7 Best 44 Mag Revolver Reviews of 2023 | Legendary Caliber Handguns With Unsurpassed Firepower

This best 44 magnum revolver manages to bust the long-lasting claim that’s taken over the realm of revolvers, which is that revolvers aren’t primarily targeted at concealed carry. Before I tried it, I’ve experimented with S&W’s both K and N frames. N-frame revolvers were bulky, while K-frame ones gave potential to a CCW piece.

The American firearms manufacturer had plans to bridge the gap between those two frames, and the Model 69 Combat Magnum was brought to light as a compact revolver that packs the destructive 44 Mag firepower. The innovation lies in the fact that the Model 69 is the first revolver to adopt a form factor based on the L frame.

S&W succeeded in cramming the power you’ll mostly find in the heavy N-frame revolvers into a holster-friendly L-frame package. That’s the mindset that pushes gun owners toward possessing a little demon like the Model 69 with its 2.75-inch barrel. But is this short barrel a good call at the range?

I like that S&W reinforced the Model 69 with a full-length underlug since it’ll eventually reduce the kickback of the muzzle climb. When you lay hands on the Combat Magnum, you’ll notice that the short barrel is an indicator of how this 44 Mag revolver targets concealed-carry shooters as it weighs around 34.4 ounces. It still remains one of the strongest 44 magnum revolver options to date.

As you might have guessed, the light weight might affect recoil. In the end, you want to shoot fast and flat. However, I’ve always thought of recoil control as a subjective matter that hails down on a heated discussion at a bar among marksmen. Yes, this 44 Mag revolver is so lightweight that it requires some practice to get used to. 

One thing I noticed is that the cylinder has the same bulk as N-frame 44 Mag revolvers, proving that the Model 69 boasts a beefed-up version of the feather-light K-frame revolvers. Slide that release button to snap the cylinder open, and it’ll swing out with 5 chambers for ammo insertion.

I wouldn’t count the cylinder capacity of 5 cartridges as a downside since the cylinder has sizable spaces between each chamber to boost the rigidness of the stainless steel. This 5-shooter is chambered in either 44 Mag or 44 Special. Relatively speaking, that’s good news for some beginner-to-intermediate users.

If you fill the chambers with 44 Special, chances are you’ll experience less recoil than shooting a 44 Mag cartridge since the casings of 44 SPL ammunition exert less pressure and, in turn, less recoil. Still, I’d prefer acquainting myself with shooting 44 Mag for potential recoil tolerance.

The extended grip is made up of synthetic rubber, and I’ve had no frustrating moments with the textured surface. S&W also gives you an option to change this grip by loosening the middle screw to swap it with another one.

The Model 69 is a double-action .44 Mag revolver, but what truly captivated me was its hammer, enticing me to cock it repeatedly to experience the single-action mechanism of this firearm. The hammer boasts a robust texture, allowing for easy cocking, while the seamless trigger pull has transformed me into a fervent admirer of the Model 69's one-handed functionality. As my chosen carry gun, I opt for .44 SPL ammo, which offers minimal recoil. I particularly adore the grip and trigger pull, which enhance my shooting experience. Is this 44 mag revolver best overall? In my experience, YES!

With the Ruger Super Blackhawk, you actually get two advantages, the first being that you’ll carry a prodigious wheel gun that’ll sooner or later remind you of that classic Colt Python from the 50s. The second is that it doesn’t bear a .537 Mag caliber, but a mighty 44 Mag one with a budget-friendly price tag.

I’ve owned another variant of the Super Blackhawk, which has an unfluted cylinder. Unfluted cylinders have a connected design that looks uniform. Alternatively, this new Super Blackhawk boasts a fluted cylinder with some metal removed for carving cut-outs (flutes) among the chambers to reduce the weight.

This 5.5-inch barrel has given me the implication of weighty handling, and that’s true. However, the weight is fantastically distributed among the unfluted cylinder, barrel, and the vintage grip. This 44 Mag handgun has an 11.38-inch overall length of alloy steel this time, reflecting the price segment where the Super Blackhawk lies.

Unlike the S&W Model 69 Combat Magnum, the Super Blackhawk’s cylinder doesn’t magically swing out for speed-loading. It follows the old-school fixed cylinder mechanism for reloading instead of the modern-day cylinders that either break outward or swing sideways.

While it may sound archaic, this fixed cylinder has a nearby gate, which you can open when you half-cock the hammer lever. Only then will you be able to load every 44 Mag bullet at a time in the 6 chambers by spinning the cylinder. Note that this revolver is also chambered in 44 Special ammunition.

I won’t let you think of the added weight as a curse, though. Weighing 45 ounces, the Super Blackhawk won’t be cruel to you if you decide to shoot it one-handedly. The lightweight Model 69 will hit you with a more aggressive kickback than this Super Blackhawk. The more weighty the handgun, the better the recoil absorption.

