I've been thinking of getting rid of my Glock 23 in favor of a nice revolver as a secondary home gun. My 12 ga. is the #1 grab when my dogs alert me in the night. My wife feels more comfortable with a med/large frame revolver as opposed to the Glock or small framed .38. She's fired the GP100 and likes that in either the 3" or 4" barrel. What I'm not in a hurry for is cleaning carbon buildup in the cylinders. I went to the range today just for kicks and rented a S&W 629. I tried the .44 spl ammo in it and really enjoyed firing the weapon. My questions are: Would the .44 spl ammo do what .38 ammo does in a .357....leave carbon buildup? Any cons, aside from ammo cost, to expect with the .44 caliber? And finally, what are some of the more reliable, and California approved .44s to be had in this market? Any and all opinions related to the topic are greatly appreciated.
.44 spl in a .44 mag vs. .38 in a .357 magnum?
- Thread starter Badger71
- Start date
If by carbon buildup you mean the crud that results from firing a case that is shorter than the case the cylinder was made for (.38 spl in .357 mag cylinder and .44 spl in .44 mag cylinder), the answer is obvious: yes there will be such buildup. I don't have a .44 mag, but there is nothing inherent in the .44 spl cartridge that would cause it to leave less crud than a .38 spl.
But I am not clear on what the problem is here. I have shot many .38 spl rounds through my .357 mag revolver. I haven't noticed any unusual buildup. You have to clean the cylinder every so often even if you shoot full length cases.
If you handload, one solution is to load .44 spl strength loads in .44 mag cases.
Another solution, if you intend this gun to be used solely as a .44 spl gun is to shoot only .44 spl cartridges in it and not to worry about the buildup any more than you would worry about the buildup if you shot only .44 mag cartridges in a .44 mag cylinder.
The .44 spl in a .44 mag revolver will be pleasant to shoot, at least if it is a model 29 or variant. (There are some lightweight titanium guns out there, and if they make one in .44 mag, I am not even going to think about trying that baby with full power mag loads.)
The only downside that I can think of for the .44 spl is that the choice of factory ammo (and possibly factory bullets for the reloader) will be much less than for .38 spl/.357 mag.
Here's a link to the CA DofJ web page so you can look up approved guns:
http://justice.doj.ca.gov/safeguns/safeguns.asp
--Rick
But I am not clear on what the problem is here. I have shot many .38 spl rounds through my .357 mag revolver. I haven't noticed any unusual buildup. You have to clean the cylinder every so often even if you shoot full length cases.
If you handload, one solution is to load .44 spl strength loads in .44 mag cases.
Another solution, if you intend this gun to be used solely as a .44 spl gun is to shoot only .44 spl cartridges in it and not to worry about the buildup any more than you would worry about the buildup if you shot only .44 mag cartridges in a .44 mag cylinder.
The .44 spl in a .44 mag revolver will be pleasant to shoot, at least if it is a model 29 or variant. (There are some lightweight titanium guns out there, and if they make one in .44 mag, I am not even going to think about trying that baby with full power mag loads.)
The only downside that I can think of for the .44 spl is that the choice of factory ammo (and possibly factory bullets for the reloader) will be much less than for .38 spl/.357 mag.
Here's a link to the CA DofJ web page so you can look up approved guns:
http://justice.doj.ca.gov/safeguns/safeguns.asp
--Rick
This is probably the best, logically speeking, versus thread I have ever seen. This is actually a good question instead of the usual crap that people post like"Which kicks more, a .22 auto with 10 round clips, or bullets in a shotgun?"
Just had to put that
I have a Ruger Vaquero .44 mag that my giflfriend likes to shoot with specials or mags. We clean it regardless of shots fired, and it has a little buildup from specials, but not enough to call a gunsmith, sell your house so you can afford a better gun, trade it in, or to not buy a magnum.
Conclusion, yes it will gum up a little. Is it a problem, no. Guns will get dirt and unless you are having to speed load one hundred rounds per minute into a revolver in a home invasion, I wouldn't worry about.
Just had to put that
I have a Ruger Vaquero .44 mag that my giflfriend likes to shoot with specials or mags. We clean it regardless of shots fired, and it has a little buildup from specials, but not enough to call a gunsmith, sell your house so you can afford a better gun, trade it in, or to not buy a magnum.
Conclusion, yes it will gum up a little. Is it a problem, no. Guns will get dirt and unless you are having to speed load one hundred rounds per minute into a revolver in a home invasion, I wouldn't worry about.
I second 7.62's comments. Ditto my .44 Mag Vaquero and .44 Specials. Build up not really an issue with occasional to regular (but not extraordinary) cleaning. IF money is not too much of an issue, S&W makes a fine but expensive .44 Sp only called "Thunder Ranch" special. I also noticed they also have a variant that is not labeled that. I do not know what the differences are between the two but the price is significantly less on the non-special issue. In any event, a consideration if the primary purpose is to shoot defense loads, where the .44 Sp. shines anyway (vs .44 Mags going through your and your neighbors' walls). I have not tried, but Georgia Arms is selling an enhanced performance
.44 Sp. load now.
