Thoughts on a 44

[GetmeoutaCT]

They say that two sure signs of age in a male are (1) an increased interest in WWII and (2) becoming interested in revolvers at the expense of high-cap wonder nines.

Well, I've always been interested in WWII, so that means nothing. However, I have been noticing that I linger more over the revolvers than the semi-autos at the local emporiums. Part of that may be simply be that I'm sick of feeling like an outcast here in gun-hating CT. For whatever reason, I find myself wanting something able to shoot 44 Special, both as a range gun and for long walks in the woods.

I'd like something not too big or heavy. Of course the grail is the S&W 969 no-dash, but prices for those start at $900 and quickly go north. There's always the 4" S&W 629 (which I always called the "Mountain Gun" but it seems to have lost that moniker), but that's kind of heavy, being built for 44 Magnum, and is no cheapy either.

I recently became aware of the charter Arms Bulldog in 44 Special. It's got a 4" barrel and is almost a full pound lighter loaded than the 629. More to the point, I can buy two of these and a couple of boxes of ammo for the price of the 629.

Any thoughts on which to buy? Is there something else I should consider? Or should I just suck it up and pay for the 969?

 

[Sam1911]

There's always the 4" S&W 629 (which I always called the "Mountain Gun" but it seems to have lost that moniker), but that's kind of heavy, being built for 44 Magnum, and is no cheapy either.

The "Mountain Gun" idea is a specific model with a pencil barrel. Most 4" 629s are not MGs.

You might really like the new Model 69.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=766747

Really cuts down on the bulk.

 

[rhinoh]

I'm perfectly happy with my Bulldog .44SP 2.5 barrel.
I have never seen one with a 4" barrel.

I also have a S&W 629 and 329 (NightGuard), they are both fine revolvers but of course cost about twice what the Bulldog did.

 

[aarondhgraham]

There is another S&W you should look at,,,

There is another S&W you might want to take a look at,,,
The new (ish) S&W model 69 in .44 Magnum.

Click here please.

I'm not touting the gun as I've never fired one,,,
But the one I held at a gun show felt nice.

It's built on the L-frame,,,
So it's a wee bit smaller than a 629.

It drops you down to 5 shots,,,
But if I recall correctly,,,
So does the Bulldog.

Anyways,,,
I just wanted to point it out in case you hadn't heard of it.

Aarond

.

 

[GBExpat]

It all depends upon how you plan on using it.

I have a 3" 629-1 that I bought NIB ~27 years ago. It is a very nice, dependable, accurate pistol ... but a bit bulky & heavy. These days it never gets carried beyond the boundaries of the farm.

Last summer (after thinking about it off&on for decades) I purchased a 2½" .44spc Charter Arms Bulldog.

While the Bulldog is nowhere near the quality of my 29, it is much "handier" ... I can easily carry it in a coat pocket.

I liked the 1st Bulldog so much that a month later I bought a 2nd.

 

[aarondhgraham]

Hello Rhino,,,

I'm perfectly happy with my Bulldog .44SP 2.5 barrel.
I have never seen one with a 4" barrel.

It's called the Target Bulldog,,,
It's listed on their website,,,
But the page is broken.

This website review said,,,

Modern Models

Today’s Target Bulldogs bear little resemblance to the original idea. The barrel is not shrouded but rather is a full under-lugged barrel properly screwed into the frame. Both 4″ and 5″ versions are available, complete with an adjustable rear sight and a ramp front sight.

Mine is the older 3" version,,,
I like that gun a lot.

Aarond

.

 

[Rio Laxas]

I currently own several .44 special revolvers and no .44 magnum revolvers. Unless you have need of the extra power a .44 magnum provides, I would suggest buying a dedicated .44 Special revolver. While the older S&W revolvers in .44 Special can be quite costly (and awesome), a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 Special can be had for much less.

 

[HankB]

Unless you go with an S&W 329PD, a .44 mag is going to be on the heavy side . . . and if you DO go with the (expensive) 329PD, you're going to find it is really, really no fun to shoot with .44 Mag loads.

I've found that with S&W revolvers, the shorter barrels are less comfortable to shoot. I'm not particularly fond of 4" M29s, but the 6-6.5" guns are just fine. The 629 with a 5" under lug barrel is also relatively pleasant to shoot . . . but of course, it's not exactly a lightweight. You might try looking for a used-but-not-abused 5" 629 with the endurance package and no lock.

