3-Inch .44Magnums: Any feedback?

2

23Skidoo

New member
For no reason at all I have been bitten with the idea that I ought to get a 3" .44mag, probably loaded with specials most of the time of course.
Anyone shot one/have one and what kind of feedback do you have?
 
I love my 3" 629-6, unfluted cylinder. 44 Specials are like shooting 38s in a heavy 357. Recoil is stout, but not unpleasant with 44 magnums. I enjoy shooting a box of 44 mags through it... any more than that and it starts to get to me.
 
I have a 3" 629-1. With MagNaPorting, it's nowhere near as hard to shoot as one would think, although recoil is still brisk enough that you won't have to stand around wondering if it went off or anything.
 
It's not a 44 but the Ruger Alaskan is something to consider. Even more powerful with a 2.5" bbl. 45Colt mag is about = to 44 with a little bit larger bullet and if your crazy enough you can go 454!
 
I've got one, an unfluted 629 Trail Boss with a 3" barrel. I love it for woods carry and never use anything except magnum loads. Sure it kicks a little but not much more than a 4" or even a 6". The biggest difference in my mind is the "BLAST". This probably increases the perceived recoil. You must use ear protection with this gun. It's a lot of fun to shoot though. I would not get a ported one because you lose enough velocity with the short barrel as it is without cutting holes in it. It also conceals nicely in cooler weather if you are so inclined. I always wanted a short barrel magnum and when I saw this one I bought it on the spot. The dealer had just received it the day before. The 3" is not always easy to find and if you ever want to sell one I'm sure you can get you money back easily. Go for it you won't be sorry. As for the Ruger Alaskan, if they made it in .44 Magnum I would probably get one since the ammo is easy to find and less expensive than either .454 or .45 Colt.
 
I've been looking at .44's too. I'm thinking the Colt Anaconda fits the bill just fine.

Of course, that new 500 smith with the 4" barrel looks mighty nice too.
 
I have one and I find that it is not more divvicult to shoot than a 4 inch model. Accuracy is excellent with .44 Specials and very good with .44 Magnums.
 
...I have a Ruger Bisley Vaquero sheriffs model (OK, so it's a tad customized :) ) with a 3" bbl. & both a special & a magnum cylinder (custom again ;) )....It's my favorite handgun shooting either round......
 
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Recoil is somewhat stout but certainly not painful. Be sure to protect your hearing when shooting this little sucker. The noise is imposing :cool:
 
Forgot to mention in my 1st post - I put the grip that S&W sells for the 500 on their website on my 629. It encloses the grip so the back strap isn't exposed. I was suprised the grip isn't any bigger than the stock grip. And it helps with recoil very much
 
I have a 3 inch Model 29 and it is a handful with full power loads and down right nasty with heavy bullet loads (300 grainers), but with .44 spl loads it's right pleasant to shoot. Finding the right stocks/grips and choosing a mild load make them fun to shoot all day.
 
Go to an indoor range that rents guns and see if they have one. Once you fire a few rounds you'll get some feedback from people around you. :eek: :D
 
I have a fluted cylinder with wood grips. Looks nicer that way and helps with the recoil :rolleyes:

It gets everyones attention when it goes off. Not impossible but stout, especially with full power 44 mag loads.
 
3 inch .44 Magnum from S&W

I had an 80's Lew Hornton model.
Got rid of it because the S&W would not take the 2,000 rounds I had loaded up. The replacement was a Stainless Redhawk. The Redhawk like the hot load.
If you intend to load and/or shoot loads between .44 Special and .44 Magnum, you shouldn't have any problem.
 
I used to carry a 4" Model 29 Smith at times, loaded with moderate magnum loads and specials it was no problem to shoot, very smooth and accurate.

Mark
 
Having fired many 3 inchers and 4 inchers. I prefer 4's.

They balance better for me, shoot more accurately, and that extra inch really isnt nay harder to conceal.

I used to be real hot on 3's. Now I don't own one.
 
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