6" or 8" .44 mag?
- Thread starter gofastman
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I would also disagree with how the poll is setup. IMHO, four inchers should not be lumped in with the snubs. Four inches is the widely accepted shortest practical barrel length for general purpose use. Snubs (anything less than 4") are a different matter entirely.
captain awesome
Member
I like your rationalization gofastman, I voted eight inch because I like the long barrel revolvers, but leaving your option's open for going bigger is always a favorite.
Valkman
Member
I voted 6" because I can hit anything with it, don't see the need for longer.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I still think a 5" barrel is the optimum length for a .44 Magnum...
oldfool
Member
I would answer more generically
I never could get myself all excited about any magnum caliber round in snubbies, not even in rimfire or 32. (I would choose minimum of 3" for say, 22WMR or 32 H&R mag, but preferably 4")
Minimum 4" for general purpose, handles and carries real well, though I would still favor such as 38+P or 44 special in such, 5"-6" for range work or at home magnums
But.. if/when 6" still isn't enough sight radius to get the job done, well, that's why they make carbines. If you load up magnum level powder, might as well give it enough barrel to let the powder do it's work.
Sure, extra boost is extra boost, but it fades pretty quick as barrel length shrinks, rapidly diminishing returns, too much so to suit me.
I never could get myself all excited about any magnum caliber round in snubbies, not even in rimfire or 32. (I would choose minimum of 3" for say, 22WMR or 32 H&R mag, but preferably 4")
Minimum 4" for general purpose, handles and carries real well, though I would still favor such as 38+P or 44 special in such, 5"-6" for range work or at home magnums
But.. if/when 6" still isn't enough sight radius to get the job done, well, that's why they make carbines. If you load up magnum level powder, might as well give it enough barrel to let the powder do it's work.
Sure, extra boost is extra boost, but it fades pretty quick as barrel length shrinks, rapidly diminishing returns, too much so to suit me.
Stainz
Member
My 6" 629 still points well - but feels different than it's 4" sibling with a bit less muzzle rise during recoil. A few more ounces 'out front' does help, with both recoil and longer distance shot placement.
Longer distances are aided most with a 2x28mm scope (Weaver H2). Note also the S&W/Hogue .500 Magnu X-frame grips - great aid to recoil control.
I've held 8+" 29/629's - I just like my revolver's muzzle to be in the same time zone as the trigger! 8+"-ers? Not for me. YMMV.
Stainz
Longer distances are aided most with a 2x28mm scope (Weaver H2). Note also the S&W/Hogue .500 Magnu X-frame grips - great aid to recoil control.
I've held 8+" 29/629's - I just like my revolver's muzzle to be in the same time zone as the trigger! 8+"-ers? Not for me. YMMV.
Stainz
NM Mountainman
Member
Alaskan is a high quality revolver, but it's not as practical as a 4"
IMO, the Ruger Alaskan in .44 mag, is a cool looking, high quality revolver that is fun to shoot. The ones I have shot have been reasonably accurate.
But the Redhawk 4" or 629 4" is just as as easy to carry and draw quickly (unless you are sitting most of the time.) Almost all shooters shoot the 4" better than the snub, and the 4" gives a little less recoil and muzzle blast along with a little more velocity. So the 4" is a more practical choice than the snub.
If you can afford to own several .44 mags; a snub, a 4", a 6.5", and a carbine would be fun. But if you can only afford one or two, the 4" is more practical than the snub.
stainz in post #33 has the perfect 2 revolver set up, IMO: A 629 with 6.5" barrel with scope or red dot for hunting and range use paired with an easier to carry (and still good shooting) 629 4".
IMO, the Ruger Alaskan in .44 mag, is a cool looking, high quality revolver that is fun to shoot. The ones I have shot have been reasonably accurate.
But the Redhawk 4" or 629 4" is just as as easy to carry and draw quickly (unless you are sitting most of the time.) Almost all shooters shoot the 4" better than the snub, and the 4" gives a little less recoil and muzzle blast along with a little more velocity. So the 4" is a more practical choice than the snub.
If you can afford to own several .44 mags; a snub, a 4", a 6.5", and a carbine would be fun. But if you can only afford one or two, the 4" is more practical than the snub.
stainz in post #33 has the perfect 2 revolver set up, IMO: A 629 with 6.5" barrel with scope or red dot for hunting and range use paired with an easier to carry (and still good shooting) 629 4".
Cop Bob
Member
For everyday carry, 4".. 2" in a 44 is insane.. way to much muzzle blast and you would be throwing away too much energy..
6" is the optimum barrel lenght for balance, effective powder burn, sight radius, and can be carried comforatably if you shop for the right rig... great choice..
8 3/8".. hunting and target use only... good, or should I say great length for sight radius, good barrel length for optimum powder burn to get the most velocity and energy out of your loads...
But a might unwieldy in a carry situation, unless your 9 ft tall... Long barrels do you more harm than good in a fire fight, Target acquisition, instinctive pointing, being able to negotiate corners, cover, concealment, etc.. not a CQB weapon at all.. and you have way to much handle sticking out there to make it safe from keeping someone from knocking it out of your hand or using it as a handle to take it away from you.... problem with the 6" as well.
6" is the optimum barrel lenght for balance, effective powder burn, sight radius, and can be carried comforatably if you shop for the right rig... great choice..
8 3/8".. hunting and target use only... good, or should I say great length for sight radius, good barrel length for optimum powder burn to get the most velocity and energy out of your loads...
But a might unwieldy in a carry situation, unless your 9 ft tall... Long barrels do you more harm than good in a fire fight, Target acquisition, instinctive pointing, being able to negotiate corners, cover, concealment, etc.. not a CQB weapon at all.. and you have way to much handle sticking out there to make it safe from keeping someone from knocking it out of your hand or using it as a handle to take it away from you.... problem with the 6" as well.
ColtPythonElite
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A 4 incher makes for a great package to carry. This holster is actually for a .357, but my Anaconda fits in it just fine.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Agreed, 100%.
38sp4life
Member
I own a Ruger super blackhawk 44 with a 7 1/2 " barrel.I love this gun it will give you a hell of a kick if your not expecting it. But if I was hunting or walking in the woods I would carry a 6" barrel. Just because it will give me a longer barrel for accuracy. A 4" barrel is fine for carrying. But I would be most likely not to use magnum loads just because of the recoil. Well living in the New England region I can shoot any thing ( pretty much ). Well it comes down to the shooter what you like and what you feel good with is what you use..
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