Though some folks like them, I'm not particularly fond of Charter Arms revolvers - their "Bulldog" is a .44 Special, and just as a point of reference, some ammo companies (Buffalo Bore, for one) that make high performance .44 Special ammo specifically caution AGAINST using it in the Charter Arms .44 Special Bulldog. Not a big factor if you commit to use ONLY "standard" .44 Special loads.

 

[Radagast]

The mountain gun had a tapered barrel and is a special run item every few years. The base 629 is a heavy barrel or full lug barrel.
The Model 69 is a stainless 5 shot .44 magnum on the L frame and the cheapest new S&W in that caliber.

 

[WestKentucky]

I have always been a nut over m1 Garand and Thompson SMG and as such a ww2 guy...from like 7 years old on. And a 44 mag was my 3rd handgun at about 19 years old, in fact my first was a 357 6" that's main purpose was meat. I may be in the majority but I don't see interest in these things as signs of age. Now, I do see other things as signs of age such as walking sticks, high dollar scopes on hunting rifles etc...but those are to overcome the damage done to the body by mother nature.

 

[rhinoh]

if you DO go with the (expensive) 329PD, you're going to find it is really, really no fun to shoot with .44 Mag loads.

As mentioned I have the 329NG and I'll second that! Pretty decent with .44Sp in it though..

 

[GetmeoutaCT]

thanks everyone-

I think I will check out the new Smith Model 69. I recall reading some good things about that recently but can't recall where (another sign of age!). It is an L Frame and so "only" five shots, but five shots of 44 should take care of any threat I would think.

I've always loved the look of the Ruger Blackhawk (it looks like a revolver a boiler company would make - just a sweet stout revolver), and the local Cabela's has a 3 and 3/4 inch Bisley in the case and on sale, but, I do want the double action option.

 

[gunman5646]

Affordable and accurate 44 special

I guess that I'm afflicted with OGRS(old guy revolver syndrome) myself. Even though I have several 44 mags., I just couldn't resist the Ruger flat top black hawk Bisely 44 special. Its a distributor only model that Lipseys has Ruger build for them. I can't believe that I have been ignoring this caliber all these years, when handloaded, it's almost perfect. Did some preliminary range work with it and found an old Skeeter Skelton load that works almost as perfectly today as it did 50 years ago. 7 1/2 grs of Unique under a Lyman 429421. 950 fps with a 240 gr, is perfect for 90% of my shooting.

The Bisely grip frame gives better purchase for handling heavy bullets, but it's on the old medium frame and cylinder and is best held to Tier II loads (22,000 cup) A total of 75 rds went through it, all inside the 9 ring at 15 yds. I benched the last six rounds and really got a surprise.

 

[dakota1911]

One I keep thinking of is the S&W 329. Yes with the Scandium Aluminum frame it would kick a lot but somewhere I remember reading somebody saying it makes a great 44 Special for carry. Since I reload I can also load down 44 mag for it.

 

[Drail]

I have carried an all steel S&W 696 L frame since '96. It's 5 rounds of easy to shoot big bore cartridges which can easily equal or surpass .45 ACP ballistics. It's not so heavy that I would trade it off for a flyweight alloy version of the same gun. I think people today get awfully hung up on "carry weight". I almost cannot believe that mankind survived before aluminum and plastics came into gun manufacturing so we could have "easy to carry AND difficult to shoot - and most importantly - cheaper for us to manufacture" handguns. It almost seems to be a contest between the manufacturers to see who can come up with the lightest weight. It's almost like they were designing a cellphone instead of a tool. I just believe that line of thinking is a road to nowhere. "Lighter is better" may apply to a great many mechanical devices but I don't think that a handgun is one of them. Especially when everyone insists on loading them with the hottest loads they can buy. Back in the old days when guys would frame up houses with hammers instead of nail guns you could choose to carry an 18 oz. hammer or a 22 oz. hammer. Guess which one was easier to use?

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have a old Charter Bulldog 3" barrel Good pistol. But no hot loads or will shoot loose

 

[GBExpat]

I think people get awfully hung up on "carry weight".

The first few years that I was carrying, I alternated among several different handguns; 2 Ruger Security Sixes (.357mag), 2 Walthers (9x17: PP, PPK/s), Colt Combat Commander (.45acp).

I found that the type that I would always carry, without hesitation, was the Walther because it was more comfortable & readily concealable ... but my primary consideration was the lighter weight.

Given a choice of different pistols that one considers to be adequate for the job, I think that the great majority of folks will more often choose the one that offers the least discomfort ... which often resolves to "carry weight".

 

[Scarpia]

Part of that may be simply be that I'm sick of feeling like an outcast here in gun-hating CT.

