Big Bore carry/general purpose outdoorsmen revolver pic and discussion thread

[okie john]

67692

That image triggers a lot of good memories.

I learned to shoot handguns with my father's 4" pre-Model 34 and his 5" pre-Model 27. Add a Pachmayr grip adapter to the upper one and it would be a twin of his 357.


Okie John

[Lost River]

Local dealer has a NIB 329PD . It’s been tough to resist.

The 329 is sort of a task specific handgun, rather than a general purpose piece. Many guys get enamored with the idea of them, buy them, and after shooting about a box or two, quickly put them away after discovering the recoil is quite objectionable.

If your purchase is intended to be your sole .44 magnum, I would closely examine what your needs/intended roles are. For me it is a nice addition, but not as often used .44 as compared to other more practical ones such as a 4" or 5" Model 629 or 29.

This is not to dissuade you, but to save you some hard earned cash in the long run. There are LOTS of used 329s that come up for sale on various auction sites that have not been fired very much at all.

Cheers!

[Nick B]

The 329 is sort of a task specific handgun, rather than a general purpose piece. Many guys get enamored with the idea of them, buy them, and after shooting about a box or two, quickly put them away after discovering the recoil is quite objectionable.

If your purchase is intended to be your sole .44 magnum, I would closely examine what your needs/intended roles are. For me it is a nice addition, but not as often used .44 as compared to other more practical ones such as a 4" or 5" Model 629 or 29.

This is not to dissuade you, but to save you some hard earned cash in the long run. There are LOTS of used 329s that come up for sale on various auction sites that have not been fired very much at all.

Cheers!
Thanks LR for the reply and yes I agree with everything you said . I have other .44’s to play with . A 5” 629 Classic and a 6” FA M83 . I just find the 329 intriguing. If I bought it I’d put on the 500 grips and shoot my hand cast 255 grain SWC at around 950 - 1000 FPS depending on the load .
Also the same bullet at 800 FPS in my .44 Special load .

[Lost River]

Oh I am not telling you anything you don't already know then.

I just don't like to see guys spend very hard earned cash on an item, that is not quite the right thing, when there are guys who could steer them in the right direction, and have already made a lot of mistakes, trial and error, etc. I can't tell you the amount of experimenting I did when I was younger that could have been avoided years later due to better access to information (internet).

In your case you obviously know exactly what you are doing. :)

[Lester Polfus]

Thanks LR for the reply and yes I agree with everything you said . I have other .44’s to play with . A 5” 629 Classic and a 6” FA M83 . I just find the 329 intriguing. If I bought it I’d put on the 500 grips and shoot my hand cast 255 grain SWC at around 950 - 1000 FPS depending on the load .
Also the same bullet at 800 FPS in my .44 Special load .

I have shot a 329 with a 240 grain bullet going right around 1000 FPS, and found it tolerable for enough round that I think a person could have a meaningful practice session. That particular gun was the short barrel one. 2.5"? I think? Although I don't think the 4" is much heavier.

I am not particularly recoil sensitive, but anything stronger in that gun starts getting ridiculous quick. There's a level of recoil that is "no fun" and then there is a level of recoil where I have a non trivial concern that I am actually going to injure my hand. The 329 will get you into that zone pretty quick.

It was certainly a niche gun. If a person was in a place with big bears, and wanted to save every ounce of weight because they were otherwise heavily laden, I would consider it, I guess. Although honestly I'd look to cut 20 oz or so from my weight budget from somewhere else so I could carry a steel frame revolver.

[whomever]

>I have shot a 329 with a 240 grain bullet going right around 1000 FPS, and found it tolerable for enough round that I think a person could have a meaningful practice session.

I agree, but remember that 329's don't have a great reputation for longevity. The little sheet metal blast guard cracks, and replacing it means a trip to the factory.


>I am not particularly recoil sensitive, but anything stronger in that gun starts getting ridiculous quick.

I have shot one (with hard plastic Lasergrips, no less) with WWB 240 grains back to back with a 500 X frame using the ??350 grain?? Hornady load, and the recoil was the same ... unpleasant :-).

>It was certainly a niche gun. If a person was in a place with big bears, and wanted to save every ounce of weight because they were otherwise heavily laden, I would consider it, I guess. Although honestly I'd look to cut 20 oz or so from my weight budget from somewhere else so I could carry a steel frame revolver.

That's me. I'm one of the 'cut half the handle off the toothbrush' types. Cutting the budget elsewhere has it's own risks, if you are trying to rappel off in a storm and the only hardware that will fit in the crack in front of you was part of the 20 oz you cut :-(.

I got a 329 right when they came out; prior to that I just went without because of the weight. I've carried it a lot of miles. That said, there seems to be growing evidence that smaller calibers are still effective against bears. If I was looking for a bear gun now I think I'd take a hard look at that route, because they are a lot more general purpose.

[paul105]

May have posted some of this earlier in this thread but was to lazy to go back and check.

I'm a big fan of the 329. Had three that were my all day every day carry gun(s) for the better part of a decade here in Montana. Shot over 9,000 rnds thru them (mostly 240-260 gr between 1,100 and 1,200 fps actual chronograped) - figured I should be proficient if it was my carry gun. Sent them back to S&W for repairs half a dozen times (at no cost to me). They don't hold up to continuous use of "higher" intensity loads.

As LR said, they are "task specific handgun, rather than a general purpose piece". I don't shoot them much anymore and mostly carry a M69 when out and about. Still carry the 329 when bow hunting elk (which I won't be able to do much longer due to age related balance issues). Recently acquired a 2 1/2" Alaskan Backpacker II - think I'll drag it out and load some of LRs Russian equivalent loads and give her a go.

Threads aren't much fun without pics:

One of my carry guns:

https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/329%20033.jpg
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/329%20045.jpg




The Alaskan Backpacker:

https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/Alaskan%20Backpacker%20with%20RB%20Hogue.jpg


Sights (V notch rear, fiber optic front), light weight and recoil make the 329 harder to shoot than steel counterparts. Here's a 30 round target shot offhand at 25 yds when I was shooting the 329 a lot.

https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/Target%2032930Rnds25yds.jpg

FWIW,

Paul

[Bigghoss]

Was at the LGS the other day and they had a 325 Night Guard but it was $1300. Would love to have one but not that bad.

[Dave T]

Was at the LGS the other day and they had a 325 Night Guard but it was $1300. Would love to have one but not that bad.

I wouldn't mind having another one (no I don't want to explain what happened to the others) but I agree. That is way more than I am willing to shell out. I'm sure there's some desperate soul out there who'll pay it, but it won't be me.

Dave

[Lester Polfus]

I think my "bear gun" for Alaska and the environs around Yellowstone is going to be the same .357 I carry here in SW Washington, only loaded with 180 grain hardcast. My shot-to-shot recovery time and overall accuracy is pretty good with that load.

It worked for Phil Shoemaker out of a Model 60, no less. He also used a 9mm on a charging griz, which I have noted with interest.

[Wheeler]

Was at the LGS the other day and they had a 325 Night Guard but it was $1300. Would love to have one but not that bad.

There’s a 386 seven shooter listed on a local forum for $1350. I cel your pain on the cost but I think that’s pretty close to what the market bears on those guns. I’m still holding out for some widder woman to come up with a 315 for sale at the price her dearly departed told her he paid for it... :)

[Bigghoss]

There’s a 386 seven shooter listed on a local forum for $1350. I cel your pain on the cost but I think that’s pretty close to what the market bears on those guns. I’m still holding out for some widder woman to come up with a 315 for sale at the price her dearly departed told her he paid for it... :)

Oh I don't doubt that's about market value for that gun. But there's a lot of other stuff I would rather spend $1300 on than even a nice wheelgun.

[kjr_29]

How would the experienced big bore owners here view a S&W 29-10 in a 3” barrel/44mag for a backcountry gun? Does a barrel that short reduce velocity noticeably?

I may have a line on one here locally but am very green in the revolver space.


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[CSW]

How would the experienced big bore owners here view a S&W 29-10 in a 3” barrel/44mag for a backcountry gun? Does a barrel that short reduce velocity noticeably?

I may have a line on one here locally but am very green in the revolver space.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It's absolutely qualified, but not nearly as light as the 329.
There will be a bit more recoil from the 3" barrel, and the flash that accompanies, but velocities will be close to a 4 inch Mountain Gun, or a coveted 5 inch gun.

With the Smith guns, you should not 'hot-rod' the 44 loads, but rather stick to factory loads, or loads loaded to factory specs/strength/velocities.

Rugers tend to be stronger guns for hotter loads.

[mtnbkr]

Rugers tend to be stronger guns for hotter loads.
Own or owned both. The Ruger-level loads lose their charm after a while. At least in the Eastern US, there's not much that can't be handled by 44spec +P or 44mag -P load.

Chris

[Half Moon]

How would the experienced big bore owners here view a S&W 29-10 in a 3” barrel/44mag for a backcountry gun? Does a barrel that short reduce velocity noticeably?

I may have a line on one here locally but am very green in the revolver space.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

.44 Magnum testing from various barrel lengths:

http://ballisticsbytheinch.com/44mag.html

Notice the real world results towards the bottom of the page show a lot of variation. I'm suspecting cylinder gap is as much at play as barrel length here. Power wise though, even a relatively mild load, heavy weight bullet is going to get good penetration with the right design. More pound feet is irrelevant if the bullet goes through and through anyways.

I haven't carried a .44 Magnum in the field for a long time. When I used to, I found a Super Blackhawk much more comfortable for recoil management. The grip angle, and shifting muscles, of a double action pull always made loads feel nastier in .44 Magnum DA revolvers than an SA.

[kjr_29]

Good info, thank you. 1000+ FPS with a 240gr is nothing to sneeze at.

My two revolver samples currently are DAO so a DA pull would be a normal transition for me on the mountain gun.


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[03RN]

Good info, thank you. 1000+ FPS with a 240gr is nothing to sneeze at.

My two revolver samples currently are DAO so a DA pull would be a normal transition for me on the mountain gun.


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A 3" Mountain Gun?

[paul105]

How would the experienced big bore owners here view a S&W 29-10 in a 3” barrel/44mag for a backcountry gun? Does a barrel that short reduce velocity noticeably?

I may have a line on one here locally but am very green in the revolver space.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Here are some chrono results from the 2 ¾” M69

Competion Electronics at 5 Long paces from muzzle
30 to 70 def f
Results recorded on different days and months.
H110 Load used Mag Primers
New or 1X cases.

240gr JHP, Federal Factory No. 44A production date May ’81 --------------------------------------------- 1,137 fps
240gr JFP (Zero) 23.5gr H110, seated and crimped in crimp grove in Mag cases -------------------- 1,126 fps
260gr WFNGC (Mt Bul Wks) 23.0gr H110, seated and crimped in crimp grove in Mag cases ----- 1,125 fps
265gr SWCGC (429244) 17.5gr 2400, seated deep, crimped over fr drive band in Mag cases --- 1,100 fps
265gr SWCGC (429244) 23.5gr H110, seated and crimped in crimp grove in Mag cases ---------- 1,162 fps
310gr FNGCDC (Lee) 20.0gr H110, seated and crimped in top crimp grove in Mag cases --------- 1,100 fps
325gr LFNGC (BTB) 22.0gr H110, seated and crimped in crimp grove in Mag cases --------------- 1,104 fps

H110 Load used Mag Primers
New or 1X cases.

Buffalo Bore, 305 LBT LFN HC rated 1,325 fps
Underwood, 305 LFNGC Plated (HiTech?) rated 1,325 fps
LabRadar muzzle velocity at 33 deg F

S&W M69 2.75" ===> BB 1,195 fps ===> Under 1,147fps
S&W M69 4.25" ===> BB 1,276 fps ===> Under 1,248 fps
Ruger SRH 7.5" ===> BB 1,395 fps ===> Under 1,315 fps


Lab Radar Muzzle Vel at 50 deg F
240gr JSP Zero, Mult X mixed cases, 23.6gr H110, WLP, 1,105 fps AVG
240gr FP Cutting Edge Mono Metal, 1x Starline, 22.6 gr H110, CCI350, 1,233 fps AVG
265gr WFN Lehigh Mono Metal, 1x Starline, 20.1gr H110, CCI350, 1,068 FPS AVG


FWIW,

Paul

[kjr_29]

A 3" Mountain Gun?

Not a true mountain gun per se, but the one I am looking at for that role. It’s more aptly my developing backcountry option.


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[Caballoflaco]

I’ve got a 3” 629. With factory 240gr jacketed HP’s and the factory too wide for my hands wood grips the gun was painful to shoot and torqued really badly. I slimmed down the grips so I could get my forearm in line with the bore and factory jacketed loads were tolerable, but not pleasant. I also shot a box of HSM cast 240’s that were rated @1150 FPS which were quite comfortable to shoot, though I’m unsure of their velocity in the short barrel.

Ultimately it’s a gun that weighs as much as a 1911 and is almost as big as a glock 17 but only carries 6 rounds so it doesn’t get carried in the woods since my biggest concern is backwoods tweakers (who are rarely alone) and I decided that I’d rather bow hunt if I’m going to actually kill stuff at close range. That being said I haven’t sold it off yet.

