Ranch Hand .44 Mag

Recently I'd been seriously considering one as a trail/camp gun. My thoughts were that it was compact/lightweight compared to a "full" size carbine and that a .44mag out of the 12" bbl. would have a ballistic advantage over a shorter revolver. I also just "liked" the dang thing. The only reason I postponed getting one was that I came across a Win. 94 Trapper .30-30 that will IMO serve better as a backpack/camp SD gun in (black) bear country.

If you got it "just" because you liked it there's a seat next to me, second pew from the front on the far end.:D
 
Chesster,
You COULD do the same with a rock, but neither a rock nor that gun is an efficient defensive proposition over the broad spectrum.

If all you figure on doing is firing a shot or two through a doorway at that distance, the ML can certainly do that. :)
Denis
 
You COULD do the same with a rock, but neither a rock nor that gun is an efficient defensive proposition over the broad spectrum.
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Yeah Denis, but a 'rock' just don't 'roll' like one of these babies!!!!!! :)
Same reason it was used on TV, just Toooooooooo cool. KWIM?????
 
I'll take "Cool looking guns with limited purpose for $100" Alex.....

The "Mares Leg", the Draco AK pistol, PGO shotguns and the Taurus Judge all fall into the same category.....they are inspired by movies and video games and are therefore considered "cool".

Nothing wrong with that, but don't for one second believe that a Mares Leg style pistol is more functional than any .44 revolver or a .44 carbine. Or that a .410 slug is a better stopper than a 9mm. Or that a PGO shotgun has any usefullness beyond blowing off doorknobs or for shooting from inside a car.

I transfer at least one of the above every week. Rarely does any of the purchasers consider the usefulness of that firearm.....their #1 criteria is "Coolness", #2 would be "Awesomeness".

Which means of course that these guns will be sold as "used" in pretty short order.:rolleyes:
 
Rifleman1776 said
" The point is???Looks stupid and useless to me.A revolver would be handier and probably more accurate to shoot.Is it legal?"

I don't disagree with the revolver comment, but yes it is legal as it is classified as being manufactured from the get-go as a handgun within combination barrel and OAL standards, not shortened or modified rifle. It's been reported here that some states may have something to say about it (to the contrary), but the feds say "ok."
 
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Chesster,
You may have noticed I own two, one of which I put extra money into to have it modified closer to the TV gun.
Cool is more than enough reason to buy one, but cool isn't enough reason to bet your life on it.
Denis
 
Since it's a handgun but looks like a rifle, beware. In Texas, this contraption if carried in a vehicle must remain concealed. Elsewhere except on a range, your property, or hunting it can only be carried by a CCL holder in a concealed manner.

In years past I had poor luck with reliable feeding of short and stubby .45 Colt and .44 mag ammo through Marlin and Win lever rifles. Maybe the Rossi works.
 
but cool isn't enough reason to bet your life on it.
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Agreed. But I have had a Beretta 950 as my only defense. Not optimal, but better than nothing. Besides, I have more than enough SD pieces, this is just a curiosity. Sort of like my old trapdoor Springfield infantry rifle or double derringers.
 
Range report

Magnums are no fun. I switched to some Skeeter and Cowboy loads and it shoots quite good. I ate up a gallon jug from the hip @ 25ft. Using a modified rifle stance and the sights, hit a five gallon can consistently @ 50yards. Not a tack driver. Action and trigger a bit stiff out of the box. Easier to shoot than my TC with .375JDJ ammo.
 
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