.44 spl recommendations?

[Juna]

I'm considering a .44 spl revolver for CCW, and I'm wondering what my options are. What would you recommend? What have you had personal experience with and liked or disliked?

Models I've heard mentioned (but not much more than mentioned) are the Charter Arms Bulldog Pug and a Taurus (forgot which model). Pros? Cons? Alternatives? It seems like the S&W revolvers get a bit pricey.

Thanks!

 

[Gator]

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of choices for CCW size .44 Spls. I think the Charter is the only one currently made. Taurus discontinued theirs, which judging by the one I had, is a good thing. S&W had four L-frame, and two 3" N-frame .44 Spls, but they all command collector prices these days; the Ns were kind of big for CCW too. I have an old Rossi 720 I got for $225 and it has been great, maybe you can hunt up one of those, or go with the Charter.

 

[ewayte]

S&W is now shipping the NightGuard revolvers, including one in .44 Special.

 

[Gator]

S&Ws with locks don't count, and a lock on a .44 Spl is especially....

 

[nicholst55]

The Night Guard? My, but is it ever ugly! But strangely, I want one!

But seriously, someone please explain something to me coz I'm just a simple Irish peasant - the gun makers tell us there is no market for a .44 Special revolver, yet every one they make (perhaps with the exception of the Bulldog and Thunder Ranch) immediately becomes a collector's item, and is soon reselling for a significant premium. Add to that the fact that custom gunsmiths are backed up for 1-2 years making, among other things, .44 Special conversions. I'm confused...

 

[Virginian]

The Taurus 44 Specials were the 441 (adj. sight) and 431 (fixed sight) models, and I believe they were available blued or stainless. The 431s were made in 3" and 4" configuration I know. I have had a 431 in 4" for a long, long time. Had to buy it twice - the second time from the ex. To my mind it was worth it. Not light, but steady with any 44 Special load. Mine shoots extremely well. I carry it a lot outdoors in a paddle holster, and the snake loads came in handy a many a time in NC and Virginia.
They also made some 2-1/2" models, but I already had mine so I don't remember too much about those. The fit and finish on mine is as good as the run of the mill Model 65s from the late 70s early 80s. The one (and only) Smith I wish I still had.
If you find one better jump on it because they don't seem to last long.

 

[Juna]

1) What is the reputation of the current Charter Arms and the current Bulldog? Good price for one?

2) What about Rossi? Haven't heard much about them. Quality? Reliability? Accuracy? Size/weight? Saw a couple Rossis last week, but had never heard of them before. What's a good price for one?

3) That S&W looks nice, but $1011?!?!?! I don't foresee winning the lottery any time soon.

4) So if there are slim pickings in .44 spl CCW wheel guns, what inexpensive wheel gun would you recommend for CCW? I'm guessing most people must carry a .38 spl or .38/.357. I've read the magnums over-penetrate, and if I'm using it double duty as a house gun, I don't want to accidentally shoot someone in the next room.

 

[Stainz]

Yeah, that thing didn't sell well at $589 a few years ago at my 'pusher's' - and then it was lighter - had a Ti cylinder!

The initial L-frame run of .44 Specials, the 296, 396, & 696, were dropped due to lagging sales. They all share a dimunitive forcing cone, understandable when you consider the L-frame's entry was to allow a larger forcing cone for .357M's - replacing the similarly small K-frame .357M's dimunitive forcing cone's restriction forced on them due to the thin front frame width. They just didn't thicken it up that much in the L-frame - you have to go to the N-frame for .44 & .45 'proper' forcing cone.

Speaking of which, my 696 - that thing with a cult following that has forced it's used prices above the 4" 629's new price - and my recent production example of same, albeit sporting .500 Magnum Hogues, are shown below. You want a real '.44 Special', capable of Keith-level loads - and even .44 Magnums - get a 629. If not the 4" (SKU #163603) shown, which weighs but 6 oz more than the 696, then a 3" Backpacker variant or 4" 629MG. You'll thank me later.



Of course, if you want a 'pocket protector' - and can stand the 200gr Gold Dots as a maximum load, my 296 isn't bad at all. See it below with it's newer, but smaller, 642 sibling. That's right... I EDC a pocket piece with an IL - the horror! Of course, I jest - I have plenty of other things I'll worry about!



Stainz

 

[smee781]

Rossi 720

I also have a old Rossi 720 and love it. Nice strong gun and got it for around $250

 

[kmrcstintn]

if you can choose a different big bore caliber...ooohhh, let's say .45 Colt, I think that Taurus currently does or recently did make a snubby chambered for it

 

[Tom Servo]

The 696 is my favorite carry gun, and worth getting.

Although a 29/629 has its advantages, it's still an N-Frame, and a bit on the big and heavy side.

200gr Gold Dots are very effective and pleasant to shoot out of a steel frame. Smaller, lighter guns can get punchy with the load, though.

I've shot some pretty stout loads and not had any problems.

 

[Wolfeye]

The 629 may be large, but it's what I'd buy if I wanted to shoot .44 spl. There are several variants in 3", and they all look pretty compact when outfitted with boot or bantam grips. Still a bit large & heavy for carry, but fine for house guns. Plus you can load them up with .44 mag and use them as woods guns.

Ruger's 2.5" Alaskan in .44 mag might also fit the bill. The factory grips are very large, basically the same grips as found on x-frames, but they can be replaced with Eagle's Secret Service compact grips. The Rugers are even heavier than a 629, though.

 

[RustyShackelford]

S&W Lew Horton model 24 or even better a Ruger AK snub .44mag

If you really want a .44spl, get a limited edition Lew Horton model 24 S&W. They are not cheap but will shoot the .44spl.

A better choice would be a snub AK Super Redhawk with magnaport/ported barrel and custom work( DA only, no spur, etc). This Ruger revolver is big but fires both .44mag and .44spl.

The Ruger snub .44 does not have a %$#*ing security lock either.

RS

 

[JNewell]

Whatever the merits of a 629, 24 or other N-frame .44 caliber revolvers are, compactness is not one of them, and the OP was asking about CCW. The L-frame guns would be my choice. 696 if carried on a substantial belt, 296 if not. I really like the looks of the Nighthawk version but I think I'll let a few user reports accumulate before I, ahem, pull the trigger on one.

 

[Dave Baird]

Boy, ya gotta love the original Charter Bulldogs. I have a 3" and it is great. The action is smooth as silk and the gloss blue is just beautiful. It is light for carry, works well, and how can you beat the looks of that rounded bulldog grip? Great choice for CCW, by the way. BOOM!

Dave