I even tried to fan that hammer like newbies, and it didn’t let me down! It’s better than the curved hammers we see nowadays in single-action revolvers, and it’s not the only good ol’ thing in this affordable 44 Mag revolver. This genuine hardwood grip never fails to seduce me to carry this gun to destroy some watermelons at the range. This is why I consider Ruger Super Blackhawk the best 44 revolver for beginners and for a tight budget!

Since the cylinder doesn’t pop out to the side, how will you be able to get rid of the spent cartridges? Below the barrel, you’ll spot the old-timey charm of the fixed, full-length ejector rod. So, you’ll have to spin the cylinder to bring the chamber and slide that rod all the way back till you laboriously dump these casings.

Though I'm addicted to these slides, I should mention it occasionally gets stuck, requiring manual cartridge removal after extensive use. Nevertheless, it's a reliable and cost-efficient .44 Mag revolver with adjustable sights that will take care of your targets. Ruger's single actions are truly beautiful and well-crafted.

I've cherished this gun since my youth and have never experienced a failure. Its smooth action and remarkable accuracy make it my go-to, even amidst my love for striker fire pistols. Ruger's single actions are simply awesome, as exemplified by my first purchase of a Vaquero in .44-40.

I still recall my first handgun, a Ruger Blackhawk .41 Magnum, which I obtained at 16 through summer work with my dad. These weapons are excellent, and I've customized mine with a wicked trigger job and Pachmayr grips, resulting in an amazing shooter!

Although Ruger jumped on the 44 Mag revolver bandwagon too late in 1949, the founders of this firearms manufacturer sensed Smith & Wesson’s interest in the potential of double-action hand cannons. Both manufacturers have their headquarters situated in Connecticut, where the double-action dream came to life.

In 1979, Ruger announced its first double-action 6-shooter, the Redhawk, which also came later than its competitors. Better late than never! This handgun has appeased to the palms of seasoned marksmen, and the Super Redhawk still carries the legacy of the original Redhawk to this day.

Since I’ve been an avid bearer of the single-action Super Blackhawk, I felt the urge to give the double-action Ruger Redhawk a shot to see how it fares with a bursting cartridge like the 44 Mag. It’s worth mentioning that this handgun has two variants, one of which is chambered in .454 Casull, giving an initial implication of endurance.

“That’s some merciful recoil we have here!”—a phrase you’ll rarely hear during a 44 Mag revolver chit-chat. While the availability of a .454 Casull variant gave me a positive impression about the build quality, it was also a bit intimidating for me. What I expected was an unforgiving recoil by all means, but the reality was different.

First off, the Ruger Redhawk 44 Magnum’s 7.5-inch barrel kind of soothed my worries. This is a good rule of thumb to follow: the longer the barrel, the more forgiving the recoil unless you’re dealing with an unappeasable .50 AE or .500 S&W revolver. Thinking about these makes me feel grateful for sticking to this revolver.

This long barrel doesn’t have an underlug for support, making it more reliable and heavy-duty than that of the Smith and Wesson 44 Mag Model 69, although we don't have a full-length ejector rod (it has no advantage other than looking cool, anyway).

We get the standard dot-textured grip with grooves that act as finger rests. You can change it with a custom one, but I recommend that you don’t! Ruger calls this the Hogue Tamer grip, and it houses a recoil cushion that troubleshoots aggressive kickbacks, no matter how heavy the loads get.

The third key to recoil reduction here is the stainless steel cylinder, which swings out when you slide the release button. Ruger employs a triple-locking mechanism to fasten this cylinder to the front, rear, and bottom of the revolver’s frame to ensure that it doesn’t wiggle. This Ruger-exclusive solution deserves a round of applause!

Now that recoil is no longer a problem, let's discuss how the handgun performs at the range. Thanks to its innovative 3-way solution, the recoil of this handgun is directed slightly backward instead of pushing the muzzle upward, which is especially beneficial for beginners.

Additionally, the double-action trigger has a smooth and straightforward pull, requiring less pressure. One notable feature of this double-action 44 Mag revolver is its delicate hammer, allowing easy cocking for single-action mode.

However, it's important to note that fanning is not possible due to the fixed sights positioned at a higher level than the hammer's lever. Several users have praised the SRH 44 magnum with the same grips and a 9.5" barrel, describing it as an incredibly fun, strong, and accurate revolver.

Its durability and reliability have also been highlighted, with users expressing their love for this gun. The Ruger Redhawk is widely regarded as a fantastic wheel gun for its price, and some users even prefer its trigger over their beloved S&W 19 for double-action shooting.