[Catshooter]

Years ago I chronoed Elmer's load of 22 grains of 2400 under his 250 grain bullet out of my 3" 29 & 629 at right at 1,250 fps. Nice load, very accurate.


Cat

[mtnbkr]

Ultimately it’s a gun that weighs as much as a 1911 and is almost as big as a glock 17 but only carries 6 rounds so it doesn’t get carried in the woods since my biggest concern is backwoods tweakers (who are rarely alone) and I decided that I’d rather bow hunt if I’m going to actually kill stuff at close range. That being said I haven’t sold it off yet.

That's why I'm migrating from a 4" 629 in a 120-style holster to a G19-pattern gun with RMR and a WML (because sometimes it gets dark out). I prefer the romance of the big bore gun, but the standard capacity 9mm will handle any wildlife I'm likely to run into and be more useful against multiple human attackers, which is more likely than angry critters.

Chris

[03RN]

71369

Few more miles with my m19 and my son

[Irelander]

I have a local guy making me a Barranti style holster. I actually work with him at my day job. He is taking over the leather working business from his ailing uncle. I'll post when I get it.

Forgot to post this when I got it. Nothing fancy, just works.
71711

[Lost River]

This thread needs more .44s

https://i.imgur.com/2VD2jUg.jpg?1




https://i.imgur.com/v6ltHLv.jpg?1

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


:cool:

[paul105]

.
S&W M396 - 3 1/4" Al/Ti L Frame 18 oz .44 special
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/SandW%20396%20thumbnail_IMG_4601%20-%20Copy.jpg
.
Freedom Arms M97 - 5 1/2" .44 Special
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/FA97%2044%20Special%20thumbnail_IMG_46043.jpg
.
S&W M329s - 2.5 " Alaskan Backpacker & 4" PD
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/SandW%20329%20Alaskan%20Backpacker%202%20thumbnail _IMG_4603%20-%20Copy3.jpg
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/033.JPG
.
2 3/4" S&W M69
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/M69%202.75%202%20thumbnail_IMG_4597.jpg
.
3" S&W 629
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/629%20kramer%20unholstered%20thumbnail_IMG_4212.jp g
.
That's all for now.
.
My favorite caliber
.
Paul

[BobM]

If I ever see a set of those Camo Pachmayrs on a gun show table, I’m going to buy them and then look for a gun to put them on.

[Lost River]

That is a fantastic plan!


And those .44 Russian Wicked Wadcutters are about the coolest thing you can shoot through your camo clad blaster. :cool:

Sooo much fun, and so crazy accurate!

https://i.imgur.com/73YnpM9.jpg?1

[BobM]

73432

My Bisley 44 Special (and my Bearcat).

[45dotACP]

73432

My Bisley 44 Special (and my Bearcat).Damn. I didn't even know...and certainly didn't need to know...that they made a Bisley .44special.

That's just tempting.

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[entropy]

Just went thru this thread again head-to-toe.

What a great way to spend a rainy morning with a mug of coffee.

[Lost River]

https://i.imgur.com/Ux2hccO.jpg?1

:cool:

[JPedersen]

https://i.imgur.com/Ux2hccO.jpg?1

:cool:

Legendary !


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[Stephanie B]

I only have two .44s.

First is a ported -2:

76132

Second is a "-0":

76133

I passed on a 4" Model 29 several years ago and now I'm kicking myself over it.

[Hambo]

I passed on a 4" Model 29 several years ago and now I'm kicking myself over it.

Imagine if you'd feel if you had sold a 4" 25-5 and 29. Regrets...I have a few...and they're all Smith and Wessons...

[Stephanie B]

Imagine if you'd feel if you had sold a 4" 25-5 and 29. Regrets...I have a few...and they're all Smith and Wessons...

Mine are mostly S&W revolvers. One, though, is a Krag carbine.

[03RN]

https://i.imgur.com/Ux2hccO.jpg?1

:cool:

I was actually thinking about this thread today.

[03RN]

Ive got tomorrow off. Maybe me and my son will go take a walk in the rain.

My M19 needs some woods time.(ie I need some woods time)

[03RN]

If anyone needs an organ or something let me know. I need to finance a M25 mountain gun.

[JAH 3rd]

Mine are mostly S&W revolvers. One, though, is a Krag carbine.

I cut my revolver teeth on S&W revolvers. My first was a model 19 2.5” barrel blue finish. My biggest regret is a model 27 nickel finish 8 3/8” barrel. Even had a presentation case. My first LE agency issued the model 19. My second agency issued the 66. Yeah, I’m a dinosaur.

[jh9]

If anyone needs an organ or something let me know. I need to finance a M25 mountain gun.

I have no regrets selling a 629 mountain gun. That gun would have been about a thousand times better in .45 colt.

[Bigghoss]

I have no regrets selling a 629 mountain gun. That gun would have been about a thousand times better in .45 colt.

A handful of years ago I found a nice 625 mountain gun in .45 Colt for $850. I sorta regret not buying it. Really wanted a .45 ACP.

[Zeke38]

I have one of the original runs of the "Mountain Guns". The revolver was originally made for Ross Seyfreid an IPSC world champion, handgunner and a handgun hunter. He was also a big game guide in Colorado.
Tom Campbell an engineer at Smith and Wesson built the original for Seyfreid. They are a handful to shoot, but I run mine with a 260 Keith at 1050fps. Accurate and doable. https://i.imgur.com/ajtvik1.jpg

The MG is the upper of the two N frames. The other is a 624.

[CSW]

A handful of years ago I found a nice 625 mountain gun in .45 Colt for $850. I sorta regret not buying it. Really wanted a .45 ACP.
At one point I owned a 625 of 1989, the 45acp MG, the 45colt MG, and the 44mag MG.
They all got sold or traded but the 45colt.
Surely a keeper.

[gato naranja]

A handful of years ago I found a nice 625 mountain gun in .45 Colt for $850. I sorta regret not buying it. Really wanted a .45 ACP.

I did similar. A friend got the .45 Colt N-frame I hesitated on (in nickel, no less... the size and the shine make it quite the attention-getter).

(He won't sell it. Smart man.)

[Bigghoss]

At one point I owned a 625 of 1989, the 45acp MG, the 45colt MG, and the 44mag MG.
They all got sold or traded but the 45colt.
Surely a keeper.

I have a 625 model of 1989. I really like it.

I found 2 625 mountain guns on GB, one in .45acp and the other in .45 Colt. Both were $1800. Looks like I missed my chance at one.

[Rick R]

I picked up a new mold from NOE recently, a 260gr .432” Keith style bullet. With loads using Unique and 2400 today I tried it through my .44Mag Mountain Gun and my 4 5/8” SBH with Hogue wooden grips. The SBH is much more comfortable to shoot off the bench and groups are about half the size as the MG.

But that MG is just a lovely little gun to pack around on your belt and I can shoot it as well as any other DA revolver that I’ve ever owned so it’s not going anywhere. Though I may use a bit less Unique next outing.

[Malamute]

I bought one of the first 44 mag mountain guns I saw, I dont recall the year but I think it was '89 or early 90s. The local grocery store had a small section with guns. I filled out the paperwork, the manager put the gun on the conveyor, the checkout girl ran it through, I still have the grocery store receipt with "Gun" on it.

Ive had a 4" blue 29 since about 82, in shooting the new mountain gun, it was noticeably sharper recoiling with full power loads than the standard weight 29. The mountain also had the pachmayr round but K grips, the 28 smooth rosewoods I worked down a bit. The lure of the few ounces less carry weight faded quickly,and Ive never been able to warm up to stainless guns, the mountain didnt last long.

A blued mountain gun in 45 Colt would be nice, though I usually shoot medium loads in the 29 (9 grs Unique/240-250 gr cast), so there isnt much reason to spring for the only slightly different gun in this case. The regular 25-5 blued guns are nice, but the one I looked at used had the common (for that time) loose chambers and empties would easily get under the extractor star with the thin rim of the 45 Colt. It may not be an issue in actual practice, but I decided to just stay with the old 29 again. Ive always had an affinity for single action revolvers, theyve been my backup or alternate guns to the 29. When I tore the ligament in my R thumb, it was a couple years before I could shoot anything centerfire right handed, and a single action was possible long before a double action was. Im still stuck on the larger caliber and heavier bullets when in large critter country, they dont even have to go at top speed to work fairly well and break large bones. They seem to kill other stuff reasonably well with good flat point bullets. It humbles one to shoot small game with the legendary cartridges and have said small game run off. RN bullet suck mightily for killing stuff compared to SWC or flat points, or full wadcuttters.

[entropy]

If anyone needs an organ or something let me know. I need to finance a M25 mountain gun.


Kidneys are way overrated. Go for it! Lol

[03RN]

I bought one of the first 44 mag mountain guns I saw, I dont recall the year but I think it was '89 or early 90s. The local grocery store had a small section with guns. I filled out the paperwork, the manager put the gun on the conveyor, the checkout girl ran it through, I still have the grocery store receipt with "Gun" on it.

Ive had a 4" blue 29 since about 82, in shooting the new mountain gun, it was noticeably sharper recoiling with full power loads than the standard weight 29. The mountain also had the pachmayr round but K grips, the 28 smooth rosewoods I worked down a bit. The lure of the few ounces less carry weight faded quickly,and Ive never been able to warm up to stainless guns, the mountain didnt last long.

A blued mountain gun in 45 Colt would be nice, though I usually shoot medium loads in the 29 (9 grs Unique/240-250 gr cast), so there isnt much reason to spring for the only slightly different gun in this case. The regular 25-5 blued guns are nice, but the one I looked at used had the common (for that time) loose chambers and empties would easily get under the extractor star with the thin rim of the 45 Colt. It may not be an issue in actual practice, but I decided to just stay with the old 29 again. Ive always had an affinity for single action revolvers, theyve been my backup or alternate guns to the 29. When I tore the ligament in my R thumb, it was a couple years before I could shoot anything centerfire right handed, and a single action was possible long before a double action was. Im still stuck on the larger caliber and heavier bullets when in large critter country, they dont even have to go at top speed to work fairly well and break large bones. They seem to kill other stuff reasonably well with good flat point bullets. It humbles one to shoot small game with the legendary cartridges and have said small game run off. RN bullet suck mightily for killing stuff compared to SWC or flat points, or full wadcuttters.

Well why don't you post another pic of the m29. It might very well be the best looking gun on P-F

[Malamute]

The rosewoods are temporarily on something else, I worked down some factory checkered targets that are on the 29 for the moment.

76210

[Bruce Cartwright]

The rosewoods are temporarily on something else, I worked down some factory checkered targets that are on the 29 for the moment.

76210

Malamute:

That is a spectacular revolver. I suspect there are some interesting stories to go along with the patina/finish wear. My son encouraged me to write up the histories of several of my guns. I'd love to read some of the stories surrounding your 29.

Bruce

[Catshooter]

The rosewoods are temporarily on something else, I worked down some factory checkered targets that are on the 29 for the moment.

76210


Man, what a beauty! Now that's character!


Cat

[BN]

The rosewoods are temporarily on something else, I worked down some factory checkered targets that are on the 29 for the moment.

76210

That's a beautiful revolver. I quoted you just to get another picture of it in the thread. ;)

[mtnbkr]

You guys are making me miss my 629. It was getting too much for my elbows though. At least I know it's in good hands. I still have my 625 and 25-5, both 4" barrels. The 25-5 is too pretty to be an outdoors gun, but the 625, with its stainless construction and hillary hole is perfect.

Chris

[Lost River]

If we ever get pictures to head sections on this forum, this revolver is hands down the choice for the revolver section. It just makes me smile every time I look at it. This Model 29 and one of Malamute's old Model 94 Winchesters, are hands down the coolest guns to grace the pages of the forum. :cool:

[Lost River]

You guys are making me miss my 629. It was getting too much for my elbows though. At least I know it's in good hands. I still have my 625 and 25-5, both 4" barrels. The 25-5 is too pretty to be an outdoors gun, but the 625, with its stainless construction and hillary hole is perfect.

Chris


You just needed the right ammo Friend!

A 175 grain wadcutter at 785 FPS turns .44s into kittens.

https://i.imgur.com/v6ltHLv.jpg?1

[Hambo]

If we ever get pictures to head sections on this forum, this revolver is hands down the choice for the revolver section. It just makes me smile every time I look at it. This Model 29 and one of Malamute's old Model 94 Winchesters, are hands down the coolest guns to grace the pages of the forum. :cool:

I agree. That M29 is something. :cool:

[Malamute]

If we ever get pictures to head sections on this forum, this revolver is hands down the choice for the revolver section. It just makes me smile every time I look at it. This Model 29 and one of Malamute's old Model 94 Winchesters, are hands down the coolest guns to grace the pages of the forum. :cool:


This one?

76238

76237

May as well put the well known 29 pic up with the smooth rosewoods, my favorite N grip.

76243

[mtnbkr]

You just needed the right ammo Friend!

