the wallet.

    Shoot the shit out of .38s but have the ability to “up” at will.
    Click to expand...
    I had a 28 4" as a kid and loved it, I have A 66 4" now that I like even better. But for this one I'm looking for more power than 44 Mag.
     
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    stanley_white said:
    For me, anything in the Ruger Super Redhawk line (or GP100 or SP101 as they are mechanically the same) is superior to Smith and Wesson as the more simple Ruger mechanism can be smoothed out / worked on / parts swapped by even the most ignorant Kitchen Table Gunsmith (ask me how I know).

    :)

    And, I say all of the above as someone raised in a Smith and Wesson family.

    -Stan
    Click to expand...
    The Super Redhawk has my attention, especially the target grey finish. Add an ultra dot and should be sweet!
     
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    Magnum Research or Freedom Arms in .475 Linebaugh for a big one.
    So fun to shoot.
    For sure a tad rowdy and not as bad as you might think.

    Blued Smith Mtn Gun in .44 Mag for more tame.

    And a 4” model 19 for easy to handle and load of fun with mild .38 special loads and a 158 LSWC.


    For lots of trail time and little shooting, I really love a Ruger LCR in .357.
     
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    I have a Freedom Arms 83 Premier Grade in .454 Casull. To me, there isn't a whole lot of enjoyment in shooting full-house loads in it. I've shot a S&W 500, and I still have a .30-30 barrel for my Contender.

    I've yet to personally shoot - or be around anyone who has shot - a large bore magnum handgun that we can make as accurate of fire with as we can with lesser cartridges. Yeah, you can thump your manly chest about the "powah" of your hand cannon...but that buckshot-looking target, or watching you dance around steel at 100 yards isn't as impressive.

    ^ That isn’t to insult anyone, but to transition into the opinion that if someone does want a hand cannon, that getting one where you can chamber a lesser cartridge is probably a good idea (.460 / .454 so you can shoot .45 Colt etc...). My guess is that if you buy/reload a few boxes of light and heavy loads, that I have a sneaking suspicion the light ones will be finished first.

    Either way, have fun.
     
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    Old Man with Gun said:
    The Super Redhawk has my attention, especially the target grey finish. Add an ultra dot and should be sweet!
    Click to expand...
    The 454 Casull version, which can run light recoiling 45 Colt cowboy loads all the way to 454 Casull Buffalo Bore rounds, would give you a lot of maneuver room.

    Add some shims, swap the springs, file down the hammer step if necessary, and you will have one smooth shooting revolver.

    -Stan
     
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    Well said Diggler

    Hand cannons have a purpose.
    Become good with them with reduced loads.

    Im 5’8” and while fat for me at 170, a small guy.

    I can shoot a 44 fine, but really love it in a mellow 44 special and a couple cylinders of full power loads occasionally.
    Same with a light .357

    That said, when I got turned on to the .475 for a serious big bear country gun, my friend in AK shot and hit pieces of busted clays at 35 yds with his.
    Decades of revolver practice and skill makes it easy for him.


    All said, I have a G20 and 200 gr cast for my bear country gun these days. 😎
     
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    I have 6 inch raging bull chambered in 480 ruger and have killed several Deer with it but it really is to much gun for deer . The 325 grain hollow point makes a mess . I still pack it when I am out wondering around my property since feral hog's , black bear and apparently the occasional mountain lion wonder around these part's . the Debbie downer is it only holds 5 rounds . I'm thinking of picking up a 10mm of some sort .
    IMG_4773.jpeg
     
    Get a Super Redhawk in 454 Casull. A pure pussycat to shoot with 45 colt loads, and enough stomp for legitimate big game hunting with full power 454 loads.

    I have a Magnum Research BFR in 460 S&W as well. It is really a different class of weapon than the Ruger. Both are similarly accurate, have good single action triggers, and good ergonomics for heavy recoil. The Ruger is lighter and faster handling though.

    Also no one really shoots heavy loads for fun. They are either for showing off your boomer, or killing something.
     
    If being packable ( ish ) matters, you are right to look past the X frame. Great to shoot but not made to pack.
    The 480 ruger would fit the bill nicely but with the scarcity of ammo and components I would be reluctant to buy one.
    At this point I would probably look for a freedom arms in 454 or a Bowen converted Ruger.
     
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    Revolvers are just awesome. I can shoot up to .44mag very well. Actually haven’t shot anything bigger. The revolver that hurt the most to shoot was a titanium snub .357, with full house loads the recoil would pull bullets out of the cases and lock it up. As for feel, put your hand in the door jamb of your truck and slam it shut.
     
