Stainz
Member
Speer designed a 200gr Gold Dot (#4427) for short barrel/low velocity (800 fps up) use. It reportedly fully opens it's thin walled HP by 800 fps - and should not be usedThis bullet is incorporated in their Blazer .44 Special ammo, available from the local 'Academy Sports/Outdoors' chains for $12.86/50. A Starline brass cased variant is available from Georgia Arms for ~$20/50. I have shot lots of both from my 2.5" 296 - it's only diet, as it is ammo-sensitive - from which they bark and slap pretty well, said slap being more tolerable with the rounded Uncle Mikes backstrap-enclosing combat grips installed in place of the admittedly more packable supplied boots. They chrono-ed 805 fps from my 2.5" 296. The revolver, although less than 21 oz loaded, is physically just like that 242 - and hard to pocket in anything but a large coat pocket. Still, I like those rounds... and the 'little' 296... despite it's picky nature. Mine has stock springs for dependable ignition with any primers.
I also have the 3" 696, but it is too much 'fun', so it has reduced effort Wolff springs and launches 'fun' .44 Russians and Specials. It sported the squared version of the Uncle Mike's combats for some time, it's original rounded set going to the 296. It has enjoyed wearing Ahrend's finger groove squared cocobolo stocks for some time - better feel and super looks. Don't mortgage the farm for this one... i have seen new 629 Mountain Guns, weighing 4 oz more with an additional round of capacity and an inch more barrel - and .44 magnum capability, for less than what some want for used 696. They have developed a cult following.
My choice in smaller protection would be something carrying either the .38 +P 158gr LSWCHP (So called 'FBI' load - with a proven performance record.) or the new Speer 135gr GDJHP designed for snubbies. I have a 2" late model (+P rated) 10 on my wife's side of the bed with those 'FBI' loads. A seven-shooter - like the new 4" 620 or a shorter barrel 686+ - so loaded would be a nice and dependable indoor protector. Go outdoors, and up the protection to .357M.
My choice? I like my .44 Special... but, I wouldn't fill 'outgunned' with that 2" 10 with the old FBI load. Go with what you have - just pick a proper defensive load - and shoot lots of them to hone your skills. You want an excuse to buy another gun? Buy the one YOU want... you can make it serviceable as a protective device.
Stainz
I also have the 3" 696, but it is too much 'fun', so it has reduced effort Wolff springs and launches 'fun' .44 Russians and Specials. It sported the squared version of the Uncle Mike's combats for some time, it's original rounded set going to the 296. It has enjoyed wearing Ahrend's finger groove squared cocobolo stocks for some time - better feel and super looks. Don't mortgage the farm for this one... i have seen new 629 Mountain Guns, weighing 4 oz more with an additional round of capacity and an inch more barrel - and .44 magnum capability, for less than what some want for used 696. They have developed a cult following.
My choice in smaller protection would be something carrying either the .38 +P 158gr LSWCHP (So called 'FBI' load - with a proven performance record.) or the new Speer 135gr GDJHP designed for snubbies. I have a 2" late model (+P rated) 10 on my wife's side of the bed with those 'FBI' loads. A seven-shooter - like the new 4" 620 or a shorter barrel 686+ - so loaded would be a nice and dependable indoor protector. Go outdoors, and up the protection to .357M.
My choice? I like my .44 Special... but, I wouldn't fill 'outgunned' with that 2" 10 with the old FBI load. Go with what you have - just pick a proper defensive load - and shoot lots of them to hone your skills. You want an excuse to buy another gun? Buy the one YOU want... you can make it serviceable as a protective device.
Stainz
