single or double action revolver?

Hello, Thinking about trying handgun hunting for deer and want to buy a ruger in 44 mag. It comes in either double action redhawk or single action blackhawk. What is the best for hunting? I don't know alot about revolvers, are there hunting situations that single or double action would be best for?

thanks, Lance Hopman

Lance, I believe that almost ALL first shots at game are fired single action. Even my follow up shots are fired in this mode. I suppose shots at a running jack rabbit or so may be taken double action but for accuaracy, single acion is the way to go. However, since you can fire a double action revolver in a single action mode, just pick the pistol that feels right in your hands. Some people love the 'cowboy' style and feel of the Ruger Single Sixs, some (like me) love the double action grip better. Doug Miller

Personal preference, mostly. I've had Super Blackhawks(7), Vaqueros (1), Redhawks (3), and Super Redhawks (1) all in .44 magnum.

For hunting it seldom matters because you'll almost always shoot single action. I don't want any part of another Super Redhawk. That was a hand killer; I don't like rubber grips. Among DA guns, I'd much rather have the original Redhawk with nice wood grips. My first DA .44 was a Redhawk with a 7-1/2' barrel, blued, R-series, with a Leupold 2X on it. I sold it to finance curiosity. I haven't owned a better hunting revolver since. I generally shot it DA rather than SA; the Redhawk has the best DA pull I've ever seen, bar none, and I found it easier to hit with shooting DA than SA from field positions. Among single actions, I have three favorites. For a belt gun, I like the 4-5/8' barrelled Vaquero; the 5-1/2' barrelled super-b is my favorite iron-sights gun and a pretty good belt gun itself. For scoping, I like the Super-b 'hunter' with Ruger rings.

Lance I have both Rugers and a Taurus. In my opinion the Redhawk is clearly the choice. Had I bought it first I probably would not own the others. Its stronger than the super Black Hawk in terms of frame. Most hunting of deer with pistols in our area is done in single action. All Rugers need trigger work usually spring change, and for those whose hand is ave or above in size larger grips. That done your good to go.