Who else uses a .44 mag/spl for defense?

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I'm in.

I like .44 Special or Magnum as a defense revolver.

Here are my picks: Second Model Hand Ejector in .44 Special (the nickel plated fixed sight revolver), or a Model 29-2 four inch specimen. Both fit well into belt holsters; they do require a jacket of some sort. That's how I normally dress anyway.

The ammo is a handload. I do not share the fear of attorney shenanigans as much as I care to survive the potential encounter. Besides, these bullets don't do anything. They don't expand, they don't seek out the important organs, they don't 'tumble', they aren't impregnated with secret and hideous poisons; they are simply an inert 'target' sort of bullet.

Drail said:
200 grains@900FPS is all you really need.
I'm in agreement with that thought. The load shown is a 250 grain wadcutter and clocks 830 fps from the Hand Ejector - and is well within the pressure limits of that 'older' revolver.
 

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Cocked and Locked...

No, sir. I regret to say I did not. They are the handiwork of Matt's Bullets http://www.mattsbullets.com/
and come in a couple different calibers: .357 for instance.

Other than a customer, I have no financial connection with Matt's. Sure like those bullets though.

Eaglestroker. Thank you very much. Up close it's not a collector revolver, but it's fun and has 'character'. Shoots pretty good, too.
 
Hey Archie, I bought my 24-3 for the same reasons. Used to belong to a DA in KY that carried it. For 18 years! Nice when you don't feel bad about using them.
 
Archie...

Thanks for that info. I'll check'em out and probably get some. I like the looks of those bullets!


UPDATE: I just clicked the link to Matt's Bullets and here is the first thing on his site. Nothing is in stock. Current wait time is approximately three months. :eek:
 
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Well the only time I pack a big bore .44 for defense is when I'm in the woods as a field gun that doubles as a defense gun.

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Fell in love with that El Paso Saddlery holster to. Simple and rides well under a sleeveless field vest.

Nothing like a good S&W 629-2 .44 magnum 4 incher and 240gr slugs backed by 9 or so grains of Unique. Not top loads but not wimp ones either.

Deaf
 

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29 for defense

Someone else noted carrying a Mountain Gun. I have a 629 Mountain Gun I rotate with others I like to carry. The attached photo is a 29-no dash, 4-screw I carry from time to time.
You have to have the body shape to carry one, and ammo selection is critical. I like LeverEvolution. I also handload 210-gr bullets at 1000 fps. S&W 29 4-screw R small.jpg
 
I don't carry any of my .44 magnums for two legged defense simply because of the 40+ inches of penetration and the liability involved. However, I've got a S&W 29 with the 8 3/8" Dirty Harry barrel, an old 3 screw Ruger 44 Mag, and an older .44 Special Charter Arms Bulldog. All 3 of these guns have accompanied me in my outside adventures in the great outdoors. Not to mention a Ruger .44 Magnum Carbine, that I've used for Wild Bore hunting, with the Model 29 on my hip. The recoil on the Model 29 with full power loads using WW-296, and 240 grn. HP, is rather significant to say the least, as well as the Ruger, I'm over 65 now so shooting the .44 Mags is perhaps 50 rounds at a sitting. Once I put Pachmyer grips on the Charter Arms Bulldog, I can shoot that all day long without any discomfort.:D
 
I keep my 29-3 4" loaded with Privi 300g SJFP's...

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