Best 44 Magnum Revolvers – 2022 Ultimate Review

| Last Updated:
August 29, 2023

What started off as a handgun hunter cartridge in 1955, developed by the famous Elmer Keith and popularized by the movie Dirty Harry with the S&W 29 revolver, has now grown to be a reliable and presumably widespread bear country handgun caliber. This hard-hitting and hard-kicking cartridge is available to be shot from rifles or revolvers. 

Here we’ll be focusing upon learning about the best 44 Magnum revolvers and how should you choose one. 

Comparison of the Best .44 Magnum Revolvers

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Barrel measured at 2.75 inches
  • Best overall .44 magnum revolver
  • Polymer grip for superior gripping and control
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  • 6-round capacity
  • Barrel length measured at 10.5 inches
  • Runner-up for best overall .44 magnum revolver
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  • 5-round capacity
  • Barrel measured at 4 inches in length
  • Best .44 Magnum Revolver for the money
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  • 6-round capacity
  • Barrel measured at 6.5 inches
  • Best Taurus .44 Magnum Revolver
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  • 6-round capacity
  • Barrel measured at 6.5 inches
  • Best Smith and Wesson 44 Magnum Revolver
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Factors to Consider Before Buying a .44 Magnum Revolver

A .44 magnum revolver is a formidable weapon. Especially in the right hands. But a revolver comes with its own set of capabilities, limitations, and other considerations you should be aware of. Before you get one for yourself. 

Ankit Kumar - Writer for Gunmann.com

This Section Written By:

Ankit Kumar

Expert Author

Ankit Kumar is an engineer turned writer who specializes in topics related to firearms, gun safety and weapon tech. His passion towards enrolling in the Army drifted his interest towards light and heavy firearms. He’s a qualified competitive air rifle shooter and an avid nature lover. His other areas of expertise include survival, prepping and firearms/ammo storage. When he’s not writing, he’s either learning a new skill, trekking or enjoying a long drive.

The .44 Magnum Kicks! 

The .44 magnum on average has a recoil force of around 20 foot-pounds. That’s what a bolt action seven pounds rifle chambered in 140 grains .270 caliber delivers, more than enough to jerk your risk. This could possibly cause injury when being used by an inexperienced shooter. 

That tricky recoil is what stops some people from carrying a handgun of this caliber. However, everybody handles recoil differently. Many .44 magnum revolver users replace their grips with better aftermarket options for recoil mitigation. Some single-action revolver models with ‘dragoon’ style grips are pretty helpful with that. Grip geometry is very important here. 

Another viable solution is to hand load your ammunition, keeping the charge to a substantially low level to lessen the recoil. But you have to have experience and good knowledge of reloading for doing that. 

What's Your Intended Purpose?

The .44 magnum revolver comes in many sizes. Starting from a barrel length of 2.75 inches and going all the way up to 12. Sometimes, even more, depending upon the imaginative capabilities of an owner. The best barrel length for a .44 magnum revolver for general use is debatable. But many people like 5.5, 6, or 6.5 inches

Shorter barrels are generally preferred for EDC or even CCW if appropriate. But to be confident enough to use a .44 magnum revolver for these applications requires a lot of practice and confidence. I’d prefer a 9mm over the .44 magnum for daily defensive carry any day. But then, it’s your choice. 

Photo credit: gfycat.com

Longer barrels can make the weapon a bit front-heavy but help with muzzle velocity and slightly better recoil management. Making longer barrels good for hunting and also range use. Longer barrels also allow more space for mounting optics. 

The .44 magnum is a great hunting caliber and such revolvers are widely carried as deer-hunters and bear defense guns. A .44 mag revolver had set the record for killing a 12 ft tall polar bear in 1965 [source]. 

Single or Double Action

A single-action revolver is technically more favorable considering the blowback power of the .44 magnum. SA revolvers have a great grip and are limited to one shot per pull, they eliminate accuracy issues from quick follow-up shots on a magnum caliber. If you think SA revolvers are not that quick, think of Clint Eastwood in films or Bob Munden (may he rest in peace) in real life. 

A double-action revolver, on the other hand, eliminates the problem of cocking the hammer after every shot. The .44 magnum is not a ‘pull-trigger-fast’ kind of caliber. So that quick follow-up shot advantage doesn’t seem very relevant. 

