Taurus 450 (and 445, and 441) owners

[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.

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.