Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum

The Raging Hunter employs dual locking latches to ensure positive lockup. The latches must be depressed in tandem to release the cylinder, and with practice, can be done just as quickly as a single-latch cylinder. The trigger impressed, in both single- and double-action pull.

As a result, a live round can be safely carried under the firing pin, permitting a full load of six rounds at all times. This feature has become standard equipment on virtually every modern revolver since Bill Ruger Sr. invented it for his Blackhawk single-action revolver (and all the models that have followed). Ruger was truly an American firearms genius—perhaps second only to John Moses Browning—and we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for the innovations he pioneered throughout his firearms design and manufacturing career.

SIG’s Elite Performance line of ammunition has a growing reputation for being some of the best-performing, most-precise ammo available, and although others performed nearly as well during testing, their 240-gr. 44 Magnum load keeps that momentum going, scoring the best 5-shot, 25-yard group of the day, measuring 1.10-inches.

For testing we mounted a Trijicon RMR RM06 reflex sight and thumb-screw mount on the top rail, and went to work on steel plates at distances ranging from 25-100 yards for reliability testing. We needn’t have bothered, as we experienced no malfunctions of any type in over 100 rounds fired, and hitting a 6-inch steel plate at 100-yards became relatively un-challenging after a short amount of “get to know each other” time. Moving to the bench at 25-yards, we tested the Raging Hunter with the following brands of ammunition in the following bullet weights: Black Hills’ solid-copper 160-gr. Honey Badger Badger, SIG’s 240-gr. Elite Performance V-Crown JHP, Federal’s 240-gr. Fusion JHP and Hornady’s Custom 240-gr. XTP. All loads performed very well, with very close performance across the spread, but SIG’s Elite Performance load edged out an accuracy win with a 1.10-inch five-shot group. Overall, an extremely-solid showing for Taurus’ newest hunting revolver.

Between the muzzle porting, cushioned-insert grips, the gun’s overall weight and its excellent balance, this .44 Magnum acted much like full-size .357 Magnum under recoil when firing full-power 240-grain hunting loads.

When you purchase a Raging Hunter, Taurus gives you a free 1-year NRA Membership—a $35 value, and something you should seriously consider given the upcoming mid-term Congressional elections. See the Raging Hunter .44 Mag. at your gun shop, or for more information contact Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc., Dept. OT; Tel.: (800) 327-3776; Web: www.taurususa.com

SECIFICATIONS:

Weight: 55-oz.
Overall Length: 14.1 inches
Barrel Length: 8.375-inches
Sights: Fully Adjustable/Picatinny Optic Rail
Finish: Matte Blue
Capacity: 6
Retail Price: $919