raskolnikov_22
Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2009
- Messages
- 210
You need a .44 Magnum.
Now that you have affirmation, go get one!
Now that you have affirmation, go get one!
Thinking of buying a .44
- Thread starter VanRaily
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Well, I hit the range up today and shot the .357. It was nice, very nice. I didn't get a lot of shots with it though, because my friend didn't bring a lot of ammo for it and I also didn't want to eat up everything that he did bring. I ended up putting 12 target loads and four factory magnum loads through a 6" scoped Ruger. I was shooting from a rest so I don't know what it's like to shoot standing, but it wasn't bad.
In fact, the only problem I have now is that, echoing markallens's comment, I want something bigger than a .357 (that is, the .44). I want something that "goes off like an artillery round", where I can "feel the concussion in [my] chest, and stomach".
Plus, I found out today that I was accepted into the gun club. All the more reason to get a second gun, because while I love my 9mm, I don't want it to be the only thing that I shoot.
In fact, the only problem I have now is that, echoing markallens's comment, I want something bigger than a .357 (that is, the .44). I want something that "goes off like an artillery round", where I can "feel the concussion in [my] chest, and stomach".
Plus, I found out today that I was accepted into the gun club. All the more reason to get a second gun, because while I love my 9mm, I don't want it to be the only thing that I shoot.
Poprivit
Member
Saxon pig - If that 29-2 is a bit much, and you ever feel the need to dispose of it (and the box with all the bits and pieces) ...
[email protected]
I've been looking for one ever since I sold mine.
Oh yeah, if you are anywhere near Reno, NV, I'll do a face to face and bring my S&W 500 for you to try. (600-gr. bullets, 2050 ft-lb ME)
[email protected]
I've been looking for one ever since I sold mine.
Oh yeah, if you are anywhere near Reno, NV, I'll do a face to face and bring my S&W 500 for you to try. (600-gr. bullets, 2050 ft-lb ME)
TenDriver
Member
If it helps, I ended up having to sell back to a buddy an SP-101, 357. I still hate not having it, but in its place is a Taurus Tracker 44. Love the gun, and to me the recoil from the Tracker is about the same as the SP even though it's the .357 vs. .44. The Tracker is ported so it's cutting down on the muzzle rise a lot. I do notice more of a rearward motion in that pistol that the other pieces I've owned. The real difference is muzzle flash and noise. The 44 is down right intimidating compared to the .357 SP.
Tamlin
Member
If you have now shot a .357 and still want more, then you have no excuse NOT to get a .44!
S&W-Keeper
Member
Look at my name, my next choice would be a Ruger.
BCRider
Member
We've lost you.... You've heard the siren's song and no one tied you to the mast to keep you from following it to your doom.....
I've talked to someone with the same passion and after about 4 years of playing with .44Magnum they went over to .460 and 500 and are now lost in bliss. He loads up some .460's that I've shot from the range's rent-a-gun 460 that does exactly what you're saying. But it does it using a charge of H110. This is a slower burning powder so theres a HUGE BOOOOOOOM ! ! ! with a GIGANTIC fireball to match it. A SHEET of flame comes out the cylinder gap and the compensator on the front just adds to the show. The concussion wave all but moves your internal organs around and folks standing behind the shooter get an instant windblown look to their hair. This is in an indoor range mind you so it really echos. It's so bad that it's considered good manners to warn the shooters in the adjacent lanes before you load and fire. Meanwhile the .44Mag does not require the same consideration.....
But the magic is that it doesn't slap your hand and wrist, instead it is a longer, very hard but softer impact sort of push. It's a push that rocks you back on your heels mind you but a push instead of a smack nontheless. Gotta love that H110!Either way the key to big bore happiness is reloading to achieve the results that YOU want. Having shot about 100 rounds of factory ammo I'm not keen on it. The factory stuff hurts the hand when fired from a 629. I'm flinching badly by the time I've been through even a cylinder of the stuff. But with reloads I could go for the slower burn to stretch out the impact and get away from the baseball bat at full swing like slap to the hands. I actually like shooting the .460 reloads far, far more than the factory .44Mag rounds for this simple reason.
