Not sure if this has been asked on the forum before. If so, point me to the thread and I'll go from there. If not, I'd like some opinions if you guys have the time to do so. Okay, I currently have a S&W Model 65-3 in .357 I use as my CCW. I also have a Model 629-1 in 4" that usually is used for the woods, hogs, etc. But I love the power of the .44 so I'd like to start CCW'ing it but the 4" is just too long so I've been looking at a 3". Found a few for pretty decent prices (between $700-$1000). My question is, is it practical to CCW a .44 Magnum over a .357? And I know about all the personal preferences and all and I feel comfortable with both but are there any pros or cons to carrying one over the other? Any opinions or advice is more than welcomed guys. Thanks.

Charlie from Georgia.....

I have carried, variously, a 4" 629 and a 4" Model 58. I would be inclined to figure out how to comfortably carry a 4" N frame rather than spending perhaps a grand to move to 3" N frame.

However, unless feral man eating hogs, errant Sasquatch seeking forest brides, escaped zoo animals, hostile bears, et al are a concern, the .357 Magnum ought suffice.

My wife had a fear of man eating pigs, hence my experience with carrying an N frame.

What do you like better, Ford or Chevy? I do think that the .44 magnum is too much gun in most loadings for shooting people, but the .44 special is outstanding. The weapon size itself may be an issue, as might ammo availability. All things considered, I recommend the biggest, nastiest thing that you can conceal properly, carry for hours at a time and shoot well.

Yes I would probably practice with .44 Mag and .44 special but carry some Hornady .44 specials. And my family is a Ford Truck family. I drive a Toyota Truck though (don't tell Grand-pa)!!!

So with all of that said and the pub for the 65-3 you still carried a N frame hahahaha. Classic. Yeah, the .357 is more than enough I would guess for probably 98% of any situation that you're in. I've had a long debate about .357 being able to kill a bear if it's a hot hot load. I just can't see it but some argue me it can.

Concealed carry for 2 legged beasts........ 3" 65....is GTG

Concealed carry for "large 4 legged beasts"...... 12 gage 3" w/ slugs.....LOL

If you can dress around it and handle the weight long term (8-16 hour days) Why not go with the .44 ....

... urban; load and 2x speed-loaders with .44 special. (Dirty Harry specials.... Magnum Force)

.... in the outdoors; 6 rounds of .44 mags for 4-legged beasts backed up by 2 speed-loaders of .44 special for extended encounters with two legged beasts..... and a speed strip of .44magnums in case you have to reload one or two rounds.

Yeah I like your thinking. Definitely wanna be ready for both 2 and 4 legged beasts. And the occasional 3 legged beast haha!!!

If you are very determined you can carry a 4" N frame all the time, but if you find that you're leaving it at home because it is too big/heavy you need not feel undergunned with "only" a .357. The 2-3 ounces less with a 3" N frame will probably not change your mind about regular carry, but it is a great excuse to buy a new gun .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

This thread needs pic's.

M66 2.5"



M431 SS .44 Spl



M696 3" .44 Spl

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

I am a dedicated .45Acp/LC,/.44Mag./.44Spl. kind of guy. I have professionally carried a 4" Mod. 29[too heavy and too much power for the urban scene]. the Mod 625 3" is a wonderment but, is heavy and bulky, a 629 Mountain gun and a Mod. 24 3" are near perfect but, in a not so perfect world you would likely find ammo for a .38/.357 Mag. more available than most anything else so, I'm afraid I'd have to opt for a 4" or 6" [preferably 6"] .357 Mag. just for the availability of anything from .38 Wad Target to full house +P+ .357 Mag. ammo.In a "root hog or die scenario" the versatility of the .357 for ammo is hard to beat ,that's my way of thinking. Nick

First off , I will say to avoid the 3in .44 mag. I own a 2.75 , and the drop off in velocity over a 4in is substantial. *If* you are going to step up to a .44Mag , commit to dressing around the 4in bbl, or don't bother.

Yes , it is possable to conceal a N Frame, and there are people who do that. But it will require markedly more care in selection of carry gear and clothing . Another factoid is that a 2.75in .44mag , even with a K frame RB conversion is longer , wider , and heavier than a Four in K frame Sq Butt.

This is a subjective preference , but unless your daily threat profile skews heavily to large dangerous animals, the default rational choice would be the M65 .

Have you given the alloy guns a look, you can get a full size 4" N frame at 26ozs. They don't make for a good range gun but they excel as a belt gun. With the right holster and belt, a 4" gun is not a problem. I find the regular 4" 629 and the 329 PD make a great pair of handguns, for all around shooting and carrying of a 44 magnum

Hard question to answer. Really a matter for you to decide.

I prefer 44Spl, but I'm not, nor have I ever been a hunter of people.

