What is the best current production .44 Magnum Revolver for concealed carry?
- Thread starter ATN082268
- Start date
Something that doesn't get done much
And for good reason. You are talking about a large frame revolver with heavy recoil and muzzle blast. The .44 mag is a hunting tool that doesn't lend itself to concealment. I'm certain you could do it, but would run the risk of people noticing quite easily that you are carrying.
And for good reason. You are talking about a large frame revolver with heavy recoil and muzzle blast. The .44 mag is a hunting tool that doesn't lend itself to concealment. I'm certain you could do it, but would run the risk of people noticing quite easily that you are carrying.
Micahweeks
New member
Probably the 5 shot one from S&W (I forget the model number) or the 329PD. But, those are still pretty bulky.
I can and do carry my 4" S&W 629 when weather permits the style of dress that is conducive to concealing a large handgun (use of a jacket or coat as a cover garment). While there are smaller and lighter .44 Magnums available, my 629 (standard heavy barrel, not the tapered barrel "Mountain Gun") is the smallest and lightest .44 Magnum that I care to shoot with Magnum ammo.
For concealed carry of a gun of this size, I prefer an Askins style holster as it tucks the butt in nice and close to the body. I use a Kramer that I found in the used holster bin at my LGS for $6, but El Paso Saddlery's "Double Agent" is a very nice one and would probably be my choice if buying new (I bought one of the El Paso's for my dad to use with his 4" M29-2).
For ammunition, I currently use Remington Express 240gr SJHP. This loading provides me with more than ample power without overly punishing recoil. I also like the design of the Remington bullet because it seems to expand more aggressively than many other JHP designs for this caliber. Finally, the 240gr bullet is standard weight for the caliber and I don't have to adjust my sights to shoot POA with both my carry ammo and my 250gr cast practice loads. If you don't mind a lighter bullet, Winchester 210gr Silvertip and Federal Power-Shok 180gr JHP are also well-thought-of SD loadings for a .44 Magnum. Hornady's 180gr Critical Defense also looks promising, but hasn't been on the market long and thus hasn't established a reputation one way or the other.
For concealed carry of a gun of this size, I prefer an Askins style holster as it tucks the butt in nice and close to the body. I use a Kramer that I found in the used holster bin at my LGS for $6, but El Paso Saddlery's "Double Agent" is a very nice one and would probably be my choice if buying new (I bought one of the El Paso's for my dad to use with his 4" M29-2).
For ammunition, I currently use Remington Express 240gr SJHP. This loading provides me with more than ample power without overly punishing recoil. I also like the design of the Remington bullet because it seems to expand more aggressively than many other JHP designs for this caliber. Finally, the 240gr bullet is standard weight for the caliber and I don't have to adjust my sights to shoot POA with both my carry ammo and my 250gr cast practice loads. If you don't mind a lighter bullet, Winchester 210gr Silvertip and Federal Power-Shok 180gr JHP are also well-thought-of SD loadings for a .44 Magnum. Hornady's 180gr Critical Defense also looks promising, but hasn't been on the market long and thus hasn't established a reputation one way or the other.
DannyB1954
New member
RUGER SUPER REDHAWK ALASKAN
It is a pretty chunky little gun. I don't want one, but I am OK if you do. For concealed carry I do not like thick or heavy. Thick and heavy is out of the question.
It is a pretty chunky little gun. I don't want one, but I am OK if you do. For concealed carry I do not like thick or heavy. Thick and heavy is out of the question.
I think you would want to consider a 5-shot model, carried cross draw. The Galco DAO holds guns closer than any other I have tried. It can also be used strongside but with little to no forward cant, probably only good in that position for open carry as a wilderness gun holster.
The S&W 69 is what I had in mind.
Note that concealment cross draw may require a very rounded butt frame and grip.
The S&W 69 is what I had in mind.
Note that concealment cross draw may require a very rounded butt frame and grip.
That would cure you very quickly of wanting to carry such a weapon.
Cheapshooter
New member
Or how many times the OP has seen Dirty Harry?
A 357 or 44 Spcl. snubbie!
Unlicensed Dremel
Moderator
Best "what"?
Best dimension for concealability? Probably Taurus Tracker
Best quality? Arguable - probably Ruger Redhawk, though it's BIG.
Best dimension for concealability? Probably Taurus Tracker
Best quality? Arguable - probably Ruger Redhawk, though it's BIG.
If I wanted to carry it..... it would be an N frame S&W, model 629 in either a
3" or a 4" barrel.../ and I would carry it in a Kramer horsehide holster with a forward FBI tilt....
I have both a 3" and a 4" model 629 ...and I could carry them -- at least in an outside the waist band scabbard Kramer holster....and once in a while, I will take them to the range and run some tactical drills with them..../ but I am way more effective with a S&W model 27 in a 4" ( .357 Mag ) ....or even a K frame S&W model 66 in a 2 1/2" or 4" barrel ( both .357 Mag as well ) ....than I am with the .44 Mag....
I like shooting the model 629's and the older model 29's ...but I like shooting them in the 6" or the 8 3/8" barrels ....more than I do in a 3" or a 4".../ the recoil on a 3" or 4" puts me on the ragged edge of effectiveness.../ and while I can shoot them ok, for tactical drills, it takes a lot of work and a lot of concentration - and it really beats up the arthritis in my fingers and knuckles...
3" or a 4" barrel.../ and I would carry it in a Kramer horsehide holster with a forward FBI tilt....
I have both a 3" and a 4" model 629 ...and I could carry them -- at least in an outside the waist band scabbard Kramer holster....and once in a while, I will take them to the range and run some tactical drills with them..../ but I am way more effective with a S&W model 27 in a 4" ( .357 Mag ) ....or even a K frame S&W model 66 in a 2 1/2" or 4" barrel ( both .357 Mag as well ) ....than I am with the .44 Mag....
I like shooting the model 629's and the older model 29's ...but I like shooting them in the 6" or the 8 3/8" barrels ....more than I do in a 3" or a 4".../ the recoil on a 3" or 4" puts me on the ragged edge of effectiveness.../ and while I can shoot them ok, for tactical drills, it takes a lot of work and a lot of concentration - and it really beats up the arthritis in my fingers and knuckles...
I would have to say 629 Mountain Gun as well. Nice guns if you can find a pre-lock version. I did. I actually shoot my .45 Colt MG more.... but that's because I had it converted to use .45 ACP with moon clips.
The new L frame is interesting. If it didn't have a lock. S&W lost me for new guns when that came out.... I remain hopeful that someday the revolvers will revert. Until then, I'll buy used ones.
Gregg
The new L frame is interesting. If it didn't have a lock. S&W lost me for new guns when that came out.... I remain hopeful that someday the revolvers will revert. Until then, I'll buy used ones.
Gregg
ANT,
I used to own a 6" Model 629. A .44 Rem Mag is a very big cartridge. The Model 29 is a HUGE gun. I never liked carrying it. A .44 Mag revolver is not a tactical weapon.
Ask me & I'd say that be best self-defense weapon is a good-quality 1911A1 chambered for .45 ACP. But a good-quality .40 S&W that holds a lot of rounds would be a good choice as well.
Big, heavy guns are not fun to carry. Trust me.
I used to own a 6" Model 629. A .44 Rem Mag is a very big cartridge. The Model 29 is a HUGE gun. I never liked carrying it. A .44 Mag revolver is not a tactical weapon.
Ask me & I'd say that be best self-defense weapon is a good-quality 1911A1 chambered for .45 ACP. But a good-quality .40 S&W that holds a lot of rounds would be a good choice as well.
Big, heavy guns are not fun to carry. Trust me.