I'd like a good 44 spcl single action western style revolver but I want it to have adjustable sights. I will hand load and use it for a fun in the woods and possible self defense gun sometimes. The problem is no one makes one as far as I can tell. The only choice I have found so far is to get a ruger 44 mag and load it with the specials. Is there another brand that is not custom made out there that I am missing.
good 44 special single action
- Thread starter sig220mw
- Start date
- Status
The only thing I can think of besides the Ruger or another .44 magnum is an older Colt New Frontier. Some were made in .44 special - but these are going to be pretty pricey nowadays as they are desirable and long out of production.
BCRider
Member
Get one in .44 mag and get into reloading so you can download to .44Spl energy levels. At this point it's likely easier to find .44Mag brass over .44Spl anyway. And for this size ammo reloading will soon pay for itself anyway.
Limited run of .44 Special Flattop Blackhawks is now being sold. Get one now, or don't get one at all.
http://www.lipseys.com/itemfinder.a...hawk Flattop&type=Revolver&caliber=44 Special
Of course, your other option is to do what people used to do. Get a Colt or Colt clone and have sights added, or get a Blackhawk and have it rebarreled and drilled out. The advantage of this is that you can end up with an excellent, line-bored revolver. The bummer is the price of the 'smithing.
http://www.lipseys.com/itemfinder.a...hawk Flattop&type=Revolver&caliber=44 Special
Of course, your other option is to do what people used to do. Get a Colt or Colt clone and have sights added, or get a Blackhawk and have it rebarreled and drilled out. The advantage of this is that you can end up with an excellent, line-bored revolver. The bummer is the price of the 'smithing.
Last edited:
gruesomenewsom
Member
my father has a usfa single action 44-40 that came with a .44spl cylinder. Just doesn't have adjustable sights, but any gunsmith could do that easily. Its nice to have a pistol that shoots 44spl/44-40. Mcuh more fun to shoot than 44 mag if you ask me.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Adding adjustable sights to a SAA is not as simple as it might seem at first glance.
There is not all that much metal in the top strap where it transitions into the recoil shield to be milling any more away.
It used to be done back in the SAA's day by welding up the top-strap to get enough extra beef to then take some off for the sight to fit in it.
But it is far from a simple job!
rc
By far the best option being offered today is the special-run .44 Special Ruger Blackhawk mentioned in post #4. It is smaller and lighter then Ruger's .44 Magnum Blackhawk models, and would cost less then any custom conversions.
If you drop the adjustable sights (and I wouldn't) there are a number of fixed sight .44 Special single action revolvers that are available, but fitting adjustable sights on a fixed sighted revolver is expensive, and for the reasons cited by RCmodel they are not a good idea.
Check out the following link: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=430542
If you drop the adjustable sights (and I wouldn't) there are a number of fixed sight .44 Special single action revolvers that are available, but fitting adjustable sights on a fixed sighted revolver is expensive, and for the reasons cited by RCmodel they are not a good idea.
Check out the following link: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=430542
Last edited:
goodtime
Member
"The only choice I have found so far is to get a ruger 44 mag and load it with the specials"
This is a darn fine choice, by the way.
This is a darn fine choice, by the way.
As mentioned, Lipsey's is selling a 44 Spl Flat top. They will get 1000 of these pistols total. They received the first 250 this January. The delivery schedule is 250 per quarter.
After the quarter is up, if sales are high, maybe Ruger will make it a regular item.
I would not hold my breath about it ever being a regular stocked item.
I can recall when S&W brought out the M624's in 44 Spl. Nut cases, like myself, who had been waiting for decades, went out and bought one. The rest of the world sat back and asked "why should I buy a 44 Spl when a 44 Magnum will shoot both?".
Once the pent up demand was quickly satisfied, the rest of the M624's sat on the shelves. Might have been a total of 7500 made. Those that sat on the shelf were in time heavily discounted. S&W did not make 44 Spl N frames again until the Thunder Ranch specials, 20 years later. And that only at the urging of Clint. My local gunstore said it was the worst decision they ever made to stock up on those M624 44 Spl S&W's. You could buy one for $250.00 in 1986.
Now, 23 years later, those 44 Spls are extremely hard to find because production was for only one year.
I suspect the same will happen with these Ruger 44 Spls. There will be a one time offering, and that will be that.
Then if you want a Ruger in 44 Spl, you will have to supply Mr. Bowen with a 357 version and $800.00 for the conversion.
After the quarter is up, if sales are high, maybe Ruger will make it a regular item.
I would not hold my breath about it ever being a regular stocked item.
I can recall when S&W brought out the M624's in 44 Spl. Nut cases, like myself, who had been waiting for decades, went out and bought one. The rest of the world sat back and asked "why should I buy a 44 Spl when a 44 Magnum will shoot both?".