Review of the Best .44 Magnum Revolvers

Below is a list of the five best .44 Magnum Revolvers that are currently on the market. As you go through each one, please note any features and characteristics that will match your ideal revolver. Once you find one that’s close enough, you’ll be able to call it the winning choice.

Now, let’s take a look at the “best overall” .44 magnum on our list:

Best Overall:
Smith & Wesson Model 69

Pros

  • Fits in most holsters
  • Firepower is shocking
  • Easy to load, takes a few minutes
  • Great for concealed carry and EDC use
  • The grip allows for excellent control and recoil resistance

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the new users were quite happy with the revolver. This had some pretty good firing power to boot and was at the perfect size for many of them to conceal carry. One user said that he doesn’t leave home without it. He also added that it was easy to load by hand, but prefers to load it with a speedloader since it saves him a good amount of time. Most of the new users also reported shooting accurately at targets from 50 to 100 yards out.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This revolver is one of the smallest .44 magnum revolvers on the list. That’s pretty good for those who are looking for the perfect concealed carry revolver. With six shots at your disposal, you cannot go wrong with a revolver like this. Especially if you need to use it to get you out of any dangerous situation. The revolver itself is made from high-quality materials and will definitely be an outstanding example of how long a revolver should last. So, if you want a revolver that can be a workhorse for years down the road, this is the revolver you’ll want.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be a pretty good EDC revolver that you can depend on. Especially if you want something that will be put to good use in a situation where danger might be closer than you think. However, you can even use it in situations where you might be threatened not by a prowler or attacker, but a predator animal that might be threatening you as well. Either way, you’ll be prepared with a revolver like this.

Bottom Line

The Smith & Wesson 69 Combat .44 Magnum has proven itself as one of the best revolvers on the market for concealed carry purposes. Not only will you get superior firing power, but you’ll have a revolver that will be built for a long period of reliable service. So, if you want a beast of a revolver that you can take just about anywhere, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything like this anywhere else on the market.

Runner-up:
Ruger Super Blackhawk

Pros

  • Easy to load
  • Less recoil than other options
  • Excellent in quality
  • Super accurate at most ranges
  • Smooth hammer and trigger operation

Cons

  • Pull weight can be a bit lighter
  • Not suitable for concealed carry
  • Loud, you’ll want hearing protection before use

What Recent Buyers Report  

A lot of new buyers were intrigued with the long barrel of this revolver, but what they didn’t realize that the length itself gave them a serious boost in accuracy from 100 yards and beyond. The firing power according to most users is quite impressive. One user said that he had a good handle on it given the slight amount of kickback he got with every shot. Nonetheless, he was confident in its abilities when he was using it for warding off varmint from his property.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Ruger is perhaps best known for making some pretty dang reliable revolvers. So, this one is no exception to the rule. This revolver might be useful in so many applications. Writing it off as useless for one application or another is simply just out of the question. With as much power and accuracy as it can deliver, this revolver will probably stand out as the odds on favorite for most seasoned .44 magnum users.

Who Will Use This Most

This revolver will probably be best for hunting and target shooting purposes given its ability to go the distance. You might be speechless at the sight of possibly landing a few predator or varmint targets just by using this revolver. If you think hunting with a revolver is something that you’ll want to pull off, then this is the kind to go with.

Bottom Line

The Ruger Super Blackhawk will probably be the go-to revolver for those that want to take an unconventional route when it comes to hunting. Yes, it can be an effective hunting revolver and can do some serious damage in the process. Expect this to be a possible “best overall” choice in the not so distant future.

Best for the Money: 
Taurus Tracker 4" .44 Magnum Blue

Pros

  • Simple to load
  • Aesthetically sharp
  • Fits in most concealed carry holsters
  • Great for concealed carry and self-defense

Cons

What Recent Buyers Report 

A lot of new buyers were looking for an affordable revolver that would be great for concealed carry purposes. Sure enough, this .44 magnum revolver was not disappointing, to say the least. In fact, they loved a lot of things about it. Starting off, the look itself. The all-black look makes it look quite menacing (but at the same time, it proves its worth as being a really durable revolver). As far as performance goes, a lot of people loved it. They managed to hit their targets from ranges varying from 50 to 100 yards away.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This revolver is one of the best models you can find when it comes to quality and affordability. If you’re looking for the best quality you can afford, this just might be the one revolver you’ll want to look at closely. Many others might be close enough, but you can bet your bottom dollar that this one will probably edge out against the others in terms of performance. So, if accuracy is a must for you, this revolver should be just what you need.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be an affordable option for those in search of a .44 revolver that can be used for the sake of concealed carry while getting a good amount of shooting power out of the deal. You might use this for self-defense or even target shooting as well. No matter what the application, this revolver will surely have its uses.