Reading and effectiveness on game are the measures I go by. Back in the days of the Civil War, bigger was better due to the limitations of black powder. Bigger bullets work better.

Then comes packing the darn thing. I have a 3" 624 and a 3" 629-2 and a 696. None of them pack as well as a 3" 65-5.

Then comes the way they work. In order to make the 357 effective, it has to move fast - and it does.

This leads to recoil and flash and noise. Follow-up rounds are going to be delayed.

44Spl. doesn't have the flash or the big recoil. Noise is lower too.

250g SWC moving @ 850 ~ 900fps is awflully hard to overlook.

So are you saying the .44 special is the way to go?

Those are beautiful. How is that .44 special bud?

Yeah I have a model 629-1 in 4" and I like the feel of it. It just seems to be a bit big. I can carry my model 65-3 3" with no problem. I was figuring the 3" in .44 would be the same. I haven't shot one to see the difference between recoils. Thanks for the advice bud.

This is very true. .44 Mag ammo was between $40-$45 a box of 50. .38 is very available and I can find some as little as $16.99-$19.99 a box. .357 is very available as well. I wouldn't shoot the .44 mag that much but then again what's the point if you don't practice shooting it.

Isn't it though? I was on the gun auction site and saw prices from $700-$1300 (some V model running at the $1300 price). I was on a couple other sites and from $600 up. The question I do have is the lock versions is the lock active or just for show? I have a pre-lock 4" and I've tried to stay away from the revolvers with the locks.

I live just down the road from Mayberry. My Threat Meter is normally just above the 0 Stop. That said I still carry almost daily. I tend to carry my 38's/357's most of the time. At the moment I have my M15 Combat Masterpiece 2" Snub on my belt. I also have a M10 Snub, a 315 Night Guard, a 3" 66-2, and a 2" 64 on order. I even carry my LCR22 part of the time.

One issue with a Full House Load from a 357 Magnum is the ear splitting muzzle blast. I normally carry the midrange Speer short barrel ammo in mine.

With a Big Bore 44 Special with carry ammo you have plenty of power without the ear splitting noise.

I have a 4" 610 and a 4" 625. They are a little heavy for concealed carry. I can do it, but you know they are on the belt. It seems to me like the weight makes them move around on the belt some. My advive is to find a big bore Night Guard.
I also have a 310 Night Guard, which is an N Frame 10mm. While it is an N Frame, it feels more like a 3" K Frame on the belt. For what ever reason it fells like I am carrying a smaller revolver. This is probably due to it not bouncing around any on the belt.

Just My 2 Cents

Bob R

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ICORE MO2908

" How is that .44 special bud? "

My M696 has the best DA of any of my .44's.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

The two smallest handguns I have ever carried as a primary off duty, or now that I am retired as a CHL, are a 1911 LW Commander in 45 ACP, or a S&W 4" 44 Mag. As Elmer Keith used to say, BIG guns let a lot of air in and a lot of blood out. So I recommend the 44..

Don't get me wrong , I like .44Spl , and part of my internet handle is a tribute to the .44Spl.

But once upon a decade when I thought I had a Jonsing for a snub .44Mag , the primary reasoning to justify such a beast was to have Power , lots of power.

Alas I also had a chrono. The then reigning benchmark to beat for " way powerful, more or less carriable , and controlable in rapid fire " was steel 1911 with .45acp +P . ( I guess I can say this on a S&W forum , since Smith now makes 1911's.). CorBon .45+P from a 5in set a high bar to match , much less meaningfully exceede. Had to use hefty charges of Blue Dot to do it. ( More choices now , but in mid '80s for slower than Unique/ faster & cleaner than 2400 pretty much was Blue Dot.) I was able to do so , a 240gr at a little under 1100fps. But the muzzle flip was bad, and the blast nasty. I fired it hunting in an open field , ONCE. It left my ears ringing for several hours.

I chrono'ed warm .44Spl loads in it and 4in M624. The M624 had close to 100fps more vel , while much less noisy and much more controlable. For the final straw on the icing , I did a careful side by side comparison with 4in M65 , and rotated back.

I still have said .44, mainly because of it was present to myself for a milestone event. For it's use since had used mainly .44Spls.

Big bore snubs are an interesting concept, with .44Spl, .45Colt, .45AR . For full powered Magnum you need at least 4in to be worthwhile , 5in is better ( or 4 5/8 for SA revolvers).

NE450No2 posted while I was pecking keys.

My takeaway was the signifigence that the .44Mag that he was pleased with , had the proverbal 4 inch bbl. If the OP had been considering a 4in , then I would have given a conditional thumbs up. But for me a minimum bbl length of 4in is a dealbreaker.