“This is the 44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off.” These were the lines uttered by Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry while threatening his enemy, referring to the all-time classic Smith & Wesson Model 29. Did he fire that 6th shot, though? Yes, he did—no setbacks whatsoever!

This movie is the reason why the Model 29’s sun will never set as long as traditional firearms remain in circulation. On the advent of the .454 Casull followed by the .460 and the .500 S&W Magnum calibers, many shooters expected that the Model 29’s legacy would be irrevocably wiped off since it uses 44 Mag ammunition.

On the contrary, the hype behind the S&W Model 29 is still skyrocketing to this day, and I bet you’re here to know why. While we may not find anything new with this 44 Mag revolver, I’d say that the Model 29 has provided the standard that other firearms manufacturers regard as the mainstay of 44 Mag revolvers.

One thing that caught my eyes is the carbon steel build, which is exceptionally stronger as it ensures that this handgun will last a lifetime, to say the least. Carbon steel has more carbon incorporated into it, granting the Model 29 higher durability and better heat dissipation.

Heat distribution is our top-priority spec to deal with the hot ballistics of a tenacious 44 Mag revolver like the Model 29. Luckily, the frame isn’t the only component made of carbon steel since both the cylinder and the barrel derive their support from this carbon-infused polymer.

The increase in both weight and barrel length hints at improved recoil retention compared to the advanced-level kickback we’re familiar with in the Model 69. Still, an iconic wheelgun like this requires additional practice sessions to get used to. For the untrained eye, I’d recommend loading this handgun with .44 Special ammo at first.

For mainly a double-action sidearm, the Model 29 has its hammer unhindered by the rear sight. It’s funny that most manufacturers cut off some metal from the lever to prevent gun owners from fanning the hammer. But, Smith & Wesson doesn’t do monstrosities—it wants to keep its classics in their prime.

The 6-chamber cylinder easily swings out to the side when you poke that release button. Fortunately, this vintage cylinder is compatible with most speedloaders on the market. So, you can save yourself the trouble of loading every 44 Mag cartridge individually.

What encouraged me to take this Model 29 reissue to the shooting range was the Dirty Harry-esque wooden grip, which features a square-shaped bottom reminiscent of the captivating 44 revolvers from the past century. I would dare to say that this hand cannon is well-suited for intermediate shooters who may not prefer the Model 69.

I often carry revolvers, not necessarily every day, but frequently. I feel equally capable, comfortable, and confident with either choice. Smith and Wesson's 44 magnum always brings a smile to my face! It's a fantastic way to spend a day in the great outdoors, immersing myself in nature and sending rounds downrange. I reload my own ammunition, so when I bring it out, I usually have around 250 rounds of hot reloads ready to go.

I genuinely adore this firearm. Some individuals may not appreciate the lock or the grips, but personally, I have never encountered any issues with either. I grew up shooting this stainless classic, and I still have it. It holds countless beautiful memories for me.

The first Blackhawk I used had a .357 Magnum caliber, but the Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter packs a vindictive 44 Mag one. If you’re still reading, you must’ve drawn the distinction between Ruger’s Blackhawks and Redhawks. Yes, Blackhawks are single-action revolvers, while the Redhawks utilize double-action triggers.

Ruger has been taking care of its Blackhawk Hunter lineup since it first hit the market in the 50s, and that’s because of the ever-increasing demand of handgun hunters who want a high-caliber revolver for some big-trophy games. I personally use mine for self-defense amid a venture into the woods.

If there’s one thing that sets the Blackhawk Hunter from the regular Blackhawk, it’d be the reloading mechanism. In the Blackhawk Hunter, you only need to open the loading gate and spin the cylinder to insert your Remington cartridges of choice. Half-cocking the hammer won’t do any magic, and I recommend you don’t do that.

If you attempt to half-cock the lever, you may end up initiating the trigger to move the firing pin, and you wouldn’t want to do that since you may fire the Blackhawk Hunter accidentally. The revolver has a safety measure in this mechanism by preventing any hammer cocking until the loading gate is slammed back in place.

Like the Super Blackhawk, this 44 Mag revolver has a 7.5-inch barrel, but with an underlug this time. Although I would’ve preferred a one-piece barrel, I appreciate that the one we have here adds to the overall weight of 52 ounces. So long as more weight means less recoil, I’m definitely in—that’s a sane decision.

Unlike the Blackhawk, this 44 Mag has its cylinder made of one chunk of stainless steel. You’ll see no flutes when you spin it to reload. This unfluted cylinder’s guts welcome 6 .44 caliber cartridges from either Remington or Smith & Wesson. If you choose to fire it with .44 Special, you’ll observe a noticeable degradation in recoil.