A 175 grain wadcutter at 785 FPS turns .44s into kittens.

https://i.imgur.com/v6ltHLv.jpg?1

Yup. I reload and have/had a nice light load for 44 (250gr SWC with 7gr Trail Boss), but if I'm going to download 44, I'm essentially duplicating what I shoot in my 625 (230gr RN over a light load of BE in AR brass), so it became superfluous to my needs. That was eventually did it for me. I wasn't taking advantage of the power of a 44mag and I have two other 4" N-frames that are just as suitable on the light-to-mid power levels.

Chris

[03RN]

This one?

76243

:cool:

[Catshooter]

Malamute,

Yep, that'd be the one. At least for me. I pulled both of your pics off of the Leverguns site years ago and have used both for background/lock pics for years! Thank you!


Cat

[Bruce Cartwright]

This one?

76238

76237

May as well put the well known 29 pic up with the smooth rosewoods, my favorite N grip.

76243

Malamute:

If you are ever dumb enough to sell either the Model 29 or Model 94, I'd gladly buy either or both:D. As they say back east, "I'd be all over that like a fat kid on a twinkie..."

You have incredible taste in firearms and dogs.

Bruce

[Crazy Dane]

https://i.imgur.com/Ux2hccO.jpg?1

:cool:


The rosewoods are temporarily on something else, I worked down some factory checkered targets that are on the 29 for the moment.

76210

I hate yall. Not really but ... I hate yall.;) Those are beautiful works of art.

A 4 inch 29 would complete my .44 set.

[Borderland]

Yup. I reload and have/had a nice light load for 44 (250gr SWC with 7gr Trail Boss), but if I'm going to download 44, I'm essentially duplicating what I shoot in my 625 (230gr RN over a light load of BE in AR brass), so it became superfluous to my needs. That was eventually did it for me. I wasn't taking advantage of the power of a 44mag and I have two other 4" N-frames that are just as suitable on the light-to-mid power levels.

Chris

I bought a 625 about 10 years ago and I shoot it more than any revolver I have. I think I have 5 or 6 K and J frames. My 625 is the only N frame I have and I likely won't be buying another. I've contemplated a 44 mag or 44 special but as you say, what's the point unless you already own a mag and want to download it. I do that with my model 19's. My only regret is my 625 isn't a prelock but it shoots just fine with a red dot on it. 50 yds is easy with old eyes. The early ones weren't pre drilled to accept scope and dot mounts so that's an advantage. I'm not hunting with it so no need for those bone crushing loads.

I just traded into some 44 Mag dies and brass in case I come across a good deal on a lever rifle. I missed a Browning 92 by a few bucks awhile back on an auction site because homey don't get into bidding wars. ;)

[Tex41mag]

I had been looking for a field carry with a 4" barrel. stainless and in my favorite caliber of .41magnum. Not many around so I decided to make what I wanted. I really like the Ruger Redhawk and I was lucky enough to find a 5 1/2" version that was stainless and in .41magnum. A buddy let me use his machine shop and I cut the barrel to 4", cut a slot in the top for a new front sight and re-crowned the barrel. I dehorned the whole gun, rounded the grip and wood grip panels and did some trigger work to make the DA pull smoother and a bit lighter. I have been carrying it anytime I go into the woods for about 15 years now and I have harvested several feral hogs and a coyote with it.
76383

[revolvergeek]

I have no regrets selling a 629 mountain gun. That gun would have been about a thousand times better in .45 colt.

yeah, I should have bought a 625 MG years ago when a buddy of mine had one for sale. That said, my 629 MG gets loaded with a Lee 310 RNFP over Red Dot for about 940 FPS. Does anything that I need it to do down here without beating me up too bad.

[Adam]

Don't you just love it when you come back from the bathroom and find your food waiting for you? -The Philosopher Mia Wallace (Pulp Fiction, C. 1994)

That's the way I feel when I do a check-in on this thread and realize I have a couple months of drool to catch up on. I think it is because it is on the old system, but this thread doesn't show up in the Revolvers section, right? You have to search for it or have notifications turned on? Anyway...


I have one of the original runs of the "Mountain Guns". The revolver was originally made for Ross Seyfreid an IPSC world champion, handgunner and a handgun hunter. He was also a big game guide in Colorado.
Tom Campbell an engineer at Smith and Wesson built the original for Seyfreid. They are a handful to shoot, but I run mine with a 260 Keith at 1050fps. Accurate and doable.

The MG is the upper of the two N frames. The other is a 624.

Zeke38 I wasn't aware of the back story on the Mountain Gun, that's pretty cool. I was late to the game on learning a lot of the who, when and why and it is a pretty interesting wormhole to get down. Oh and tell us about that engraving and those stocks on the 624! Drooooool.


This thread needs more .44s

https://i.imgur.com/v6ltHLv.jpg?1



Oof. I need to give in and fully baptize myself in the name of the wheel gun and start loading some wadcutters. I don't know what is that is broken inside me that 100% wants to carry a higher capacity 9mm, maybe even with a red dot as a defensive gun for the modern world we live in...then the other part of me just wants to lob giant chunks of lead at even "mild for the cartridge" velocities as therapeutic and nostalgic enjoyment. Too cool.


The rosewoods are temporarily on something else, I worked down some factory checkered targets that are on the 29 for the moment.

76210

*Airs out shirt collar*


I had been looking for a field carry with a 4" barrel. stainless and in my favorite caliber of .41magnum. Not many around so I decided to make what I wanted. I really like the Ruger Redhawk and I was lucky enough to find a 5 1/2" version that was stainless and in .41magnum. A buddy let me use his machine shop and I cut the barrel to 4", cut a slot in the top for a new front sight and re-crowned the barrel. I dehorned the whole gun, rounded the grip and wood grip panels and did some trigger work to make the DA pull smoother and a bit lighter. I have been carrying it anytime I go into the woods for about 15 years now and I have harvested several feral hogs and a coyote with it.
76383

Machine shop buddies are good buddies to have. That thing turned out awesome.

----------

Ruger via Lipsey's is finally doing it: .44 Magnum Bisleys in 4.62" and 5.5" barrels. Yes, there were the Accusport guns etc. in brief runs in the past, but these guns have been a gaping hole in the Ruger lineup for far longer than I've been in to single actions. I had a nice exchange with Jason Cloessner at Lipsey's a year or so ago being the likely 10,000th person to ask for these. I can't not buy one now that it is happening. I really struggled with which barrel length to go with on my .44 Special flat top and ended up with the shorter gun, which I like a lot.

Bisley, unfluted cylinders with no ugly roll mark, pinned front sights for easy upgrade via Fermin Garza. This would be my platform for playing with 300+ grain bullets I think. *Hits inhaler*

For this gun I'm thinking 5.5", but I'd let PF tell me why they'd choose differently.

I'm just waiting for them to hit dealers. It's the only gun I've ever had pause about mentioning to people because I don't want buying competition. Hahaha.

https://ruger.com/productImages/0877/detail/1.jpg

https://ruger.com/productImages/0876/detail/1.jpg

[BobM]

----------

Ruger via Lipsey's is finally doing it: .44 Magnum Bisleys in 4.62" and 5.5" barrels. Yes, there were the Accusport guns etc. in brief runs in the past, but these guns have been a gaping hole in the Ruger lineup for far longer than I've been in to single actions. I had a nice exchange with Jason Cloessner at Lipsey's a year or so ago being the likely 10,000th person to ask for these. I can't not buy one now that it is happening. I really struggled with which barrel length to go with on my .44 Special flat top and ended up with the shorter gun, which I like a lot.

Bisley, unfluted cylinders with no ugly roll mark, pinned front sights for easy upgrade via Fermin Garza. This would be my platform for playing with 300+ grain bullets I think. *Hits inhaler*

For this gun I'm thinking 5.5", but I'd let PF tell me why they'd choose differently.

I'm just waiting for them to hit dealers. It's the only gun I've ever had pause about mentioning to people because I don't want buying competition. Hahaha.

https://ruger.com/productImages/0877/detail/1.jpg

https://ruger.com/productImages/0876/detail/1.jpg[/QUOTE]

I saw that on Ruger’s site last week and have been checking online for one in stock. I’m going to see about a semi local to me shop about trying to get one in.

[Malamute]

----------

4.62" and 5.5" barrels.

For this gun I'm thinking 5.5", but I'd let PF tell me why they'd choose differently.

.


FWIW, ages ago when the fluted cylinder blackhawk size grip frame 44 mags (standard Blackhawk style format but marked "Super Blackhawk") came out I grabbed one. The only barrel length in the fluted cyl was 5 1/2", which I didnt really care for but wasnt a big deal in and of itself, however, once I started thinking about holsters, and that I already had a number of good 4 5/8" size holsters on hand, I had the barrel chopped to 4 5/8" and never looked back. That was far simpler than trying to replicate good holsters I already had and liked to fit a slightly longer barrel of ONE gun. The likelihood at that point was it probably wouldnt get carried much, so....

[Adam]

I saw that on Ruger’s site last week and have been checking online for one in stock. I’m going to see about a semi local to me shop about trying to get one in.

Jason at Lipsey's has just said they're hoping to roll them out "Q4" and "by the end of the year" so not sure when they'll hit.


FWIW, ages ago when the fluted cylinder blackhawk size grip frame 44 mags (standard Blackhawk style format but marked "Super Blackhawk") came out I grabbed one. The only barrel length in the fluted cyl was 5 1/2", which I didnt really care for but wasnt a big deal in and of itself, however, once I started thinking about holsters, and that I already had a number of good 4 5/8" size holsters on hand, I had the barrel chopped to 4 5/8" and never looked back. That was far simpler than trying to replicate good holsters I already had and liked to fit a slightly longer barrel of ONE gun. The likelihood at that point was it probably wouldnt get carried much, so....

Good insight. This is absolutely a "just because" gun. In my unfortunately currently-not-that-often need to carry a heavy gun, a 4" 629 is pretty much always my choice at those times. As a whole I like the portability and handiness of 4"-ish guns and for what I'm planning to use it for (recreation and maybe modest range hunting) I think it is probably moot either way. The 6 1/2" guns are definitely more barrel than I want but between 4.62 and 5.5 if I'm not going to regularly be carrying it for long periods of time, maybe not a huge issue either way. I'll likely get a Barranti Outfitter with the dual carry strong side and crossdraw belt loop they came out with a couple years ago.

[okie john]

For this gun I'm thinking 5.5", but I'd let PF tell me why they'd choose differently.

I like a 4” Model 29 for any time that I might use the gun defensively. For hunting, I’ll take all the barrel I can get.


Okie John

[jtcarm]

My GP100 10mm has won the starting spot as my big-bore/all-round revolver (which is sort of a holy grail for me.) I figure .400 is the minimum to qualify as a “big bore.”

Many thanks to Outpost75 for his advice that lead me to this load (he’s pioneered 10mm revolver loads and I think was in on the design of this mould).


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/ac587700436398b52ca0793bce509737.jpg


It groups 5 228-grain cast bullets with a big fat meplat into 2” at 50 yards from the bench. Average velocity is 970 FPS. That’s perfect for a general purpose load that can handle anything on 2 or 4 legs in my neck of the woods. And it fits in a medium-frame, 6-shot revolver.

Recoil is more manageable than a 1911 .45 or a .357 magnum, so fast (for me) DA repeat shots aren’t a problem.

Home-cast bullets are a requirement for me so I can afford to shoot it, A LOT. http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=40-224H. My 5-cavity cranks them out fast.

This is a plain-base bullet cast from WW + 2% tin, sized .402 to match the chamber throats. No one makes this size for Lyman/RCBS sizers, so I had to get one made by a member over on castboolits (cost about $3 more than off-the-shelf.) Using RCBS lube (which is soft and cheap) it hasn’t shown a spec of leading. Judging by the report/recoil, it’s well below SAAMI max, so the GP should easily handle a regular diet of them..

While the rig is concealable under a cover-garment in a Garret Silent Thunder OWB, it won’t be an EDC, but will be on my hip when out at the ranch, where concealment isn’t as much of an issue since rural folks don’t freak when they see a gun.

Now that I’ve found THE gun/load and we’re out of the triple-digit temps in my part of Texas, I’ll be visiting the country more. The GP will be charged with a factory moon clip to facilitate extraction, with reloads carried in quick strips. The diameter of the 10mm case head is close enough to .38 special rims that it can use the same strips (they can also share a shell holder.) Accuracy is the same with or without moons.

It wears a Swamp Fox Justice RD in an EGW mount. I know Rugers have a reputation for not playing well with red dots using no-smith mounts, but no problems so far. If it starts shifting zero, I’ll take it to a smith to drill & tap another mounting screw (I might do it anyway for peace of mind.)

Can’t wait to try it out on my feral hogs.

IMR 4227 has turned out to be a most useful powder. It delivers great accuracy in my .300 BO pistol, .357 magnum, and now 10mm. Enough so that I just took delivery of an 8lb keg. I just need bulk 10m brass to become available again.

Next application for 4227 will be working up .357 Maxiumum loads for IHMSA, and trying it in my .22 Hornet.

I’m sure my quest for the ultimate all-around revolver will continue until I’m planted, but it’s on hold for now.

[BobM]

I have a 4 5/8” 44 Special Ruger Bisley in blue. I’d like to have a 5 1/2 44 Special in stainless but this new 44 will do if I find one first.