If and when I buy a .44Mag of my own it will only be after I've already gotten some brass, bullets, powder and dies and I'm ready to load my own without needing to buy any factory stuff.
In my opinion a good .44 is probably the most versatile revolver out there..........IF you reload. Shooting my 629 with light loads is like shooting a .38 Special, but if you want to crank up the volume it is no problem. With appropriate grips I don't find the recoil at all objectionable.
Well, this is a bit late because I've been putting off writing it, but I know that there were some people here who wanted to know how things turned out. I ended up getting a .44 after all, and also the gun that I was originally planning to get: the 8-3/8" Taurus Raging Bull. All I have to say is boy, is it a lot of fun and I'm glad I didn't get a .357.
This post will be divided into two parts: my thoughts on the .44 and my thoughts on the Raging Bull (RB).
First off, the .44. I know that the size of RB and its porting factors into this, but I didn't find the .44 to be objectionable at all (for reference, I was shooting the white-box Winchester Magnum loads). I was a bit hesitant on the first shot because I didn't quite know what to expect, but after I made sure nobody was looking I pulled the trigger and then thought to myself "That was it?" As other members have stated, the 9mm has kind of a quick lift-and-drop recoil but the .44 has more of a shove to the hands, and I like it. Kind of makes you feel alive. But, at the same time, the shove isn't wrist-shattering or liable to send the gun flying, as some might make you believe. I even did one shot one-handed. Now, with that said, I shot it while wearing gloves (thanks to a session of cold-weather shooting I found that my motorcycle gloves make pretty nice shooting gloves). I also shot it without gloves and I have to say that I did feel some of that "baseball bat to the hands" mentioned by BCRider. It's not quite as fun to shoot like that, but with gloves I could probably shoot cylinders of the stuff at a time.
So, all that to say, for those of you thinking about shooting a .44 but are hesitant because of what you've heard, don't worry about it.
Now the Raging Bull. I don't know why people look down on Taurus revolvers, because I've no complaints. The finish is not as nice as what you'd find on a S&W and I admittedly was a little disappointed at first that it wasn't immaculate, but then I realized that it's a gun, not a car, and a casting/milling mark or two isn't worth worrying about. The fit is is good and it shoots well, which is what's important anyway. It locks up tight and hasn't spit anything back at me yet, so I've no complaints there, either. I can't vouch for its accuracy because I'm not a great shot yet, but I'm pretty certain that the gun shoots better than I do.
The most pleasant surprise was the trigger. I've heard that you have to go S&W if you want a good trigger, but I can't imagine asking for more than what I got with the RB. Now, before I continue, I have to say that the double-action trigger is terrible. It's gritty and heavy and I can't imagine doing any sort of marksmanship with it whatsoever, but I don't shoot double-action so it doesn't bother me. The single-action trigger is what's beautiful. Out of the box it's nearly a hair trigger; pulling the hammer back pulls the trigger so far back that it's nearly at the rear of the trigger guard. From there just a very slight squeeze is needed to fire the round. It's a far better SA trigger than on my 9mm and I couldn't be happier with it.
In summary, I have no complaints with the Raging Bull and at least for this gun (I've never used any of their other revolvers because I know that the RB is top-of-the-line) Taurus's motto of "Affordable Quality" is true.
This post will be divided into two parts: my thoughts on the .44 and my thoughts on the Raging Bull (RB).
First off, the .44. I know that the size of RB and its porting factors into this, but I didn't find the .44 to be objectionable at all (for reference, I was shooting the white-box Winchester Magnum loads). I was a bit hesitant on the first shot because I didn't quite know what to expect, but after I made sure nobody was looking I pulled the trigger and then thought to myself "That was it?" As other members have stated, the 9mm has kind of a quick lift-and-drop recoil but the .44 has more of a shove to the hands, and I like it. Kind of makes you feel alive. But, at the same time, the shove isn't wrist-shattering or liable to send the gun flying, as some might make you believe. I even did one shot one-handed. Now, with that said, I shot it while wearing gloves (thanks to a session of cold-weather shooting I found that my motorcycle gloves make pretty nice shooting gloves). I also shot it without gloves and I have to say that I did feel some of that "baseball bat to the hands" mentioned by BCRider. It's not quite as fun to shoot like that, but with gloves I could probably shoot cylinders of the stuff at a time.
