Thinking of buying a .44

[VanRaily]

Hello-

I've always had a fascination with large-frame, big-bore revolvers and have recently come to the conclusion that I'd like to buy one. The model that I'm considering is the 8.375" Taurus Raging Bull in .44 Magnum (I know some people have some poor opinions of Taurus, but I like the look and feel of the Raging series and it's also their top-of-the-line).

The problem here is that I'm fairly new when it comes to guns: I own a Beretta 90-two in 9mm that I've put only about 60 rounds through, and that's it. This will change if I'm able to get into the local gun club, but for now that's how things stand. At 6'0" and ~165 lbs, I'm also a pretty skinny guy. I handled a 8.375" Taurus Model 44 and a 6.5" Bull at the local Gander Mountain and both were certainly intimidating weapons (especially compared to my 90-two), but it's not like I was about to run and hide from them.

From my research, it seems like a lot of the talk about the recoil in a .44 is overrated, but there are those who just plain don't like it. The gun guy at a local store recommended that I get a .357 instead of a .44, as he said they're more fun for just casual shooting (which is what my intention is for the .44). I will admit that I do have some reservations about the .44 just due to my lack of firearms experience and from having no formal firearms training, but the Bull is a four-pound, fourteen-inch, ported monster so I don't think that the recoil will be unmanageable. I've even seen videos of kids shooting the Bull so if they can shoot it I figure there's no reason I can't, but they've probably had more instruction than me and I don't want to make a fool of myself by smacking myself in the forehead (which I've also seen, but that may have been in .454).

Finally, keep in mind that my 9mm is still going to be my main plinking gun; I don't plan on sending 100 rounds downrange in one sitting with the Bull. I want the Bull so that I can have some fun shooting watermelons and the like (and just for the satisfaction of having a large revolver), so maybe no more than two cylinders' worth at a time. Of course, this could change if I really like the gun.

What do you think?

 

[QuietEarp]

Since you plan on doing most of your shooting with your 9mm you should get what you want, a .44 magnum. Getting a .357 does make a lot of sense as the ammo is cheaper and you can use .38 specials as well, but you should get what you will be happy with. I doubt that I would ever be happy only loading up 2 rounds at a time, but you may be different. Most importantly welcome to THR, and let us know what you get.

 

[VanRaily]

Thanks for the welcome.

I did say two cylinders, which would be 12 rounds. But like I said, that might go up once I actually start shooting.

 

[atlanticfire]

This will change, cause you will like to shoot it! With a gun that size, I think you maybe disappointed by the recoil. I would by all means get what you want most but I would still look into a good 357. A ruger possibly, since they are reasonable priced and built very well. I originally started out with a Security Six 357 and later picked up a 629 in .44. The 629 being an 8+" barrel with added scope weight its recoil is VERY manageable. I was hesitant after I purchased my .44 some years ago to get anything bigger. But have and have never regretted it.

 

[Towboater]

I hate to tell you this bud, but you got the bug. No matter if you get the .357 first or the .44 you will end up with both eventually I would wager. Welcome to the club!!!! I just bought my .44 and love it. I was going to get the Taurus for back up gun in Alaska, but waited it out and found a used Ruger Redhawk for 450 bucks. I love it!!!! If you really want the .44 then go with it bro. Recoil really isn't bad at all IMO.

 

[bluetopper]

The 44 Mag to me is just so much more fun. But then again I reload my own ammo to whatever power level I desire and great deals on cast bullets are available online.
I have a 29-2 and a 629-6 and they both get regular exercise.

The Raging Bulls are the best Taurus has ever made. Tough, stout revolvers.

 

[David E]

What do I think ?

Honestly, I think you need to get some more handgun experience before buying a .44 magnum.

Getting a .357 first is a dandy idea, as any well-rounded handgun battery has at least one .357 in it, so it's not like you'll lose the need for it once you get a .44

I'd get something else, not the Raging Bull. If concerns about kick make you hesitant, get a Ruger Super Blackhawk.

Go to a range and rent some of these first and see what you think. Make sure you fire full magnums.

 

[VanRaily]

Go to a range and rent some of these first and see what you think.

I was thinking about it, but the only range I found by me that had guns for rent didn't have the RB available.

I do, however, have a friend who has a number of .357s, which he'd likely let me try out the next time he goes.

 

[QuietEarp]

Yeah I guess a cylinder does hold 6 rounds, sorry for that. If I have 2 guns at the range I will shoot many rounds out of each of them, even if I say to myself I will only shoot a little out of one. Why is that? Because I love each of my guns and variety is the spice of life. It definitely sounds like you want a revolver of some sort and I hope you get one you are happy with. Good luck and happy shooting!

