Hey all,

I have another question and this one may seem really dumb. Don't forget that I am a novice at these BIG BORE handguns having never owned or fired anything other than a 44mag in the BIG BORE area.

Anyway, I have read a lot of people talk about how great the 44 Special is. Michael Bane, the TV guy says it is the best pistol cartridge ever made, or words to that affect. He clearly LOVES it and he's not alone. I'm not criticizing him or anyone else, I'm just asking. The 44 Special may well indeed be the finest Big Bore round ever made. One other thing that attests to it's popularity is the fact that you can't get a 696 without throwing in a kidney for starters.

I ask this question because in doing some VERY BASIC research last night looking through ammo tables it looks like the 44 Special doesn't pack much of a wallop. It looks like it's way less than the .357 mag. Now I know there's the added versatility of being able to shoot them in your 44 mag handguns, which I admit is a definite plus in it's favor. Comparing it to 44mag rounds it seems like the special would be akin to plinking rounds.

I am NOT trying to pick a fight or start one with anyone here or between you all. I am wanting to LEARN. I DON'T KNOW why the 44 Special is so popular and liked over other more powerful offerings, that's why I am asking.
I also agree that seeing those great BIG BULLETS is intimidating, no question about it and that would certainly give the user an added boost of confidence.

So can someone help me understand it? I fully admit that I could have made a mistake and read the ballistic info wrong and mixed up the muzzle energy figures with some other cartridge.

I just want to know and am curious as I LOVE revolvers...

Hope I don't ruffle anyone's feathers here.

Thanks again for indulging my questions and comments.

Nalajr