44 special revolvers

Ratshooter said:

Midroad I like that flat top conversion. That is a manageable weight. I have a Super BH in 44 mag and the weight keeps me from taking it to the field very often even though I have a good holster and heavy belt for it. I use one of the wide leather tool belts that really spreads the weight.

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Thanks! It seems anything 40oz + gets old to carry after a while when it's on your belt.

MidRoad said:

Thanks! It seems anything 40oz + gets old to carry after a while when it's on your belt.

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I like my big guns in a cross draw or shoulder rig.

RealGun said:

I like my big guns in a cross draw or shoulder rig.

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Yep, chest holsters are nice too, got a couple of them aswell. Just a PITA when carrying a rifle too because the grip of the handgun andt stock of the rifle are constantly bumping each other when walking around.

Why would you think that a gun chambered in 44 Special can be smaller than an GP100/S&W L-Frame?

You really need to move to 357 Magnum/38 Special to get anything smaller.

If you like porting, that's great. There are quite a few of us that don't. Taurus probably would sell quite a bit more revolvers if more of their models were available without porting. You can always add porting later. Other than cutting/replacing the barrel, you can't really remove it.

Antihero said:

Apparently there's a Talo exclusive 2.5 inch 44 mag tracker without ports.

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Yes, those are the guns I was referring to in post #69. A 44 special sized gun with the power of a 44 mag if needed. And a weight of 31.6oz.

The .44 special is my favorite caliber. Lots of people will say just get a .44 magnum, you can shoot special and magnum out of it. A .44 special revolver will usually be a lighter better handling revolver. To me there is no better looking revolver than a Smith and Wesson than a 4” 624. It just handles nice. In single actions the Blackhawk in .44 special is a good handling revolver. I like to load 250 grain hard cast to 1000 FPS or so. That will handle most task and isn’t hard on the gun or shooter. I shoot anything hotter from a magnum. If you need a magnum shoot a magnum but for a lighter, easer carrying revolver, the special is just the ticket. It’s not a magnum and shouldn’t be loaded for like one. The photos are of my Freedom Arms model 97, .44 special. It has become my woods gun. I carry it on every hunt or just when I walk in the woods. It is much lighter than a magnum and smaller to. The 624 is one a bought off gunbroker a few years ago. It’s the same as a 629, just has a tapered barrel and a bit lighter. I also have a 4 5/8” stainless Blackhawk and a Smith & Wesson model 21, with the dreaded lock. Use the .44 specials for what they are and shoot the hot stuff out of magnums and they will serve you well.

Gary W. Strange said:

The 624 is one a bought off gunbroker a few years ago. It’s the same as a 629, just has a tapered barrel and a bit lighter. ]

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Yes, the S&W Model 624 tends to be a bit lighter than a Model 629 (44 Magnum) but it is really the same size, a full size N-frame. The Model 624 generally has a trimmer barrel that reduces the weight.

The S&W Model 69, an L-frame, is smaller than the N-frame guns. Since the Model 69 has been out for several years without any noted problems, it seems that S&W has done their homework and made a smaller revolver that can handle 44 Magnum level ammunition.

Ruger's GP100s chambered in 44 Special should also be capable of handling any 44 Special ammunition. Regardless of Ruger's reputation for strong, reliable firearms, I will not shoot over charged 44 Special ammunition in my GP100s.

I enjoy shooting 44 Special level ammunition in my S&W Model 69 and my Ruger GP100.

If you looking for small, like others have said, it doesn't gt much smaller than the Bulldog. I know Charter lists the model 74420 at 21oz, but mine weighs in a just under 20 oz. With that said, it is a real handful at times. I make some light loads so I can comfortable practice with the thing.

I have a CA Bulldog classic 44 special. 240 grain loads are a handful because the CA is so light, but I reload and elected to utilize 200 gr RNFP hitek coated bullets. Those shoot excellent out of the Bulldog. Recoil is minimal and it doesn't hurt your hand after 50 rounds. I also recently purchased the Taurus 44 tracker. The barrel is longer and it is ported and weighs more than the CA Bulldog. In my experience, the Tracker is a better firearm. It doesn't look as attractive as the Bulldog classic, but it is more accurate. Also, 240 grain bullets don't give a sharp recoil when compared to the Bulldog.