Bottom Line

The Taurus Tracker .44 Magnum will probably be the one you’ll want if you want something that’s high in quality, excellent in performance, and won’t suck the life out of your bank account. Not to mention, it’s a really good looking revolver that can probably turn some heads at the range. But don’t just get it for looks. Get it because it’s something that will get you through a session at the range (or if you are in danger).

Best Taurus .44 Magnum Revolver:
Taurus 444 Raging Bull

Pros

  • Exceptional firing power
  • Reliable cycling
  • Accurate at impressive distances
  • Good for home defense and target shooting
  • Ergonomic grip for excellent comfort and control

Cons

  • May not be suitable for concealed carry
  • Hammer may be a little tough to cock back
  • The cylinder may be a little difficult to pull out when new

What Recent Buyers Report 

As expected, a lot of new users had high praise for this revolver. They managed to hit their targets accurately from distances from 50 to even 125 yards out. A lot of users utilized this revolver for applications such as target shooting and self-defense. Some users were taking advantage of this for the purpose of “property management” when varmints were becoming a problem.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This revolver might just be used for home defense, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it to the range. It’s got a good amount of power and reliability, which is a major plus for revolvers that you can depend on when it comes to defending yourself from a dangerous threat to your life or property. Let’s not forget, it’s the kind of revolver that will be reliable for many years given the fact that it’s made from high-quality steel and polymer. In short, it’s a prime example of how a revolver should be.

Who Will Use This Most

This will be a great revolver for those who will use it for the sake of self-defense. But if they really want to put it to good use, they can take the time to fire off a bunch of rounds at the range. Either way, it’s proven itself to be useful thanks to its ability to be accurate and reliable in almost any given application. If that’s something like that out of a .44 magnum revolver, this might the go-to choice for you.

Bottom Line

The Taurus 444 Raging Bull lives up to its reputation as being one of the most reliable revolvers on the market. So, if you want something that will be great for any application without worrying about jamming or malfunctioning, this Taurus revolver might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Best Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum Revolver:
Smith & Wesson 629

Pros

  • Easy to load
  • Durable and solid constructed
  • Reliable in any given application
  • Trigger pull is easy and very light
  • Perfect for self-defense and target shooting

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were quite happy with this revolver based on its quality, performance, and reliability. They said that this revolver allowed for quick shooting and quicker follow-up shots thanks to the trigger pull weight. One user even said that he was able to use this for the purpose of competition shooting. He said compared to his last revolver, he was able to consistently hit his targets accurately and quickly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This revolver is another one of those that you can keep around the house in case any home invaders or varmint come around causing trouble at home. Plus, it has a grip that is ergonomically designed to give you real comfortable use. Even with a long day at the range, your hands won’t feel the strain from long-term use. If you cannot get enough of shooting your rounds at the range, you’ll want a revolver that will make sure that hand strain is a thing of the past this might be your best choice.

Who Will Use This Most

This revolver will obviously be a favorite for homeowners looking for a revolver that they can use at home. They’ll be quite happy with the fact that this revolver is built so tough that it can give you reliable, long-term use for as long as possible (assuming you take good care of it on a regular basis). If you want a revolver that will stay with you for years to come, this should do just fine.

Bottom Line

This Smith & Wesson 629 .44 Magnum handgun further proves itself that the S&W brand is one of the most trusted names in firearms, and they live up to the name by providing high-quality, reliable revolvers to those who need them most. For all your home defense and target shooting needs, this revolver might just be right up your alley if you want accuracy and reliability.

What Are The Best Uses For a .44 Magnum?

So what exactly is a .44 magnum used for? Well, you’ll be absolutely surprised by some of the applications that make using a .44 magnum possible. But first, let’s start off with the common uses:

Self-Defense

Yes, a .44 magnum will certainly get the job done in a self-defense situation. There may be some that are small enough in size to be considered a concealed carry revolver that you can take with you wherever you go. It’s good to be prepared for any danger lurking around rather than nothing at all. 