So, all that to say, for those of you thinking about shooting a .44 but are hesitant because of what you've heard, don't worry about it.
Now the Raging Bull. I don't know why people look down on Taurus revolvers, because I've no complaints. The finish is not as nice as what you'd find on a S&W and I admittedly was a little disappointed at first that it wasn't immaculate, but then I realized that it's a gun, not a car, and a casting/milling mark or two isn't worth worrying about. The fit is is good and it shoots well, which is what's important anyway. It locks up tight and hasn't spit anything back at me yet, so I've no complaints there, either. I can't vouch for its accuracy because I'm not a great shot yet, but I'm pretty certain that the gun shoots better than I do.
The most pleasant surprise was the trigger. I've heard that you have to go S&W if you want a good trigger, but I can't imagine asking for more than what I got with the RB. Now, before I continue, I have to say that the double-action trigger is terrible. It's gritty and heavy and I can't imagine doing any sort of marksmanship with it whatsoever, but I don't shoot double-action so it doesn't bother me. The single-action trigger is what's beautiful. Out of the box it's nearly a hair trigger; pulling the hammer back pulls the trigger so far back that it's nearly at the rear of the trigger guard. From there just a very slight squeeze is needed to fire the round. It's a far better SA trigger than on my 9mm and I couldn't be happier with it.
In summary, I have no complaints with the Raging Bull and at least for this gun (I've never used any of their other revolvers because I know that the RB is top-of-the-line) Taurus's motto of "Affordable Quality" is true.
Tamlin
Member
Good for you. I respect someone who asks advice, does research, and makes an informed decision (whatever that decision may be). Enjoy your 44 - may it serve you well.
BillyBothHands
Member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2008
- Messages
- 138
Glad to hear you got one! You'll keep having loads of fun with it!
Confederate
Member
There are many reasons for owning a .44 mag, but fun isnt at the top of the list. Most .44 mags aren't tack drivers, and they're expensive and heavy. Most people in your position go with a good .357s, which are in many ways superior.
The .357 is more versatile; it's light, powerful and packs a legendary punch. Even if you go from the .357 to a .44 mag, chances are overwhelming that you'll keep the .357. In many ways it will prepare you for the .44's blast and power, which can be unpleasant for some.
The .357 probably is the best manstopper of all the handgun calibers where humans are concerned, and it's the one caliber many people would choose if just limited to one caliber. In other words, it's a more logical choice for most purposes than the big .44.
If you still think you want one, it's better to at least shoot one before making a commitment. I just sold a .44 mag to someone who fired 12 rounds through it and is now selling it with the leftover ammo. Just going through the paperwork, waiting period and so forth is enough to make you wonder if it's what you want.
Again, go with the .357 first. If the recoil and blast don't bother you, then go with the .44 mag. You won't regret it.
The .357 is more versatile; it's light, powerful and packs a legendary punch. Even if you go from the .357 to a .44 mag, chances are overwhelming that you'll keep the .357. In many ways it will prepare you for the .44's blast and power, which can be unpleasant for some.
The .357 probably is the best manstopper of all the handgun calibers where humans are concerned, and it's the one caliber many people would choose if just limited to one caliber. In other words, it's a more logical choice for most purposes than the big .44.
If you still think you want one, it's better to at least shoot one before making a commitment. I just sold a .44 mag to someone who fired 12 rounds through it and is now selling it with the leftover ammo. Just going through the paperwork, waiting period and so forth is enough to make you wonder if it's what you want.
Again, go with the .357 first. If the recoil and blast don't bother you, then go with the .44 mag. You won't regret it.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Confederate said:
Wow, whole lot of opinion there... most of which will be directly refuted by a great many folks who love their FUN, ACCURATE, .44s.
Sheesh! Try not to state opinions like that as though they were the facts.Anyway, it's a moot point. As you (should have) read in his post just 2-1/2 hours prior to yours, he's already bough his .44 mag, loves it, and is happy he didn't go with the .357.