While the cylinder stands unfluted, you’ll find 2 cutouts on top of the barrel for third-party optics. As its name implies, most gun owners would resort to this 44 Mag revolver for big-game hunting. I’d say human hunter-gatherers would use the Blackhawk Hunter if they had the luxury to assemble a revolver!

Aside from the sturdiness of stainless steel, the Ruger Blackhawk Hunter offers a unique black laminate grip that provides a comfortable and high posture while handling the firearm. Inside the grip, a coil spring ensures proper weight distribution, which is essential given the heavy 7.5-inch barrel. Unfortunately, like its brother, the Blackhawk, this revolver faces the same ejection rod adversity.

However, Ruger has addressed one common concern by molding the trigger guard into a rounded shape, eliminating knuckle pain. Despite this flaw, the Blackhawk Hunter remains an enjoyable firearm to shoot and a worthwhile investment for those seeking happiness through shooting.

It boasts remarkable accuracy when fired without any support and is particularly suitable for hunting, especially with its recommended 7.5" barrel length. Whether you have an older model or a newer one, the Super Blackhawk is widely regarded as a great gun with impressive accuracy and a solid build. The single-action mechanism adds to the enjoyment of shooting, forcing the shooter to slow down and savor the power this best 44 magnum revolver for hunting delivers.

If you’re new to the realm of revolvers, you may not hear about Cimarron. This firearms manufacturer’s founder, Mike Harvey, is actually aiming at reviving the vibes of vintage firepower. That’s what I felt when I first laid hands on the Cimarron Bad Boy since it boasts nearly the same design as a 19-century Colt Single Action Army.

There are many things that draw your attention when you look at this 44 Mag handgun. For me, it’s been the 8-inch barrel, the lengthiest on our list. After shooting some cartridges, I’ve noticed that this octagonal barrel is much stiffer than round barrels. Also, the flat barrel edges here somehow increased my accuracy.

Combine that with the lengthy sight radius, and you’ll realize how accurately you can fire this Bad Boy. The long barrel alone allows for rapid target acquisition if you’re a fan of quick draws. At first glance, you may argue that it’s a two-piece barrel. However, it’s only a one-piece tube with an underlug for the ejection rod.

Just behold how affordable this Bad Boy is. Despite that, Harvey doesn’t compromise on the build quality; it’s made out of an unrelenting chunk of blued carbon steel, similar to old-school 44 Mag revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 29. This further explains Cimarron’s intent to reinvigorate the veterans of the past.

The Bad Boy doesn't require you to ignore the 6th chamber; you can enjoy the entirety of the 6-shot cylinder. The secret behind this is that the firing pin is integrated into the hammer. It retracts when you hold the lever back for a moment and then slowly pushes forward to place it in a steady position. Samuel Colt would be proud!

However, despite its weight of 48 ounces and the extra length of the barrel, recoil control is not as unchallenging as one might hope, especially for beginners. Nevertheless, this revolver is undeniably beautiful with its deep blue finish, and the octagonal barrel adds a unique and badass look to it.

The optics plate is a bonus, particularly if you can find a red dot sight to handle the heavy recoil of the 44-mag. Many users praise its accuracy and describe it as the perfect blend of Old West charm and modern power. Some have even found that using shooting gloves enhances their grip and prevents recoil from causing any discomfort. Overall, the Bad Boy is a true beauty in the world of revolvers.

The Smith & Wesson Model 629 is the savior for those who don’t want to get a taste of the attacking recoil of the Model 69 or 29. I’d deem this 44 Mag handgun a standard for the entry-level revolver bearers who have familiarized themselves with basic recoil control in semi-automatic pistols.

The spec sheet gave me the benefit of the doubt even before I took this guy to the shooting range. The standard 6.5-inch barrel is ribbed into 2 pieces. Although it’s circular, you’ll be able to retain an acceptable sight radius while aiming, thanks to the contrast achieved by both the red front sight and the white rear one.

The swing-out cylinder houses six .44 caliber rounds in the Smith & Wesson 44 Magnum model. For novice shooters who wish to avoid excessive recoil, opting for .44 Special ammunition is a viable choice. Personally, I found the trigger's feel to be quite satisfying, especially when firing in single-action mode. 

When using the longer barrel, the revolver's performance excels at any distance, making it an exceptional choice. I personally adore my 4" model as it boasts outstanding craftsmanship and accuracy. Whether I'm camping or hunting, this firearm provides me with a sense of security every time.

The revolver's aesthetics are also worth mentioning, with its sleek design and impressive shooting capabilities. Some users have opted to customize their own, adding an old-style cylinder release and S&W wood stocks for a more appealing look. While rubber stocks are practical for frequent shooting, the wooden ones offer a touch of elegance. If you're fortunate enough to find the 5" version, like I did, you'll discover that it's aesthetically superior to the longer barreled variations.