I'm new to the forum and joined because I just picked up an Alaskan. I did some searching on here and there wasn't really a thread on people's review of their own Alaskan. I'll be taking this thing to the range for the first time his weekend and I'll post my thoughts and maybe a photo, too. Feel free to do the same.
Okay, so I went to the range today and shot 75 rounds. Mostly Winchester white box 240gr semi jacketed soft point but also a box of Hornady XTP. It took me two or three shots to find where to hold but it was sighted in well and did not need to be adjusted, though that does not mean it was accurate. I found it difficult to be accurate with this firearm, even with the Hornadys, then again I'm a crap shot in the first place. If any of you have done any research on this firearm, you may have heard that it was designed for guides, or anyone who may find themselves in grizzly territory, like in Alaska. This could include fishermen, hunters, hikers, etc. I want to say that if I were planning for grizzly territory I would not carry a .44. I'd go with at least a .454 Cassull. Although I'm not sensitive to recoil, the .454 hurts and it's hard to get fast, accurate follow up shots (for me at least). Since .44 magnum will get the job done on the black bears and mountain lions I worry about out here, it seemed like a no brainier to go with the .44 Although the .454 also shoots .45 long colt, I'd rather stick with one cartridge. I can run standard fmj for 'plinking' and i can carry buffalo bore .44 +p+ when I'm actually in the woods. I have a box waiting for me to shoot =]
Well, good luck with it, icall. I am recoil sensitive, can't hit anything with my ordinary Redhawk .44 if the loads are very warm. Much better with the Virginian Dragoon. Hmm, typing that caused - get ready for it - a thought to enter my head. What is the requirement for a short barreled bear stopper about?
I have shot the 454 version and it is a handful, Hot 45 Colt wasn't bad and easily controlled. S&W made a 3" 44 magnum that was mag-na-ported, it shot full power 44 magnum comfortably. May have been a better choice.