.44 Sp. load now.
riverkeeper
New member
Spouse loves to shoot the 44 mag 4 inch Mtn Gun with 44 spl ammo - darn good at it too. So that's what is in it for home defense.
guntotin_fool
New member
or you could learn to reload and do what i do... brass cases are Mag loads, nickel cases are specials. I was given two buckets of brass and it was mixed nickel/brass. I made the choice based on much more nickel cases so more 44 spec. I shoot, made sense, and I found out later, brass cases show wear much fster than nickel, so if I see a crack or a stretch mark in the brass cases, I just toss it in the recycle bin.
I have fired thousands of 38 rounds in a 357 cylinder and NEVER had a problem with damaged chambers, and the only noticable deposits i get are when i shoot DEWC that are hard cast and outside lubed, and all that it takes to clean that is a stainless brush and some Butches bore shine, two or three scrubs and it is clean.
I have fired thousands of 38 rounds in a 357 cylinder and NEVER had a problem with damaged chambers, and the only noticable deposits i get are when i shoot DEWC that are hard cast and outside lubed, and all that it takes to clean that is a stainless brush and some Butches bore shine, two or three scrubs and it is clean.
If you're really that worried about carbon buildup, why not try some light .357 loads like Winchester 110 grn SJHP. They're more pleasant than full house .357 loads but are long enough to completely fill the chamber. Another option is something in .45 Colt (like a Ruger Redhawk). You can have light .45ACP level loads all the way up to some that are every bit the equal of a full house .44 Magnum. No matter what load you use, however, it will completely fill the chamber and avoid carbon fouling.
Thanks for all your replies. I'm not that worried about the buildup. I clean my guns frequently. I was just seeing if I could save some of my "elbow grease." I was just curious about this topic because of a salesman at Turners trying to steer my wife away from .357 mags and towards the .44 spl. He was basically saying "why shoot .38s as a defensive load through a .357 when you could use the .44 spl as a defensive load instead to cause more damage because of the larger round." That was his take on things. Personally, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of either....and that's my take on things.
I will probably post a separate thread on the Mod. 21 S&W Thunder Ranch model. I've "searched" and read all the posts on it and would like to see any follow up reports to the gun's reliability and supposed issues. Thanks again....and please feel free to keep those thoughts and opinions coming.
I will probably post a separate thread on the Mod. 21 S&W Thunder Ranch model. I've "searched" and read all the posts on it and would like to see any follow up reports to the gun's reliability and supposed issues. Thanks again....and please feel free to keep those thoughts and opinions coming.
GunsnRovers
New member
My wife shoots semi-auto's very well, but frankly is not comfortable with them. We use a S&W M15 and M28 for the house guns. Both are loaded with Federal Nyclad 158gr +P LSWCHP's.
The M28 is a pussy cat with .357, but a) I don't want magnum flash/noise in the hallway and b) having the same ammo for both pistols in the house just made sense.
She prefers the M15 due to size and weight. She didn't have a problem shooting my .44spl M24, but she doesn't like the weight of N frames. The 2" M15 suits her perfectly.
Best thing I ever did was let her make the choice for house guns. It got her involved and she got to choose what she felt comfortable with.
Don't know what to tell you about new guns in California. I buy used revolvers.
The M28 is a pussy cat with .357, but a) I don't want magnum flash/noise in the hallway and b) having the same ammo for both pistols in the house just made sense.
She prefers the M15 due to size and weight. She didn't have a problem shooting my .44spl M24, but she doesn't like the weight of N frames. The 2" M15 suits her perfectly.
Best thing I ever did was let her make the choice for house guns. It got her involved and she got to choose what she felt comfortable with.
Don't know what to tell you about new guns in California. I buy used revolvers.
fisherman66
New member
I agree with Webley's post in the general sense, but it doesn't look like it will really suit the purpose in this instance.
I'd get a small or mid frame .357 (SP101 or GP100 or similar size S&W) and shoot 38+p in this instance (or 110g WWB .357). I wouln't worry about carbon rings if you have any type of gun hygene.
The 45LC is an amazingly versitile round (esp for the reloader - so much so that I'd be willing to bet many reloaders get started with 45lc.) It does not seem to fit the bill here though if you are looking for a smaller stature gun.
I'm looking at arming my wife in the near future (she is resistant to the idea), and I'm considering the same route. Hopefully she will engage the process and make my job easier (a baby on the way may help).
I'd get a small or mid frame .357 (SP101 or GP100 or similar size S&W) and shoot 38+p in this instance (or 110g WWB .357). I wouln't worry about carbon rings if you have any type of gun hygene.