That about wraps it up, then, eh?
-Sam
riflenut
Member
S&w model 29 44 magnum
I to want a 44 magnum, mine will be the classic s&w model 29 . check out the local gun shows for used ones. A friend of mine found a 6" blue model 29 for 380 dollars!! at a local pawn shop.I am never that lucky.
I to want a 44 magnum, mine will be the classic s&w model 29 . check out the local gun shows for used ones. A friend of mine found a 6" blue model 29 for 380 dollars!! at a local pawn shop.I am never that lucky.
.44 Special
As several others have pointed out, these go through the .44 the same way a 38 special goes through a .357. I stumbled on the .44 special because the .44 mag, while certainly manageable with practice, is not a round for target practice. Too much boom. The .44 special is a GREAT round. Accurate, mild, and a good tuneup for .44 mag.
Note: .44 sp ammo is expensive, as is .44 mag. You will want to reload these. If money is an issue and you aren't going to reload, stick with the .357and shoot .38 sp rounds for your practice.
As several others have pointed out, these go through the .44 the same way a 38 special goes through a .357. I stumbled on the .44 special because the .44 mag, while certainly manageable with practice, is not a round for target practice. Too much boom. The .44 special is a GREAT round. Accurate, mild, and a good tuneup for .44 mag.
Note: .44 sp ammo is expensive, as is .44 mag. You will want to reload these. If money is an issue and you aren't going to reload, stick with the .357and shoot .38 sp rounds for your practice.
captain awesome
Member
I am glad you went after what you wanted and also glad you are happy with it. I love big bore revolvers, and a 44 mag is definately on my list. I personally can't decide between a redhawk or Colt anaconda though. High cost for high quality, or half the cost for still pretty good quality, but not as pretty......Decisions.
I kind of did it back wards, shot a .357 I inherited and then went straight to a 500 s&w, having never even held one before. Now I am filling in the gaps in between. But Like you, I don't regret the decision at all and absolutely love my hand getting pounded by shooting heavy rounds.
I kind of did it back wards, shot a .357 I inherited and then went straight to a 500 s&w, having never even held one before. Now I am filling in the gaps in between. But Like you, I don't regret the decision at all and absolutely love my hand getting pounded by shooting heavy rounds.
Gunner4h1r3
Member
.44's a lot of fun to shoot. I picked up a Ruger Blackhawk 50th Anniversary. Lots of fun, lots of boom. I changed out the checkered plastic or hard rubber grips for a pair of smooth rosewood. Makes shooting it more comfortable in my opinion. I can now shoot it one handed with 240 grainers. .44 Special is fun too, but .44 magnum has the "hand cannon" factor.
TomTerrific
Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2010
- Messages
- 38
A bit of a latecomer here, but I have read this thread with great interest as I have gotten bitten with the .44mag bug.
I have several .357s including a J frame model 60-9, a lightweight that has accuracy problems, a 4" 686, and a Taurus 608. Shooting mags in the last two are fun, not so with the other two.
I saw a 629 6" at the better local gun store today and the clerk was a bit older and actually was well versed in wheel guns. This gun has wooden grips and is priced at $850. A Ruger in SS with a similar barrel is going for $770 in the same case.
I can't find a listing in the S&W online site for a 629 with wooden grips and I didn't remember the model number.
Are wooden grips with a .44mag a plus or a minus? I would think there would be better recoil absorption with good rubber grips.
I was surprised after reading so much how the Ruger is much more reasonably priced to find only a $90 difference between the two. Am I wrong or perhaps the Ruger is overpriced here?
The .41mag is very attractive but the ammo seems to be expensive and hard to get. What is the story here? They had two nice looking .41s in the case but I didn't look at them closely.
I'm a bit old to get into reloading (70), but that seems to be the way to go with these calibers.
TomTerrific
I have several .357s including a J frame model 60-9, a lightweight that has accuracy problems, a 4" 686, and a Taurus 608. Shooting mags in the last two are fun, not so with the other two.
