Traditions Outfitter G3 (.44) Review

Single-shot rifles are really handy. My son has an H&R Handi-Rifle in .45-70… I may take back the “handy” where this one’s concerned, as it is really light and kicks a ton. 

But… that’s what makes single-shots so popular. Not the “kicks a ton” part, but the “light”. With a rifle weight of only a bit over five pounds, this Traditions .44 Magnum rifle is easy to lug around. Plus, there are sling swivels. Add a sling, and it becomes even more easily carried. 

This Rifle

The Traditions Outfitter G3 series is available in nine calibers: 

• .357 Magnum 
• .35 Whelen 
• .44 Magnum 
• .45-70 
• .35 Remington 
• .450 Bushmaster (I’d love to try one in this caliber!)
• .300 AAC Blackout 
• .350 Legend
• .360 Buckhammer 

Where To Buy

I chose one in .44 Magnum, as that caliber tends to perform well on close-to mid-range whitetails here around my Hoosier homestead. Plus, it’s easily obtained, either from a store or from my loading bench. Another plus is that its recoil doesn’t jar the teeth quite as much as some of the other calibers mentioned might. 

Let’s look at some specifications and features from the website.

• Caliber: 44 Mag
• Barrel: 22″ Chromoly, Flute,1:20″ Twist. Premium Cerakote finish; non-threaded
• Barrel Crown: 11 Degree Target Crown
• Weight: 5.8 Lbs (Gun Only)
• Trigger: Elite Xt™ Trigger System
• Safety: Manual Trigger Block 
• Frame: Steel
• Scope: Drilled & Tapped (includes 3-9×40 scope)
• MSRP: $749.95
• Other Features:
• Lightweight and Maneuverable
• Excellent for smaller-framed shooters

A Few Photos

The receiver, right side. The scope included just has branding for Traditions… I’m really not sure who made it. It worked fine and was bore-sighted from the box.

The receiver, left side. Here we see the logo up close, and the controls… the barre release is that large tab in the front of the trigger guard. It was very hard to activate, but that would probably change with use. We also have the safety behind the trigger – not the easiest to get to – and the hammer. It included an extension for both right- and left-handed shooters. That was appreciated, because you can’t reach it easily with the scope mounted.

The 22-inch fluted barrel.

A right-side shot of the receiver, up close.

How Did It Shoot?

Our oldest son happened by, and I stuck the rifle in his hands for a photo op… He let a few rounds fly and enjoyed it.

Here are some results from the three Black Hills loads I tried. They supply me with ammo for my reviews, for which I am grateful. So, we set targets up at 50 yards and proceeded to shoot from the bench…

I had my Athlon Rangefinder Velocity Pro radar chrono set up. That’s where the numbers come from. For reference, the 7 ring is 8 inches.

First, the worst target … the gun did not like the .44 Special HoneyBadger load, but that’s no great loss as you wouldn’t shoot Specials in a hunting .44 Magnum rifle (or at least I wouldn’t). This was not pretty…

• Bullet weight: 125 gr.
• Velocity: 1740 fps
• Energy:  840 ft./lbs.

Here’s the HoneyBadger .44 Magnum load.

• Bullet weight:  160 gr.
• Velocity:        2036 fps
• Energy:         1473 ft/.lbs.

And, last, a JHP load:

• Bullet weight:   240 gr.
• Velocity:          1796 fps
• Energy:             895 ft/.lbs.

The Take-Away

I would choose either of the magnum loads to hunt deer with. The ballistics gel block tests I’ve run show that the HoneyBadgers tend to run straight and generate a small-to-medium-sized wound cavity. Penetration is typically off the chart (or, rather, out of the block). Those would be great for a frontal or rear shot. A side shot would probably have the bullet go all the way through, into the next zip code. I may find out next month, when our firearms season arrives.

The JHP load is a good bet for all-around use. It doesn’t penetrate like the HB load, but it’s not supposed to. They expand nicely in the block, especially at rifle velocities. The bullets I shot held together even at almost 1800 fps. 

Conclusion

Are you considering buying a single-shot rifle for maybe your truck or ATV? Or are you wanting to both begin and end your hunting season with one loud “bang?” Whatever your reason, this Traditions rifle is a decent performer. I didn’t mention the trigger… it was fine. Just a touch of take-up and no creep. It allowed me to stay on target with no problems. 

For a street price of around $600, the rifle isn’t cheap, but it’s built well, locks up tight, and is perfectly accurate enough for the job at hand. Add in the multiple caliber options, and you have a gun worth considering. Let me know if you have experience with one of these below!  

Links To Items Used In This Review:

Black Hills Ammunition

MTM Case-Gard High-Low Shooting Table, $160

Caldwell E-Max Low-Profile Hearing Protectors, $33

Birchwood Casey Shooting Bags Filled, $40

Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph, $500

Birchwood Casey Eze-Scorer 8 Inch Bull’s-Eye Target, 26 Targets, $9

Caldwell Ultimate Target Stand, $33

MTM Case Gard Front Rifle Rest, $35