The lock works. There are anecdotal reports of them activating unintentionally or breaking, but those are rare occurrences. Having said that, if I am looking for a particular model that is available with or without the lock, I will opt for the former as a matter of personal preference.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

For me? In a perfect world - yes.

For you... I have no idea.

357 ammo is easier to find, cheaper, the revolvers are smaller and easier to pack. Does that make a difference for you?

Add to that the ability to shoot 38Spl and 38Spl +p. The FBI load is a good one.

I said I have a 65-5 that packs like it isn't even there - until you draw it. It's a 357. Pretty convincing argument for carrying it.

I also have a 696 44Spl, it's equally easy to pack and hits harder IMO, but it's a 5 shot.

Truth be told, I'd carry a Commander 1911 bobtail if I had my druthers, it's more controllable rapidly for me. Additionally 8 +1 is 3 more opportunities than a revolver.

For woods carry, I ALWAYS have a 3" 629-1 on my belt loaded with 265g SWC @ 1200fps.

I have the M65-3 which is one of my favorites to carry. I buy Buffalo Bore Ammo to cut down on the muzzle flash as they make an excellent round for that. It's a 3" version as well. I'll take a pic of the M65 and the M629-1 I have in 4" and post them both here in a few. Not like you guys hadn't seen 'em before just as a reference that's all.

Yes. My thinking exactly. I can wait and hold out for a pre-lock version. I have one in 4" so it's not like I just have to have one I do have one already. I get why they put locks on the firearms but the fact that it could possibly render the firearm useless especially in a situation that could arise is crazy.

I actually own a 4" in the .44 Magnum a model 629-1. I love it. It's just long with the 4" barrel. I can open carry it with no problem when I'm in the woods or at the lake. But the 3" would allow me to carry in more warmer weather and still conceal it a lot better. But, from what I'm hearing, the recoil and the velocity loss with the 3" could present a less effective tool than with the 4 or more inch barrels.

Here again rises the need to have a subforum to confine the prelock era and allow buyers of newer production to enjoy and be proud of their guns, the covenant being that comments about trigger locks are not considered relevant and are treated accordingly.

Thanks for that recommendation bud. I guess I can carry the 4" but like another poster mentioned being able to pack it is key as well.

I wasn't poo pooing the lock version of the guns just stating it's not my preference. We didn't do anything to disparage the locks in any way. At least, I don't think we did :-).

Ok so here are some pics of the S&W M629-1 4" in .44Mag/.44Spec and the M65-3 3" in .357Mag/.38Spec.

Ok,
So I went to the range for lunch and here are the results. The letters marked in red on the target are "M" for .44Mags and "S" for .44Specs.





As you can see, I'm much more accurate with the .44Specs over the .44Mags. This was at 7 yards in DA. The .44Mags were brutal as well. I was shooting American Eagle Hollow Points in 240grain. BOOMERS let me tell you. The .44Specs were 240 grain as well GA Arms and they were not bad at all. Quicker follow up as well. The .44Mags were so brutal my trigger finger actually peeled some skin.



I love the gun. But, I think if I can find a 3" and get some good self defense .44Specs (Buffalo Bore or Hornady) I think I'll be good. And just keep a quick strip of .44Mag for just in case. Thoughts?

The 3" M65-3, for me please. What you decide, is up to you.

Yeah she is lovely. A really well designed revolver and works well. And I got her used and couldn't be more happy with her. I'd like to have a .44 in 3" but just going from place to place .44 mag and .44 special ammo is scarce.

I have them all.
3" Model 65 is my choice for EDC.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

cx
Try some of the Speer 44 Mag 200gr HP Short barrel loads.

The key/secret to carrying a bigger and heavier handgun is to have a good belt, thick and stiff enough to carry a gun, and a quality holster.

I use a Milt Sparks IWB Summer Special [Inside the Waist Band] holster quite a bit for the 1911 and for the 4" Mod 29.

So I don't know where else to buy ammo from except from either Walmart or Dicks or a Gun Show when they come to town or order online. Walmart carries the Winchester and Remington .44Mag 240gr. I haven't seen any .44 special ammo anywhere. There is a gun show this weekend so maybe I can barter some .22lr ammo which everyone seems to be looking for and since I have a ton of it maybe I can do some trading for some .44Mag in 200gr HP and some .44Special.

I'll be on the lookout for that Milt Sparks holster. I'm not a fan of IWB but I'll give it a try. Thanks again.

Wow she's lovely. Is she stainless or nickel-carbon? I love that color on her. Those grips are nice but I wouldn't be able to hold 'em. Sweet. Yeah, mine isn't that pretty as she was used when I got her but boy she's accurate as all get out!!!

I have not given the alloy guns a thought as of yet. Yeah, wouldn't be good on the range but surely could carry it I'm sure. I guess I'm just use to feeling steel in my hands you know. But it is a thought.