[Zeke38]

Sign me up for a new Ruger Bisley 44 4 5/8s. Dang Lipsey's got me again.

[BobM]

Years ago I wanted the 5 1/2” stainless Bisley 44 Magnum and thought about putting one together but never got around to it. I have a 5” 629 Classic if I really need to do some magnum shooting but I’ll most likely get the new Ruger.

[Adam]

I’ll post here as soon as I have mine. Y’all wait until after that, ya buzzards! 😀

[Catshooter]

Four and five eighths is the only correct barrel length for a single action roller. Everyone knows that! :)


Cat

[Dave T]

Four and five eighths is the only correct barrel length for a single action roller. Everyone knows that! :)


Cat

I beg to differ. Four and three quarters of an inch is in fact the best barrel length for a single action, particularly one chambered for the correct SA cartridge, the 45 Colt. (smiley face goes here)

Dave

PS: For the OP's application in 44 Magnum I would recommend the 5-1/2" barrel. Longer barrels make Magnums even more magnum.

[Catshooter]

I beg to differ. Four and three quarters of an inch is in fact the best barrel length for a single action, particularly one chambered for the correct SA cartridge, the 45 Colt. (smiley face goes here)

Pardon me, I stand corrected. Actually, we're both right, Colt and Ruger. :)

Dave

PS: For the OP's application in 44 Magnum I would recommend the 5-1/2" barrel. Longer barrels make Magnums even more magnum.

Naw. I mean how much do y'all need? Elmer's load out of my 3" 629 gave an honest 1,250 fps. :) :)

[03RN]

Naw. I mean how much do y'all need? Elmer's load out of my 3" 629 gave an honest 1,250 fps. :) :)

18.5gr 2400 and 240gr swc? Wow that's fast.

I know it's not apple to apple comparable but iirc I only get 1100fps with 18.5gr 2400 under a 255gr swc from my 4 5/8ths .45 Blackhawk

[Catshooter]

Now this is going off of memory, so, but as I recall Elmer's .44 mag load was his bullet over 22 grains of 2400. Of course that's the old Hercules powder. It did buck some. :)


Cat

[Adam]

18.5gr 2400 and 240gr swc? Wow that's fast.

I know it's not apple to apple comparable but iirc I only get 1100fps with 18.5gr 2400 under a 255gr swc from my 4 5/8ths .45 Blackhawk


Now this is going off of memory, so, but as I recall Elmer's .44 mag load was his bullet over 22 grains of 2400. Of course that's the old Hercules powder. It did buck some. :)


Cat

You’re both tracking. Elmer’s 18.5 gr load was in a balloon head .44 Spl case. The 22 gr beasts came later in the .44 Magnum case.

[paul105]

Another point of reference.

I got 1,250 fps with 250gr Keith (429421) over 21.1gr A2400, new Starline cases and Win LP primers from my 4 1/4" M69.

Five long paces from muzzle and 83 deg F

[03RN]

You’re both tracking. Elmer’s 18.5 gr load was in a balloon head .44 Spl case. The 22 gr beasts came later in the .44 Magnum case.

Gotcha, thanks

[jtcarm]

FWIW, ages ago when the fluted cylinder blackhawk size grip frame 44 mags (standard Blackhawk style format but marked "Super Blackhawk") came out I grabbed one. The only barrel length in the fluted cyl was 5 1/2", which I didnt really care for but wasnt a big deal in and of itself, however, once I started thinking about holsters, and that I already had a number of good 4 5/8" size holsters on hand, I had the barrel chopped to 4 5/8" and never looked back. That was far simpler than trying to replicate good holsters I already had and liked to fit a slightly longer barrel of ONE gun. The likelihood at that point was it probably wouldnt get carried much, so....

I bought one of those too, soon as they hit the streets.

I used an old Alamo Leather Threepersons-style holster intended for a 6.5” Blackhawk, but old and loose enough to take the super-frame.

Two years later I was browsing gun show tables and came across one loaded with brand-spanking-new El Paso Saddlery leather. I left with two 1920s-style holsters, a 5.5” Super and a gorgeous fish-scale cross draw that fit my 4 5/8” old model BH.

[03RN]

77755

[03RN]

78230

[okie john]

78230

Any provision for a lanyard ring on that one? I'd hate to see that rig end up in Davey Jones's locker.


Okie John

[03RN]

Any provision for a lanyard ring on that one? I'd hate to see that rig end up in Davey Jones's locker.


Okie John

Unfortunately no. I do love lanyards for outdoor usage though. It just seems my favorite revolver grips cover the bottom of the grip.

[Lex Luthier]

Unfortunately no. I do love lanyards for outdoor usage though. It just seems my favorite revolver grips cover the bottom of the grip.


Those grips ought to be readily modifiable for a lanyard opening, if the frame has one. I could even see mounting a sling swivel stud to the bottom of the frame and running a paracord loop through it with a suitably fancy knot at the end.

[revchuck38]

Unfortunately no. I do love lanyards for outdoor usage though. It just seems my favorite revolver grips cover the bottom of the grip.

At one time, Hogue offered a lanyard loop that took the place of the screw at the bottom of their grip. I don't know if they still do.

[BobM]

At one time, Hogue offered a lanyard loop that took the place of the screw at the bottom of their grip. I don't know if they still do.

I don’t think they are on Hogues site. I called them and ordered a few of each size (they came in at least two lengths). I have one on my 629. One of my GP100s will get one. I also need to check a friends LCR to see if it takes the same screw (she wears it OWB while trail riding).

[okie john]

At one time, Hogue offered a lanyard loop that took the place of the screw at the bottom of their grip. I don't know if they still do.

I remember those. Too good of an idea to be commercially viable for more than a year or so.



Okie John

[03RN]

Those grips ought to be readily modifiable for a lanyard opening, if the frame has one. I could even see mounting a sling swivel stud to the bottom of the frame and running a paracord loop through it with a suitably fancy knot at the end.

I wonder if I could Dremel a slot and use a pin for a loop.

Geeze, dremeling ahrends. Who'd a thunk it

[okie john]

I wonder if I could Dremel a slot and use a pin for a loop.

Geeze, dremeling ahrends. Who'd a thunk it

A couple of turns of fiberglass strapping tape around the bottom of the frame and sticking out the bottom of the grips is a good temporary solution. Looks horrible but it works.


Okie John

[03RN]

78275

Just a short hike to my shooting spot.

[jandbj]

A couple of turns of fiberglass strapping tape around the bottom of the frame and sticking out the bottom of the grips is a good temporary solution. Looks horrible but it works.


Okie John

Loop of paracord passed through the bottom of the grips... then maybe just a wee bit of work with a chainsaw round file to make a permanent channel?

[Malamute]

Unfortunately no. I do love lanyards for outdoor usage though. It just seems my favorite revolver grips cover the bottom of the grip.

I vaguely recall that someone made an extended shank lanyard loop for revolvers, but I dont recall who, maybe Smith or Ruger?

I used a Smith lanyard ring in the butt of a Ruger SA, but I havent ever actually used it. I envisioned it for use in deep snow primarily, but I havent spent much time wandering in deep snow, contrary to the younger mes expectations (and Im not the least bit disappointed).

Ive used the lanyard hole on the glock as a night gun when camping, grab the cord, loop it around the neck, step out into the darkness to look at the stars for a few moments with 15 europellets of goodness on board,...no gear, clothes, whatever required for middle of the night armed spontaneous stargazing...

...of course, the tanker type holster with a Smith N frame also serves that duty well.

[Catshooter]

Ive used the lanyard hole on the glock as a night gun when camping, grab the cord, loop it around the neck, step out into the darkness to look at the stars for a few moments with 15 europellets of goodness on board,...no gear, clothes, whatever required for middle of the night armed spontaneous stargazing....

Your words have painted a lovely picture in my mind. A clear sky, full moon, maybe a slight breeze, naked grace & form. Beautiful indeed. Of course it's surprising how much you look like and are built just like Miranda Lambert!

[Malamute]

Your words have painted a lovely picture in my mind. A clear sky, full moon, maybe a slight breeze, naked grace & form. Beautiful indeed. Of course it's surprising how much you look like and are built just like Miranda Lambert!


I try to describe myself as looking like a movie star, sort of like Clint Eastwood in his younger-ish days, or Edgar Buchanan.

[Catshooter]

Not naked dude! Alice Eve, Miranda Lambert, Adele. Much better.

[okie john]

Do you want thread drift?

Because this is how you get thread drift.


Okie John

[Wondering Beard]

Do you want thread drift?

Because this is how you get thread drift.


Okie John

Too late.


https://c.tenor.com/Dlqaz6eidwMAAAAM/subaru-snow.gif

[feudist]

I just threw up a little in my mouth.

[CSW]

I have several screws for Hogue mono's.

I may take one to work and see if I could braise/spot weld a small piece of steel to it and make a thumbscrew if you will, that'd be a replacement on a mono.

[03RN]

There's actually a few options on eBay right now.

[Adam]

Anyone have a deer load they like in .44 Magnum? Most all my loading has been 240 gr SWC which I know will do the job, but I picked up some H110 and some 240 gr XTPs to test load for close range whitetails. We actually have a week dedicated to handguns and muzzleloaders and I’m hoping to hit that season harder this year.

[okie john]

Anyone have a deer load they like in .44 Magnum? Most all my loading has been 240 gr SWC which I know will do the job, but I picked up some H110 and some 240 gr XTPs to test load for close range whitetails. We actually have a week dedicated to handguns and muzzleloaders and I’m hoping to hit that season harder this year.

It's all or nothing with H110. Reduced charges don't ignite fully so you end up with a huge velocity swings and a ton of unburned powder tying up your revolver. I locked up a custom five-shot 454 Casull with one shot of a reduced H110 load.

Load it hot and hold behind the shoulder.


Okie John

[Rex G]

https://parts.bowenclassicarms.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7

I have not used any of these, and my only relationship with BCA is as a customer. Thus far, I only have one Bowen Classic Arms product, a rear sight.

[03RN]

We just got home. We paddled across the lake we live on, had a pb&j sandwich (with my strawberry rhubarb jam:D) and a cookie before hanging out then paddling home.

I still need to work on a lanyard. It was windy and we got spun around a few times.
78622

[jtcarm]

Anyone have a deer load they like in .44 Magnum? Most all my loading has been 240 gr SWC which I know will do the job, but I picked up some H110 and some 240 gr XTPs to test load for close range whitetails. We actually have a week dedicated to handguns and muzzleloaders and I’m hoping to hit that season harder this year.

I used to run a max load of H110 or 296 behind an LBT 44/280/WFN. My hunting revolver was a 7.5” Ruger Bisley.

I didn’t own a chrono back then, so no idea as to velocity.

I did finally figure out that that bullet was going to bore a meplat-sized hole all the way through a whitetail at any distance I could hit them, whether it left the muzzle at 900 or 1,400 FPS, so I dialed it down to 8.5 grains of Unique.

Hodgdons web site should have data for H110, probably with that exact bullet. If not it’ll have plenty of data for a 240 JHP.

You’ll need to get close to max with H110, both for accuracy and expansion.

[overton]

As I consider having the barrel of my Mountain revolver shortened to 3.5" (to solve a hairline crack in the front sight ramp and to mimic the handling & look of the M27 3.5"), which front sight / sight set would you choose for a hunters backup/self defense revolver? Tritium? fiber? Which manufacturer?

[CSW]

Although no longer available, I would personally choose the Millet front sights, which had that blaze orange stripe, and a Bowen Rough country rear.
If I couldn't find a Millet on the web, I would even consider a standard dot XS with a colored outline. I know they offer green, but for my eyes, I would prefer orange
D&L Sports also makes a great rear sight.

[HeavyDuty]

Although no longer available, I would personally choose the Millet front sights, which had that blaze orange stripe, and a Bowen Rough country rear.
If I couldn't find a Millet on the web, I would even consider a standard dot XS with a colored outline. I know they offer green, but for my eyes, I would prefer orange
D&L Sports also makes a great rear sight.

I've settled on a Patridge with gold bead for the front and a plain serrated black Bowen Rough Country rear for my adjustable sight S&Ws. I bet I would like an orange front, though.

[paul105]

Personally, I like the fiber optic 1/10" from Dawson Precision

https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/cropped%20fiber%20optic%20front%202.75%20M69%20thu mbnail_IMG_4903.jpg
.
and the Bowen Classic Arms rough country rear.
.
https://photos.imageevent.com/paul105/hobby/large/M69%20side%20view%20sights%20thumbnail_IMG_3972.jp g
.
YMMV

Paul

[overton]

I would love to have a Trijicon HD sight on it, and as the gunsmith would have to cut a new dovetail anyway, would it make sense to cut one for 1911 Novak front sights?
The availability of dedicated S&W front sights seems to pale in comparison to 1911 ones.

[03RN]

Is it just the blade that's cracked? Could you post a pic?

