44 Special, what do you think?

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I'm posting here but don't think it may not be a Smith.

Anyway I saw a real pretty 4 inch 44 special today at the LGS that caught my eye and am intrigued. I want something in 44, should it be the Special or Mag? I know some people really like the Special and this one was reasonably priced... what should I do and why?

edit: it's not for hunting but for range time and maybe home protection.
 
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Well, it's sort of like.....I saw a redhead today, and a brunette, which should I ask out? There are a lot of things to consider, and part of the equation is what you like, what you intend to do with the gun, hunt?, target shoot?, self defense?, and also what brand of gun is it, and what alternatives do you envision????

Best Regards, Les
 
les.b said:
Well, it's sort of like.....I saw a redhead today, and a brunette, which should I ask out? There are a lot of things to consider, and part of the equation is what you like, what you intend to do with the gun, hunt?, target shoot?, self defense?, and also what brand of gun is it, and what alternatives do you envision????

Best Regards, Les
Click to expand...

more for range time and looks... :D hint:it's either a ruger or smith...
 
While I haven't actually owned one, I've always wanted a 44 Special. I like the thought of a large bore revolver that isn't a magnum.

Of course if you had a 44 Magnum you could always shoot 44 Specials out of it or download the 44 Magnum to 44 Special levels.

Guess that probably doesn't help your decision.
 
Well, you can shoot 44 specials out of a 44 magnum, so if you get the magnum, you could shoot either the lower powered specials or the magnums out of it. I would say that the magnum is more versatile.

But if you just envision range time, the 44 special would be a nice choice. The special is very highly regarded as a particularly versatile and accurate cartridge, and is no slouch as a defense gun, either. Ruger make some fine revolvers, but this is the S&W forum, so most of us probably lean towards the S&W.

That said, if you are looking for a heavy duty revolver capable of handling very hot 44 magnums, the Ruger has some very strong actions which will handle heavy handloads.

Best Regards, Les
 
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les.b said:
Well, you can shoot 44 specials out of a 44 magnum, so if you get the magnum, you could shoot either the lower powered specials or the magnums out of it. I would say that the magnum is more versatile.

But if you just envision range time, the 44 special would be a nice choice. The special is very highly regarded as a particularly versatile and accurate cartridge, and is no slouch as a defense gun, either. Ruger make some fine revolvers, but this is the S&W forum, so most of us probably lean towards ten S&W.

That said, if you are looking for a heavy duty revolver capable of handling very hot 43 magnums, the Ruger has some very strong actions which will handle heavy handloads.

Best Regards, Les
Click to expand...

Thanks Les, I always enjoy your posts.


Best!

Don
 
I spotted a Ruger GP-100 in 44 Special at one of my local shops. I think it was a three inch barrel with an unflited cylinder. Quite the good looking piece. Lucky for me he had it priced a bit more than I would be willing to spend on a GP-100 so I left empty handed.
 
George, one of my first snubbies back in the early 70s, IIRC was a Charter Arms Bulldog. I agree...and wish I had never traded it off. Would love to have it back. Have seen some early ones like mine from time to time, probably will get another one of these days, for the reasons you cite. Fine gun for concealed carry. Makes a big hole.

Best Regards, Les
 
I've always wanted a .44 Special revolver. Several years ago I passed on a 696 before prices became crazy-high. I've always been interested in a Charter Arms Bulldog, but their spotty QC reputation has kept me away. I'm also a bit of a pragmatist and can't really focus on spending money on anything but protection guns/gear/ammo right now, so the easier availability of .38 Special and 9mm ammo, as well as the fact that the service caliber handgun rounds all perform about the same in actual shootings, governs my choices.

However, I would still like to get a .44 Special at some point. I say if the gun is good quality, in good shape, and you can afford it, go for it. Sometimes you just gotta get something because you want it. Nothing wrong with that.
 
I recently bought a Charter Bulldog 44 spl. and I like it so much it is now my main carry. $389 New out the door. A quality dependable revolver without having to skip a mortgage payment to buy it.
I really have lost interest in the 357 or the 38+P. I am so liking this gun. Good trigger action and even with it only weighing 19 oz the recoil isn't squat. I can shoot over 100 rounds with no discomfort. I reload my own 44 spl so the cost is nothing like retail cost.
I wish I had gone the way of 44 spl long ago. But I have it now so.......enjoy it.
 
There haven't been too many 4" .44 Specials made; it would be good to know the brand, condition, etc. for an opinion. (Unless you are independently wealthy and can buy whatever you like :)).

Likewise, if you intend to shoot it regularly, reloading for it would be a good idea. For target shooting and defense you will not be undergunned with "only" a .44 Special, and with warmer loads it is also a fine hunting round.
 
I have 4 44s. Two 629s (3" and 6.5"), a model 24 3" LH, and a Charter Arms Bull Dog. I only use specials in the magnums. The 44 sp is quite accurate and the recoil in the heavier guns is sweet. Not too bad in the light CA. My next purchase is the just out 69 2.75" L frame. Once you fire a .44 sp (especially in the heavier guns) you won't want anything else.
 
George28 said:
Indeed, 44 sp ammo is harder to find and pricier. That aside, if you opt for a .44 sp gun, the current CA company makes a great one. Their customer service is topnotch and their guns have a lifetime warranty. Even Hickok45 on youtube likes the Bulldog....he never likes junk.
Click to expand...

I'm always open to revising my opinion, but for now .38 and 9mm meets my needs. I will likely revisit the Bulldog at some point. Thanks.
 
If you're looking at the Ruger, check it over very carefully. There have been several posts here about problems with the GP-100 in .44 Special. Especially with poor front sight installation. In all fairness, I think Ruger has ironed out these bugs now.

I have a 1985 Charter Bulldog. Its a fine gun and shoots well.

But if you want the best .44, you gotta get a Smith and Wesson. I have six and all will shoot better than me. :D
 
Did the one you saw, look something like this?

Model 24-3





I paid $700.00 for this one about six months or so ago, to replace another one I had several years ago. I haven't had a chance to shoot this one yet, but the previous one was a good shooter.

I've owned both 24's and 29's and prefer the lighter, quicker handling 44 Special.
 
Ray1970 said:
While I haven't actually owned one, I've always wanted a 44 Special. I like the thought of a large bore revolver that isn't a magnum.

Of course if you had a 44 Magnum you could always shoot 44 Specials out of it or download the 44 Magnum to 44 Special levels.

Guess that probably doesn't help your decision.
Click to expand...

While I have never owned a .44, I am quite fond of 45 cal. revolvers. Have 1 in ACP, and 2 in Colt. There are some good examples out there that tend to be less $$$ than .44's. Bob
 
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