Once the pent up demand was quickly satisfied, the rest of the M624's sat on the shelves. Might have been a total of 7500 made. Those that sat on the shelf were in time heavily discounted. S&W did not make 44 Spl N frames again until the Thunder Ranch specials, 20 years later. And that only at the urging of Clint. My local gunstore said it was the worst decision they ever made to stock up on those M624 44 Spl S&W's. You could buy one for $250.00 in 1986.
Now, 23 years later, those 44 Spls are extremely hard to find because production was for only one year.
I suspect the same will happen with these Ruger 44 Spls. There will be a one time offering, and that will be that.
Then if you want a Ruger in 44 Spl, you will have to supply Mr. Bowen with a 357 version and $800.00 for the conversion.
Beagle-zebub
Member
You might consider getting one of the Ruger 50th Anniversary .44 Magnum Blackhawks. Centerfire Systems has them for $420 right now, so Google 'em. They're really better suited for shooting .44 Special anyway, which is why they came out with the Super Blackhawk.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
The Rugers are big...and heavy. If that's not a concern, by all means go for the Ruger. The .44 Special Flattop is a limited production item, so...
The Super Blackhawk will handle .44 Special for 3-4 average lifetimes, and offers the magnum option should the need arise.
USFA revolvers can be had in .44 Special...but not in the entry-level Rodeo...and hover in the 850-900 dollar range. Considered by most to be the Creme' de la Creme' of 1873 SAA clones...they're true clones at 38 ounces, and require carrying with the hammer down on an empty chamber.
Stepping down a couple rungs on the ladder, Cimarron Arms also markets a clone in .44 Special. Manufactured by the Italian firm, Uberti, assembled/fitted and finished here...they're a pretty good value at under 500 dollars for the base Model P. Uberti has vastly improved its QA in the last few years. I own two of the Model P revolvers...both in .44 Special...one with the 4.75 barrel and one with the 5.5-inch barrel. Both revolvers are accurate and shoot to point of aim at 20 yards with my handloads.
While they'll stand up to higher pressures than the industry standard for the .44 Speical cartridge...they're not Blackhawks...so handload with caution. I like Skeeter's load for times when I (might) need more power...but for general range use, 6-6.5 grains of Unique and a 225-grain cast SWC is much easier on the gun while still providing increased velocity and energy over the SAAMI standard loading...which is also sometimes referred to as the .44 Castrated Special.
If you don't absolutely have to have one in .44 Special..Ruger's New Vaquero .45 Colt comes highly recommended. I have two, and can't say enough good things about'em.
The Super Blackhawk will handle .44 Special for 3-4 average lifetimes, and offers the magnum option should the need arise.
USFA revolvers can be had in .44 Special...but not in the entry-level Rodeo...and hover in the 850-900 dollar range. Considered by most to be the Creme' de la Creme' of 1873 SAA clones...they're true clones at 38 ounces, and require carrying with the hammer down on an empty chamber.
Stepping down a couple rungs on the ladder, Cimarron Arms also markets a clone in .44 Special. Manufactured by the Italian firm, Uberti, assembled/fitted and finished here...they're a pretty good value at under 500 dollars for the base Model P. Uberti has vastly improved its QA in the last few years. I own two of the Model P revolvers...both in .44 Special...one with the 4.75 barrel and one with the 5.5-inch barrel. Both revolvers are accurate and shoot to point of aim at 20 yards with my handloads.
While they'll stand up to higher pressures than the industry standard for the .44 Speical cartridge...they're not Blackhawks...so handload with caution. I like Skeeter's load for times when I (might) need more power...but for general range use, 6-6.5 grains of Unique and a 225-grain cast SWC is much easier on the gun while still providing increased velocity and energy over the SAAMI standard loading...which is also sometimes referred to as the .44 Castrated Special.
If you don't absolutely have to have one in .44 Special..Ruger's New Vaquero .45 Colt comes highly recommended. I have two, and can't say enough good things about'em.
Last edited:
ArchAngelCD
Member.
SlamFire1,
I know what you mean. Those same people will ask, "Why would you buy a .38 Special like the Model 10 when a .357 Magnum will shoot both?"
In the case of any center-fire Magnum, I answer that question with another one.
"How often, if ever, am I going to want to use the Magnum option?" More often then not I'm satisfied to use the standard cartridge (.38 Special, .44 Special, etc.) and prefer to have a slightly smaller and less heavy revolver. In addition I don't have to worry about keeping the chambers scrubbed out, and the extraction problems I may face if I don't.
On the other hand, if you think you are going to use the Magnum round, buy a Magnum. But it's foolish to buy one if you simply want the word "Magnum" stamped on the barrel (or wherever).
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
The .44 Special is a grand old cartridge. Those who denigrate it haven't tried it in a light, slick single-action revolver chambered for it...and they don't know what they're missing, eh Fuff?