[overton]

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?44242-broken-front-sight-ramp-on-S-amp-W

but would really like it to look like this:

https://images.gunsinternational.com/listings_sub/acc_70986/gi_101462116/1973-Vintage-3-5inch-Smith-and-Wesson-Model-27-2-357-Magnum-Revolver-Spectacular-and-Scarce-All-Orig_101462116_70986_72EFBAA3EFDDCF36.JPG

[okie john]

Do what you want, but that's just a badly fitted blade. The front sights of nearly all post-war S&W adjustable-sighted revolvers are set up like that but most have the pins polished so well that you can't see them. Karl Sokol at Chestnut Mountain Sports can fix you right up.


Okie John

[Catshooter]

Hard to tell in the pic but that looks like a crack in the sight base to me.

[overton]

yep, sight base has a hairline fracture

[entropy]

Spent a cold morning going thru this thread. Never gets old. Thought I’d toss in a few. Channeling my “inner Malamute and Lost River”...or attempting to at least.

All the bears have checked into the Holiday Inn Express until March, so the M28 gets to stretch its legs on the back 40.

83349

83350

[SCCY Marshal]

...the M28 gets to stretch its legs on the back 40.

83349

83350

Yours is in much better shape than mine:

https://i.imgur.com/MezRm4ml.jpg

[03RN]

Spent a cold morning going thru this thread. Never gets old. Thought I’d toss in a few. Channeling my “inner Malamute and Lost River”...or attempting to at least.

All the bears have checked into the Holiday Inn Express until March, so the M28 gets to stretch its legs on the back 40.

83349

83350

Those grips look great. I wasn't to crazy about the red maple on my m19 but I think yours are a little browner which looks more natural.
83351

They do have some pretty figure
83352
83353

[CSW]

To all 3 of you :

Those wheel guns are damn sexy.

[entropy]

Gracias.

Are those Ahrends too? I was lucky enough to get a set before he closed the doors.

I’m still on a quest to find some N Frame grips that fit my hand. I tried a set of Eagle Heritage that smack my thumb knuckle during recoil. I tried a set of Altamonts that are too slick (urethane finish) and have the finger grooves in the wrong spot. My latest experiment was a pair of Magnas. I shot those yesterday and they leave something to be desired when shooting anything but mid .38 loads. I’d take a rasp to the Ahrends as I think that with some minor relief behind the trigger guard that may just be the answer...but I’m reluctant since I cannot get another pair anymore.

Oh...the drama...lol


On a side note, I did come to the conclusion I need to get my post-covid ass on the snowshoes a lot more...

[SCCY Marshal]

...I’d take a rasp to the Ahrends as I think that with some minor relief behind the trigger guard that may just be the answer...but I’m reluctant since I cannot get another pair anymore...

The stocks on mine are from Custom Wood, Inc. which shuttered in the eighties. I rasped and sanded a lot of wood off them to clear speedloaders, fit my hands, and avoid squared edges to slam into my elbow.

I vote you rasp until there is no more problem or there are no stocks to have a problem.

[entropy]

I’m Slavic. You’d think I’d have big Slovak hands. Nope. I’m like a Czech princess. Actually big paws, little stubby fingers. Studdabudda.


83358

I don’t think it would take much....

[wvincent]

entropy, have you tried Magna's with a grip adapter?
I have "smedium" hands, wide but short fingers, with a little room left in the end of the fingers of medium gloves.
I tried magna's first on my 57-5, close but not what I really wanted.
Then I added the grip adapter, and hey, I think I got something here.
I then contacted Grashorn's and they made me a set of elk stocks, no bark. I installed the grip adapter and the first time I shot it I knew it was "right"

[entropy]

No. I have not. There’s been one sitting in my shopping basket now for about a month however. Thanks for the insight.

[Lost River]

https://i.imgur.com/lGoy3x7.jpg?1

I picked up an RDO from the classifieds here, and used heavier mounting screws that I had laying around for added insurance when using .45 Colt loads and mounted the setup on my large frame Blackhawk.

I had to shoot some test loads today (working on an accurate target load for .45 Colt chambered guns) using .45 Cowboy brass and found a good combo that will be used in production. Quite positive the flier in each group was the operator and not the gun/load.

These are 200 grain SWCs and I was shooting at a shade under 25 yards.

Now I REALLY want to go find some desert jackrabbits or snowshoe hares!

[HeavyDuty]

https://i.imgur.com/lGoy3x7.jpg?1

I picked up an RDO from the classifieds here, and used heavier mounting screws that I had laying around for added insurance when using .45 Colt loads and mounted the setup on my large frame Blackhawk.

I had to shoot some test loads today (working on an accurate target load for .45 Colt chambered guns) using .45 Cowboy brass and found a good combo that will be used in production. Quite positive the flier in each group was the operator and not the gun/load.

These are 200 grain SWCs and I was shooting at a shade under 25 yards.

Now I REALLY want to go find some desert jackrabbits or snowshoe hares!
I’d love to see Elmer Keith’s face!

[gato naranja]

https://i.imgur.com/lGoy3x7.jpg?1

That revolver (though not so much the RDO) suddenly makes me want to sell every friggin' firearm off and get a pair of Blackhawks that look like it. The great circle that began with cowboy cap guns around 1958 would be complete.

[HCM]

I’d love to see Elmer Keith’s face!

I think a guy who liked tinkering / experimenting with handguns would appreciate a more effective sighting system.

The easily visible / precision adjustment iron sights common on handguns today were a niche item for target shooting when Elmer Keith was coming up.

[HeavyDuty]

I think a guy who liked tinkering / experimenting with handguns would appreciate a more effective sighting system.

The easily visible / precision adjustment iron sights common on handguns today were a niche item for target shooting when Elmer Keith was coming up.

I agree - I’d like to think he would be intrigued, but somewhat startled.

[Lost River]

I’d love to see Elmer Keith’s face!

People (not specifically HD, just the public in general) often have an image of the old Idaho cowboy in his tall hat and sometimes chomping on a cigar, with a sixgun in hand, and they think "old man" set in his ways.

What many may not consider is that he was absolutely an innovator, experimenter and pioneer in the industry. He pushed forward new ideas constantly. Some worked, some did not.

In fact, that old Ruger Blackhawk .45 is very much a product of Elmer Keith's visions as well as Bill Ruger's. When Ruger built the first Flattops he sent one to Keith. Keith told him that the rear sight needed to be redesigned to not wiggle when raised. He also filed on the front sight to get it to hit where he wanted it. Further he did not like the grip, and told Ruger as much. He suggested a larger grip for larger, hard recoiling cartridges like the .44 Mag. Keith suggested a "dragoon" grip, which Ruger did on some models. The sight which is on the current models (versus the Flattops ) is a result of Keiths critiques.

Keith ended up with a re-designed prototype 7.5" .44 Mag and as I recall from reading, he shot a number of Idaho elk with it. Ruger also, at the request of Keith, put more of a Bisley style hammer on what would become the .44 Super Blackhawks.

Anyways, coming full circle, Keith was an innovator, and was always seeking to advance designs and improve. So as far as the red dots go, he may have liked them. I could see him having a mix with some guns having them, and some not, depending on the task at hand, like many of us do now. As the saying goes, the mission drives the gear, and I think for Keith that very much was the case as well. He went with what worked for him and was not afraid to make changes that suited his needs.

:cool:

[Rex G]

People (not specifically HD, just the public in general) often have an image of the old Idaho cowboy in his tall hat and sometimes chomping on a cigar, with a sixgun in hand, and they think "old man" set in his ways.

What many may not consider is that he was absolutely an innovator, experimenter and pioneer in the industry. He pushed forward new ideas constantly. Some worked, some did not.

In fact, that old Ruger Blackhawk .45 is very much a product of Elmer Keith's visions as well as Bill Ruger's. When Ruger built the first Flattops he sent one to Keith. Keith told him that the rear sight needed to be redesigned to not wiggle when raised. He also filed on the front sight to get it to hit where he wanted it. Further he did not like the grip, and told Ruger as much. He suggested a larger grip for larger, hard recoiling cartridges like the .44 Mag. Keith suggested a "dragoon" grip, which Ruger did on some models. The sight which is on the current models (versus the Flattops ) is a result of Keiths critiques.

Keith ended up with a re-designed prototype 7.5" .44 Mag and as I recall from reading, he shot a number of Idaho elk with it. Ruger also, at the request of Keith, put more of a Bisley style hammer on what would become the .44 Super Blackhawks.

Anyways, coming full circle, Keith was an innovator, and was always seeking to advance designs and improve. So as far as the red dots go, he may have liked them. I could see him having a mix with some guns having them, and some not, depending on the task at hand, like many of us do now. As the saying goes, the mission drives the gear, and I think for Keith that very much was the case as well. He went with what worked for him and was not afraid to make changes that suited his needs.

:cool:

I agree. Having read what Keith wrote, about the Croft sixguns, and John Newman’s slip guns, I have never thought that Elmer Keith was closed-minded.

Edited to add: I seem to remember that Elmer Keith had a favorable opinion of the S&W Models 39 and/or 59, too, though as back-ups for one’s properly-big-bore sixgun, of course.

[Lost River]

Yep, and that has to take into consideration the 9mm ammunition that was in common usage during that time frame then versus now.

I think he might cock his hat back and take interest at the practical advantages that RDOs have when it comes to testing ammo, versus using irons, especially with less than perfect eyesight.

https://i.imgur.com/IsmU8QR.jpg?1

[Malamute]

Keith was also a huge fan of good adjustable sights, even on 2" guns, which i agree on for the most part. He put good sights on various guns that came with fixed sights. On a true pocket carry gun, perhaps not, but anything carried in a holster, I like good sights.

Its funny, I recall in my youth wanting to make a fixed sight version of a Ruger single action, because old style, and many years later, looking at a vaquero and thinking what a huge improvement it would be with a Smith adjustable rear sight on it along with a nice easy to see square blade front, like a Colt Flat Top Target front sight.

Its funny you posted the pic of the Ruger SA with the dot sight, ive been thinking of doing something similar. That or a Leupold pistol scope.

[03RN]

Boy, I wonder if the mount would clear the holster...
84653

[Lost River]

I have a Bob Mernickles holster that I received with a gun I bought that fits that BHawk.

It is very similar in design to yours. With the Weigand sight, unfortunately it will not fit in the holster.

[Dave T]

LOL - Keith may have been an innovator but apparently I'm not. RDOs destroy the lines, the look, the balance, and the appeal of the single action revolver. For me this is near perfection:

84657

OK, I'll go crawl back under my rock.

Dave

[Lester Polfus]

LOL - Keith may have been an innovator but apparently I'm not. RDOs destroy the lines, the look, the balance, and the appeal of the single action revolver. For me this is near perfection:

84657

OK, I'll go crawl back under my rock.

Dave

I completely agree. Someday I want a SAA or SAA clone with a color case hardened finish that looks just like the one in that picture, and another one with a RDO to shoot stuff at 100 yards.

[Dave T]

Someday I want a SAA or SAA clone with a color case hardened finish that looks just like the one in that picture...

Lester, that is a USFA late production Pre-War 4-3/4" with a black powder frame, chambered for the 45 Colt cartridge. I only shoot full black powder loads through it (250g over 36g FFFg). Despite the fact that it hurts my old, arthritic hand (I'm reduced to wearing a shooting glove) every time I fire it, the billowing cloud of sulfurous smoke and the resounding clang as the RNFP lead bullet hits the steel target puts a big smile on my face.

Dave

[Catshooter]

Dave,

That is one beautiful roller. Now if it had one-piece (real) Ivories it would be perfect!

[willie]

Everybody needs a single action. My New Vaquero in 45 Colt is the finest one that I ever owned. Whoever put it together threw his soul into the job. The only reason I would scope a single action would be to test loads. However, I would enjoy shooting the op's. I sense he knows what he's doing and hope he reports further.

[willie]

Boy, I wonder if the mount would clear the holster...
84653

Sir, you own too many nice revolvers!

[JHC]

Only 5 shots but a cool IMO feature set and I dig the looks of it. A fellow should be able to do some good work with that within its DNA limits.

https://ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/15707.html

84688

[03RN]

Sir, you own too many nice revolvers!

Thank you. I need to carry it more though. It doesn't get it's fair share.
84696

[SCCY Marshal]

I have too many higher priority projects pending but you guys are about to make me price gripframes for my 357 Mag. old model Vaquero rebuild.

[FrankB]

I have too many higher priority projects pending but you guys are about to make me price gripframes for my 357 Mag. old model Vaquero rebuild.

I was thinking the same thing! My New Vaquero already has wood stocks, but another 3/4” in length would be nice.

[Lost River]

If you grew up watching John Wayne movies (and still watch them) this brass kind of makes you grin!



https://i.imgur.com/puX72e4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/derQ8nx.jpg?1

[Flamingo]

If you grew up watching John Wayne movies (and still watch them) this brass kind of makes you grin!

If you were going to buy a Single Action would you go with 44 Mag or 45 Colt?

[jtcarm]

People (not specifically HD, just the public in general) often have an image of the old Idaho cowboy in his tall hat and sometimes chomping on a cigar, with a sixgun in hand, and they think "old man" set in his ways.

What many may not consider is that he was absolutely an innovator, experimenter and pioneer in the industry. He pushed forward new ideas constantly. Some worked, some did not.

