Strongest .44 special revolver that isn't a magnum

[Magnumite]

Got it, rc. Thanks.

FWIW, some modern S&W Model 24's and 624's were delivered with deeper chamber cuts and would actually chamber and fire 44 Magnum rounds that wouldn't extend past the forward end of the cylinder. Smith and Wesson sent out notice that this did not compromise the safety of the revolver if fired with normal 44 Mag pressure rounds. This is because the 24 and 29 models are fundamentally the same gun, as stated by previous posters, just lighter barrel profiles and shorter cylinders to cut weight.
I've shot loads as heavy as 240 gr/8.2 grains Unique in my 3" Model 624, but decided for a load that heavy, I had the magnum chambered guns.

 

[mm6mm6]

I think the Ruger .44 Special Blackhawk is a very strong revolver. I fired Skeeter Skelton's "hot" loads out of mine and they sure were a handful. But the gun just laughed at them.

Be very careful of .44 Specials however, the guns are very, very, very easily scratched up and then they don't get fired as often as they should. Despite all the scratches, I still fire mine though. Don't let it scare you away!

 

[fireside44]

Help the rest of us morons out - what's he thinking?

Aww, come on.

Strongest .44 special gun?

This man has good times on his mind.

 

[joed]

Beautiful guns, every one of them. The .44 spl is one of my favorite handgun cartridges. I have a 24-3, and 2 624's plus a Taurus 445 in .44 spl. Mine are plain jane revolvers but I love this cartridge.

The only complaint I have about the .44 spl is you have to load it yourself. Try and find factory ammo for it and you'll walk away scratching your head.

Never shot any hot loads in mine as I have quite a few magnums in the vault. As someone pointed out to me when I got the first spl, "Why shoot hot loads you have magnums". But I do shoot a 250 gr LSWC with 7.5 gr of Unique. And I wouldn't hesitate to shoot 15.0 gr of 2400 with that same bullet.

 

[ArmedBear]

They are .44's based on the original .357 sized Blackhawk frame.

They have steel grip frames, and weigh about the same as a blue New Model Blackhawk. Ruger says they weigh exactly what a Super Blackhawk in 4 5/8" or 5 1/2" weighs. Check out the website. If you want a .44 Special, go for it, but for strictly practical purposes, a Super Blackhawk will do the same thing for you, and take magnum rounds besides, should you care to use them.

The .44 Special flattop is a fair amount heavier than a .45 Colt NM Blackhawk. Ever handle a .45 Blackhawk? If you want something lighter, that's the way to go. The bigger bores shave a lot of weight off, and the balance is really nice.

Also, the .44 Special flattop is now a catlogued gun. See http://ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkBlued/models.html

 

[tipoc]

Well about the only handgun around that will not handle hot loads of the .44 Spl. is the Charter Arms Bulldog. In some of the scandium framed S&W N frames the stouter loads may cause case setback. I would avoid these for hunting loads anyway.

But other than that I cannot think of a 44 Spl. gun made that will not handle the hottest commercial loads of 44 Spl. and do it safely. They will do the same with handloads provided the loads are well done and within pressure range.

So if you are looking for a gun for hot loads of the Spl. just avoid the one or two light weight concealment guns that are unsuited for this type work and you will be allright.

tipoc

 

[liviussteven]

well....if you want a "hot" 44 spc... let me ask ... as its already been asked..
why not get a 44 mag... then you won't have to worry about shooting any kind of 44 spc.
if, however, you don't need a tank and want a work of art... and you want a gun you can actually carry... and shoot 44 spec.. i recomend a smith 696.
smaller than the 29 and 629
look for the 696 (no dash).. its a fine gun.. !

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

S&W has "shortcutted" their newer .44 Specials, and just short chambered .44 Magnum cylinders. This creates a noticeably heavier gun than the older Model 24's. As stated, if looking at a S&W, you may as well get the .44 Magnum, or if looking for a markedly lighter gun, the 329 with a 4" barrel. With medium .44 Mag loads, or any .44 Special lods, the 329 would probably be just enough for the OP's needs.