44 Spc or 357 for defense?

[WisBorn]

I, too, have a Taurus Model 415, chambered in .41 magnum. It has a 2 1/2" ported barrel and I've found the recoil to be surprisingly controllable; helped, I think, by the unique "ribbed" grips. Its size, I believe, is somewhere between a K and L frame S&W. Like the aforementioned Smith Model 686, in terms of self-defense, its liability is five shots vs the six and seven shots afforded revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum.

I don't think there is a liability when it comes to 5 shoots versus 7 in my 686+. I do carry the 41 were bears are more likely and the 357 when crashing brush in WI and SC.

 

[freedom arms .45]

I don't think you mentioned the type of self defense. (My apologies if it was mentioned and I missed it).
I carry a .357 (or a 9mm) in regular situations, but I carry a 44 or 45 when hiking in the mountains.The 44 is too big for regular carry, at least for me. The 357 is a snubby, and much more comfortable.
Plus, the 44 and 45 both are single action.

 

[SwampWolf]

I don't think there is a liability when it comes to 5 shoots versus 7 in my 686+.

In any circumstance, if you ever need one or two extra rounds to save your life, your five shot revolver is by definition a liability. Whether you'll ever really need a couple or more rounds to keep your bacon intact (probably not) is entirely a "what if" poser.

 

[Styx]

You were right, there are/were no factory "K" frames built, I read your answer wrong, sorry about that...

DM

No problem. Happens to the best of us.

 

[WisBorn]

In any circumstance, if you ever need one or two extra rounds to save your life, your five shot revolver is by definition a liability. Whether you'll ever really need a couple or more rounds to keep your bacon intact (probably not) is entirely a "what if" poser.

I carry a pocket gun always, were legal. At times I carry a second handgun. A New York reload, it may be the 41 or 357

 

[Monster Zero]

Just curious what you all think.
I have both, but I've been fighting the urge to hunt down a decent K or L frame in 44 Spc. This evening I came across a nice 65-3 357 mag.
Now I'm getting all jittery and feverish and my eyes are getting bloodshot trying to decide.
Please help.

One of these days, I'll have a Blackhawk in .44 special. I'll shoot it at the range and I'll go on cross country hikes just so I can have an excuse to go walk around packing it in a holster.

Taking it all into account though, I find five rounds of .38 special in a compact package to be the most practical thing for my own self.

Five rounds of .44 special or seven rounds of .38+p in the same size model 696? Or five rounds of .38+p in an SP101?

Sexy as the .44 is, it's the .38+p (BB 158 grain swchp +p) for me as an EDC round because it works.

But that's JMHO. Get the one you like. Or several. It's still a free country, I think.

 

[cfullgraf]

Ah, but you can get a M-696 without the pointless lock and the change in frame contour which the M-69 so proudly displays.

Dave

But the Model 696 can't shoot 44 Magnum. I'll suffer with the lock.

 

[Bazoo]

No matter the model, there are NO S&W factory "K" frames chambered in 44spl... NONE!

But, I do have a custom "K" frame 44 spl.

View attachment 1050201

DM

I'd like to see more pictures of your custom 44 special, model 15 I think you said it was.

 

[357smallbore]

I carry a Ruger Speed Six and a Rossi 720. These are my two revolver CCW weapons. I stoke the Ruger with 125 sjhp and the Rossi with 200 grain blazers.
For a self-defense weapon I think these are two of the very best. Speed Six is a six shooter and a 720 is a five shot.
If these can't get it done I don't know what else would. When I go hunting with my handguns I have a S&W 624 with a six and a half inch barrel I use, I load 240 grain semi-wad cutters for it. If I take out my 357 it is a 4 in Smith and Wesson 686 loaded with 158 swc or 180 grain swc.
I shot many critters with these and not a one of them moved when hit

 

[Buckeye63]

100% of my handguns are carry guns … revolvers and Semi’s… so to me in light carry revolver.. I like the 44 spl more … I carry a 38spl often
But I really like my LCR327 and
Charter Pitbull in 40 S&W ..

 

[.38 Special]

I'd like to see more pictures of your custom 44 special, model 15 I think you said it was.

I second that. Pics and details, please and thank you!

 

[P5 Guy]

 

[DM~]

I'd like to see more pictures of your custom 44 special, model 15 I think you said it was.

I already posted a pict. above of my M-19 in 44 spl., but here's another,



It's the left one in the pict..

DM

 

[Bazoo]

I already posted a pict. above of my M-19 in 44 spl., but here's another,

View attachment 1050329

It's the left one in the pict..

DM

Ah model 19... I was only off by 4 when I thought i recalled you saying it was a 15. That's pretty neat. The smooth cylinder is oddly pleasant.

 

[obiwan1]

I have .44s and a .357. All things considered, I'd carry the .357 for the extra capacity. Sort of like carrying a 9mm over a .40 in the same frame size - more capacity in similar performing calibers. However if I had to go more low profile I'd carry my CA original Bulldog .44. Small with BIG punch.

 

[Viper1357]

I have .44s and a .357. All things considered, I'd carry the .357 for the extra capacity. Sort of like carrying a 9mm over a .40 in the same frame size - more capacity in similar performing calibers. However if I had to go more low profile I'd carry my CA original Bulldog .44. Small with BIG punch.

^^^^ The same exact thoughts I was having^^^^

 

[Bazoo]

I'd carry a 40 over a 9 any day of the week. That's an easy choice because the difference in capacity is choices like 12 or 15, 16 or 18. Once capacity gets over 10, it isn't an issue like 5 or 6 is.

 

[SwampWolf]

The smooth cylinder is oddly pleasant.

And arguably, a wee bit "stronger".

 

[Bazoo]

I don't care for the look in a super Blackhawk, but in a double action, I kinda like smooth.

 

[RealGun]

I don't care for the look in a super Blackhawk, but in a double action, I kinda like smooth.

Not fluted but it is engraved though.