In fact, that old Ruger Blackhawk .45 is very much a product of Elmer Keith's visions as well as Bill Ruger's. When Ruger built the first Flattops he sent one to Keith. Keith told him that the rear sight needed to be redesigned to not wiggle when raised. He also filed on the front sight to get it to hit where he wanted it. Further he did not like the grip, and told Ruger as much. He suggested a larger grip for larger, hard recoiling cartridges like the .44 Mag. Keith suggested a "dragoon" grip, which Ruger did on some models. The sight which is on the current models (versus the Flattops ) is a result of Keiths critiques.

:cool:

Wish Bill had listened to someone else.

Elmer gave us the less-ergonomic XR3-RED grip frame, the cheap, crappy aluminum rear sight (plus the fugly ribs), and, worst of all, the POSITIVELY abominable dragoon grip frame.

[Stephanie B]

If you grew up watching John Wayne movies (and still watch them) this brass kind of makes you grin!

https://i.imgur.com/puX72e4.jpg

.45 Special? Great, another rabbit-hole to explore…

[HeavyDuty]

.45 Special? Great, another rabbit-hole to explore…

Now *that’s* interesting. Basically ACP level loads?

84816

[baddean]

Dave,

That is one beautiful roller. Now if it had one-piece (real) Ivories it would be perfect!

Did someone mention "Ivories"
Pair of second gen SAA in .44 special both mfg in 1959

84817

[baddean]

.45 Special? Great, another rabbit-hole to explore…

Basically a .45 acp case with a .45 colt rim. Mainly used for shooting reduced recoil loads for the cowboys.
Not sure they would feed reliably in the lever guns. Mostly for the revolvers.
Shorter than the .45 Schofield case.

[jtcarm]

I have too many higher priority projects pending but you guys are about to make me price gripframes for my 357 Mag. old model Vaquero rebuild.

Aren’t all Vaqueros new models, i.e. have a clanky-ass transfer bar?

[03RN]

If you grew up watching John Wayne movies (and still watch them) this brass kind of makes you grin!



https://i.imgur.com/puX72e4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/derQ8nx.jpg?1


Same data as acp and AR?

[03RN]

Aren’t all Vaqueros new models, i.e. have a clanky-ass transfer bar?

New Vaqueros are a smaller frame than the original ones

[baddean]

Same data as acp and AR?

Yes on the ACP

[Malamute]

Wish Bill had listened to someone else.

Elmer gave us the less-ergonomic XR3-RED grip frame, the cheap, crappy aluminum rear sight (plus the fugly ribs), and, worst of all, the POSITIVELY abominable dragoon grip frame.

At one point in the past the gp100 sights were identical and made of steel. Mine have them.

The ribs disappear with the application of a file and wet-or-dry paper and cold blue.

I dont mind the standard red/whatever grip frames, its the factory and most aftermarket grips i dont care for much. I started working on the factories then decent replacements, the best being one piece rosewoods. I view most guns as "a good starting point" to get what I want, this being one of those things, as well as the other half dozen or so things I tend to change on Rugers.

The Super grips frames do indeed help with recoil, but Im not so fond of the big flair at the bottom. I really like the Cassull grip frame, so had a gun shop guy take the grips off one and let me trace them, then altered a Super grip frame to match (requires welding and grinding), and have a really nice feeling longer grip frame (removed the square back trigger guard also),...which ive never put on a gun because I really prefer the standard grip frame over anything else once I did the one piece rosewoods and im too lazy/unmotivated to make nice grips for it. I keep thinking Im going to use it one day, but the ambition level to make more grips isnt there and I dislike the factory ones for the most part. I guess i dont shoot many heavy loads either, further reducing the real need for the longer grip frame.

[baddean]

Pair of old model Vaqueros in .45 colt
The new model Vaqueros are closer in size to the Colt SAA.

84818

[baddean]

If you were going to buy a Single Action would you go with 44 Mag or 45 Colt?
That would depend on how you want to use it.
Obviously the .44 has much more power but you can also shoot .44 specials in it so maybe more versatile.

[Lost River]

If you were going to buy a Single Action would you go with 44 Mag or 45 Colt?

It depends on what other guns you have.

If you are already a .45 ACP shooter, such as a 1911 owner, then I would opt for a .45 Convertible Ruger. This way you can use the .45 ACP cylinder. You get loads of cheap brass, and handy little speedloaders in the shape of 1911 mags:


https://i.imgur.com/Eru4bfF.jpg

While I am a died in the wool .44 Mag fan, it is hard to beat the practical nature of the .45 Convertible Blackhawk. The only downside is that sometimes .45 Rugers require some work, specifically getting the cylinder throats uniform, before they start shooting their best. That never really seems to be an issue with .44 Mags. With both S&W and Ruger, the .44 has always been a "Plug and Play" kind of thing. Plus I will say the .44 Russian brass/loads have been quite fun.

In fact I have a Manson chamber reamer floating around somewhere in PF land that fixes the throats on .45 chambers, and it is a pretty quick fix. So if you buy one, Just let us know and whoever has it at the moment, can mail it to you.

[Lost River]

Same data as acp and AR?

Yep, of course if you are shooting it in a BH you have a much stronger than normal platform (versus a semi auto), so you can bump them up a bit (within reason).

[baddean]

Since I brought up the .45 Schofield round in an earlier post.
A pair of Colt open top replicas from Uberti in .45 Schofield. Shot using black powder.

84819

[baddean]

It depends on what other guns you have.

If you are already a .45 ACP shooter, such as a 1911 owner, then I would opt for a .45 Convertible Ruger. This way you can use the .45 ACP cylinder. You get loads of cheap brass, and handy little speedloaders in the shape of 1911 mags:


https://i.imgur.com/Eru4bfF.jpg

While I am a died in the wool .44 Mag fan, it is hard to beat the practical nature of the .45 Convertible Blackhawk. The only downside is that sometimes .45 Rugers require some work, specifically getting the cylinder throats uniform, before they start shooting their best. That never really seems to be an issue with .44 Mags. With both S&W and Ruger, the .44 has always been a "Plug and Play" kind of thing. Plus I will say the .44 Russian brass/loads have been quite fun.

In fact I have a Manson chamber reamer floating around somewhere in PF land that fixes the throats on .45 chambers, and it is a pretty quick fix. So if you buy one, Just let us know and whoever has it at the moment, can mail it to you.

Very nice!

[entropy]

This thread is gonna cost me money......again....

[Lost River]

Since I brought up the .45 Schofield round in an earlier post.
A pair of Colt open top replicas from Uberti in .45 Schofield. Shot using black powder.

84819


That pic brings back bad memories..

I got put on the bench for about a week after using one of those. Though not in a traditional manner.

I got asked to assist state P&P on an offender check or something (been so long ago I don't remember). But anyways the Parole Officer was this gal that was quite frankly oblivious about how dangerous some of these guys were and the dude she was dealing with in particular. He had one of those black powder pistols just like the one shown. I asked about it and she told me that in her mind it was not a real gun and was harmless :rolleyes: OK Lady...

Anyways, ol' Waingro was sketched out about something in his place. Fortunately, the gun wasn't loaded but it was obvious that he didn't want us there and would not stay still/stay seated. I told him a few times to park his ass on a chair and stay there. Long story short he eventually made a grab for a couple of kitchen knives that P&P Officer Clueless had let him work his way over towards on the countertop by the sink. He was leaning over the counter and was reaching with one hand and propping himself with the other for balance. Her back was to him and down the narrow little hall and not paying any attention to any of this..

Not wanting to get into a wrestling match over a knife in a confined space and not wanting to throw shots I picked up the black powder pistol by the barrel and smacked his hand that was on the counter pretty hard and he fell onto the counter and I put him in cuffs quickly while he was howling. It all happened in seconds and P&P had no clue what actually happened until I explained it.

Ends up the bones in the hand are a bit delicate, and I whacked him a bit hard. They broke. I sat out for the rest of the week on a use of force review while the brass determined my fate. I ended up getting cleared but what a pain in the ass. :mad: Every time I see one of those things I think about it.

[HeavyDuty]

It depends on what other guns you have.

If you are already a .45 ACP shooter, such as a 1911 owner, then I would opt for a .45 Convertible Ruger. This way you can use the .45 ACP cylinder. You get loads of cheap brass, and handy little speedloaders in the shape of 1911 mags:


https://i.imgur.com/Eru4bfF.jpg

While I am a died in the wool .44 Mag fan, it is hard to beat the practical nature of the .45 Convertible Blackhawk. The only downside is that sometimes .45 Rugers require some work, specifically getting the cylinder throats uniform, before they start shooting their best. That never really seems to be an issue with .44 Mags. With both S&W and Ruger, the .44 has always been a "Plug and Play" kind of thing. Plus I will say the .44 Russian brass/loads have been quite fun.

In fact I have a Manson chamber reamer floating around somewhere in PF land that fixes the throats on .45 chambers, and it is a pretty quick fix. So if you buy one, Just let us know and whoever has it at the moment, can mail it to you.

Another option is to skip the convertible part and just go straight .45 ACP:

https://pistol-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=60221&d=1599834618

[baddean]

That pic brings back bad memories..

I got put on the bench for about a week after using one of those. Though not in a traditional manner.

I got asked to assist state P&P on an offender check or something (been so long ago I don't remember). But anyways the Parole Officer was this gal that was quite frankly oblivious about how dangerous some of these guys were and the dude she was dealing with in particular. He had one of those black powder pistols just like the one shown. I asked about it and she told me that in her mind it was not a real gun and was harmless :rolleyes: OK Lady...

Anyways, ol' Waingro was sketched out about something in his place. Fortunately, the gun wasn't loaded but it was obvious that he didn't want us there and would not stay still/stay seated. I told him a few times to park his ass on a chair and stay there. Long story short he eventually made a grab for a couple of kitchen knives that P&P Officer Clueless had let him work his way over towards on the countertop by the sink. He was leaning over the counter and was reaching with one hand and propping himself with the other for balance. Her back was to him and down the narrow little hall and not paying any attention to any of this..

Not wanting to get into a wrestling match over a knife in a confined space and not wanting to throw shots I picked up the black powder pistol by the barrel and smacked his hand that was on the counter pretty hard and he fell onto the counter and I put him in cuffs quickly while he was howling. It all happened in seconds and P&P had no clue what actually happened until I explained it.

Ends up the bones in the hand are a bit delicate, and I whacked him a bit hard. They broke. I sat out for the rest of the week on a use of force review while the brass determined my fate. I ended up getting cleared but what a pain in the ass. :mad: Every time I see one of those things I think about it.

Does go to show though that an empty gun is, in fact, a club.

[CSW]

If you were going to buy a Single Action would you go with 44 Mag or 45 Colt?

I went with the Colt.

[Malamute]

Im a fan of both 44 and 45 Colt SAs, it turns out i carry and shoot the 45 more, partly because the gun is a bit lighter, and it does everything i need (up to 325 gr@1250fps), as well as it has a number of modifications that I like and enjoy using. Long ago I found a shop that had some ACP cylinders, of the 3 they had and the 3 guns i tried them in, one fit one gun, so I bought it. Thats the gun i tend to take on the road, if I run low on my handloads, I can find 45 auto loads easier on the road (under normal circumstances) than 45 Colts. i dont tend to take a 45 auto pistol traveling.

In general I dont use any factory ammo in most of my revolvers, so its a wash as to loaded ammo availability between 44 and 45. Some have never had a factory round in them as far as I know. Being able to find 45 auto loads on the road is the one exception to that, and is more of a backup plan than anything.

[03RN]

That pic brings back bad memories..

I got put on the bench for about a week after using one of those. Though not in a traditional manner.

I got asked to assist state P&P on an offender check or something (been so long ago I don't remember). But anyways the Parole Officer was this gal that was quite frankly oblivious about how dangerous some of these guys were and the dude she was dealing with in particular. He had one of those black powder pistols just like the one shown. I asked about it and she told me that in her mind it was not a real gun and was harmless :rolleyes: OK Lady...

Anyways, ol' Waingro was sketched out about something in his place. Fortunately, the gun wasn't loaded but it was obvious that he didn't want us there and would not stay still/stay seated. I told him a few times to park his ass on a chair and stay there. Long story short he eventually made a grab for a couple of kitchen knives that P&P Officer Clueless had let him work his way over towards on the countertop by the sink. He was leaning over the counter and was reaching with one hand and propping himself with the other for balance. Her back was to him and down the narrow little hall and not paying any attention to any of this..

Not wanting to get into a wrestling match over a knife in a confined space and not wanting to throw shots I picked up the black powder pistol by the barrel and smacked his hand that was on the counter pretty hard and he fell onto the counter and I put him in cuffs quickly while he was howling. It all happened in seconds and P&P had no clue what actually happened until I explained it.

Ends up the bones in the hand are a bit delicate, and I whacked him a bit hard. They broke. I sat out for the rest of the week on a use of force review while the brass determined my fate. I ended up getting cleared but what a pain in the ass. :mad: Every time I see one of those things I think about it.

