[chaim]

I am considering buying a Taurus 450 but I have one main question. I am not sure its exact size. I saw one at a gun show a bit over a year ago but that is the only one I saw around here so I don't really remember how big it was. So a question for you 450 (or 445, 441) owners out there. How big is it? How does it compare to a S&W J-frame and a K-frame as a frame of reference? Based on its weight (28oz) I'm guessing about halfway between the two.

Oh, actually make that two questions.:D

Steel or titanium? You all here may have noticed my opinion of S&W scandium and Taurus titanium guns (they are not yet perfected and I advise against being one of the guenea pigs). However, I have all my actual defensive needs covered (this would serve the same niche as my .357mag S&W 65LS with a 3" barrel) and I trust Taurus generally and I'm familiar w/ their titanium and polymer troubles so if I get a lemon I won't let it taint my opinion of Taurus overall. This can be just a fun gun if the titanium version I may buy turns out to be trouble. However, if it doesn't the weight difference is pretty substantial and the titanium revolver would be a great carry gun when I get into a CCW situation (hopefully next year depending upon my grad school acceptances). So steel or titanium?

[Old Fuff]

I have a blued, all-steel model 445 (5 shot/44 Spec.) I'd say it's slightly smaller then an "L" frame S&W but larger then the "K" although when you handle one it doesn't seem so. Note that the comparable .357 Magnum has a seven-shot cylinder, not six as is the case with "K" Frame revolvers.

[Old Fuff]

Sorry, I forgot your other points.

In a heavy caliber (anything over .38 Special) I prefer an all-steel gun. Sure it's heavier and harder to pack, but it's also more controlable if you have to use it, and they don't seem to have the problems the ultra-lightweight reovlvers do.

I my view the 2" snub belongs in the pocket or ankle holster. anywhere else and a 3 or 4 inch barrel is better and not much harder to carry. Too many people are trying to find the easy way to pack a gun without considering what might happen if they had to use it.