.44 Special K-frame?

[JayFramer]

Guys would a 5-shot .44 Special be possible in a K-frame? Seems an alloy frame K round butt with 3" barrel would be an ideal weapon for many purposes and give something like the Charter Bulldog a run for its money, I'd imagine such a Smith would be a lot more durable, too.

If not, an alloy frame L-frame? Far as I know, Smith don't make such a gun.

Thoughts?

 

[dannyabear]

They did, I had a 296 which was 44 sp in a scandium frame with titanium cylinder

 

[Rammer Jammer]

You're describing the now discontinued Interarms era import Rossi M720.

 

[kraynky]

They did make the 696 5 shot L frame. While I was trying to find one of them a 5 shot Taurus (K frame size) model 445 showed up at my LGS in the used case. I had to have it, and later found a 696. The 696 is a 3" gun and the Taurus is a 2" gun. Both are fun to shoot. Gotta love a 44 special!

 

[steelslaver]

I have a 696 and a 396, both L frame 44 specials and a model 69 which is an L frame 44 mag. The 396 is a light alloy framed gun and shoots well as do the rest.

I have a couple Charter Arms 44 specials. Their cylinders are smaller and closer to K frame OD. Smith can't go that small with a 5 shot 44 because the diameter of their ratchet is larger than CA or Taurus. Smith would have to redesign their inner mechanism and DA trigger pull would suffer. The hand operating a larger ratchet has more leverage than one operating a smaller ratchet.

Find a 396 or 296 (enclosed hammer) scandium L frame. They don't weigh squat. Both are a bit hard to find as S&W did sell many so never made more. Same with the 396 stainless 3" 44 specials. But, the 2 3/4" model 69 in 44 mag should be fairly easy to find.

 

[The_Truth]

I've got the 296 Ti and will probably never sell it. It's the "snubbiest" 44spl S&W ever made. I also pick up a new to me Taurus 445 today, so I wont know if I like it or not until I do a range test, but a slightly-smaller-than-a-K-frame 44spl snubby is pretty much my ideal carry piece right now so I'm sure I'll fall in love.

I really wish S&W made a fixed sight version of the 624/24, or an L frame snubby 44spl. with no lock.

 

[steelslaver]

The lock disappears shortly after I take ownership.

I like my 396 (dehorned), but my 325 Snub gets the carry nod most of the time. Not much more weight and another round of big bore goodness.

I have a couple Charter Arms and a Nice blue Taurus 5 shot 44 specials that I need to sell. Just sit there now days.

 

[dannyabear]

Ruger recently began offering the SP101 in 44 Sp.

 

[Dave Lively]

Ruger recently began offering the SP101 in 44 Sp.

All I see on the Ruger website is the GP-100 in 44 special, not the SP101. Is the 44 special SP 101 some sort of run for a specific distributor?

The GP-100 is as large and heavy as a S&W 69.

 

[rbmac52]

There is not enough room on a K-frame cylinder for more than four rounds of .44 Special ammunition.

 

[StrawHat]

A custom gunsmith in Washington, Spokhandguns, used to offer a 5 shot K frame.

Kevin

 

[The_Truth]

Ruger recently began offering the SP101 in 44 Sp.

I think you mean the GP100, and it is a very nice piece. Would love to have one!

 

[GerSan69]

I have two 1990s-era Taurus 431s that are K-frame sized. They fit in every K size holster I've tried them in. I would have to disagree that you can't fit 5 rounds in a K-sized frame since it's obviously done here.
These older Taurii seem to be pretty well-made. I like the fixed sights on them. They have wide, deep sight channels on the top strap and the sights are easy to acquire. The HKS Charter .44 speedloaders work just fine, too.
I posted more photos a while back when I first got them, elsewhere here on the Forum.
The photos are my 3" stainless square butt. My other is a 2.5" blued round butt.....

 

[StrawHat]

Attached is a photo of the Spokhandguns conversion. Not a lot of metal around the chambers but more than enough, unless you are Elmer Keith!

Kevin

 

[rbmac52]

Looks like there is enough room, after all, for five rounds of .44 Special in a K-frame. I wouldn't do it, however, as there are enough alternatives out there better suited to the round.

 

[The_Truth]

I love my new Taurus 445 so much I bought another one with a factory shaved hammer! It's such a perfect size and weight! MAN I wish S&W made one just like it... I have a solid handful of really nice S&Ws and now all I want to carry is a Taurus. UGH!

 

[amazingflapjack]

I would suggest you look at how the Charter Bulldog 44 is made before you assume how it would hold up.