A surly bartender eh

[jtcarm]

Basically a .45 acp case with a .45 colt rim. Mainly used for shooting reduced recoil loads for the cowboys.
Not sure they would feed reliably in the lever guns. Mostly for the revolvers.
Shorter than the .45 Schofield case.

Dare I say it? A .”45 Short Colt”?

[BobM]

That pic brings back bad memories..

I got put on the bench for about a week after using one of those. Though not in a traditional manner.

I got asked to assist state P&P on an offender check or something (been so long ago I don't remember). But anyways the Parole Officer was this gal that was quite frankly oblivious about how dangerous some of these guys were and the dude she was dealing with in particular. He had one of those black powder pistols just like the one shown. I asked about it and she told me that in her mind it was not a real gun and was harmless :rolleyes: OK Lady...

Anyways, ol' Waingro was sketched out about something in his place. Fortunately, the gun wasn't loaded but it was obvious that he didn't want us there and would not stay still/stay seated. I told him a few times to park his ass on a chair and stay there. Long story short he eventually made a grab for a couple of kitchen knives that P&P Officer Clueless had let him work his way over towards on the countertop by the sink. He was leaning over the counter and was reaching with one hand and propping himself with the other for balance. Her back was to him and down the narrow little hall and not paying any attention to any of this..

Not wanting to get into a wrestling match over a knife in a confined space and not wanting to throw shots I picked up the black powder pistol by the barrel and smacked his hand that was on the counter pretty hard and he fell onto the counter and I put him in cuffs quickly while he was howling. It all happened in seconds and P&P had no clue what actually happened until I explained it.

Ends up the bones in the hand are a bit delicate, and I whacked him a bit hard. They broke. I sat out for the rest of the week on a use of force review while the brass determined my fate. I ended up getting cleared but what a pain in the ass. :mad: Every time I see one of those things I think about it.

Did you get to keep the revolver?

[Crazy Dane]

I get a little sad looking at everyone's pictures. I haven't seen a new or used for that matter, Blackhawk on the shelf since before the pandemic hit. I used to own a few .45s and 1 .44 Super but sold them all off to fund other things like electricity, food, heating oil... screw NAFTA. I was planning to replace them, but they have become rare as hen's teeth in these parts. Online shopping proves to be futile also. I miss shooting my SAs. I was out shopping for a Blackhawk the day I stumbled upon the 5-inch .44 Special GP100. I don't hate myself for that purchase but part of me wishes I had kept looking that day. I also keep buying DAs because I can't find any SAs.

[entropy]

Well that’s a bummer.

I haven’t been to a gun shop of any kind for prolly almost a year now. I’m wandering out today and plan to stop at one of the bigger ones in the area just to see what the inventory looks like. Surprised to hear about the SAs...you’d thing those would be the ones sitting on the shelves collecting the dust...🤷

If you EVER part with that 5” .44......could you give me 1st dibs? 🤤 Those are beyond unobtainium, at least with the full lug. I do keep looking periodically however...

[Crazy Dane]

Well that’s a bummer.

I haven’t been to a gun shop of any kind for prolly almost a year now. I’m wandering out today and plan to stop at one of the bigger ones in the area just to see what the inventory looks like. Surprised to hear about the SAs...you’d thing those would be the ones sitting on the shelves collecting the dust...🤷

If you EVER part with that 5” .44......could you give me 1st dibs? 🤤 Those are beyond unobtainium, at least with the full lug. I do keep looking periodically however...


When I brought home the 3" Python, my wife asked me what I was planning to do with all these guns I keep buying. I think I really surprised her with my answer. I told her that if our 3 children ever gave us grandkids, I planned to make memories and pass them all down to them, hopefully not in a will. In the meantime, I still plan to take a few more whitetail with the 5 inch. :cool:

https://i.ibb.co/XWNfg1G/4-F4641-A4-8949-4-F6-F-96-D7-4883-F6-A37-BD4.jpg (https://ibb.co/51tXymJ)

[entropy]

Well, if any of your kids want to adopt a 58yr old guy....I’m your man! Lol

[Crazy Dane]

Well, if any of your kids want to adopt a 58yr old guy....I’m your man! Lol


I will let them know! It seems to be the only way to get one. :D

[jws]

entropy



I was browsing gunbroker and happened to come across this.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/924854959

[entropy]

entropy



I was browsing gunbroker and happened to come across this.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/924854959


Yep! Saw that this afternoon! Thanks!

I’m going to keep an eye on it and jump in if it doesn’t get too crazy. This is the first one I’ve seen in a looooong time!

[Lost River]

Did you get to keep the revolver?

No,

If it were to have been confiscated, that would have been the responsibility of probation and parole. I was only there on an agency assist call. Basically, as the muscle and eyes so P&P could search or talk or do whatever it was they were going to do. Plus, I as an individual would not have been able to keep something that had been confiscated anyways, as it was someone else's property. Things like that get destroyed/sold at auction depending on the item, and department policy. I have no idea what P&P's policy was at that time.

[okie john]

When I brought home the 3" Python, my wife asked me what I was planning to do with all these guns I keep buying. I think I really surprised her with my answer. I told her that if our 3 children ever gave us grandkids, I planned to make memories and pass them all down to them, hopefully not in a will.

That is brilliant. I'm going to start using this line, probably this week, then I'll actually do it when the grandkids come along.


Okie John

[HCM]

Long ago I found a shop that had some ACP cylinders, of the 3 they had and the 3 guns i tried them in, one fit one gun, so I bought it.



https://youtu.be/4zc0r-gTxNw

[Lost River]

https://i.imgur.com/v8rwpci.jpg?1

My favorite old 4" .44 and my dad's old wood and canvas Trapper Nelson.

Someone sent me a link to the old Trapper Nelson packs.

Apparently these have become a collector's item.

People are now paying hundreds of dollars for them.


This is the pack in the background.

https://i.imgur.com/uobR7Cz.jpg

Crazy. I have my dad's and his high school buddy's packs both hanging on my wall. Never would have guessed.

[paul105]

I had one of those Trapper Nelsons

[03RN]

I hope Ruger makes reasonably priced .357 carbines. I want one with a 1-3 weaver or 1.5-5 so bad.

[camel]

I hope Ruger makes reasonably priced .357 carbines. I want one with a 1-3 weaver or 1.5-5 so bad.

You and me both

[gato naranja]

I hope Ruger makes reasonably priced .357 carbines. I want one with a 1-3 weaver or 1.5-5 so bad.

I also await the arrival of Ruger's "Marlin" .357 leverguns, though I no longer actually need one. Part of me wants an 1894 CSBL with a Vortex Crossfire II 1-4×24 despite my own .357 levergun experiences leading me to believe that a red dot (in my case a 30mm Ultra Dot and an Aimpoint T-1 Micro) in the lowest possible QD rings/mount is sufficient for most of my purposes.

[WDR]

I also await the arrival of Ruger's "Marlin" .357 leverguns, though I no longer actually need one. Part of me wants an 1894 CSBL with a Vortex Crossfire II 1-4×24 despite my own .357 levergun experiences leading me to believe that a red dot (in my case a 30mm Ultra Dot and an Aimpoint T-1 Micro) in the lowest possible QD rings/mount is sufficient for most of my purposes.

A Ruger/Marlin 1894 in SS/gray laminate ( like the CSBL), threaded for a can, wearing an Aimpoint Micro is what I'd really like to get my hands on. Prices since covid and Remington being divvied up have gone into insanity realm for the CSBL and CST models (along with most other things Marlin/Remlin)

I'd be even happier if Ruger makes a run with straight grip gray laminate stocks, without the huge loop. (Marlin did do a small batch of SS/gray laminate/straight grip stocks way back when... I forget the model designation.) I would buy the model with the full top rail, but if I could find a slicker, lower profile mount (like the stuff Aridus was teasing for a bit), the rail itself would go in the parts bin. I'd keep the ghost ring sights though.

I have a 4MOA Aimpoint R-1 Micro... like the H-1, but a "stainless" finish, a model they no longer make. It's currently wearing a rattle can FDE/Desert Tan finish courtesy of my handywork, but I'd strip the Krylon off carefully.

I personally see the .357 levergun as a 150 yards and in sort of tool, and a 4 MOA dot is plenty fine for the uses I have in mind. The lighter and slicker, the better.

Sorry for the thread drift, Big Bore fans! :cool:

[Lester Polfus]

I hope Ruger makes reasonably priced .357 carbines. I want one with a 1-3 weaver or 1.5-5 so bad.

IIRC I paid $600 for my blued/walnut 1894c in 2019. That was during the "Remlin" years. Mine works great, and if I have to pay $1000 for it's Ruger twin, I'll probably do it.

[SCCY Marshal]

Put in a couple miles on my walk and ran a cylinder of Remington green and white box 125gr SJHP magnums out of the Highway Patrolman. It is zeroed for the Magtech 158gr SJHP at 25 yards and I was pleasantly surprised to see an identical POI. I now have a substitute-standard load if my usual does't come back in stock, soon.

[03RN]

Put in a couple miles on my walk and ran a cylinder of Remington green and white box 125gr SJHP magnums out of the Highway Patrolman. It is zeroed for the Magtech 158gr SJHP at 25 yards and I was pleasantly surprised to see an identical POI. I now have a substitute-standard load if my usual does't come back in stock, soon.

Wow, that's lucky. Those Remington's always shoot low for me.

[SCCY Marshal]

Yeah, I put my traced aiming point about 2/3 up the box liner I was using for a target to try catching low hits. Glad I lucked out with the barrel S&W screwed into this thing.

[CSW]

Put in a couple miles on my walk and ran a cylinder of Remington green and white box 125gr SJHP magnums out of the Highway Patrolman. It is zeroed for the Magtech 158gr SJHP at 25 yards and I was pleasantly surprised to see an identical POI. I now have a substitute-standard load if my usual does't come back in stock, soon.

Remington 125 always were low compared to 158 out of my Security Six and gp100.
Winchester silver tip 125 shot to the same poi as the 158.

[Rick R]

Remington 125 always were low compared to 158 out of my Security Six and gp100.
Winchester silver tip 125 shot to the same poi as the 158.

The fast 125gr loads make it out of the muzzle lower in the recoil arc than heavier/slower bullets. I believe the .357 Silvertip has always been a 145gr bullet making it’s POI closer to the 158gr loads.

[JHC]

Saw something curious this morning here. The language has probably been there forever for all I know. Sort of makes it sound like something it can't possibly be right?

"Smith & Wesson combined a Scandium alloy frame with a Titanium cylinder to build the strongest and lightest weight .44 Magnum revolver made. The result...maximum power in a small, lightweight, easy-to-carry package. Smith & Wesson's large frame revolvers are a favorite choice among handgun hunters, competitive shooters and revolver enthusiasts. These revolvers are available from production, Night Guard, M&P, Classics, Champion Series and Performance Center in a variety of chamberings in .357 Magnum®, .44 Magnum® and .45 ACP. Offered in several different barrel lengths, Smith & Wesson provides the user plenty of options for a variety of shooting applications."

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-329pd

[whomever]

Sort of makes it sound like something it can't possibly be right?




Maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet :-). What sounds wrong?

I got a 329PD right when they came out, as a backpacking gun for bear country. They are

A)the easiest carrying 44 mag around, perfect for a saw-the-toothbrush-in-half-to-save-weight backpacker, and
B)very unpleasant to shoot with full power loads

I've carried it a lot of miles.

When they came out, conventional wisdom was that calibers less than 44 mag were unsuited for grizzly defense, I think that has shifted to 'there is nothing wrong with a 9MM service pistol with suitable ammo'.

Especially for the 329, unless you are Jerry Miculek, your split times with a service pistol are going to be a ...lot... better than with a 329.

[JHC]

Maybe I haven't had enough coffee yet :-). What sounds wrong?

I got a 329PD right when they came out, as a backpacking gun for bear country. They are

A)the easiest carrying 44 mag around, perfect for a saw-the-toothbrush-in-half-to-save-weight backpacker, and
B)very unpleasant to shoot with full power loads

I've carried it a lot of miles.

When they came out, conventional wisdom was that calibers less than 44 mag were unsuited for grizzly defense, I think that has shifted to 'there is nothing wrong with a 9MM service pistol with suitable ammo'.

Especially for the 329, unless you are Jerry Miculek, your split times with a service pistol are going to be a ...lot... better than with a 329.

They still make it sound like the other calibers are available including the NightGuard series. They aren't available by special order through the custom shop are they?

[whomever]

They still make it sound like the other calibers are available including the NightGuard series. They aren't available by special order through the custom shop are they?

Oh, got it. From a quick look the only other Scandium I saw was I saw was the 357 J frame.

Sorry, I haven't kept up.

[CSW]

Owned a 325pd in 45acp.
Should have never sold it.

[OlongJohnson]

You remind me of the 325 Thunder Ranch that was at the local Gander Mountain when they shut down. Then I remember I have a USP .45.

[jtcarm]

I had a 325 PD I swapped.

Don’t miss it at all.

[Dave T]

I've told this story before so forgive me if it becomes boring.

