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| one of us |
HI, I have shot deer and hogs with my 44 mag SRH it is a great gun and I would suggest something like it.Now for me I am getting a 500 Mag, Linebaugh, from MR. Clements, very very soon.I will have a 5.5 inch barrel and it will be for packaging in the bush when I move to AK. I must say and maybe this is me, recoil is way overrated, I have never had a problem with recoil at all "never". I have shoot 50 Alaskans and 50-110 fully loaded and have no problem. I know without any dought that if someone shoots a great deal they can handle any round.By the way if you have the cash get a 500 L. Thanks,Kev | |||
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one of us |
#2 SRH-Of a size to be truly portible, and as accurate as any of them (with the exception of the Freedom Arms). What it has over the FA is $$$$$$$$ | |||
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| one of us |
Get a 454. When I was 21 I bought a 44. Great gun, but after a year I was ready for an upgrade. It was many years later before I bought my FA 454 and you know what, you can load it lighter than factory 44mag rounds. My 454 has a 7.5" barrel (perfect for me as it supplies a little more accuracy). If I had the money and the knowledge when I was 21 I would have skipped the 44. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with the 44, but the 454 is plainly better. I don't sell my guns so I bought the Freedom Arms. I feel if I choose wisely, I'll never have a reason to get rid of a firearm, so buy one that will last. That being said, Ruger also makes a fine gun, so do the custom single action manufacturers. I've heard to much bad talk about Magnum Research. Appearantly some are great, some are not. Reed, I fired around 10,000 rounds out of my S&W 629 Classic before I bought my FA 454 with micarta grips. I like the single action grip much better. Like everyone says, the single action rolls up in your hand in a painless fashion. I had tried hard grips on my S&W. They lasted one trip to the range. I've got pretty tough hands and yet my hands were sore for days! I've never tried the Pachmeyer grips that came with my FA but I'm willing to bet that they would be less comfortable as the comfort from the micarta grips is derived from their ability to slip in the hand. | |||
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I thought it was federal that you had to be 21 to buy from a dealer. 18 to buy... either private, or maybe just from a family member? Something like that. | |||
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| one of us |
Well i would go with the ruger 44 mag myself.I would not even consider the 500sw if i were thinking along those lines i would buy a good 475 or 500 linebaugh they are tried and true just my two cents | |||
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Moderator |
quote:Kev, I've personally found that I have a much different recoil tollerance between rifles and pistols. I have no problems with rifles, 458 lott and 500 Jeffrey rifles, no problem. That said, pistols are a different problem for me. When I flinch with a pistol, I don't know I'm doing it, other then looking at the target. I always know when I pull a shot with the rifle. On the other hand, my shooting buddy has had all the big bore handguns, and they don't bother him, but he doesn't like rifle recoil. | |||
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| <Gunnut45/454> |
Nagrathius Now don't get testy!! I was only foolin!! But If your from IL -I'll bet money you have to be 21 to get your FOID which you have to have just to hold a firearm in your hands. Dictator Daly is trying to make it illegal for you to even have a firearm at all!! Good luck. ![[Big Grin]](images/icons/grin.gif){kind=icon} | ||
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| <Nagrathius> |
gunnut: tell me about it! its gotten progressively worse every year. first thing to go was concealment, then all handguns in chicago (lucky i live in aurora).. you from illinois? | ||
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| one of us |
Nagrathius: You may use it, or get your father to buy it, but you aren't going to buy it, at least not legally. From the Federal Firearms Act of 1968; Sec 922: 9) for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, who does not reside in any State to receive any firearms unless such receipt is for lawful sporting purposes. (b) It shall be unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or deliver: (1) any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than eighteen years of age, and, if the firearm, or ammunition is other than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than twenty-one years of age;f End quoted text: Note: Bold emphasis mine. | |||
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| one of us |
