Finding .44 Specials??

[Redcoat3340]

I'm sorta maxed out for now on .38 specials for my "accumulation." I have a representative selection of early (1920's), pre-War, Victory, post war, pre-model number and model numbered revolvers. Nothing extra-ordinary, just one or two decent shooters in each time period.

As a retired guy I'm sorta on a budget....and I'd like to do something else. .44 specials? Not magnums or real collector's pieces...just a couple of decent shooters, preferably C&R.

Or would I do better (budget-wise) looking for .32 Long? Or .38 S&W.

Suggestions?

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

The older prewar I frame 32 Long revolvers are inexpensive and easy to find. J frames are a little bit more in cost and less common but are still are easy on the wallet.
Not so with the K frame 32 Long revolvers as in K32 or the 32 M&P. They are fairly hard to find an are fetching a pretty penny regardless of condition. The N frame 44s will cost a lot more than a 32 I/J frame too. Even the shooter grade guns are hard to find for less than $500.

John

 

[22hipower]

I'd look for both, and I do look for both. TIMETRIPPER is right about the 32 Longs being less expensive than the 44s but every now and then a well used 44 will show up at a not unreasonable price. If you have more time than money perhaps you can afford to look around for bargains. Occasionally a well used but mechanically solid 2nd model 44 will show up in the $500-$700 range. Which isn't much more than very nice condition 32s. Buy whatever you find first, you'll likely be happy with either. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[BigBill]

I wanted a revolver in 44 special. I was eyeing a charter arms bulldog in 44 special but hesitated. The 44 special s&w revolvers are rare here. Years back when my LGS had the clearance on new s&w revolvers he had a s&w m24 in 44 spec with a 6 1/2" barrel in nickel. Nib I couldn't help myself. It's the last m24 he had. It pays to wait and stay looking.

 

[Kinman]

I owned one of the early 5-shot Charter Arms Bulldogs, it was a nice revolver although a little lightly built for heavy repeated use. For what it was intended it worked nicely, basically duty carry semi concealed, if a large caliber handgun was what you were after. I sold it to a good friend of mine that wanted it for back-up while hunting. Oddly while hunting with a buddy of his that had shot a very large black bear sow and could not get a round ejected to rechamber while she was charging due to poor shot placement my friend stopped the bear on the fifth round, she piled up basically right at his feet, all shots were in the chest cavity one went through her lower jaw.
If I were in the market for a 5-shot .44 special revolver I would look for a 696 stainless L frame, very nice piece. I like the 624 Lew Horton 3", very nice and my current favorite carry revolver.

 

[STCM(SW)]

The M696-1 I have cost me 1K + shipping and user tax....
Not legal for hunting in WA, barrel is not 4".

 

[Joed49]

I was a big fan of the .44 Spl as you just don't see them every day. I still have 2 624's, one 4" and one 6.5" as well as a 24-3 in 4". The rest I sold a few years ago.

Did buy a new Bulldog in 2005 but sold it 2 days later. Worst revolver I ever owned. I wouldn't take one as a gift.

 

[Old Corp]

I'd love to have an older S&W .44 Triple Lock, but am afraid it's one of those things that I waited too long to try to acquire. Folks seem awful proud of'em, and regionally it seems like they are quite scarce in the SE US.
Still counting on providence and good fortune.

 

[kimbergal]

I have a 44 Spl from early 20's. The frame number is low 59,000's. It is not a showpiece. It has 6" barrel; maybe an aftermarket nickel plate, blue cylinder release, a bit of very small amount pitting in places and pachmayr grips. I was told it was probably carried in the Michigan marshes.
I love shooting it. I have thought of looking for a 44 spl with a 3"-4" barrel just to plink with. And I have looked at a bulldog, just didn't feel the love.
I would snap up a 41 in a second.

Added a picture of big girl--"44" and little baby girl "Lady Smith".

 

[StakeOut]

If you have only one life to live it should have a 44 caliber revolver in it.

My top recommendation would be a 696-0 followed closely by a 3" 629-4

A pre MIM 629 Mountain Gun with Endurance Package is also a favorite.

5 shot vs 6 shot

44spl only or 44mag and 44spl

Barrel Length and Primary Use?

If you don't reload 44 caliber ammo is on the expensive side.

 

[keith44spl]

The 44 Special is my go to cartridge........It can do it all.

Pics to come.........

.

 

[andy52]

I really like my .44 specials they are some of most accurate handguns that I own.

24-3
3rd model

Next on the bucket list is a 1950 model target and a triple lock.

 

[StakeOut]

Only have 3 X 44 caliber at the moment.

Recently sold 2 44 Specials.

Top 629-3 Mountain Gun
Mid 629-4 Backpacker
Bot 696-0

 

[Fredo Batali]

I know this is probably blasphemy, but, Ruger makes a five shot GP100 in .44 Special. It has an unfluted cylinder and 2 3/4 inch barrel. I picked up a used one in great shape with box, etc. for a little over $500.00 a couple of weeks ago. I still reach for my Lew Horton 624 first, but the Ruger is a viable option.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Unclefudd]

I have a 29 and 629 and then I got this 696-0,no dash. I have always enjoyed the 29s and still do but I find myself carrying my 696 every day and shooting at least once a week. I don't load hot loads to practice only for carry. My practice loads are 200 cast lead flat points over 5 gr of titegroup. Makes a VERY comfy and accurate load. The gun has between 800 and a 1000 rounds and is still as tight as new.

 

[Unclefudd]

696 for previous post.


This is the 696 from previous post.
UF

 

[Joed49]

This is the last of my .44 Spls, 24-3 4", 624 6.5" and 624 4". I had lots more but these are the ones I kept. Have to admit they are my favorites.