The 45LC is an amazingly versitile round (esp for the reloader - so much so that I'd be willing to bet many reloaders get started with 45lc.) It does not seem to fit the bill here though if you are looking for a smaller stature gun.
I'm looking at arming my wife in the near future (she is resistant to the idea), and I'm considering the same route. Hopefully she will engage the process and make my job easier (a baby on the way may help).
44mag@ucnsb.net
New member
As you have already been told, YES, the .44 special ammunition will leave buildup in the cylinder. And as you have stated you keep your guns clean so buildup should not be a major issue. For my own part, I shoot alot of .44 ammunition, and have stumbled across a very simple solution to the .44 special buildup issue. Take an empty .44 magnum casing and slide it into the cylinder to remove the buildup. Once you have done this just eject the casing and tap it lightly to remove the trash. Now you will be able to load .44magnum bullets with ease.
On the whole there are no major cons that I can think of. Most .44 magnums and specials are larger framed revolvers although there are exceptions. Recoil from the .44 special is not much more than the .38 special and definately less than the .357 magnum. The .44 magnum has more recoil than the .357 in most cases. The .44 Special/Magnum is a great all around caliber.
Well you have named one of them, the Model 29 family of S&W's, any of the Ruger revolvers are good as well. Both of these companies make large frame .44 magnum revolvers. I would suggest to you that given your needs, you might look at another revolver, one that I personally carry for CCW on a day to day basis and have used on many a hog hunt to boot. The 4" Taurus Tracker in .44 magnum. The Tracker is a 5 shot medium frame revolver. It is ported which helps with recoil, is stocked with the "ribbed" grips from Taurus which also do a great job on recoil. I have fired over 5,000 rounds encompassing every brand and loading of SAAMI .44 magnum I can find for this gun and have yet to notice any wear and tear. I point this out as there are people on here that are not "Taurus" friendly and will likely make comments regarding Taurus' quality and reliablity. I would suggest that if you have the time and opportunity that you check one of these out. Good luck, let us know what you end up with.
Here's a link to the Tracker:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=44Tracker4SS&category=Revolver
.44mag
My wife is pretty comfortable with either a large or medium frame....she's shot the Ruger GP100 and has held several larger Smiths including the 629 and that titanium cylinder, HVIZ revolver that's out now. She likes 'em big, what can I say. I have nothing against Taurus, but the Tracker she held felt a little "long" in her hands....as if the trigger a little too far away. So Taurus is out. And if I can find them used and in good condition then I'm all for it. But up here, in North County San Diego, pickings are slim most of the time. And lastly, sounds like that empty casing trick my be the ticket. I'm guessing that may even work for the .38s in a .357. I'll have to try that. Thanks for all the great advice.
I have nothing against Taurus, but the Tracker she held felt a little "long" in her hands....as if the trigger a little too far away. So Taurus is out. And if I can find them used and in good condition then I'm all for it. But up here, in North County San Diego, pickings are slim most of the time. And lastly, sounds like that empty casing trick my be the ticket. I'm guessing that may even work for the .38s in a .357. I'll have to try that. Thanks for all the great advice.44mag@ucnsb.net
New member
Badger,
I am glad to help in anyway. Yes the same trick will work with the .357 mag as you assumed. Having fired several, I would steer you away from the Titanium S&W 629, as recoil is considerable over a steel framed gun. If you require a full size 629, but wish a little less weight, look for a 629 Mountain gun. It has a tapered barrel which sheds a few ounces. Good luck.
.44mag
I am glad to help in anyway. Yes the same trick will work with the .357 mag as you assumed. Having fired several, I would steer you away from the Titanium S&W 629, as recoil is considerable over a steel framed gun. If you require a full size 629, but wish a little less weight, look for a 629 Mountain gun. It has a tapered barrel which sheds a few ounces. Good luck.
.44mag
GunsnRovers
New member
Badger,
Keep an eye on: www.calguns.net/calgunforum/
There is a seller there in Long Beach with a used 4" M624. I bought a M24 off him earlier this year. Decent guy.
Southern California Guns in San Diego is probably one of the bigger dealers in the area for you. They get a fair amount of used guns in there and they carry a decent new selection to pick from.
In terms of new, guys, the M21-4 Thunder Ranch pistols are finally at a decent price here. Discount Gun Mart in San Diego wants $679.
Good luck.
Keep an eye on: www.calguns.net/calgunforum/
There is a seller there in Long Beach with a used 4" M624. I bought a M24 off him earlier this year. Decent guy.
Southern California Guns in San Diego is probably one of the bigger dealers in the area for you. They get a fair amount of used guns in there and they carry a decent new selection to pick from.
In terms of new, guys, the M21-4 Thunder Ranch pistols are finally at a decent price here. Discount Gun Mart in San Diego wants $679.
Good luck.