Can you really use a .44 magnum revolver for the purpose of hunting? In fact, you can. If you were unable to, you wouldn’t be reading this right now. Indeed, you can hunt with a pretty powerful handgun like the .44 magnum. More specifically, you can use it for smaller game targets.
You probably won’t land a whitetail deer or any type of big game with a revolver. But rest assured, using a revolver proves that with some types of hunting, you won’t have to always rely on a shotgun or a rifle. While there are so many .44 mag revolvers for the purpose of hunting, only five stand out as the best in terms of hunting.
Before we get to the list, we’ll be talking about how accurate a .44 magnum revolver is and what makes one great for the purpose of hunting.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 44 Mag Revolver For Hunting
- OUR TOP PICK: Smith & Wesson 629
- RUNNER-UP: Smith & Wesson Model 460V
- Ruger Super Redhawk
Comparison of the Best .44 Mag Revolvers For Hunting
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How Accurate is a .44 Mag Revolver?
The short answer: it depends. Not every .44 magnum revolver is made from the same design. Some will perform much better than others. But it’s been said that you can hit targets situated from impressive distances. As such, it is possible with the .44 magnum revolver, which has long been reported to consistently hit targets from 100 to as far out as 250 yards. This is possible because of its power and the velocity of .44 magnum rounds.
How to Choose a .44 Mag Revolver for Hunting?
Knowing the features and characteristics of a great .44 magnum revolver is important. It will also help you distinguish a great one from a revolver that might be considered crappy in quality and ineffective in performance. Here are a few of the things you need to look for while choosing a .44 mag revolver for the purpose of hunting:
Powerful Rounds
We begin by unveiling one of the best characteristics of a .44 magnum revolver. These revolvers are known to pack some serious punch and rightfully so. The .44 rounds are a bit larger than .22 caliber or .38 Special rounds. And they do need a bit more power in order to travel a good distance. With any kind of firearm for the purpose of hunting, they need to be designed for a specific round in order to log some serious mileage (100 to 200 yards usually).
Superior Reliability
The .44 magnum revolver is known for reliability. This means you’ll be able to operate it without dealing with any jamming or other reliability issues that are common with sub-par revolvers. Even through 100 rounds fired, you can expect these to work reliably for the next 100 and beyond.
Reasonable Price
Revolvers are available at different price points. But for those on a budget, some will be a bit more expensive than others. Rest assured, you can still afford a quality .44 mag revolver for hunting at a reasonable price . Don’t confuse that for “going for cheap”. You should invest in the best quality and performance you can afford so you get the best value at a reasonable price.
Review of the Best .44 Mag Revolvers For Hunting
Below is a list of the five best .44 mag revolvers for the purpose of hunting. As you go through each one, it is important that you note the features and characteristics so you can find a revolver that is close enough to your personal preferences. Once you find one that is more in tune with you, you know you’ve found a potential winner.
Let’s begin by taking a look at the best overall choice on our list:
Best Overall:
Smith & Wesson 629
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new users were not disappointed with the revolver at all. And why would they be? It’s solidly built, accurate from about 100 yards out, and can shoot powerful shots like a champ. That was the general consensus of many buyers. One user even said he considers this revolver to be his “property management” revolver since he uses it to ward off any varmints or invasive critters that have dared to destroy his property time and time again. But overall, many buyers were pretty happy with the quality and performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Smith & Wesson brand is probably one of the leading names when it comes to revolvers. They’ve been in the game for decades and have established themselves as one of the top dogs because of their reliability, quality, and overall performance. This revolver is no exception to the rule. It exceeds the manufacturer’s standards, as it does with most users. So if you want something that will stand out in terms of qualities (durability, reliability, and performance) this revolver will certainly give you the experience of a lifetime.
