The Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Mag 8.38″ 6-Round Matte Black is a serious piece of field artillery that Taurus built for the shooter who needs a heavy-hitting revolver that doesn’t feel like a boat anchor on the hip. I’ve handled a lot of big-bore wheelguns, and this one stands out because of its hybrid barrel system — a steel liner wrapped in an aluminum shroud. That trick drops weight without sacrificing the rigidity you need for consistent .44 Magnum accuracy. The matte black finish is tough, the ported barrel tames muzzle rise, and the cushioned rubber grip makes the recoil punch something you can actually manage for follow-up shots. This isn’t a safe queen; it’s a working revolver for hunters and shooters who refuse to compromise on power or balance.
| Manufacturer | Taurus |
|---|---|
| Model | Raging Hunter |
| Caliber | .44 Magnum |
| Barrel Length | 8.38 inches |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Frame Material | Aluminum alloy with steel barrel sleeve |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Weight | 53 ounces (per manufacturer specs) |
| Sights | Fixed front, adjustable rear; Picatinny rail for optics |
| Action | Single-action / Double-action |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Hybrid Barrel System — A steel sleeve inside an aluminum housing cuts weight by nearly a pound compared to all-steel .44 Magnums, so you can carry it all day without your belt sagging. Why it matters: Less fatigue means more time in the field and better shot placement when it counts.
- Ported Barrel & Muzzle Brake — The ports vent gas upward to counteract muzzle flip, letting you track the front sight through recoil. Why it matters: Faster follow-up shots on game or steel, even with full-power Magnum loads.
- Cushioned Rubber Grips with Insert — The grip soaks up shock and keeps your hand locked in place, even with sweaty palms or gloves. Why it matters: You stay on target without adjusting your grip after every round.
- Picatinny Rail Integrated into Barrel Shroud — Mount a red dot or reflex sight directly to the barrel without aftermarket adapters. Why it matters: Low-profile optics mount that holds zero under heavy recoil.
- Six-Shot Cylinder with Fluted Design — The flutes reduce weight and make reloads easier under stress. Why it matters: Faster cylinder rotation and a lighter revolver overall.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the hunter who needs a reliable sidearm for backup against big game, and for the collector who appreciates innovative engineering in a classic platform. If you’re the kind of shooter who brings a .44 Mag to the range because you enjoy the challenge of controlling power, the Raging Hunter is your tool. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants a large-frame revolver that balances like a smaller gun — the aluminum shroud makes a real difference in how it points and swings.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Lighter than all-steel competitors — the hybrid barrel shaves off significant weight for a .44 Magnum.
- Pro: Ported barrel effectively reduces muzzle rise for faster follow-up shots.
- Pro: Integrated Picatinny rail means no gunsmithing required to mount optics.
- Con: The aluminum shroud can feel slightly muzzle-light with heavy loads compared to steel-framed revolvers, though this aids carry comfort.
Comparison: Taurus Raging Hunter vs. Smith & Wesson Model 629 vs. Ruger Super Redhawk
| Feature | Taurus Raging Hunter | Smith & Wesson Model 629 | Ruger Super Redhawk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 8.38 inches | 6.5 inches (common) | 7.5 inches (common) |
| Weight | 53 oz | 47.5 oz (6.5″ barrel) | 54 oz |
| Frame Material | Aluminum/steel hybrid | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Optics Mount | Integrated Picatinny rail | None (requires drill/tap) | Integral scope base |
| Muzzle Porting | Yes, factory ported | No (aftermarket only) | No (aftermarket only) |
| MSRP | $909.64 | $1,200+ | $1,100+ |
FAQ
What is the barrel length of the Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Mag?
The barrel is 8.38 inches long, measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle. This length provides a good balance between velocity and maneuverability for field use.
Can I mount a red dot on this revolver without gunsmithing?
Yes. The Raging Hunter has a Picatinny rail machined into the top of the barrel shroud, so you can attach most standard red dot or reflex sights directly — no drilling, tapping, or adapter plates required.
Is the Taurus Raging Hunter suitable for concealed carry?
Not really. With an 8.38-inch barrel and 53-ounce weight, this is a field/hunting revolver, not a concealed carry piece. It’s designed for open carry in a holster on a belt or chest rig.
What loads can I shoot in this revolver?
It handles all standard .44 Magnum and .44 Special ammunition. Per Taurus specs, the revolver is built for full-power Magnum loads, including hard-cast lead and jacketed hollow points.
Does the matte black finish hold up to holster wear?
Yes. The matte black finish is a durable oxide or similar coating that resists scratches and corrosion better than polished bluing. Expect some holster wear over time, but it won’t rust easily if kept oiled.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) | ✔ Ships 1-2 business days | ✔ 30-day returns | ✔ Secure checkout
Explore more: Revolvers | Taurus Handguns | .44 Magnum Firearms
Last updated: April 2026




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