 

[mnrivrat]

I've owned a number of .357 magnum guns and have always liked the cartridge. Mostly plinking with .38 Spl as there is no need to stress the gun to shoot a tin can or a paper target.

I shoot a .44 magnum now and why not ? Mine is a Taurus, but the small frame Tracker model 5 shot. It is very pleasant to shoot using .44 Spl loads and managable using standard .44 magnum loads. If I wanted to shoot a steady diet of .44 magnum, or shoot the heavy loads of .44 magnum , I would consider the Raging Bull , and see no reason not to buy one. They are a heavy duty gun, and if that's what you want - go for it.

 

[Arcticfox]

If you are shooting for pleasure, I say get at least a six inch barrel, as the recoil in a 4 inch and below starts to get stout. Six inch is a hoot!!! You'll wanna shoot the entire box of 50!!!! : )

 

[Tamlin]

I did the whole graduated thing - from 9 mm to .45, then to .357, and finally to .44 mag. I always thought I was recoil sensitive, but for each step up, I would say, "that wasn't so bad." Now, everytime I shoot the .44, I have nothing but a huge grin on my face. But, there is a BIG DIFFERENCE between a 9mm and a .44 mag. If you haven't felt the difference in between, it will be a big shock. But, having said that, shooting .44 specials is a good intermediate. Get the .44, since it's what you want. Put a box of .44 specials through it - then put a couple of cylinders of magnums through it. Have your friend take a picture of your grin!

 

[VanRaily]

I did the whole graduated thing - from 9 mm to .45, then to .357, and finally to .44 mag.

If money weren't an issue, I would probably go that route. I'm by no means poor, but I can't afford to shoot four handguns each using a different caliber. Well, I could, but I'd like to have money for other things, too. One could always argue that I could sell the .45 and .357 when I'm through with them, but I think I'd have a hard time parting with a firearm.

This is one of the reasons I have a hard time with the idea of getting a .357 first--I know that I want a .44, so I don't like the thought of intentionally buying an intermediate gun that I'll know I'll ultimately part with.

Of course, if the comments in this thread are any indication, I'll want a .357 anyway.

 

[BCRider]

I've got an N frame .357 and I don't mind shooting factory magnum rounds from it at all. But factory .44Mag from the range's "rent-a-gun" 629 leaves my wrist aching a bit after less than one cylinder worth.

Now if you pretty much immediately get into reloading then you can not only choose your power level but at the same time you can play with looking for a powder that tends to burn a little slower so it pushes more than smacks your hand. I've shot S&W .460 reloads and while they really make you test your "flinch" they do not hurt my wrist like the factory .44Mag from the 629 does. Meanwhile the one time I shot a factory .460 it was like a baseball bat to the hand. So it would appear that reloads using a slower powder would take shooting a .44 Mag from tolerable to fun. It's a close thing so with the right powder I think you can still shoot full power loads but it'll push more than smack your hand. And just a little can make a huge difference.

 

[dkk73]

Well I'm biased... I have a 3" carry comp 629 (.44mag). What a great-feeling gun.

The hot rounds are a bit snappy but all the short barrel rounds are quite manageable, and I don't like nasty blast. The .44sp is very very docile, like a nice .45.

My wife likes it better than any of the smaller caliber guns.

It seems to me that the long-barrel .44mag would be extremely versatile (well OK not deep concealment) and fun to shoot. Have not explored the range of loads but from what I've read of loads it's quite versatile. For fun I would think you would not be disappointed.

 

[Stainz]

I have a real problem with your shooting plans. Besides being seasonal, have you priced watermelons? Even at the local farmer's market they are $6 a pop!! Speaking of pop - consider 2L pop bottles as targets. Whether cheap store brand sodas (Use diet so it won't attract insects.) or simply filling used bottles with water (All the way to the cap - leave no air.), they can be impressive. Check with the range first - many don't like your shooting anything but paper targets.

Okay, a serious comment or two. If you have had a 92 and not shot any more than 60 rounds through it, I'd re-evaluate my shooting 'desires'. Seriously, even a revolver-only type like me will admit to the ease of wasting boxes of 9mm, probably the least expensive centerfire ammo you can shoot. The question would be why aren't you shooting it more... ie, is this a passing fling? I guess I am trying to keep you from wasting a lot more money on a revolver with a small resale value.