I bought a 4" 325 PD off GB and thought it the perfect carry revolver in my Maxpedition shoulder bag. It was mechanically sound except for the heaviest DA trigger pull I've ever experienced on a S&W, and that goes back to the summer of 1973 and my first duty gun (M28-2). Took it to a good smith I new and he cleaned up the trigger and swapped the Titanium cylinder for a 625 cylinder I bought from Numeric. My previous experience with a Titanium cylinder was completely negative.

I took it to the range for a test fire and it seemed to work fine. When I got home and in the shop I started to clean it. When I turned it upside down to wipe off the underside of the top strap I noticed something odd on the frame under the barrel threads. Odd indeed. The frame was cracked all the way through, front to back at the point where the barrel threaded through it.86172

S&W said it wasn't under warranty because I bought it second hand. They said they would take a look at it for $60 if I paid the shipping. Any work would be at $90/hr and I would have to pay for any parts (like the frame).

It still sets in the back of the safe, a reminder of S&W's customer service and quality control in the days of the Lock.

Dave

[CSW]

I've told this story before so forgive me if it becomes boring.

I bought a 4" 325 PD off GB and thought it the perfect carry revolver in my Maxpedition shoulder bag. It was mechanically sound except for the heaviest DA trigger pull I've ever experienced on a S&W, and that goes back to the summer of 1973 and my first duty gun (M28-2). Took it to a good smith I new and he cleaned up the trigger and swapped the Titanium cylinder for a 625 cylinder I bought from Numeric. My previous experience with a Titanium cylinder was completely negative.

I took it to the range for a test fire and it seemed to work fine. When I got home and in the shop I started to clean it. When I turned it upside down to wipe off the underside of the top strap I noticed something odd on the frame under the barrel threads. Odd indeed. The frame was cracked all the way through, front to back at the point where the barrel threaded through it.86172

S&W said it wasn't under warranty because I bought it second hand. They said they would take a look at it for $60 if I paid the shipping. Any work would be at $90/hr and I would have to pay for any parts (like the frame).

It still sets in the back of the safe, a reminder of S&W's customer service and quality control in the days of the Lock.

Dave

That truly sucks that Smith's CS would not help.

I had called them when I purchased a 2.0 compact and wanted to add an ambi safety to the pistol.
They told me they would not because it wasn't serialized for a safety, 🤔 and if I did it would void the warranty.
Then they asked me for the serial number.
I hung up on them.
Bought the parts online and had the safety installed in about 20 minutes.

Not the S&W of days of old.

[HeavyDuty]

I've told this story before so forgive me if it becomes boring.

I bought a 4" 325 PD off GB and thought it the perfect carry revolver in my Maxpedition shoulder bag. It was mechanically sound except for the heaviest DA trigger pull I've ever experienced on a S&W, and that goes back to the summer of 1973 and my first duty gun (M28-2). Took it to a good smith I new and he cleaned up the trigger and swapped the Titanium cylinder for a 625 cylinder I bought from Numeric. My previous experience with a Titanium cylinder was completely negative.

I took it to the range for a test fire and it seemed to work fine. When I got home and in the shop I started to clean it. When I turned it upside down to wipe off the underside of the top strap I noticed something odd on the frame under the barrel threads. Odd indeed. The frame was cracked all the way through, front to back at the point where the barrel threaded through it.86172

S&W said it wasn't under warranty because I bought it second hand. They said they would take a look at it for $60 if I paid the shipping. Any work would be at $90/hr and I would have to pay for any parts (like the frame).

It still sets in the back of the safe, a reminder of S&W's customer service and quality control in the days of the Lock.

Dave

I would be putting that story and picture on every social media platform and forum I could. Pressure usually has results.

[awp_101]

Somebody needs this Redhawk (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?52041-Ruger-Redhawk-45-Colt).

I don’t need it but it’s really making it hard to stay focused on rounding out my 3-4” .357 fleet…

[Dave T]

That thing just shouts "MUSCLE", doesn't it.

Dave

[awp_101]

Yes it does.

Except for a lone .455, I’ve “simplified” my .45s to ACP because of hand and wrist issues. Reloading isn’t feasible right now and light Colt loads are unobtainium or stupidly priced last time I looked. But I keep looking at it and thinking how much fun it would be with a Weigand mount and a dot.

[03RN]

My EDC for a year was a redhawk in a Kramer belt scabbard. Carried well but had more issues than Steph's m66. Light strikes and it would stop rotating sometimes. 86300

[03RN]

87392

[358156hp]

My EDC for a year was a redhawk in a Kramer belt scabbard. Carried well but had more issues than Steph's m66. Light strikes and it would stop rotating sometimes. 86300

Did you have the trigger done on it? Redhawks are fussy about spring weight. Lightweight springs tend to piss them off.

[1slow]

1990, Hamilton Bowen told me that RedHawk firing pins tended to be short. Part of his work was to fit one that was long enough.

[mtnbkr]

Did you have the trigger done on it? Redhawks are fussy about spring weight. Lightweight springs tend to piss them off.

That they are. The reason is it uses one spring for trigger and hammer. I used to replace mine every couple years as it would start misfiring if I didn't (this was back when I was shooting it a lot, more than most people shoot 44mag). I stumbled upon a clearance sale of those springs and bought a bunch. When I traded the gun off, I included the remaining springs. :)

Chris

[mtnbkr]

1990, Hamilton Bowen told me that RedHawk firing pins tended to be short. Part of his work was to fit one that was long enough.

Yup. The challenge for mere mortals is the spring is held in with a pin that has to be machined to match the curves of the frame. It's a big enough PITA on SS, but with blued guns you then have to worry about matching the finish.

Chris

[03RN]

Bump
98087

[03RN]

98088

[03RN]

Grail gun m625-9 ready for adventure
98091
98093

[CSW]

That's slick.
Congrats man.
Tell me about the grips.

[03RN]

That's slick.
Congrats man.
Tell me about the grips.

Hogue

There's a set of Ahrends on eBay right now for $130 but I decided to go Ahrends for an easier way to mount a lanyard

[CSW]

Always been intrigued by the JM wood grips.

[03RN]

Always been intrigued by the JM wood grips.

I meant to say to go with hogues.

Me too. Dillon has unmarked jm grips I almost got but I found these on eBay for $20 less.

[jtcarm]

I like JMs.

I replaced the candy canes on my 625 PC with a set after trying about 7 others.

I have stubby fingers, so, YMMV.

[Rick R]

Grail gun m625-9 ready for adventure
98091


That’s a good looking gun!

I have a set of wooden Hogues, Ahrends and some made in Thailand wooden grips but I seem to shoot best with the rubber Hogues that came OEM on my 629MG. YMMV with the .45 Colt which to my mind is a better cartridge for what the MG is intended to do.

[Caballoflaco]

Always been intrigued by the JM wood grips.


I meant to say to go with hogues.

Me too. Dillon has unmarked jm grips I almost got but I found these on eBay for $20 less.


I like JMs.

I replaced the candy canes on my 625 PC with a set after trying about 7 others.

I have stubby fingers, so, YMMV.

I took a dremel and rasp to a set of 629 laminate grips with the finger grooves/fish scale style checkering and I’ll be damned if the final form wasn’t something real close to the Miculeks (but with a round butt) by the time I got them to actually fit my hands. It made that little 3” .44 comfortable and controllable to shoot with the 240gr @ 1150 loads from HSM.

[jtcarm]

I meant to say to go with hogues.

Me too. Dillon has unmarked jm grips I almost got but I found these on eBay for $20 less.

I had hoped having JMs initials on the grips would give me some of his mojo, but no luck so far[emoji17]

[03RN]

https://youtu.be/iyyrf48eLo4

Vertical spread was 11". Not great but still technically in the A zone. Not bad for my first time out with it.

DA shooting I was getting some flyers at 25 yards. SA it was great. DA with a N frame is going to be a journey unto itself.

98132

[Zeke38]

DA N frame physics are bigger heavier cylinder and hammer and trigger. Longer rotation of the cylinder. Bore axis is higher. I have the same revolver that you are shooting but it is a 629-2 Mountain Revolver. It requires a short familiarization with it after packing and shooting K frames for a while. Great models of Smiths. Unknown why they truly don't make a few real classic runs of these old Hammers.

[03RN]

These 270 gr rimrocks are nice looking bullets
98187

[Salamander]

My 625-9 is pretty accurate with the Linebaugh 900fps W231 load, the DA trigger is a bit heavy but smooth. As it says in the article about that load, for me a Mountain Gun is a carry often, shoot occasionally item.

[03RN]

98348

[Lost River]

These 270 gr rimrocks are nice looking bullets
98187

They are an outstanding bullet.

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

I have had some feedback from guys using them on Whitetails and hogs and they punch clean through them quite handily.

Definitely my favorite all around load/bullet for the .45 Colt.

[Rick R]

They are an outstanding bullet.

I have had some feedback from guys using them on Whitetails and hogs and they punch clean through them quite handily.

Definitely my favorite all around load/bullet for the .45 Colt.

Is that the RCBS 270SAA bullet (or one of its clones)?

I’m shooting the MP Molds version of that bullet out of my 5.5” Blackhawk at a bit over 1200fps and accuracy is outstanding. Unfortunately the deer didn’t cooperate with my handgun plans this year.

[WDR]

03RN ... I want you to know that I am insanely jealous. A Mountain Gun (.45 or .44, I ain't picky) is a gun I've always wanted. And those are some big holes in that silhouette target!

Realistically, a lightweight big bore isn't something I could shoot a lot of rounds through without wrecking whats left of my wrists and arms. But I still have the wantsies. Bad.

[Bigghoss]

A few years ago (more than 5, less than 10) I found a 625 Mountain gun in .45 Colt for $825 I think it was, maybe $895. Either way I was thinking about it but didn't. Nice gun, with a very nice trigger. I'm not necessarily kicking myself but I do kinda wish I had grabbed it. I would really love one in .45 ACP but those things are worth more than I'm willing to pay at this point. I'll just have to live with my model of 1989 5" and maybe a flattop Blackhawk convertible in the future.

[Dave T]

I can't remember if I've posted this before but since the subject of 45 ACP Mountain Guns came up I thought my 'Custom" might be of interest.

Since I live in the desert Southwest I'm not as devoted to stainless steel as a lot of gun owners and in fact like the looks of a used but not abused blue steel revolver. I longed to have a blue steel Mountain Gun in 45 ACP but that's a variation S&W ever made. Then a number of years ago I stumbled across someone selling a M25-2 that had had a 6.5" M-1950 tapered ACP barrel installed. I bought it with the express purpose of making my dream MG. Immediately sent to my gunsmith friend in Nevada who knows everything S&W.

He agreed to cut the barrel to 4" and round the but, ah-la Mountain Gun. The front sight was done correctly in that he double pinned the ramp to the barrel's rib and then pinned the sight blade to the ramp. He also cleaned up the action so DA is very smooth but heavy enough to set off every primer I've ever found in a 45 ACP case, factory or one I put there reloading.

Until I started really falling apart it was a delight to carry in winter (cover shirt or jacket) and shoot. Now I only take it out to remember what a nice revolver my retired gunsmith friend built for me.

Dave

PS: Apologies for no pictures. I thought sure I had some but while typing this I went through every picture I have in my computer and couldn't find any. (blast and damn)

[03RN]

03RN ... I want you to know that I am insanely jealous. A Mountain Gun (.45 or .44, I ain't picky) is a gun I've always wanted. And those are some big holes in that silhouette target!

Realistically, a lightweight big bore isn't something I could shoot a lot of rounds through without wrecking whats left of my wrists and arms. But I still have the wantsies. Bad.

Its really the first time I've wanted a gun for so long and gotten it. It's been 20 years. The only other gun that's as high on my want list is Benelli m1014.

[CSW]

I believe that after the first of the year, my Mountain gun will be going to TK customs, for a cylinder mod, to also accept moons and 45acp.

Been on the fence about modding it, but since I'll never ever get rid of this one...

[03RN]

I believe that after the first of the year, my Mountain gun will be going to TK customs, for a cylinder mod, to also accept moons and 45acp.

Been on the fence about modding it, but since I'll never ever get rid of this one...

I'm really tempted as well. I think it would be a fun new challenge next year to compete with .a 45 acp revolver.

I just hope the few thousand 200gr swc work in it. That would be a kick in the nuts.

[Salamander]

Because there can never be too many Mountain Gun photos:

98390

[03RN]

Because there can never be too many Mountain Gun photos:

98390

What grips are those?

[Salamander]

What grips are those?

They're an older set of Eagle heritage grips; a better photo is below. I only see the checkered version on their site currently. I've had QC issues on a more recent set from them for a GP, these were good to go except for just a little sanding to clear speedloaders. If I had to do it today I'd look at the Hogue's you've already got, or perhaps at Culina for a more traditional target stock.

98415

[03RN]

I've been carrying the mountain gun a lot. If I'm not at work, I'm carrying it. My Kramer scabbard is comfortable and very concealable. I just can't wear it with a pack so I use my elpasso saddlery threepersons for those times.

It's really no comparison to my old 4" redhawk. I regret waiting so long.

43.7oz with 6 270gr rounds. I think the redhawk was like 10oz heavier.

[Salamander]

Any good excuse to post more big bore photos. Here's a 29-2 with Culina's.

98416