As much as I would like to love the CA bulldog, the Taurus is better because of accuracy. I have recently sent the CA bulldog for targeting adjustment. I hope it fixes the problem as I don't have the issue with any of my other revolvers-fixed sights. I will say that Charter Arms customer support has been top notch as far as communication and sending a prepaid box to ship the firearm. I can't speak for Taurus customer support as I have never had an issue with any of my Taurus revolvers.

Crazy Horse said:

As much as I would like to love the CA bulldog, the Taurus is better because of accuracy. I have recently sent the CA bulldog for targeting adjustment. I hope it fixes the problem as I don't have the issue with any of my other revolvers-fixed sights. I will say that Charter Arms customer support has been top notch as far as communication and sending a prepaid box to ship the firearm. I can't speak for Taurus customer support as I have never had an issue with any of my Taurus revolvers.

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You can send it in for that? I emailed them and their reply was to "file down the front sight post"...which I really do not want to do.

No matter what I run through the thing, if I use the sights properly, it will shoot WAY low and I mean 12" or better at 10yds...it doesn't matter what kind of ammo I'm running.

Someone online gave the good advice to "paint" the target with the entire front sight post (which obviously brings the POA up) and funny enough, that works very well.

Typetwelve,

Thanks for the recommendations. While I have done what you recommended when I first received the firearm, the issue is not that it shoots high or low. The issue is that the firearm shoots well to the right of target. See pic



Please replace "Doors" with shots. I was at the range and didn't realize the typo. I did send it back to them for a second time. There was no change in POI after the first time I returned the Firearm. I can compensate for it shooting a bit low or high, but if it won't hit the target at 5 yards because it is shooting so far to the right of the target, I would stand a better chance of throwing the gun at an assailant (don't have this issue with any of my other revolvers-Taurus, Ruger, & S&W). I'm hoping they fix the problem on on their second try. Fingers crossed.

Ah..yeah, that's completely different. I once had a SP 101 that did that, shot L no matter what you did.

Lots of good choices. I owned three of the Rossi M720;s at the same I liked them that much. A couple of their same frame guns in .357 magnum also kept them company. The M720 would hold up well with heavier loads. Other than that I have always felt heavy loads in most all calibers is a rather foolish thing if you have an option to just step up a caliber. Anyway you mentioned heavy loads. My recommendations then are to look at the Smith model 610 or the Taurus Tracker , both in .44mag, but are on the small size to shoot heavy magnum loadings. They should hold up very well shooting .44 Special and booth can take occasion standard load .44 magnums. And used in that manner the gun will last a longer time before wear and repair are needed.

mnrivrat said:

Lots of good choices. I owned three of the Rossi M720;s at the same I liked them that much. A couple of their same frame guns in .357 magnum also kept them company. The M720 would hold up well with heavier loads. Other than that I have always felt heavy loads in most all calibers is a rather foolish thing if you have an option to just step up a caliber. Anyway you mentioned heavy loads. My recommendations then are to look at the Smith model 610 or the Taurus Tracker , both in .44mag, but are on the small size to shoot heavy magnum loadings. They should hold up very well shooting .44 Special and booth can take occasion standard load .44 magnums. And used in that manner the gun will last a longer time before wear and repair are needed.

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The 610 is a 10mm N frame Revolver. I believe you meant 69.

I have a Taurus 445 Titanium and I believe the manual advises against heavy loads. I wouldn't risk damaging the gun or myself trying heavy loads in it.

I suppose it could handle a low number of heavy loads if that's the only 44 you had and were concerned about bears

cfullgraf said:

Yes, the S&W Model 624 tends to be a bit lighter than a Model 629 (44 Magnum) but it is really the same size, a full size N-frame. The Model 624 generally has a trimmer barrel that reduces the weight.

