The first edition SBH Hunters that were introduced in ~1992 and discontinued in ~1996, had a few things that are different from the current editions. John Taffin in his book BIG BORE HANDGUNS said the he could see no difference.



Can you?



Can you guess which is which?



























David

Any difference between the two editions would probably be cosmetics due to variations/changes in manufacturing for cost and efficiency reasons. From the two top barrel pictures, the one the right (the top one from the very bottom picture) must be the newest edition. Thanks.

The difference seems to be between the 44 Mag. and the 45 Colt. The latter has no barrel taper and the longitudinal grooves on top of the rib are different between the two different calibers on the new edition guns. Basically I'm saying I have two 2nd ed. guns that are 44 & 45 and look just like your photos (different). So maybe Taffin was right in what he was comparing...

Hunt4fun,
The new Hunters in 44, 41 and 45 that I have seen have all been like the new 45's with the bull barrel and new style serrations.
I meant no disrespect to Taffin he is one of my favorite writers I have 2 of his books and try to read most of his articles.


Sure the differences are noticeable when they are side by side as I have pictured, but they are not that apparent when they are separated.

David

Here's the muzzle and top views of the 44 & 45. Both are the 2nd generation hunters although the 44 is 2+ years old and the 45 is < 1 year old. The 45 is on the left...

Hunt4fun, thanks for posting the pictures. That is very interesting.

How do you know it is a second generation and not a left over 1st generation?

I know I saw a 2nd generation 44 SBH Hunter with the Bull barrel just 3-4 months ago. Maybe there are 3 generations of the 44?
1st = 1992-1996
2nd = Reintroduction tapered barrel
3rd = Bull barrel


9.3x62,
Show us a detailed picture of your 41 and 44 SBH Hunters, please!!

David

Because I got it straight from Ruger and in fact I have 2 44's that have the tapered barrel that are 2nd gen guns. It sounds like they changed them sometime after the reintroduction. They probably changed it when Lipseys and Davidsons commissioned the 45 & 41's so all would be the same...

Maybe mine are collectors items

Hmm... very cool!
Yes, they probably are collectors item. I would think the 45s and 1st generation 44's, and Bisley 41's are, too.


How does yours shoot, hunt4fun?

David

3-4" at 100 which is plenty for the power of either gun.

Here are links to a couple articles you may be interested in if you haven't already seen them.

8 The Hard Way


44 SBH Hunter

I have read them several times. Both good articles!! Thanks for the links though.

Which do you like better, tapered or bull?

David

It really doesn't matter to me on these 2. I do like the treatment of the rib better on the 44 though.