CCW/EDC 3" 65-3 .357/.38 or 3" 629 .44Mag/.44Spec which makes more sense?

[NE450No2]

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..

 

[Biggfoot44]

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).

 

[Biggfoot44]

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.

 

[murphydog]

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.

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.

 

[Snapping Twig]

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

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.

 

[cxglock26]

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.

 

[cxglock26]

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.

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.

 

[cxglock26]

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.

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.

 

[at_liberty]

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.

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.

 

[cxglock26]

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..

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.

 

[cxglock26]

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.

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 .

 

[cxglock26]

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

 

[cxglock26]

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?

 

[rwt1405]

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

 

[cxglock26]

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.

 

[TAROMAN]

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

 

[NE450No2]

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.

 

[cxglock26]

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.

 

[cxglock26]

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

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!!!

 

[cxglock26]

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

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.