Who Will Use This Most
This revolver will likely be used by those who are homeowners living in rural areas. It’s probably the only place where you can safely knock down these property-destroying varmint. You can use the six shots to your advantage to send a message to other invasive creatures. It’s your property and you will be ready to knock down a troublesome critter or two for destroying it.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson 629 Handgun .44 Magnum is worthy of the best overall title. And after learning a thing or two about it, you’ll probably agree. If you simply want one of the best revolvers in the business and want to knock down small critters to make them think twice before setting foot on your property again, this revolver might just be the one to go with.
Runner-up:
Smith & Wesson Model 460V
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were happy with the revolver, mostly for its performance. They said the ability to hit a small target from 125 to 150 yards out consistently was one of the major accomplishments this weapon has pulled off. One user was surprised that he hit a partridge in an open field from that distance. Overall, they were also satisfied with the solid build and durability, making it one of the best revolvers on the market in terms of longevity.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver is available in different lengths, so it will be beneficial for concealed carry hunters. It can also come quite in handy when you’re out and about and see a game target you want to hit (especially when they pop out when you least expect it). Talk about killing two birds with one stone (not really, though). If you want a great hunting revolver that you can take with you anytime and anywhere it’s safe to hunt, you’d be hard-pressed to find a revolver quite like this anywhere else.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be used for concealed carry purposes. But it will most likely be invaders of the small critter kind that you’ll probably be dealing with. So, in essence, you’ll still be able to defend your turf against those who tend to cause trouble. For a revolver that is solid in quality and strong in the firepower game, this revolver will probably be your best friend for the long term.
Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson X-Frame Centerfire is another revolver by the same name as our previous model. And once again, they further plant their flag as one of the best brands users can rely on. If you want something that will stand out in terms of quality and shooting ability, this revolver can be the go-to for you in terms of hunting the small varmint or bird targets that are in-season where you are.
3. Ruger Super Redhawk
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, new buyers were quite happy to see the revolver in great shape and able to perform consistently in hunting situations. One user said he always takes this with him during his weekend trips to the woods in case he finds a partridge or a waterfowl. He managed to hit one of each during his most recent trip from ranges about 80 to 100 yards out. He further added that the firing power was pretty solid and quite loud, as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver might just be the prime example of what a hunting revolver should be: durable, accurate, and reliable in any given situation. The construction is solid, thanks to the high-quality materials. The grip itself is pretty awesome, considering that it’s made from high-quality shock absorbent rubber. So you’ll get excellent control and reduced recoil in each shot. Accuracy won’t be an issue since the barrel is a bit longer than some revolvers. It’s the kind of revolver that will make hunting with one quite a delightful experience.
Who Will Use This Most
This revolver will possibly end up being used by some seasoned hunters that have used handguns in the past. If you want something that will be sharp-shooting and can go the distance, this revolver should probably pop up on your radar. Don’t be surprised if this revolver ends up outperforming your previous hunting pistol or handgun by a sizable margin.
Bottom Line
The Ruger Super Redhawk is probably the best revolver for those who want to make the most out of their hunting experience with a revolver, of all things. Small critters and birds will be a cinch once you have a good handle on this bad boy. After a few shots, you’ll won’t want to settle for anything less.
4. Ruger Super Blackhawk
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new users were obviously intrigued by the length of the barrel. What they realized was that it delivered more accurate shooting (and was proven to be slightly more accurate at 100 yards and beyond compared to some revolvers). One user said the barrel length was slim and didn’t affect his accuracy at all. Plus, he added that the front sight was at the right size to where it didn’t obscure the target.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver might be one of the largest of the bunch. But rest assured, it gets the job done against many small targets. The long barrel will obviously make it impossible to conceal (which is fine). But it’s lightweight enough for you to carry it around for the long-term while searching the woods for a hunting target. You can use it on your property (when you can do so safely) for the purpose of warding off small critters that can cause destruction. This revolver boasts precision and accuracy as its two best attributes. If that’s what you are looking for, this revolver might be for you.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great beginner’s revolver. Especially for those new to the .44 mag and the activity of hunting with them. The long barrel might just be one of the major selling points since it’s intended to provide precise accuracy at impressive distances while delivering superb firing power. If this revolver has impressed you in the slightest, why not consider buying it?