Now, if you really want a .44 Magnum, consider a S&W - like a 4" or 6" 629 (See mine - curremt production - below.). You will have a fine revolver with far fewer problems - and a lifetime warranty as near as an 800# call and your front door. You will pay more - but you will also get more when you sell or trade it, as well.



The wood grips are extra - they come with Hogue rubber monogrip. A slightly larger rubber grip is available from S&W Accessories - it pads the backstrap for better recoil control and is standard on the .460 & .500 Magnum S&W revolvers. The three cartridges at the bottom are the sizes a .44 Magnum chamber will load and fire: .44 Russian, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum. Unless you reload, like I do, Russians will be a mail-order only from a specialty loader item while Specials are usually stocked at better gunstores. .44 Magnums were available at WallyWorlds around here - even on a Sunday.

Welcome to the forum, good luck, and keep us apprised of your acquisitions and shooting experiences.

Stainz

 

[Virginian]

I still have my first centerfire handgun - a .357. I have even bought a few more through the years. But I have had about fifteen 44s. You already have the bug, may as well succumb to it. Plinking with 44 Spls. is great fun and cheaper, but occassionally rattling the windows with some ground pounder 44 Magnum loads is fun too.
I have not shot a Raging Bull, but I have shot a regular Taurus 44 Magnum, and lots of Smith 29s and 629s, and a couple of Ruger Redhawks. I prefer single actions, but the most pleasant 44 I ever shot was a Smith 629 Classic (although I would never feed it a steady diet of Magnums) with the 6-1/2" full lug barrel and a set of Hogue fancy wood grips. The extra weight up front really made it nice, and I suspect an 8" barrel would be more of the same.

 

[tguil]

OK my two cents:

Get a good .22 and shoot the heck out of it. It's even cheaper than a 9mm.

I have a Ruger Mark II that is a joy to shoot and living out in the middle of nowhere I carry it and shoot it frequently. With hollow points it does a nice job on feral cats. My other handguns include a .38 S&W Model 36, A Ruger .357 Speed Six, a Ruger .357 GP-100 and a .44 Mag Ruger Redhawk. These are fun guns that spend a lot of time on the shelf, especially the two "snubbies". I am a good enough shot with the GP-100 and the Redhawk to use them both for deer hunting. They too can really do a lot of damage to those darn cats.

Oh, I'm 6'3'' and weigh about 185 so I'm not as skinny as you, but I am an"old guy". Not frail yet, just old. I'm still standing after "popping off a few" with either the .357 or .44.

Nothing wrong with having a gun "just for the satisfaction of having it", but if that's the case, buy something with some value like a S&W or Ruger. Something that you can take to the range and feel like you have a d--n nice "piece of artillery".

Tom

 

[22-rimfire]

I second Tguil's advice. Get a 22 now.

You will eventually get a 44 mag if you continue to shoot. I respect your honesty about your experience. That tells me something about you. You are more into guns than shooting guns for the time being. That will change. Get a 22 and shoot. Shoot the 9mm.

44's are cool to shoot, no question. It will be quite a shock going from a 9mm to a 44 mag. I'm sure you can handle it. But do you really want a big revolver that you have no use for other than to blast a few rounds at the range with a couple times a year? Money is always the issue!

You would be far better served with a good 357 mag revolver such as a Smith Model 627 or 686 for the time being. You will probably think the recoil is pretty stout on those too. I did when I was in your shoes. What happened? I parked the gun and rarely shot it until a few years later when I started shooting more centerfire and basically learned to be comfortable with the recoil. Now I love 357 mags and I prefer 41 mags over the 44's. But that is just a personal preference.

 

[SaxonPig]

I am an experienced shooter. Been shooting since 1967. Owned about 150 different handguns over the years and have fired countless thousands of rounds through them.

I am also a big huge guy (6'3" and over 300 pounds).

I can't stand to shoot the 44 Magnum. Kills my hand. I have owned five S&W Model 29s over the years and I hated shooting all of them. I currently own one, a 1978 29-2 with a 6.5" barrel. It looks like new. I haven't fired but maybe 200 rounds through it. I just don't enjoy it. I only own the gun because I feel like I should have a 44 Magnum. Silly. Same reason I had a custom 460 rifle built. I felt like I should have a serious big bore rifle. Don't like shooting it, either. More silliness.

I seem to be in the minority. Apparently everyone and his brother thinks the 44 Magnum is a recoil wimp and a piece of cake to handle. A good friend of mine put 500 rounds through his Dan Wesson 44 in one day and thought it was great fun.