Target Shooting (Casual or Competitive)

Any good firearm would be perfect for target shooting. You can use it for shooting at targets for fun (or tuning up for other applications). Meanwhile, there are those that take their target shooting seriously. Those are the ones who are competitive shooters. No matter what, the .44 magnum is not just known for its power, but it’s also known for being pretty accurate at even some impressive distances. In other words, we’re talking distances that no other handgun could ever reach.

Hunting

Believe it or not, you can hunt with a revolver. The .44 magnum is powerful enough and has the ability to go the distance if you are hunting small game or varmint targets. And yes, depending on the type of .44 magnum you use plus the ammo included, you may be able to land a whitetail deer (assuming it’s situated as far out as 100 yards). While that sounds crazy, it has been done before. If anyone has successfully pulled it off, you’re probably more apt to try it out for yourself.

What Makes a Great .44 Magnum Revolver?

There are some characteristics and features that will certainly stand out with each revolver you look at. It’s important to know some of the things that make a .44 magnum revolver great compared to those that don’t perform well and are in subpar quality. Here are the following things to look for:

Price

If you are on a budget, you’re not regulated to picking a cheap model. In fact, we’ve made sure that the revolver that you choose will not be a cheap, flimsy revolver. We believe that you should find the best revolver that you can afford in terms of quality and performance is essential. You may end up spending a bit higher on the budget scale, but that shouldn’t matter if the value outweighs the price.

What Purpose Will it Excel At?

While a lot of .44 magnums will be great for the sake of general use, there are some that will excel at one application or another. For example, one revolver will have just enough power and can be compatible with certain rounds that will be enough to knock down a varmint or a whitetail deer.

So, if you are looking for a revolver that might be excellent for a certain purpose, pay attention to what people are saying about the revolver’s overall performance.

Photo credit: snipercountry.com

Excellent Fire-Power

The .44 magnum revolver will certainly pack a punch with each shot, and it’s part of the reason why it’s considered one of the most feared revolvers out there. No prowler or varmint will want to be on the receiving end of a .44 magnum (especially when it can leave some serious wounds). Some targets are known to be shredded in some areas after a shooting session. 

Why Should I Get a New .44 Magnum Revolver?

There are a few good reasons why you should get a .44 magnum revolver. If you’re unsure that you want to purchase a .44 magnum revolver, consider the following reasons why it’s important to get one:

Superior Firepower

We cannot stress it enough. The firepower of a .44 magnum is unreal, but it’s quite effective regardless of the application. Plus, it’s one of the reasons why such rounds can travel at impressive distances. In fact, you’ll always get shots to go the distance. Something any other handgun may not be able to do.

Excellent for Longer Distances

As mentioned, a .44 magnum can definitely reach out and touch something way beyond an average handgun. On average, a .44 magnum revolver can hit targets accurately and effectively from 100 to 200 yards out. If that isn’t an impressive reason why you should get a .44 magnum revolver, maybe the next reason will be good enough.

Useful For Any Given Purpose

Target shooting? Yup. Home defense? Absolutely. Hunting? Surprisingly enough, yes. You’re probably looking at one of the most useful handguns available. Plus, you’ve got enough rounds to work with. So, if you have no idea how to put six rounds to good use, you might want to consider some of the common applications mentioned.

Photo credit: imgur.com

Conclusion

The best .44 magnum revolver is out there. All you need to do is find one that will match your needs and preferences and you’ll have a revolver that will stick with you for the long term. Once you choose one of the five above, you’ll be the proud owner of one of the best types of handguns in existence. In fact, you might have more firing power than you know what to do with it.

People Also Ask

The following is a list of frequently asked questions that you can use as a guide to help you better understand how .44 magnum revolvers work. If you need to know any additional information about this type of revolver, you can find it here. Here are the following questions:

When Was The .44 Magnum Invented?

The first-ever .44 magnum revolver was first designed in the early 1950s. Smith and Wesson were known for making the first of its kind in 1955. Other names like Ruger began to follow suit a year later.

Can a .44 Revolver Shoot .44 Special?

Yes. However, it may depend on the kind of .44 revolver you are using. So, it’s important to find a revolver that will be able to shoot those kinds of rounds without any jamming or reliability issues. 

Can a .44 Magnum Revolver Kill a Bear?

A .44 magnum round should do just fine if you are using it to kill a black bear. In fact, they are one of the more popular cartridges that you can use for the purpose of bear hunting (assuming you are not using a rifle of any kind). 

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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