Dude...I put Waterbury in the rear view mirror in 1962 and never looked back. On the other hand, I landed 42 years ago in the most left wing, hate America state there is, WASHINGTON! Yikes!!

Anyhow, I'd vote the Bulldog(s) not that they better than a S&W but two is too good to pass up. Good luck...

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I love the .44 SPL! Years ago, I carried a Charter 3" Bulldog off-duty for some time. While it didn't have the sex appeal of the S&W models, it was compact and lightweight and a pleasure to carry for extended periods. I was able to shoot it reasonably well, but like everything else, something new caught my eye and I was off on another "favorite"!

George P.

 

[silicosys4]

On the other hand, I landed 42 years ago in the most left wing, hate America state there is, WASHINGTON! Yikes!!

Anyhow, I'd vote the Bulldog(s) not that they better than a S&W but two is too good to pass up. Good luck...

*sigh*

You need to get out of the I-5 corridor.
For the most part its an entirely different culture outside of that narrow clogged artery of people.
Sad how that narrow strip has fouled the reputation of majority of the state, which by far is very pro gun.

Anyways, If you want a .44 special that you actually wish to shoot a fair amount with I would recommend against a charter arms and look for something that is more solidly constructed. I bought a bulldog pug a while ago and sold it recently after playing around with it, including having it apart to cold blue the frame. It is not my favorite design and imo definitely trades longevity for size/weight.
A single action ruger or SAA replica is probably the least expensive way into a quality .44. If you want a DA personally I'd bite the bullet and pay for a S&W or Ruger redhawk.

 

[Gordon]

Most 329 s are sold after the first few firings, just too much with mag loads .. Here is the first "Mountain Gun " .44 mag which was called the "Mountain Revolver of 1989" at 38 .oz it is controllable for me for a cylinder or two with the heavy bear medicine ,
[/URL]

 

[Tallball]

For 44 magnum I prefer big ones. The full-sized SA are my favs.

For carry I prefer a smaller 44 special. My Charter Bulldog has been reliable, but it still looks and feels "cheap" to me. Some folks have had bad luck with Taurus, but my Taurus 44 special ultralight has been excellent and I really like the way it feels. Those two are both still available brand-new as far as I know.

Rossi model 720 44 specials are 3" stainless steel and have excellent reputations. I love mine. It is a little heavy to conceal, but is an excellent shooter. They are only available used, though, and are not extremely common.

I will give my opinion on a S&W 44 special after I run across one in my price range.

I am about to turn 50. I like my semi-autos just fine, but have always preferred revolvers. (And I have been a history nut since I was a little kid, WWII included.)

 

[greenmtnguy]

I think the 44 Special is a nice cartridge. But for myself, I am keeping my eyes open for the new pitbull in 45ACP as I already have a convertible Ruger Blackhawk in 45Colt/45ACP and I don't want to add another handgun cartridge at this time. I think that it would also provide nice performance in that power level category, and, 45ACP ammo is very easy to find if you don't reload (I do reload, but not everyone does).

I would like it in a 3-4" bbl with adjustable sight though..

 

[john1951]

I've had my N-frame, 3" stainless, round-butt S&W .44 mag for about 30 years. I had it Magni-ported when they were the only people who did that. If I wanted it for stopping urban use, a 44 Special would be a fine choice, but it could still be rather heavy, but very adequate. I've been hiking the mountains of northern Montana for years so a .44 mag is my choice for back-up in the event that bear spray did not work. I only had to pull it one time. It was raining and a stiff wind was blowing right into my face when a mother grizzly and cub appeared in front of me while hiking the High Line Trail. The bear was less than 10 feet away when the bear spray finally took effect. The next step was to empty 6 into her. I'm glad I did not have to resort to that considering the legal ramifications. It is still illegal to discharge a firearm in a national park self defense of not. In the course of a day I can tell you that an N frame can get a little heavy. And... to be of value, ongoing practice is required to be ready for the recoil. Magni-porting makes quick follow-up shots with a 2 hand hold very manageable. If this discussion is regarding self defense in the city, I sincerely think a .44 mag is somewhat out of the question. Too balky and too heavy. If you are looking for that, do not forget the 10mm autos with Corbon ammo. That round comes close to .41 mag.

 

[bigarm]

The 44 special is a great cartridge! My only 44 special only guns are Colt SAA's, but I also have a Smith 29 and a Marlin lever action that I use 44 special in. It is very easy to load for and just a wonderful cartridge in my opinion.