this may hurt...since its probably your first or one of your first handguns since your 18th is coming up! my wild guess is that you wont be able to notice the difference between the FA and a SBH as far as accurracy goes!!!!!!if you dont develope a monstor flinch, you MAY notice in a few years...I like dan wessons, but they are heavy to carry around..the SBH was nice to carry around 7.5 barrel max...you could bore it out and rebarrel it for some heavier calibers later....but knowing what an 18 year knows ( been there) and went through my son being 18 also...I can tell you that no amount of common sense will help you make your decision........it will be based on something that no one else will understand, and you will have forgotten 10 years from now!!!!!!!!!ha ha ha ha ha ha.....have fun | |||
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Ok, you want all who read to vote.... I would personally recomend what I have, a Ruger Bisley in .45 Colt with a 5.5" barrel (Ruger made several for Davison's), you can shoot it pretty heavy and you can shoot it light. You can later send it to Bowen or some of the others for a conversion if you want something truely powerful. If you really want a .454, the choice is single or double action. A friend of mine loves his Tarus but I would still buy Ruger... if you want something to carry with you in the woods, I think Freedom Arms does offer a short barrel, I am not entirely sure. Still, Single action designs can be made lighter than the double at the same strength simply because you don't have that swing-out cylinder. [ 04-17-2003, 05:24: Message edited by: 45LCshooter ] | |||
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| new member |
Nagrathius, I have been reading this post and would offer this much: 1) The big bores that you have choosen are are excellent. There are not any "Crap Guns" in the big bores that I can name off the top of the head. They have to be made strong to hold up to the pressure the loads produce. 2) Why a BIG BORE? | |||
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| new member |
Nagrathius, I have been reading this post and would offer this much: 1) The big bores that you have choosen are excellent. There are not any "Crap Guns" in the big bores that I can name off the top of the head. They have to be made strong to hold up to the pressure the loads produce. 2) Why a BIG BORE? I understand that the object is Large game animals (Moose). But how much Handgun Hunting have you done? (Federal Law says 21 to buy a handgun) Even better: How much Moose hunting have you done with a rifle? If you want to hunt an animal Good advice would be a steadier rifle for a clean kill. Not go get the biggest caliber money can buy and blast away at a Moose. That is more fuel to the anti-hunting image of the American Hunter. One shot= One kill. The idea situation would put a hunter shooting a Caliber that they were comfortable with, in a gun they knew, shooting a animal they were familiar with or at least had a guide or experience hunter to help them with. Advice. Start with a 22 for the first gun in a frame that will be similar to the a bigger caliber. Then work up. You will build a group of guns that you know and can efficiently shoot. Example would be the Ruger Single Six, then the Blackhawks. This frame is used in the BFR's so you could then move up to the Biggest Handguns. Not trying to kill you efforts. I wish you the best at Handgun Hunting. The more of us doing it the better for us all. Just want you go in the right direction. Ern | |||
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| one of us |
NAGRATHIUS WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT???????????????????????????????????? | |||
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I have a 454 raging bull. Great gun, but you best be able to handle recoil. I hope your balls are as big as you think they are. [ 04-21-2003, 07:43: Message edited by: CZ 550 ] | |||
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| one of us |
Well I have been thinking about this and would have to say you left out the best of all in your choices. DAN WESSON You will NOT find a more versital gun out there. You can change barrels at a whim (this is what makes them so versital) from 2 1/2 inchers to all the way up to 10 inchers. Then you can have them ported for reduction of recoil. THey are probable the most accurate gun out there. They cost half as much as a freedom arms. You can get them in 357 supermag 414 supermag and 445 supermag. These are elongated from origionals for increased power. You should look at Dan Wesson's web site before making up your mind. THey are awesome guns. I have the 445 supermag in an 8 inch barrel and topped off with a 2x7 burris scope. But if I wanted to use it for packing or a backup to a rifle I can switch barrels to a 6" or 4" and have them ported or not in about 2 minutes and be ready to go. Then If I wanted to hunt with it then switch out barrel and shroud with the scope still attached and be off and running. No one can match their versitility NO ONE. But IF you want a suggestion of the ones you picked I would go with the Superred hawk 44 or 480. Good luck Brian | |||
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| one of us |