The S&W Model 69, an L-frame, is smaller than the N-frame guns. Since the Model 69 has been out for several years without any noted problems, it seems that S&W has done their homework and made a smaller revolver that can handle 44 Magnum level ammunition.

Ruger's GP100s chambered in 44 Special should also be capable of handling any 44 Special ammunition. Regardless of Ruger's reputation for strong, reliable firearms, I will not shoot over charged 44 Special ammunition in my GP100s.

I enjoy shooting 44 Special level ammunition in my S&W Model 69 and my Ruger GP100.

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My post was not to push my ideas of what revolver anyone should choose in the great .44 special. My choose of revolvers in .44 Special is strictly personal. I like them for the way they shoot and look. My main use of the .44 special is for field use. In that use and the area i live in, I load them to medium levels because it will handle anything I encounter. My point was the .44 Special is a great round and loaded tailored to the right gun, can do good things without magnum recoil and muzzle blast. If I were to shoot loads approaching 1200 fps, I don't, I keep .44 special loads to 950-1000fps, in any .44 Special gun, it would be minimal. My point was the .44 Special is not a magnum and should not be treated and loaded like one. If you want a hot .44, there are plenty of good magnum revolvers to shoot hot loads in. In the revolvers you mentioned, the gp100 and the 69, 900fps would be my max because of the wear and tear on the gun. They may handle more, I have no experience with either. At any rate, any revolver should be loaded for according to it's strength. I have learned over the years, the strengths the revolvers i use can tolerate on a regular basis. I would advise all to do the same. My point is don't try to make the .44 Special a magnum.

BlueHeelerFl said:

I have a Taurus 445 Titanium and I believe the manual advises against heavy loads. I wouldn't risk damaging the gun or myself trying heavy loads in it.

I suppose it could handle a low number of heavy loads if that's the only 44 you had and were concerned about bears

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I have a 445 Titanium. I have had it about a year. I took it to the range I belong to and tried some wadcutter ammo I had put together. It spit stuff back in my face and did not shoot real good at 10 yards or so. I looked at the forcing cone and it did not have one. I always carry my gun tool box and I had my 11 degree forcing cone cutting tools with me. I cut a little and shot some more and the 5 shot group tightened up. I cut a little more and the group tightened up even more, so I quit right there. No more spitting back. It will handle the skeeter load, but there will quiet a bit of recoil. I dont know if these guns were to have a forcing cone or not. Mine does much better with one.

dickydalton said:

I like my 69.

69

• dickydalton
• Feb 22, 2019
• 1

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They sure are attractive too.......

James Allen said:

I have a 445 Titanium. I have had it about a year. I took it to the range I belong to and tried some wadcutter ammo I had put together. It spit stuff back in my face and did not shoot real good at 10 yards or so. I looked at the forcing cone and it did not have one. I always carry my gun tool box and I had my 11 degree forcing cone cutting tools with me. I cut a little and shot some more and the 5 shot group tightened up. I cut a little more and the group tightened up even more, so I quit right there. No more spitting back. It will handle the skeeter load, but there will quiet a bit of recoil. I dont know if these guns were to have a forcing cone or not. Mine does much better with one.

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It did not have a forcing cone?! I am confused. Wouldn't it be a major mistake for the factory to let out a revolver without a forcing cone? At least a centerfire one?

I have several 44 specials and have had others. I sold my 720 and regret it. An original Bulldog often goes with me when I'm bumming around the farm. Factory loads, shot loads, or the Keith bullet and 6/Unique. Nothing heavy. 624 4" is my N frame but nothing hotter than Skeeters 429421, 429215, 429244 and 7.5/Unique but I have scaled back to 7. New, New model Flattop 4 5/8" with the same loads as the 624.
If I want 44 mag power I use my 29-2 or my 3 screw Super.
Appropriate amount for the gun in question. I've been around long enough to have seen enough damaged guns not to want any of my own.