$700 .44spl or magnum?

I would NEVER buy a .44 special unless I were a handloader. Just try finding ammo for it on a regular basis.
 
As Doyle said .44 Special ammo is hard to find and is not much cheaper that 44 Mag ammo. Not sure how you intend to use the revolver but in my mind 44 Mag is the way to go. Can protect you from most everything if you can hit it.
 
so...... if you had $700 to spend on a .44 special or .44 magnum, which would it be? let me clarify that, what gun would you buy, not which caliber would you choose? if you were to buy a .44spl what would it be? if prefer the .44mag what would it be?
 
Well, I own a 629 5". I wouldn't want anything shorter - too much muzzle blast and noise. I used to own a Super Blackhawk. Never could get good groups with it. I never figured out if it was the gun or if my shooting style just didn't work right with a single-action grip. I've never shot a Redhawk but they do look great - just "massive".

Taurus, well let's just leave that coffin unopened.
 
44 spcl. didn't spend that much,but I picked up a 44 spcl. ruger bisley from lispeys . I don't hunt anymoreso I have no need for full power 44 mag. also I just love this gun.
 
These are .44 Specials, two Colts, a Ruger and a Uberti:



And here's a few of my .44 Magnums, all Rugers. (Plus one .44 Special at the bottom..)





Bob Wright
 
If I didn't have either one, I'd get the 44Mag. Maybe if I had a 44Mag already I'd consider the 44Spl. Nframes are my love.
 
I do have some 44spl's but if I could only have one, it would be my 629MG. I can shoot 44spl's and 44mag. I also reload so its no problem finding ammo for either.
 
for that it would be a model 24/624 or a 696 in 44 spc. in a 44 mag it would be the new redhawk snubbie, or maybe the new model 69
 
I got a S&W Model 69 last year...

13320038505_d77d22792a_z.jpg


I've been very pleased with it. It's a L frame 5 shot. I usually carry 44 special loads in it. But, I can up the ante to 44 mag any time. I paid a bit over or around $700 for it. I think they are lower in cost now and may fit your budget.

If you are looking for something "carry" then a 44 special would be the option...

4531343656_6ebe57de38_z.jpg


These are Tauri from long ago and there are S&W night gaurds and the L frames too. Don't for get the Charter arms for great carry guns. The Taurus are only around on the used market. Charter is making new guns I think.

You didn't mention any action type - the single actions are always a hoot to shoot. Everyone needs at least one.
 
For me SBH or RH in the 6" plus barrel lengths. The SRH is a bit too challenging aesthetically although I respect it hugely as a piece of engineering.

I already have a RH 4" so I know I like them and the SBH SA guns just appeal to me and I'd like to know what they are like.

But then it's not my money and I'm not buying so, I'm not sure how useful this will be to you!!
 
The N frame 624 Lew Horton was what I was thinking. I like the Ruger Flattop Bisley as well. I reload .44spl for my hand guns and .44 magnum for my carbine. My hands don't much handle the recoil anymore for hot loads.
 
No brainer, the .44 Special. And a Single Action as I don't have a need for DA (or even like the looks of the S&Ws to boot). I reload. Easy decision for me. .44Mags just gather dust around here as there is no need for the caliber (my opinion) here. I have the .45 Colt to move up to if need more omph. I do have a .44Spec Bulldog for concealed carry though (so I do own one DA for that purpose) .

Oh yeah what gun.... probably a Ruger flattop .44Spec... Although a Freedom Arms might be in the cards except the $700 would not cover the cost....
 
I've had both, so I'll have to go on what I prefer...but I doubt I'd get either one for $700.00.

I used to own both a 4" Model 29-2 (44 Magnum) and a 4" Model 24-3, (44 Special). I prefered the Model 24 because with it's tapered barrel, and slightly shorter cylinder, it was a little lighter, and balanced better in my hand. Since I almost never shot 44 magnum ammo, that was a toss-up. I never worried about the cost of ammo. I bought virgin brass and reloaded either cartridge.

However, because I probably couldn't find a 24-3 for $700.00, or even close, I'd probably go with a Model 69 today. I would probably never fire magnum ammo in it.
 
I totally agree with jglsprings

I also have a mod 69 and find it to be an excellent revolver. Not so massive that it's a chore to deal with, not so small that recoil is a beast. Nice DA trigger and excellent in SA.

Yes, you will drop down to 5 rounds, but that's not that much of a concern to me.

I'd say go feel one up at your LGS and make a decision from there.

Good luck!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top