I'll give ya my story, I'm of the ripe old age of 33. My first pistol was a ruger single six at the age of 11 that I bought from a game warrden. (my family had a butcher shop, we processed wild game and from age 10 I was the skinner for 2bucks a hide) I practiced alot and at 13 my dad signed for a 357 mag Dan Wesson 8" SS. This was my true love. I didn't hunt with it until I was 18, deer and turkey. at 19 I bought a super blackhawk. But felt the Dan Wesson was all I really needed, some may disagree but the 357 never failed me as long as I used sound judgment. I guess I made the natural recommended progression but I will say whatever you choose practice alot. Your thoughts on the 454 seem like a sound argument. I don't envy you in this day and age getting into handgun hunting...I'm not all that much older than you but it didn't raise any eyebrows when I was a teenager with handguns. When I was in High School we would hunt before class and bring our guns into the school for the principal to keep in his office because it would be safer than leaving it in the truck. I will tell you to consider the Dan Wesson in 445 supermag, you could shoot 44spl and mag for practice and progressing. All the revolvers you've named are excellent but the Dan Wesson's are fine revolvers and I think I really need to own one again myself. I would also suggest that you buy a good 22 along with that big bore. You'll be able to practice twice as much, and a 22 will really help you hone your skill if your practicing with it along with your cannon, the quiet report and lack of recoil helps to improve you shooting form and skill and that carries over. And switching over to the 22 after practicing with the pounder can be a pleasant way to finish of a trip to the range. Kinda like a cool down after a workout. Whatever you choose, keep us posted on how it's going for you...Now I'm going back to the internet porn and masterbating ![[Eek!]](images/icons/shocked.gif){kind=icon} Best of luck and don't get any on ya. | |||
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| one of us |
I'm no handgun expert, not by a long shot, but I just over one year ago I purchased my first big bore handgun, a Raging bull in .454casull. Before that, I had done a fair bit shooting with miscellanious handguns, though I'd never owned a .44, just a .45auto a .357 a .22 and a .32 I would have to say that I had no real trouble managing the .454, much of this I would put to the fact that the Taurus is very user friendly and built towards recoil management. Also the fact that I do a lot of big bore rifle shooting had me accostumed to big bangs might have benn of some help, though it is not exactly the same thing... I have since tried light reloads and hot loads. You do feel the difference in recoil but I have setteled for a load that is about par with the factory loads, - 33 grains of H110 behind a cast 300 grain RN bullet wich works fine for me. I have yet to get onto an animal with it, just a matter of having the gun with me at the right time in the right place, though I have never gone out armed only with the handgun, carrying it as a "just in case I get a really good close shot" option. I wouldn't be too put off, the .454 would be a good choice in my opinion. | |||
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| <1badassmagnum> |
money being no object I would chose the bfr,highest quality and that 45/70 maxine is SWEET! I love my taurus 454 raging bull,very smooth shooting with the porting. I'm not a smith fan because of their failing quality and high pricing. | ||
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| one of us |
quote:You only have to be 18 to own a handgun http://www.bradycampaign.org/facts/gunlaws/juvposs.asp Illinois: Firearms Owner Identification Card (FOID) required for purchases. Therefore, unless prohibited by state law, sales of handguns to persons between the ages of 18 and 21 may take place in the secondary or private market*. Currently, only 12 states and the District of Columbia prohibit anyone from selling handguns to persons under 21, including so-called "private" sales: Connecticut; Hawaii; Iowa; Maryland; Massachusetts, Missouri; Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio; Rhode Island; South Carolina and Washington. [ 05-07-2003, 06:02: Message edited by: Andrew Divers ] | |||
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one of us |
IMHO, Freedom Arms builds the finest handgun in the world period. Of course I'm a biased FA owner. I'd offer a FA .454 AND the extra.45LC maybe just what you need. ![[Wink]](images/icons/wink.gif){kind=icon} You might enjoy the following link: http://www.sixguns.com/range/Fattpp.htm Best of luck and weclome to the Club. | |||
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one of us |
quote:I and my P M83 in .41Magnum and M97 in .41Magnum agree. Starting out, I'd get a SRH in .454, practice with .45Colt and never look back. The SRH can be had for < $600 which is easier to swallow than even a field grade FA for the time being. RKBA! | |||
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| one of us |
