Do I need a SW 44 magnum revolver or not?

[oink]

Why don't you reload. The 44 has got to be one of the easiest to reload. And 44 powder puff loads are a pure pleasure to shoot.

 

[SeamasterSig]

My friend keep telling me if I have never owned a SW 44 magnum revolver then I can't call myself a revolver guy.

That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but nevertheless, you won't fully appreciate a 44 magnum until you own one - an N-frame, that is. S&W N-frames can seem unwieldy at times, but they tend to have smoother actions than K- or J-frames for some reason. You also won't fully appreciate the caliber unless you reload. And if you don't reload, it's as good a reason as any to start. The sweet spot between special and magnum ammo is where it's at: around 1000-1100 fps with a 240 grain bullet. Easy on the wrist, yet packs plenty of wallop. In addition, if you hunt, some of the Classic versions come pre-drilled and tapped for a scope.

 

[typetwelve]

Why don't you reload. The 44 has got to be one of the easiest to reload. And 44 powder puff loads are a pure pleasure to shoot.

I know you weren't directing this at me directly, but I'll reply none the less.

For me, it's space. We have a very small house and I simply do not have the space for a "proper" reloading setup. We're currently saving for a new home and once we move, that will be first on my short list.

 

[SLT223]

29-3, Classic Hunter

Who makes these grips?

 

[WCCPHD]

Who makes these grips?

They are Herrett grips. I have several sets. They are smaller than S&W grips and fit my small hands better. That gun came with "rubber" grips and I just never warmed up to them.

 

[HamHands]

Don't know that anyone NEEDS one, but I sure love mine. I like 'em short, long and middle length. (Don't have the 10 or 8 3/8 inch guns)

I know someone said they have never had a bloody hand from shooting one, I have, but it was a .44 special that did it (Model 296 scandium frame).

I have a 2.5, 3, 4, 6 (x2) and a 6.5 inch. They range from July '56 to pre 2012.

I have carried the 2.5 and 3 inch as an off duty gun (qualified with and carry .44 special round) and hunted with the 6 inch Classic Hunter. The 6 inch NC Highway Patrol gun has not been fired and will not be by me. My first is the Pre-29, 6.5 inch and it was that one that began my interest in .44 guns.

.44 guns are so versatile depending upon how they are loaded. They make good self defense guns, good hunting guns and are a hoot to use for target shooting. My only complaint is that I don't reload and the ammo can be pricy.

Here are most of mine.

629-6 Camfour. 2.5 inch, fixed sight


I don't have an individual photo of the next one, so its the top one in the group photo.

629-3, three inch, ported, fixed sight, Lew Horton, Performance Center (one of about 495)


29 (no dash) four inch (came in the blue box)




29-2, NC State Highway Patrol 50th Anniversary Commemorative




Pre Model 29, shipped July, 1956


29-3, Classic Hunter

All of those are drop dead desirable! But that 2.5" barreled 629-6 is Super Hot! And with the Magnas and a Tyler-T.. I'm in the process of setting up 2 out of 3 of my 3" barreled .44Smiths in that exact grip configuration because it's worked so well for me with my "J" frames. The Goncalo Alves on my LHS work so well for me even with big hands.. so I'm leaving them on there.

Thanks for sharing those pics!

 

[nipperdog]

I'm a Recoil Junkie

I own several M629s, a M69, and a Couple of Redhawks, all in 44 Magnum. I have been Loading and Shooting the .44Mag/44Spl for over 50yrs. Recently I have become tired of the Venerable 44mag and needed a Change. I thought about the 454 Casull, but Can't stand the Look of the Ruger Super Redhawk, and don't care for Single action Revolvers Sooooo. Love my 460V and forgot about the 454. Went Directly to the 460. My standard Load is 46+ of H110 under a Hornady XTP 240gn Mag Bullet. At 72 years of age the 460 lets me know that I'm not Dead yet.

 

[MarkL_01]

Every good S&W collection should have at least TWO 44's.....one pre-war and one Post-war. There are plenty of choices on either side.

