BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

bzzboyz · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Houston, Texas

I'm looking at buying a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44Mag revolver. I really want to start doing more hunting with a handgun. I know some of ya'll will have other preferences in models and calibers, but that's not what I'm looking for. I'm pretty much set on my decision of the Ruger. I've done a lot of research so far. My question is, for those with experience with the Ruger is, should I go with the 10-1/2 barrel or the 7-1/2" barrel. I know the 10-1/2" is more of a target gun, but it sure would seem like it would be more accurate for hunting as well. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

ADKBEAR · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 662 Location: Central NY

Hey bzzboys
To cut to the chase here, yes the longer the barrel the more accurate the gun (in general). What it comes down to with handgun hunting is how much gun do you want to carry around? What are the ranges you are looking at hunting at?
I have a Dan Wesson 44mag with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. That length barrel is comfortable to carry in a holster on my hip. I had a scope on it for a while but it made the gun to heavy and bulky and I had to wear the gun in a special sholder holster. With open sights and shooting off hand it is a max 65 yard gun for me hunting whitetails. At 100 yards off a rest I do good but without the scope I would not take a shot at an animal. The 44 is definetly a 100 yd hunter a longer barrel would help and of course good optics.

mw243 · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 45

I agree with taking a good look at what you want to do with the gun. Do you plan to use a scope or red dot, or use open sights. Do you want to carry it on the hip in a holster? I have a ruger with a 9 1/2" barrel and detachable 2x scope in .44 . The longer barrel definitely has a slight velocity advantage when shooting out to a 100 yds. The 9 1/2" barrel gives acceptable deer hunting accuracy to 100 yds. off the bench. Being good enough to do this in the field is a different skill.

However, the 7 1/2" would be easier to carry in a holster and would do the job in the right hands. It may even be ideal for closer range hunting, such as from a tree stand along a trail in thick timber. Even if you are staying with open sights, you might like the longer sight radius afforded by the longer barrel, as some say this aids accuracy.

If ballistics are important to you, go for the longer barrel. If you like the way the 7 1/2" handlesand feels, then by all means get it. Either way its still going to be a big revolver. And a strong frame too, if you stick with the ruger. If I buy another .44, it will have a barell in the 5 to 7 1/2" though.

bzzboyz · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Houston, Texas

Thanks for the replies. I made a deal with a guy today on this.

.44 mag,7-1/2" barrell and an Nc Star 4x32 scope (I'll probably upgrade that at a later date).

I pick it up next Friday. I plan on using it for a number of different types of hunting. Some exotic hunts, hog hunts, deer hunts. Where ever I think I can utilize it. I'm a little bored of rifle hunting and I don't have the energy or time it takes for bow hunting anymore. This should work out somewhere in between just perfect.

Don Fischer · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2150 Location: Antelope, Ore

I'm not what anyone would call a handgun hunter but I would make a suggestion if your going to keep a scope on it. Find an extended eye relief scope of max 2 3/4x. With the 4x you have far more magnification than you need puls you have a scopr that is quite a bit bigger on the gun that serves no usefull purpose. Just a though.

bzzboyz · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Houston, Texas

Yea. Like I said, I'll probably upgrade to a better quality scope that's more in line with a pistol type scope. I just gotta save up again for it. :yes:

mw243 · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 45

Nice choice for a hunting pistol you got there. Is it a blackhawk hunter with custom grips? Congrats on the purchase. Would like to hear how it shoots.

bzzboyz · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Houston, Texas

mw243 wrote: Nice choice for a hunting pistol you got there. Is it a blackhawk hunter with custom grips? Congrats on the purchase. Would like to hear how it shoots.

Yes. It's a Hunter model with Hogue rubber grips.

bzzboyz · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Houston, Texas

Picked her up today. Gonna head to the range tomorrow and get a feel for it. Then, soon some pigs and goats should fall victim. :yes:

WeatherbyScott · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 131 Location: pennsylvania

Unless you are shooting siloetues (spelling?) i would stay with the 7 1/2 " barrel it's a good compromise between velocity and accuracy. with a good 2x scope it will do everything you ask of it and more. are you useing factory or reloads to hunt?? 8-) :thumbsup1:

bzzboyz · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Houston, Texas

WeatherbyScott wrote: are you useing factory or reloads to hunt?? 8-) :thumbsup1:

Factory.

The one I bought (in the picture) is a 7-1/2.

WeatherbyScott · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 131 Location: pennsylvania

are you shooting hornady, if you are i have had the best luck with the 300gr xtp, i shot an elk with it at 100 yrds and it flattened him. just a thought.

bzzboyz · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 24 Location: Houston, Texas

WeatherbyScott wrote: are you shooting hornady, if you are i have had the best luck with the 300gr xtp, i shot an elk with it at 100 yrds and it flattened him. just a thought.

Thanks. Actually I was gonna try the 280 gr.

I'm not sure how much difference it will make.