Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Mag 8.38″ 6-Round Matte Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Hybrid aluminum/steel barrel shaves weight to 55 oz — over 10 oz lighter than a solid-steel equivalent of the same length.
- Factory-installed Picatinny rail saves $200-350 in gunsmithing costs for optic mounting compared to milling a Smith & Wesson frame.
- 6-round capacity in .44 Magnum matches the standard for large-frame revolvers, offering full power without cylinder size compromise.
- Fixed front and adjustable rear sights provide a 9.5-inch sight radius for precise iron-sight work before adding an optic.
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull is a serviceable but heavy 12 pounds — not suitable for competition-level double-action shooting without spring kits.
- Matte black oxide finish on the frame shows holster wear and handling marks more readily than a Cerakote or hard chrome finish.
- No included hard case — the revolver ships in a cardboard box, requiring a separate $40-80 investment for proper field transport.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Mag 8.38″ 6-Round Matte Black
The Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Mag 8.38" 6-Round Matte Black is a large-frame, six-shot double/single-action revolver chambered in .44 Magnum specifically designed for hunters and shooters who require a controllable, optics-ready platform for short- to medium-range field work against heavy game or targets. It employs a hybrid barrel system that reduces weight without sacrificing ballistic integrity. The combination of factory porting, a Picatinny rail, and cushioned grips creates a focused toolset for managing substantial recoil.
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Mag used for?
This revolvers is used for hunting medium to large game at ranges up to 100 yards and as a controlled, heavy-caliber platform for timed field shooting events. Its 8.38-inch ported barrel provides a significant sight radius and velocity for the .44 Magnum cartridge, while the optics rail allows for mounting red dots or low-power scopes commonly used in such disciplines. The cushioned grip and weight distribution make it suitable for extended practice sessions of 50-75 rounds, where recoil management is critical.
How does the Taurus Raging Hunter compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 629?
The Taurus offers a more modern, feature-focused design compared to the classic Smith & Wesson Model 629. It's better for shooters who want an optic-ready rail, factory porting, and a hybrid barrel system without requiring aftermarket gunsmithing, while the S&W 629 is better for those prioritizing traditional aesthetics and a longer-standing reputation for custom shop services. The Taurus's aluminum-barrel-shroud design brings the weight down to 55 oz, compared to the all-steel 629's typical 48 oz, but the Taurus is 1.3 inches longer overall for that weight advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This revolver weighs 55 ounces (3.44 pounds) unloaded and measures 14.1 inches in overall length from the muzzle to the back of the grip frame. The 8.38-inch barrel is 0.82 inches in diameter at the muzzle due to the porting cuts and hybrid steel-aluminum construction, with the cylinder window measuring 1.75 inches in width. The Picatinny rail section is a standard 3-slot length, providing ample space for most compact optics without overhang.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for concealed carry, urban defense, or shooters with minimal hand strength looking for a lightweight trail gun. Its 14.1-inch length and 55-ounce weight make it holster-compatible only with large, open-field rigs like the Diamond D Guides Choice, not for inside-the-waistband carry. The double-action trigger pull, while serviceable, averages 12 pounds and requires a deliberate press, making it less suitable for fast, precision double-action work compared to competition-tuned wheelguns like the Stevens 334 Rifle which is better for rapid follow-up shots from a shoulder-fired platform.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a factory-supplied 1/4-20 mounting screw for the optics rail, a basic trigger lock that meets California DOJ standards, and the standard Taurus Limited Lifetime Warranty paperwork. The box does not include a hard case, speed loaders, or any scope mounting rings, which must be purchased separately if you intend to mount an optic.
Is the Taurus Raging Hunter worth it at $909.99?
At $909.99, it is worth the cost for a shooter who specifically needs an out-of-the-box, optics-ready .44 Magnum hunting revolver and does not want to pay $1300+ for a Smith & Wesson and then another $250-400 for a gunsmith to mill a rail and port the barrel. You are paying for the integrated feature set that avoids aftermarket work. If your primary use is casual target shooting with iron sights, a simpler, non-ported .44 Mag like the Ruger Redhawk may offer better value for a lower price point, but you give up the rail and the recoil-dampening design of this Taurus. For other field-ready tools, consider our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for a completely different kind of hunting platform.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327615583 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-440081RH |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Anodized |
| barrel length | 8.375" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 15 |
| model | Raging Hunter |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 4.1 |
| sights | FS: Fixed / RS: Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .44 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes. The cylinder is cut for .44 Magnum and will also accept .44 Special ammunition without issue. The chamber throats are sized for jacketed bullets up to 0.431 inches in diameter, which covers nearly all factory and reloading-die specifications. Avoid +P+ or other non-SAAMI-spec loads, as with any firearm.
- Does it fit a standard 8-inch revolver holster?
- No, not exactly. Its 8.38-inch barrel and Picatinny rail add bulk, requiring a holster designed for scoped or railed N-frame revolvers. Models from Diamond D Custom Leather or Simply Rugged with their 'Chesty Puller' system, sized for a Smith & Wesson 629 with an 8-3/8" barrel and a rail, typically provide the necessary clearance. The overall length of 14.1 inches is the critical dimension for holster fit.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory ships all in-stock firearms within 1 business day via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL dealer. Transit time is typically 2-3 business days once the carrier picks up. You will receive tracking information and your FFL will contact you when the firearm arrives for the mandatory 4473 background check and transfer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No. Due to federal regulations, all firearm sales are final once the firearm has been transferred to you by your FFL. We strongly recommend handling a Raging Hunter at a local dealer or range before purchasing. The grip circumference is 5.5 inches, which is comparable to a large-frame Glock 20 with a Hogue sleeve, to give you a physical reference.
- Does this work with a Vortex Venom red dot sight?
- Yes. The Picatinny rail is a standard 3-slot section compatible with any red dot mount using a Picatinny interface. The Vortex Venom, when paired with its included Picatinny mount plate, will fit securely using the provided 1/4-20 screw. Ensure you use a thread-locking compound like Loctite 242 on the screws to prevent vibration loss during firing.