My have you got some great advice: John S said: quote:PERFECT POST. Nitro 450 said: quote:Freedom arms are better guns then anything else made, by quite a bit, and, all the custom guys should tell you, even though you can spend more money, they can't build you a gun as good as the frame, cylinder, and internals, as a FA. 454 and 45 colt are expensive to shoot. You either have to reload, or, get the secret weapon: a 22lr that acts like your bigger gun in grip and size. Except for cost, this makes the Model 83 the gun to go with. Plus, nothing is worse then inaccurate 22's. s | |||
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| one of us |
With any of the mentioned guns all the guy is gonna get is an empty wallet from buying ammo and one hell of a flinch. Beau | |||
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| one of us |
Just one minor consideration in bullet price if you reload. I've found .452 bullets in a give weight to be cheaper than .429s. I'd go with a good .44 Magnum or .45 Colt as my hunting gun, with 6" barrel or longer and a .45 ACP for carry. A convertable single action from Ruger in .45 ACP / .45 Colt might be the "everything" gun. Those cheap surplus ball loads would provide brass for years of reloading after you shot up the first thousand. Anything similar will do. I have all the single action Rugers any sane man could want, but still carry a S&W 4 inch .44 Spl or Magnum for "every day" use in rural settings. Targets of opportunity fall to the gun you have, not the one at home in the gun safe. My Dillion progress reloading press, 20+ years old, still makes .44 & .45s that shoot better than anyone I know. If I could only have one gun, it would be two, a good .22 and a good .44. | |||
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| one of us |
HI, LISTEN to me the 500 Linebaugh is the wave of the furture get it while you can, Thanks,Kev | |||
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| <DodgyDoug> |
First, stay away from a Gary Reeder built gun. The only good thing I can say about my experience with Mr. Reeder was that he did give me back all my money (eventually). I own several FA's in .454, and a Clements built .500 Linebaugh as well as S&W, John Linebaugh, etc. My Raging Bull was a 5 in. and very punishing with heavy loaded 240 grainers. The double actions tend to hit the palm of your hand more than than the Bisely style frames. If you buy the FA you won't need an extra .45 Colt cylinder, just down load your .454's. One thing about the FA's though is that the hammers are rather noisy to cock. If you will be close to your game the sound may spook them. I missed the opportunity on a fox last year due to the sound. Another thing about the FA's. They are very precise in all regards. This is however a two edge sword. Alittle dirt in the wrong places and you may have trouble getting the cylinder to rotate. On one of mine I even have to precheck the cases due to variations in rim thickness. I still love both of mine. Their accuracy is outstanding, and the build quality is second to none at their price range. The .454 would be a little cheaper to shoot, unless you cast your own bullets, than the .475. But if I were buying one right now, I would have David Clements build me a 5.5" Bisely in .475 Linebaugh. You may want to consider the .480 Ruger. This round has all the power you are ever likely to need, and the recoil is a bit more manageable for someone new to big-bores. I suppose you could down load a .475 to duplicate it though and then still have the option of more power if needed. [ 06-09-2003, 19:10: Message edited by: DodgyDoug ] | ||
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| one of us |
quote:Next time, when you get to your stand, fully cock the pistol then lower the hammer to the half-cock position. Then when your ready to shoot, simply pull the hammer back while holding the trigger in. | |||
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| <DodgyDoug> |
Recoil, thanks for the tip. I do leave it on half-cock, but never tried cocking it with the trigger depressed. I'll give it a try! | ||
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one of us |
Okay, Nagrathius, what did you get??? | |||
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| one of us |
![[Roll Eyes]](images/icons/rolleyes.gif){kind=icon} Regarding the custom Taurus. "Stunning?" I don't think so. "Stupid" gets my vote. | |||
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I have a 8" Tarus Raging Bull 454. It is a blast to shoot, but with reloads over 1600fps the recoil is painfull. I took my first deer 2yrs ago with a 44mag Smith & Wesson Clasic 8" blue. My second deer Last year with the 454 Raging Bull. I like the Raging Bull more and sold the Smith & Wesson 44mag. Does anyone know why Tarus says not to shoot 45LC in the 454? ![[Confused]](images/icons/confused.gif){kind=icon} My vote is for the 454. | |||
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one of us |