I'll admit that to get the best out of some of these "mature cartridges," one should roll their own rather then use factory fodder - but it should be noted again that even Elmer Keith downloaded the .44 Magnum for his daily use in a 4" S&W model 29.
In a current, quality .44 Special revolver you can safely push a 250-grain bullet out of a 4 5/8" barrel (give or take) at 900 FPS or less, and unless an elephant has got loose that's good enough for me. For serious business such as cans or paper targets less is even better. But I supose that now the more enlightened ones demand snubbies in .500 S&W, lest a chimpmunk might charge them. One must be ready I suppose...
Gordon
Member
The Colt New Frontiers are way undervalued I think . I have one in 2nd Gen in .44 spl and it is only worth $1200 and you can find lotsa 3rd gen ones for a thou or less! A real Colt (real thing) sleeper IMHO.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=124039767
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=124039767
Hell, Old Fuff, Elmer Keith wasn't really into what we now call heavy .44 Magnum loads.
His loads seem like some nice, well-balanced .44 hunting loads to me, at least by modern standards.
All of that said, he was a big fan of the .44 Special. He called this semi-custom design "The Last Word." It's a Colt SAA in .44 Special, with grips cobbled together by combining standard and Bisley grip frame parts, and adjustable sights added.
If you're ever up this way, check out the Cabela's in Boise. It includes an Elmer Keith museum that's just wonderful. It includes one of these .44 Specials he had made for his son, among many other Keith firearms long and short. That 4" S&W .44 Magnum you mentioned, that he carried for "daily use", is here as well.
It's a must see if you pass through here (and I'd love to get a PM as well, should you ever come through here).
His loads seem like some nice, well-balanced .44 hunting loads to me, at least by modern standards.
All of that said, he was a big fan of the .44 Special. He called this semi-custom design "The Last Word." It's a Colt SAA in .44 Special, with grips cobbled together by combining standard and Bisley grip frame parts, and adjustable sights added.
If you're ever up this way, check out the Cabela's in Boise. It includes an Elmer Keith museum that's just wonderful. It includes one of these .44 Specials he had made for his son, among many other Keith firearms long and short. That 4" S&W .44 Magnum you mentioned, that he carried for "daily use", is here as well.
It's a must see if you pass through here (and I'd love to get a PM as well, should you ever come through here).
Back to Sig220, though...
Davidson's still has plenty of 6.5" flattop .44 Magnum Ruger Anniversary Blackhawks.
That's as good a choice as any, for shooting .44 Specials. It's lighter than the Super Blackhawk.
http://www.galleryofguns.com/Genie/...Revolver&cal=44M&fin=Blue&sit=Adjustable&pid=
Davidson's still has plenty of 6.5" flattop .44 Magnum Ruger Anniversary Blackhawks.
That's as good a choice as any, for shooting .44 Specials. It's lighter than the Super Blackhawk.
http://www.galleryofguns.com/Genie/...Revolver&cal=44M&fin=Blue&sit=Adjustable&pid=
...and if you have a LOT of extra cash lying around, USFA's Flat Top Target model is available in .44 Special, 3 barrel lengths. Gorgeous gun.
http://usfirearms.com/cat/flattop.asp
http://usfirearms.com/cat/flattop.asp
CDNN Sports at www.cdnnsports.com also has some of the .44 Magnum Flat top Blackhawks @ $389.99 and the .357 Flat top @ $379.99. Also a cased matched set for $799.99.
Concerning Elmer Keith - I knew him a little bit, and he was the no-good so & so that got me involved with single actions, not to mention the worthless .44 Special cartridge. I never forgave him...
He also begged Bill Ruger to come out with a .44 Special/4 5/8" Blackhawk at the time the first .357 model was introduced. Bill would hear none of it because he was worried about what some handloaders would do. Then when the original .44 Magnum followed he tried to get Bill to offer it with a 4 5/8" barrel as well as the then standard 6 1/2", but that didn't come about either.
Unfortunately neither Bill nor Elmer lived to see this present offering. I think Elmer would have been ecstatic, but I'm not so sure about Bill. He always favored longer barrels on the bigger Magnum six-guns.
Concerning Elmer Keith - I knew him a little bit, and he was the no-good so & so that got me involved with single actions, not to mention the worthless .44 Special cartridge. I never forgave him...
He also begged Bill Ruger to come out with a .44 Special/4 5/8" Blackhawk at the time the first .357 model was introduced. Bill would hear none of it because he was worried about what some handloaders would do. Then when the original .44 Magnum followed he tried to get Bill to offer it with a 4 5/8" barrel as well as the then standard 6 1/2", but that didn't come about either.
Unfortunately neither Bill nor Elmer lived to see this present offering. I think Elmer would have been ecstatic, but I'm not so sure about Bill. He always favored longer barrels on the bigger Magnum six-guns.
- Status