I saw a 629 6" at the better local gun store today and the clerk was a bit older and actually was well versed in wheel guns. This gun has wooden grips and is priced at $850. A Ruger in SS with a similar barrel is going for $770 in the same case.
I can't find a listing in the S&W online site for a 629 with wooden grips and I didn't remember the model number.
Are wooden grips with a .44mag a plus or a minus? I would think there would be better recoil absorption with good rubber grips.
I was surprised after reading so much how the Ruger is much more reasonably priced to find only a $90 difference between the two. Am I wrong or perhaps the Ruger is overpriced here?
The .41mag is very attractive but the ammo seems to be expensive and hard to get. What is the story here? They had two nice looking .41s in the case but I didn't look at them closely.
I'm a bit old to get into reloading (70), but that seems to be the way to go with these calibers.
TomTerrific
Stainz
Member
The current version of the 6" 629, SKU #163606, has an MSRP of $1,067. My local dealer had one at $799 new, I believe - it's the same engineering variant as mine - a 629-6. You can always replace the rear sight with a scope rail - and mount a scope - like my Weaver H2 2x28mm fixed scope. Mine also sports the .460/.500 Magnum Hogue X-frame grips from S&W Accessories - a $37 monogrip that makes shooting .44 Magnums tolerable in my nearly 62 year old hands.
The scope never stays on long - it reminds me too much of shooting my 7.5" .454 Casull SRH years ago - it almost always sported the same scope. The 6" 629 just 'points' better - faster - with iron sights.
As to ammo - most of my .44 Mags are wimpy - glorified 'average' Specials, actually - the make chamber cleaning easier. My homebrew ammo allows any level to be made - wimpy to yee-haw! You are never too old to start reloading.
Stainz
PS Some smaller ammo makers make .44 Magnum 'cowboy' ammo - milder and cheaper - great combo!
The scope never stays on long - it reminds me too much of shooting my 7.5" .454 Casull SRH years ago - it almost always sported the same scope. The 6" 629 just 'points' better - faster - with iron sights.
As to ammo - most of my .44 Mags are wimpy - glorified 'average' Specials, actually - the make chamber cleaning easier. My homebrew ammo allows any level to be made - wimpy to yee-haw! You are never too old to start reloading.
Stainz
PS Some smaller ammo makers make .44 Magnum 'cowboy' ammo - milder and cheaper - great combo!
zombie44
Member
.44 mag + Reloading = much fun time at the range I bought my very first firearm about 3 mos. ago which was a 4" SS GP100 357 mag. Shot through a couple hundred .38 specials, decided to take up reloading and shot a few hundred rounds of 357's but still found it lacking.
So about a month ago I decided to pick up one of these:
I started out with a few hundred rounds of 44 specials but quickly worked my up to blasting mild loads of 44 mag (240gr/17gr 2400). Bigger boom, bigger holes but with less recoil than my GP100 go figure
I bought my very first firearm about 3 mos. ago which was a 4" SS GP100 357 mag. Shot through a couple hundred .38 specials, decided to take up reloading and shot a few hundred rounds of 357's but still found it lacking. So about a month ago I decided to pick up one of these:
I started out with a few hundred rounds of 44 specials but quickly worked my up to blasting mild loads of 44 mag (240gr/17gr 2400). Bigger boom, bigger holes but with less recoil than my GP100 go figure
If you get the mag, start out shooting 44 specials in it. This will be a rather expensive proposition but you will learn to shoot it much easier with the milder specials. You can step up to the magnum rounds later when you've learned the gun and it's handling characteristics.
Loading your own will help greatly when it comes to shooting 44 special.
If you don't reload you might want to consider starting. The 44 mag rounds while usually cheaper than the specials, can be costly also.
I said the mag rounds were usually cheaper, but I may have spoken out of line since it has been several years since I've bought any 44 mag.
Loading your own will help greatly when it comes to shooting 44 special.
If you don't reload you might want to consider starting. The 44 mag rounds while usually cheaper than the specials, can be costly also.
I said the mag rounds were usually cheaper, but I may have spoken out of line since it has been several years since I've bought any 44 mag.
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