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    powdahound76 said:
    Well said Diggler

    Hand cannons have a purpose.
    Become good with them with reduced loads.

    Im 5’8” and while fat for me at 170, a small guy.

    I can shoot a 44 fine, but really love it in a mellow 44 special and a couple cylinders of full power loads occasionally.
    Same with a light .357

    That said, when I got turned on to the .475 for a serious big bear country gun, my friend in AK shot and hit pieces of busted clays at 35 yds with his.
    Decades of revolver practice and skill makes it easy for him.


    All said, I have a G20 and 200 gr cast for my bear country gun these days. 😎
    Click to expand...
    All good advice, I have too many guns, this is my latest excuse to buy another. I have a 357 S&W 4", Glock 10mm model 20 and a 40 with compensator and RDS, Contenders in 41 mag RDS and scoped 6.5 Grendel. I just have an itch for a big revolver. I had a S&W 629 6" a long time ago and loved it in both 44 Mag and Spl.

    I think my ideal would be a S&W N frame in either 454 Casul or 445 Super Magnum. Unfortunately they stop at 44 Mag in the N frame and you have to go X frame for bigger. Best option I'm finding now is Super Redhawk.
     
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    Bender said:
    Revolvers are just awesome. I can shoot up to .44mag very well. Actually haven’t shot anything bigger. The revolver that hurt the most to shoot was a titanium snub .357, with full house loads the recoil would pull bullets out of the cases and lock it up. As for feel, put your hand in the door jamb of your truck and slam it shut.
    Click to expand...
    I always liked the light weight J frames, but thought 357 in them was for marketing to people who didn't know better. My wife carries a model 432PD in 32 H&R mag, my reloads get a 100g HP to 1,100 and even that is snappy.
     
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    264win said:
    If being packable ( ish ) matters, you are right to look past the X frame. Great to shoot but not made to pack.
    The 480 ruger would fit the bill nicely but with the scarcity of ammo and components I would be reluctant to buy one.
    At this point I would probably look for a freedom arms in 454 or a Bowen converted Ruger.
    Click to expand...
    Yeah ammo is a big deal . I stacked them deep . .
     
    Old Man with Gun said:
    All good advice, I have too many guns, this is my latest excuse to buy another. I have a 357 S&W 4", Glock 10mm model 20 and a 40 with compensator and RDS, Contenders in 41 mag RDS and scoped 6.5 Grendel. I just have an itch for a big revolver. I had a S&W 629 6" a long time ago and loved it in both 44 Mag and Spl.

    I think my ideal would be a S&W N frame in either 454 Casul or 445 Super Magnum. Unfortunately they stop at 44 Mag in the N frame and you have to go X frame for bigger. Best option I'm finding now is Super Redhawk.
    Click to expand...
    If you hand load, a S&W N-frame in 45 Colt, along with the wisdom of these articles, might work.

    www.johnlinebaughcustomsixguns.com

    Writings | linebaughsixguns

    www.johnlinebaughcustomsixguns.com www.johnlinebaughcustomsixguns.com


    -Stan
     
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    tekmann2377 said:
    Also no one really shoots heavy loads for fun. They are either for showing off your boomer, or killing sosomething.
    Click to expand...
    Disagree. I shoot full power loads every time I'm out shooting a big gun. Even if I'm by my self. You have to. Training to handle recoil requires recoil. And I do find it fun.

    The least fun hand gun I have ever shot is a 454 ruger super blackhawk hunter. The trigger guard smashed my middle finger on every shot. The X frames have never done that.
     
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    david walter said:
    Stan,

    I was looking for that article when you posted it.

    John had the ability and the choices to carry whatever he wanted. His advocacy of the 45 Colt in a S&W revolver speaks volumes about how versatile and deadly that combination is.
    Click to expand...
    Agreed!

    And, if the OP wanted to drop some coin, he could possibly have a S&W N-Frame made with a five shot cylinder and offset cylinder stop notches for extra strength.

    -Stan
     
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    If you are looking for a “big boom revolver”, the top two (500 and 460) would do it. The next two (44 and 357) are fine but may not be what you have in mind. The 22 WMR is a fun plinker but not much boom. If you go with the 460, you can shoot 460, 454, and 45 Colt.
    IMG_5074.jpeg
     
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    I have a Freedom Arms 454 and it is perfect.

    Beautifully built, accurate and it will also shoot 45 Colt much like shooting 38 Special in a 357. The smooth "Bisley" grip allows it to rotate slightly in your hand so you dont soak up all the recoil.

    Several years ago I shot a Smith revo in 460 and 500 side by side. The 460 kicked more. Really harsh.

    I bought a BigHorn lever action in 500 S&W. I am really glad I dont own a 500 in a pistol.
     