Yes, you NEED a 44

Sounds good to me. I'm looking for a nice pre-war .44 magnum.
<smile>

-Mark

 

[MarkL_01]

OK....I see that I need to pay more attention to the dates of threads.

 

[SeamasterSig]

I know you weren't directing this at me directly, but I'll reply none the less.

For me, it's space. We have a very small house and I simply do not have the space for a "proper" reloading setup.

While a full-blown rock solid bench would be nice, you don't need one to reload. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand, which can be found online, packs a lot into a relatively small package. It takes up little room, yet provides enough space to get the job done, it's surprisingly stable, and can be easily folded up and stored in a closet. You will, however, need some shelf space for powders, bullets, primers, clean brass, etc.

I recommend this particular folding bench out of personal experience. I bought one several years ago when I first got into reloading and mounted a Hornady single-stage press on it. And while I still fully intend to step up to a full-sized bench someday, this folding bench suits my needs well enough that a "proper" bench is no longer an urgent need.

If you really want to reload, there's no time like the present, because despite your intentions your next house may check all the right boxes, but nevertheless lack an ideal space for reloading, which is the situation I found myself in while house-hunting - and I had no intention of letting a good deal slip through my hands because of something like that. So you might as well make the most of what you've got now (assuming you can spare about 3 square feet of floor space where you can concentrate undisturbed on the task at hand).

 

[mbliss57]

Well you talk about a thread with a life of its own. The OP hasn't posted to this thread since 2016....yet on and on it goes!

And to add to the drama...IMO everyone should have a least 1 .44 magnum if they are going to own more then 3 revolvers.. my definition of collecting.

 

[typetwelve]

Well you talk about a thread with a life of its own. The OP hasn't posted to this thread since 2016....yet on and on it goes!

And to add to the drama...IMO everyone should have a least 1 .44 magnum if they are going to own more then 3 revolvers.. my definition of collecting.

Yeah...I'd like to know what came of the OP in this topic...did he ever get one?

 

[ruger 22]

Life is pretty short and If you have the slightest inkling then get one or more. If you are going to have only one then I would suggest the Ruger Super BLackhawk--superior balance, and very strong for hot loads. If you are going to handload and keep it on the mild side then look for a 1950 Target 44 Special---one of the finest ever made.

 

[iviax]

Yeah...I'd like to know what came of the OP in this topic...did he ever get one?

To answer your question, I still don't own a 44 revolver.

If I get into reloading, I probably will get one just for the sake of having one.

 

[Autonomous]

While a full-blown rock solid bench would be nice, you don't need one to reload. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand...

I have one and it works surprisingly well.

 

[tug700]

Buy what you like and enjoy!!!!!. I think the 460 makes a nice handgun with many options in ammo to expend.

 

[Mr.Harry]

To answer your question, I still don't own a 44 revolver.

If I get into reloading, I probably will get one just for the sake of having one.

Thatsssss....

Not the right

Answer

 

[Ribwizzard]

I know this thread was resurrected, but I'll add my 2 cents worth anyways.
I was Timid off the. 44. Been shooting 9mm, .357, and .45 for many years before I got interested in the .44 magnum.
Read, looked at YouTube, heard all this hoopla about how hard they kick, hurt your hand, can only shoot a few rounds of magnum, etc, etc. So I did not know what to expect.
Picked up a 6" classic. Not the full underlug, the one more like the old 29. Thought it looked better.
Short 200 rnds America eagle magnums, no sore hand, had a blast. Very nice shooting gun, feels good in the hand, and loading those big rounds into the cylinder is cool as well. Lost interest in my .357 guns pretty fast.

 

[typetwelve]

Lost interest in my .357 guns pretty fast.

You too, huh? This is an odd thing with me as well. I own a .357 magnum...but I pretty much shoot .38 spcl from it. .357 seems tame compared to 44 magnum. When I’m having a “revolver day” at the range, I’ll shoot .38 from my 627, the finish things off with 44 from my 629, its more fun that way.

 

[moralem]

I have one .44 mag 29-2 in nickel and two .44 specials, a 624 and a 24-3. The .44 specials are more my cup of tea. I don’t know if one needs one but they are nice to have......