Do I need a .44magnum?

C

chaim

New member
I know this may seem like an odd thing to ask, and I do want one, but given my current circumstances I'm trying to decide if I should get one soon or wait a few years and I'm putting it to TFL for input.

I will probably be going to graduate school in January (I decided to wait until spring semester and save more money instead of leaving in the fall) so after that I probably can't get more than one or two guns a year. So I need to get as many of the "must have guns" on my list before then. Because of financial constraints and MD's one a month law I can't really get all that I want so I need to make some choices. I really can't afford more than one gun (rifle, shotgun or handgun) a month, maybe occasionally two (if one is on the inexpensive side and at least one is a long gun).

There are many guns on my list and I have (or soon will have) 3 .357s and the L-frame (586) that I just bought and will have in a month, with proper loads, can do most of what the .44 will do. I don't hunt so I don't need the .44 for hunting. When camping the .357 with 180gr hunting loads will handle bears (there are no grizzlies on the East Coast) and mountain lions should I be unlucky enough to come across one and it would be much lighter and easier to carry than the .44. When I really want the recoil, noise and flash from a .44mag (you know, the fun and excitement of a .44mag) I can either shoot 180gr hunting loads out of the 586 or I can rent a .44mag. I do really want a .44 (and if I don't get one before grad school it will likely be one of the one a year guns instead of waiting 5 or 6 years until after my doctorate), however since I am limited in the number I can get right now and the .357 will do most of the same work I don't know if I should get one.

The guns I'll certainly buy before grad school (short of unforseen circumstances) are:
-CZ 97
-CZ 100 (especially if I go to grad school in a CCW state)
-a shotgun (if o/u or sxs this is pretty expensive, if pump I could probably buy another cheaper gun the same month)
-a military surplus bolt rifle (though many are cheap enough that I could probably buy another cheaper gun with it)
-a .357mag lever rifle

So right there in my must buys (not even getting into guns I want about as much as the .44 and are just as strong "maybe's") I have five months of purchases out of the approx. six before grad school. That leaves one slot for my many maybes (since a pump shotgun and the military surplus bolt rifle can probably be had in the same month I may have 2 instead of 1 maybe, but still that is limiting). The other maybes are a semi-auto rifle (AK or AR), a .22 handgun, a Colt Trooper MKIII, a Colt Official Police, a Colt Detective Special, a Taurus 85UL (esp. if I go to grad school in a CCW state), a Taurus Tracker (probably in .357), a CZ 75 PCR, a CZ 75 SA, a CZ 85 Combat (see a pattern), a Springfield "Loaded" 1911, a S&W M10, a S&W M15, a second shotgun (so I'd have both a double barrel and a pump) and a S&W M13. So there are many other guns I'd like too. All fit catagories I already have (though the AK or AR would be nice since my SKS has some problems). As I said earlier the .44mag's slot can be satisfied by my larger .357 so it isn't really needed but I don't have one.

With many guns vieing for one slot or at best two slots, do I really need a .44mag or can it wait? IOW should I get one of the other maybes instead? Keep in mind that other than the AR and 1911, a .44mag would probably be the most expensive of my choices (about the same as a Colt Trooper MKIII).

I guess, with all the other choices vieing for the same spot, and the price of a .44mag, I'm asking you guys to talk me into the .44mag.

Disclaimer: As always, I am subject to impulse purchases and changing my mind so I may not necessarily follow the advice of this board. :D
 
Oh, in case it matters to anyone in considering the advice they'll give me most likely if I get a .44mag I'll get a new Taurus M44, with a used S&W 629 Classic DLX being very close behind. The Raging Bull is also an option though it seems a bit heavy.
 
I envy you

I wish I was you, being able to count on buying one gun a month. Do you feel like adopting a 27 year guy?

To answer your question though, I doubt you NEED a .44 Magnum. In my opinion, other than handgun hunters, no one NEEDS a .44 magnum. Are they cool and occasiaonaly fun to shoot? Yes. Do they have their uses? Yes. Would I like to own one someday? Heck Yes! But from what you have listed, you are probably better renting one as the urge arises, and spending the big bucks on some other toys.

Of course most likely, I'm just jealous.
 
I wish I was you, being able to count on buying one gun a month. Do you feel like adopting a 27 year guy?
Click to expand...
Well, it isn't easy and it is a bit of a stretch on my budget but it is the law in MD;) (darned one a month law).

Seriously, this is only temporary and it is a bit of a stretch on the budget (the isn't easy and stretch on the budget part above was true). I only started doing this several months ago. I plan to go to graduate school soon and once I get there I'll be lucky to be able to buy one or two a year so I'm stocking up on some of the guns I really want now. I will start with an MA but I plan to get a Ph.D. or Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology, similar to a Ph.D. but a practice oriented degree- more practical training less research training) so I won't be out (and able to buy more guns) for 5 or 6 years. During grad school I will need to sell guns to buy guns if I want something different beyond my one or two a year (possibly even for two per year).