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    Having read through the posts and having shot a few, here’s my take. I like the .454 for many if the same reasons that have been mentioned above. It’s available in a frame size that isn’t ridiculous and can be loaded in a variety of ways.

    Personally, I’d forgo the magnaporting as the part I hate about the redhawk with ports is the muzzle blast is like a big slap in the face every time. I’ll take the recoil instead. If I had the coin and wanted the most fun out of the caliber, I’d use a Linebaugh conversion to .454, as I prefer the recoil of a single action frame in big boomers. Plus they are a nice size to carry.

    As it is, when I want more fun than my Super Blackhawk in .44, I take out my Ruger .45 Bisley, which has a solid cylinder and can handle the heavy loads that make it stand up and shoot.
     
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    I think I'm starting to lean Single Action instead of double, that surprises me. I do like the recoil better on a single action, and I cock the double actions almost always at the range anyway. Hmmm,............
     
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    Old Man with Gun said:
    I think I'm starting to lean Single Action instead of double, that surprises me. I do like the recoil better on a single action, and I cock the double actions almost always at the range anyway. Hmmm,............
    Click to expand...
    If you go single action, you can get the perfect grip frame for your genetics and preferences here:


    Mine was expertly fitted, along with other modifications, here:

    Tyler Gun Works

    Tyler Gun Works produces some of the best custom finish work in the United States. Whether we are working for you, the end user, or a major manufacturer, we strive for 100% satisfaction.
    www.tylergunworks.com www.tylergunworks.com

    -Stan
     
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    Bender said:
    Revolvers are just awesome. I can shoot up to .44mag very well. Actually haven’t shot anything bigger. The revolver that hurt the most to shoot was a titanium snub .357, with full house loads the recoil would pull bullets out of the cases and lock it up. As for feel, put your hand in the door jamb of your truck and slam it shut.
    Click to expand...

    Yep if you think the .357 is bad, the 329PD 44 mag is even worse, its' the most painful handgun I've fired bar none, 500 S&W I had was a pussy cat compared to it. It's all about the weight. With 44 special loads it was not bad, but with the rubber grips and full house 44 mags I've had more than one "tough guy" literally rip the skin off their thumb/palm in less than 6 rounds. Wood grips or shooting gloves were key to firing significant rounds in range session. It was another one that if the bullets were not really crimped well, by the time you got to round 3-4 you'd be dislodging the bullets on the ones left and locking up the cylinder.

    That said I think of the big boys the .460 is one of the best options from a cartridge performance standpoint.
     
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    powdahound76 said:
    Well said Diggler

    Hand cannons have a purpose.
    Become good with them with reduced loads.

    Im 5’8” and while fat for me at 170, a small guy.

    I can shoot a 44 fine, but really love it in a mellow 44 special and a couple cylinders of full power loads occasionally.
    Same with a light .357

    That said, when I got turned on to the .475 for a serious big bear country gun, my friend in AK shot and hit pieces of busted clays at 35 yds with his.
    Decades of revolver practice and skill makes it easy for him.


    All said, I have a G20 and 200 gr cast for my bear country gun these days. 😎
    Click to expand...

    +1

    I have [14] .357s (it's an addiction), and [6] .44 mags. I still have either 240gr or 158gr hard cast bullets loaded to book max to shoot in either...but I bet 90% of the rounds I put through them are either Specials or reduced magnums that are loaded to about 500lb/ft. They still make a good smack on steel, and I'm not somehow drifting low/left by the time I finish a box of ammo.
     
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    I'd still say a medium barrel .44 magnum that has a heavy stout frame and barrel is a great all around pick.
    You can easily find ammo for it.
    You can get from light loads to really hard hitting hunting rounds for it.
    The recoil isn't too much to where you won't enjoy shooting it a lot.

    Now if you are looking for a "manly" range toy to impress others YMMV
     
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    I now officially hate this thread . After mouthing off about my raging bull 480 and ammo availability , somebody suggesting maybe a 10mm would be good . I have been all over the internet looking at 10 mm pistol's . Sooner or later It's gonna cost me money .
     
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    sparky702 said:
    I now officially hate this thread . After mouthing off about my raging bull 480 and ammo availability , somebody suggesting maybe a 10mm would be good . I have been all over the internet looking at 10 mm pistol's . Sooner or later It's gonna cost me money .
    Click to expand...
    I think Glock made too many gen 4 long slides, because they are common to find a good deal on. Mine after I put a dot and KKM barrel and comp on it.
    180gr at 1,400fps, 800 ft-lbs, fast, flat shooter!

    17119205098984010074318837529051.jpg
     
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