My point is that you don't know until you find out. I suggest trying to arrange to shoot a 44 Magnum (with full loads) to at least see what it's like before spending a lot of money on a gun you may not like to shoot. Odds are you will be fine with it. But I would want to be sure.

Also, you start shooting guns like the 44 magnum and you will have to start reloading.

If you can find primers...

Oh, here's my 29.

 

[22-rimfire]

Shoot a 454 Casull revolver. You'll think the 44 is a pussy cat to shoot.

I shoot my 357 and 41 mags far less than I shoot my 40 S&W or 22's. I shoot the 357 more now because my carry gun is a 38spl. The carry gun is a relatively new thing for me even though I have shot guns all my life. Reloading is a good thing too as SaxonPig said especially if you really enjoy shooting the 44 more than a few 100 rounds a year. Save your brass just in case.

 

[VanRaily]

The question would be why aren't you shooting it more... ie, is this a passing fling?

Simply because I haven't had the gun for very long and am not part of the local gun club yet. Like I said in my first post, once I become a part of it (which I will find out soon), I'll be putting plenty of rounds through the 9mm.

Shoot a 454 Casull revolver. You'll think the 44 is a pussy cat to shoot.

The thought had crossed my mind, but I convinced myself that this probably wouldn't be a good idea given my experience.

 

[buck460XVR]

At 6'0" and ~165 lbs, I'm also a pretty skinny guy. I handled a 8.375" Taurus Model 44 and a 6.5" Bull at the local Gander Mountain and both were certainly intimidating weapons (especially compared to my 90-two), but it's not like I was about to run and hide from them.

Nor should you need to. My nephews ages 10 and 12 (about 90lbs apiece) shoot my 629 with magnum loads regularly. BUT...and this is just MHO, you may be better off with nice .357. Your inexperience, cost and intended use is my reasoning. First off it's hard for me to believe one would pay range fees, take the time to drive someplace, set up and fire 12 rounds of ammo. Accurately shooting a handgun takes more than that even for experienced hand gunners......and you NEED experience. Cost wise if you don't reload, .357 factory rounds are about 60% the cost of factory .44s. More rounds downrange, = better accuracy, = more fun. Last, your intended use is to range shoot, not hunt. Range guns need to be accurate and pleasant to use for the average Joe. The reduced recoil and the cheaper cost of ammo will make it easier for most to obtain this with a .357. Besides, if you buy a quality gun, you can generally get back most if not all of what you invested in it towards another quality firearm, should you decide to upgrade.

 

[Guillermo]

some advice, worth every penny of its cost

VR

First off, while I agree with those that suggest that some more experience might be in order before you "graduate" to a 44 magnum, my reasoning might be a little different.

The 44 magnum is a wonderful, versatile cartridge. That said, I do not own a gun that shoots it. The reason is that I cannot exploit that versatility as I do not handload. (that is going to change soon)

Another thing that I notice, and I mean no disrespect by this, is that you seem drawn to the Taurus which you have not shot. It is my assumption that such is for aesthetic reasons. If this is accurate I understand. I think that they are cool looking too.

Once upon a time I bought a Titanium Tracker 357 without shooting. Lost my tail on that one. Horrible to shoot, hated the porting and the garbage it pummeled me with. In short I detested the gun. Traded it for a 686 that my current wife keeps by the bedside.

Now that I am older and hopefully wiser, I look at that "conservative" model 27 and appreciate its lines. (I get all dewy when I see a Colt Anaconda)
This was a verbose way to suggest that the aesthetic appeal is not to be ignored, but secondary to the function of the gun. While Taurus makes some good quality guns they are nothing compared to Smith or Colt. (I know I am gonna take crap for this but…Think of the RB as a Trans Am, nothing wrong with a Trans Am. Think of a Smith as a Mercedes. Think of the Anaconda as a Porsche)

So my advice is

-shoot before you buy.
-consider a higher quality weapon ESPECIALLY since we are talking 44 magnum.
-just because a 44 magnum is in your future, it doesn't have to be your immediate future.

 

[VanRaily]

First off it's hard for me to believe one would pay range fees, take the time to drive someplace, set up and fire 12 rounds of ammo.

Just to clear things up, I wouldn't intend to shoot only the .44/.357/whatever I end up getting in a range session. Most of my time would be spent with the 9mm, with the other gun for a satisfying way to top off the trip (and for some variety).

I should also note that there are only private ranges by me (thus the reason I'm trying to get into a gun club), which is the reason I'm having a hard time trying before I buy. Of course, once I'm in the club there will probably be a number of people that would let me try out their guns.