That one's stainless, dirty in that image.
When I got the gun, it was spotted all over with rust and small pits.
So I polished it to nickel-like.
Got tired of it and bead blasted it then hand buffed it a bit with soft pads so it is a bit more business-like.
My load is a DEWC at about 900 FPS.
And that stock is surprisingly easy to grasp.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Ahh makes sense. It looks really nice if that's the bead blast look you hand buffed. I like it. Yeah mine is stainless and a little rough as you can see. I've been using 0000 wire to buff my stainless models to get the burnt gun powder off the cylinder after shooting. I've never really seen a bead blasted revolver before so that would be new to me. But I like it.

Of the options offered, the 3" K frame in 357 would be my choice, as it is nearly perfect for carry except perhaps for capacity. I carry a 2.5" M66 or a CCO 1911 whenever possible. There are times I must carry a J frame for deeper concealment. I don't feel outgunned with either 357 Mag or 45ACP. The 38+P may be a little weak in comparison, but is better than no gun at all.

I am surprised that no one mentioned the Ladysmith Model 65 in 3" For urban carry it could be the perfect carry gun. Light weight yet able to handle stout loads.

I have the 65-2 3" but am searching for that illusive three inch LadySmith.

Double R Pawn has a 3" 629 on GB right now from what the owner told me the other day. Hoping to get $1,200 for it.
OUCH!!!
I would like one a lot better for around $800, which is still a lot of money.

I have owned a few 29/629's over the last 40 years, and all were 4 Inch. I did have a Lew Horton 24 that was a short barrel. I kept it NIB and never fired it. Almost 20 years later I wish I had kept it.

Bob R

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ICORE MO2908

Bob,
Yeah that's just way too steep for me. I was at the RK gun show this past weekend here in Atlanta and found a couple of 3" .44 Magnums right at $1000. But, both had lock systems on them. One was the AirLite and I knew I would never shoot that thing. It feels great for carry but I know once you fire off a 240 or 300gr .44 Magnum you'll lose life in your hand and maybe forearm for some time. I think I'm going to stick with my 3" 65-3 and call it a day.

Yeah I haven't seen any of those anywhere. I know they made those marked "Lady Smith" or "Ladysmith" but just haven't seen one.

The M66 is almost the perfect size except it's heavier than the M65. And I'm not really one crazy for adjustable sights. I kinda like fixed sights. Tend to be more accurate to me but that's just me. I have a Model 38 I carry as well for back pocket carry when I don't want to be obvious I'm carrying.

Gentlemen, I am just not a 357 Mag kind of guy. For me it has to be either a 1911 in 45 ACP or a S&W Revolver in 44 Mag, on duty or off duty, and the same now that I am retired.

IMHO the best way to conceal a handgun in civilian clothing is to use an inside the pants holster, now usually termed IWB, [inside the waistband].

I have been using this method since before I got out of high school in 1970.
Back then it was called "Mexican Carry", no holster was involved.

The Milt Sparks Summer Special [and others like it] are IMHO, the best, most concealable way to carry a handgun.

However, here is what you MUST DO. You MUST buy ALL of your pants 2" bigger in the waist. I have
been doing that since before I graduated High School. I am wearing a Milt Sparks Summer Special with a 1911 in 45 ACP as I type this...

As to revolver barrel length. I have used and carried a 4" Mod 29, in a Milt Sparks Summer Special quite a bit. I just never saw the need to get a 44 Mag with a barrel shorter than 4", as the barrel is inside your pants. I have also carried a 6.5" 44 Mag inside the pants quite a bit as well...

I also carried a 6.5" and later a 6" Mod 25 in 45 ACP as a Duty,and off duty gun, when my Dept banned the BIG Magnums. I REALLY like the S&W 45 ACP/AR revolvers.

So a few years ago I got a S&W Mod 325 Night Guard in 45 ACP/45AR from a good buddy. Well I LOVE this "little" revolver. I keep it under my pillow EVERY night.

It shoots great, and I even carried it to Town a couple of times as my Primary...

BUT, I just cannot shoot it at a distance, as well as a 4" revolver, so I must say, I do not feel comfortable with it as a Primary. As I live in the country I must be prepared for longer distances shots.

By the same token I would not carry a 1911 Officers Model or an Agent as a primary. My limit is a Colt Commander or a Wilson Combat Compact in 45 ACP or a 4" S&W in 44 Mag, or if I had one a 4" S&W in 45 ACP.

However, those shorter barreled 1911's or S&W N frames make a GREAT No2.

I would like to have a 2" or 2.5" 44 Mag Snubby. I would use it as a No.2 while on hunting road trips. I just cannot decide if I want the steel frame or an Airweight...

There are many places in and around Atlanta that stock ammo other than Walmart. In what part of Atlanta do you live?

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Proud anachronism