Bottom Line
If you want an excellent hunting revolver that won’t suck the life out of your bank account, the Ruger Super Blackhawk might just be the go-to revolver for you. It’s build to last and can rise above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to performance. No hunting target will know what hit them when you draw a sight on them and fire a good, clean shot.
4. Taurus 44SS8 .44 Magnum Stainless
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were satisfied with how this revolver stood out. Performance-wise, the firing ability was top-notch and packed a good amount of punch. A lot of new users say that with target practice, they managed to hit their targets with consistent accuracy situated at 100 yards out. When it came to showtime, they hit varmint targets at about the same distance. The grip was also one of the major players in the game, allowing users to maintain an excellent grip, even in bad weather conditions.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This revolver comes with a few nice features that are impressive enough to convince anyone to buy. The rear sight is one of those things you can adjust for windage and elevation to ensure that every single shot you fire is one that is dead-on accurate. You can make adjustments on-the-fly and be back to shooting accurately in no time. If you want a revolver that will make your hunting experience delightful, this might be the exact revolver for you.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be a great revolver for hunting situations where varmints and partridges (along with other bird targets) are more preferred. So if you want something that will be a nice asset to your hunting arsenal, you shouldn’t waste any time getting a revolver that will be ideal for such an application. This Taurus revolver will be a reliable handgun you can count on.
Bottom Line
The Taurus 44SS8 .44 Magnum is worth the look if you want something that is powerful, simple, and reliable for all your hunting needs. A great property management revolver or something worth carrying around during a stroll in the woods, it’s pretty useful for any small hunting targets. Once you put this to good use, you might not need to find another revolver for hunting for quite some time.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality .44 Mag Revolver
If you decide to invest in a .44 mag revolver that is in great quality, you’re probably going to be satisfied with the benefits that come with it. All it takes is making the right choice, so you can stick with it for the long-term. Here’s what you’ll enjoy with your new .44 revolver:
Superior Fire-Power
Make no bones about it, the .44 magnum revolver is indeed quite powerful. While it probably won’t be the kind of power you see in the old Dirty Harry movies, it has just enough to knock down your hunting targets from some pretty impressive distances. So, if power is something you want, this caliber revolver has got it.
Built to Last
Most revolvers will be built to last you quite a while. The .44 magnums you see here are made with high-quality materials proven to take on multiple amounts of gunfire, among other things. So wear and tear will be the least of your worries. These hunting revolvers, if taken care of properly, will certainly give you years or even decades of reliable service.
A Handgun That Can Actually Go the Distance
Yep. It’s true. These revolvers are so powerful, they can allow a .44 round to travel pretty darn far. It’s no wonder you’ll be able to consistently hit targets from 100 to even 250 yards out. No other revolver or handgun may ever reach such a distance. And since they can reach out and touch something from a good distance, you’ll know for a fact it will be great for hunting.
Conclusion
The best .44 magnum revolver for hunting is out there. All you need to do is find one that fulfills your needs and preferences, and you’ll be sure to have a revolver that will last you a long time. With the five on this list, it will be a little tough to choose at first. But at the end of the day, it comes down to exactly what you want out of your ideal .44 magnum revolver.
People Also Ask
The following is a list of frequently asked questions that will give you a better understanding of how these .44 magnum revolvers work. Be sure to use this section as a guide while looking for a revolver of your own. Here are the following questions:
Will a .44 Mag Stop a Grizzly?
While a .44 magnum may not kill a grizzly bear, it can be a good bear defense gun to scare them off. Indeed, you can probably use it to injure them in case your life is in danger.
How Far Away Can You Shoot a Deer With a .44 Mag?
While it’s possible to knock down a deer with a .44 mag, it’s going to depend on the rounds you use. If you have a deer that is situated about 80 to 100 yards out, that’s a good effective distance to hit one accurately.
Is .44 Mag a Good Hunting Round?
Usually, they are. But the heavier rounds will mostly be more effective for hunting purposes. This means the lighter weight rounds won’t be as effective and should be limited to target shooting.