As far as adopting, well, I'm only 31 so it would probably look kinda weird.:D
 
Why not? Buy a good used 29 or a Redhawk, and if later you want or need to sell them...no big wup.
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ATTICUS,
Thanks for reminding me of those options. I have bid on used Redhawks on Gunbroker before.

So if it helps to know what I'm primarily considering when considering your advice:
#1 Taurus M44
#2 used S&W 629 Classic DLX (or non-Deluxe model)
#3 and 4 Ruger Redhawk or used 29 (can't decide which is 3 and which is 4)
#5 Taurus Raging Bull
#6 Ruger Super Blackhawk
Also, and I'm not sure in which order, a .44mag Ruger Vaquero.

How did I forget all those beautiful guns when listing my .44mag preferences?:eek:
 
Single remaining brain cell trying to function rationally. Don't work.
I had no need for another .44. But I had a desire for a 4" 29.
Soooo, I told myself that I would not buy one unless I could find a cherry one for 300 or less out the door.
Suddenly a microsecond window opened, I had the green in pocket, and got a fantasticaly nice one with 2 boxes of ammo, 2 speed loaders, Bianchi holster and bout 800 rounds of empties. All for 300 even. Gun had been for sale for maby thirty seconds.

Right place, right time, green in pocket and a lot of luck.

Be patient
Be alert
Be prepared.

Sam
 
Took me many $$$'s and many years to figure out CR's sage advice.

The way to build a nice gun collection (even if your collection is only 3-4 must haves) IS NOT to go shopping for a nickeled CZ-75 with adjustable sights, made before March of 1992. You will either grow broke or end up with only half the guns you could have had going this route. Simply keep a mental list of 3-4 or whatever number of guns your looking for then just keep your eyes open for the best deal you can find on any one of them.

From your post it seems you feel your under pressure to buy now before your broke. I know what you mean by that but it's faulty thinking. If you find no good deals in that month fine. Don't feel defeated, just put the money in your untouchable for any other reason "gun account" and keep looking till you do find a good deal.

I think what you will also find is that guns you get a very good deal on have a way of becoming loved while even good guns we overpaid for tend to get sold or left in the safe a lot. Hey, maybe you could do your thesis on that ;)

Best of Luck!
 
Why Not.

I'll throw in my usual Dan Wesson recommendation. Used DW Model 44/744 are considerably less than Smiths and Colts. They are built like tanks and are argueably the most accurate out of the box revolver around.
If your on a budget, and even if your not, I'd look used. With the popularity of IHMSA on the wain for years, most used .44 Mags I've seen have more holster wear than anything.
Take Care
 
.44 MAG

I just bought a new S&W 629-6 Classic and it is a fine, fine piece!

I'd rather have a USED S&W than a NEW Taurus.
 
Frankly, I think we'd be a happier nation if every law-abiding adult citizen owned at least one .44 magnum.

Truth to tell, although the Smith & Wesson 629 and its predecessor, the 29, are wonderful guns, and amazingly accurate, as well, if you take time to work up the ideal loads for your individual gun or guns, the recoil of full house factory loads is getting to be too much for this middle-aged guy with arthritis and computer wrist. I keep a 629 handy for home defense, but find myself taking .22s to the range at least 75% of the time.

One gun a month laws do nothing to reduce crime and everything to infringe the Second Amendment rights of American citizens.
 
My wife went the route you are planning to go. MAP with intentions of going to University of Oregon to finish her PsyD.

Though I do not own a .44 mag, I would whole heartedly recommend the Redhawk. I shot hundreds of rounds out of my buddy's redhawk and thought it was the funnest thing.

Good luck at Grad School!!!

Mike
 
My favorite .44 magnum is,

the 5" Smith & Wesson model 629-5 "Classic".:) And I highly
recommend them.:D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
NEED: If you're not going to hunt, then you don't really NEED a 44 mag. The 357's will do just fine.

WANT: Everyone on the board has this under control!

Lots of people buy 44's only to discover that it's just a bit too much gun for them. So like several before me have suggested, wait until you find a really good bargain on a good used one - a sweet deal makes any gun just that more special.
 
Chaim,
I think I understand your perspective, as I recognize you from the Taurus boards. I'd go for the M44 that Taurus makes--it's very sweet.

Also, have you applied/been accepted into any PsyD programs? Are you also applying to Phd programs? In what states?
I'm sure you've heard that NM just passed a law allowing certain individuals to prescribe--you thinking of going that route?
 
Need should never, ever be a consideration in something like this.

It's what you want.

Ask yourself.

Do I WANT a .44 Magnum?

And go from there.

I'm asking myself right now, do I WANT a Smith 4586?
 
If you can buy guns while in grad school you obviously aren't going to a private school like I did. At $700 per month tuition, there was little left for gun buying.

Most people do not need a .44 Magnum. I do not need one. I have one, but I don't need it. Of course, I don't need about 65-70 other guns I own, either. The question is not whether you need it, but whether you want it. if you want it, then I say buy it. I do not require any justification beyond simple desire.
 
I agree with the above. WANT and NEED are two entirely different subjects. Based on need alone, we could all get along with, perhaps, two handguns!
 
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