I think the kid's showing a lot of intellegence and has already done some serious consideration. I really can't add much to his thinking that he hasn't already mentioned. I will point out that the Taurus Raging Bull isn't very large in comparison to some of the others. The Freedom Arms revolvers are very good quality but I think a youngster buying his first handgun might be better off getting a $400 used magnum and a Dillon 650 with everything he needs to load up a few thousand rounds (if he's mature enough to reload safely and it sounds like he is). Be sure to get used to the gun shooting a lot of loads with 240gr Semi Wad Cutters in front of 7 grains of Unique 900fps in most revolvers. You can shoot them ALL day with no fatigue and start shooting hot loads as the hunting season approaches. Head for the range and shoot a couple of years while hunting for deer and hogs with it during hunting seasons. After that he would probably know exactly what he wanted next if anything at all. I started shooting 38's in my Colt Trooper (357 Mag) revolver in 1968 and ended up with a Super Blackhawk Hunter in 44mag 35 years later with a LOT of guns in between. BUT!!! I want a S&W 500 Magnum and will buy the first one I see at a reasonable price. I won't replace my 44mag with it... Just add it for that "hunt of a lifetime" and for impressing my friends at the range... <grin> Hey Nagrathius (hope I spelled it right)... Good on yah kid. Hope you get a good one and enjoy it. You're on the right track and it's YOUR decision. Get what you want (within the law of course).... $bob$ [ 07-10-2003, 00:36: Message edited by: LDHunter ] | |||
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one of us |
Nagra, Having owned both a Redhawk and SRH, both 44Mag. I can attest to their accuracy using 240XTP and 330gr. SSK type hardcast bullets, using the rear crimp groove I've achieved 1400fps and very good accuracy with both, I'd go with the SRH. Jay | |||
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| one of us |
quote:Freedom Arms says not to do it because the shorter cartridge will allow residue to build up in the chamber in an area that will not allow the full size (454) cartridge to open properly. This will result in increased pressure and possibly a ruptured cylinder. Extensive cleaning would prevent the condition from occuring. | |||
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| one of us |
Thanks "recoiljunky" for the info. ![[Smile]](images/icons/smile.gif){kind=icon} I have shot 38 Specials in my 357mag, 44 Specials in my 44mag, so why not 45LC in a 454. I think it must be their lawyers making them say not to. I will keep a good cleaning brush and solvent with me. | |||
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| one of us |
I own alot of guns but I took my 22 Ruger standard model with 6 " barrel and shot 7 rounds into the same hole.I vote for the S&W 500 | |||
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| one of us |
I could be wrong on this, but I think the .357 and 44 mags are the same length as their 'little brothers,' whereas the 454 is a bit longer than the 45 LC... Nagrathius, I apolagize for some of the less strupulous of the posters here. I would like to welcome you to the fraternity of people who excercise--and therefore protect--their right to keep and bear arms. You are choosing a path of high responsibility, but high reward! As far as my vote? I would probably choose amongst the 44, 454, and 480. Each are terrific choices, and capable of all the power anyone needs, IMO. I prefer single actions personally, and have always liked the 44 Mag. If I was buying a revolver today, it might be a 454, especially if I could get a 45 LC cylinder. Out of the choices given, I'd take the SRH, #2. Now, I'll shed some light on the legal question, maybe. You have to be 21 to buy a handgun, 18 to own it, and 21 to buy the ammo. Someone else will have to buy it from a retailer, or you can buy it from a private party. Ditto with ammo. Don't worry about the recoil. If you haven't, find someone that can show you how to hold the gun and manipulate the trigger correctly. These differ between SA and DA. I like the idea of having a similar-framed .22. I LOVE my Single Six in .22 mag, and it makes a nice pair with my SBH .44. Good luck, and feel from to PM me if you have any specific questions about anything. If I can't answer, I'll find someone who can! | |||
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| One of Us |
Trademark, I'm afraid you are wrong, sir. The 38 & 44 Specials are both shorter than the magnum cartridges. This was done intentionally when the magnums were created just to prevent the Mag loads chambering in their "little brothers." The factory rocommendation not to shoot shorter cases in the 454 is an idea that's been around since the .22LR came along. Take an old .22 and feed it a steady diet of .22 shorts and you can build up a gummy ring at the end of the short case that will ultimately lead to difficult extraction etc whenever you chamber the longer .22 Long Rifle rounds. You won't blow a .22 up with this, but in a high pressure chambering such as being discussed here, it could lead to some frightening pressures. | |||
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