I got this itch that needs scratchin. I want a new single action revolver.  Ruger Blackhawk to be precise.  I try to decide between the 44 Mag and the 45 Colt.  Main purpose is punching paper, but it will accompany me on my first ever black bear hunt in September.  I plan on bowhunting the bear, but I may need a backup "just in case".  Ive shot 44 mag before but have never shot a 45 Colt.  I was thinking about a 44-40 but for the price on those I could have one of each of these.  If I used it in a hunting situation, my max yards will be about 70 yards.  I would load for either one. What do you guys shoot.  Which would do you like better.  IM not trying to start a "Ford vs Chevy" arugment, but more of something for me to think about.  I like to make well informed decisions. 

Full disclosure: I don't own either caliber, but I've shot both... Neither will do you wrong, when loaded properly (but you already knew that). I will say that there's definitely something visceral and inspiring about the .44 magnum. I don't know of anyone that would feel under-prepared going toe-to-toe with a black bear carrying a .44 magnum, including myself. I've carried one on horse-trail riding for exactly that purpose.  Again, either choice is viable but I give my nod to the .44 magnum.

Are they making a 44 blackhawk right now? i know they have before.
Mine is a super blackhawk but has the round trigger guard like a blackhawk.
It began life as a 7.5" barrel gun and is now roughly 4 5/8", barrels just over an 1/8th inch longer than the ejector rod housing. I also sanded rugers infamous lawyer label off the barrel before i refinished it with black moly resin, one day i will redo it with cerakote... but its not high up on the list.

My favorite is the 5.5" SS Super Blackhawk with round triggerguard.

If you want to shoot full house loads go that route.

If you want a lighter easier to carry gun maybe look at either the New Vaquero or Flat Top in 45 Colt or even better 44 Special.

Not a fan of S&W or Taurus
Yes, I am a huge fan of Ruger
As many above have posted, the 44 is a great bet
I have both, a Super Blackhawk and a Redhawk in 44 Mag
Beauty of the 44 Mag, is its ability to also fire the 44 special
If you're going for paper, you can pop the specials but still have the capability of running the full blown Mags when the need shows its ugly head

Those are some beauties.  Im still undecided, but I am more leaning towards the 44 Mag.  I had a 44 Mag before, a Taurus Raging Bull.  But I wanted a really nice semi auto shot gun for pheasant hunting.  So I sold it to help pay for a Browning Maxus.  While digging out my 35 Rem dies the other day, I discovered I still have the dies for the 44 and I still have some 270gr Speer Deep Curl Bullets.  I thought I sold all of that stuff.  The only thing I would need is brass and I am set.  Where the 45 I would need everything.  But, I am in no hurry right now. 

YUP I also like the rugers allot!!















CW

I like the 45....but I have a liking for old calibers....and own a Blackhawk convertible. 45 Colt / 45ACP

You can't go wrong with either the 44 or 45. There, that helped a lot. 

My Superblackhawk in .44 mag (Lower right)

Figured i might as well add to the ruger porn.. just about every single part of this gun has been tweaked in some way. Everything inside is polished and now the trigger is so light its borderline scary. Finish is norrels satin black moly resin. I will eventually redo it in cerakote.

CW that Ruger in 30 Carbine is on my want list.  I found one at a local retailer a couple of years ago.  $300 and it was in good shape.  Wanted to do some research on it first.  Decided I was going to have it.  Went back 3 hours later and it was gone.  Ever since then, I have said I will have one someday.

Quote from: 357_Sig on May 05 2015 02:49:33 PM MDT
CW that Ruger in 30 Carbine is on my want list.  I found one at a local retailer a couple of years ago.  $300 and it was in good shape.  Wanted to do some research on it first.  Decided I was going to have it.  Went back 3 hours later and it was gone.  Ever since then, I have said I will have one someday.

Its a better handgun caliber IMHO.   LOUD...BTW.

CW

Quote from: cwlongshot on May 05 2015 04:49:22 PM MDT

Quote from: 357_Sig on May 05 2015 02:49:33 PM MDT
CW that Ruger in 30 Carbine is on my want list.  I found one at a local retailer a couple of years ago.  $300 and it was in good shape.  Wanted to do some research on it first.  Decided I was going to have it.  Went back 3 hours later and it was gone.  Ever since then, I have said I will have one someday.

Its a better handgun caliber IMHO.   LOUD...BTW.

CW

Loud to describe a blackhawk in 30 carbine is a huge understatement.  I generally double back (plugs + muffs).  The first time i fired one I was sure I left my hearing protection off. I hadn't.

I bought one of these last year, it's nice little gun, but I wish I would of bought the Bisly version.

My nod goes to the .44 mag as well. Consider a Redhawk if you want DA/SA. The Blackhawk will do nicely as well.