First 44

[ultra12]

Hey guys!
I am from NY. I am looking for my first gun. As you might have guessed by the title I am strongly considering 44 and not just any 44 a S&W 29-2 in 8 3/8. Just about the time i am going to get my first gun i will be starting to reload (got myself another rifle this time its a Marlin 1895 CB in 45-70 its a bit expensive to shoot but fun as hell so reloading is becoming a necessity). I was considering Colt Python but its might be too rich for my pocket right now. I was hoping to get some feedback as far as my choice for my first handgun. I should mentioned it will be the gun i take as back up hunting and a gun that will be taken to a range. Thanks in advance

 

[bigi]

Big One

Get Dirty Harry, 29-2, 6.5" Blue !!!!

 

[ultra12]

original though was to go for Dirty Harry. How ever after watching First movie I believe he also uses 8 3/8. If i find one in 6.5 i wont let it go

 

[Sebago Son]

Unless you are as tall as Paul Bunyan, you will quickly grow weary of that 8 3/8" tube for a hunting back up. The 6 1/2's are a little better, but for a good compromise between portability and shootability, you can't beat the 4" guns.

 

[PA Reb]

original though was to go for Dirty Harry. How ever after watching First movie I believe he also uses 8 3/8. If i find one in 6.5 i wont let it go

I may have been asleep but I never saw a 8 3/8" barrel come out from under that blazer !

 

[beagleye]

1st gun or 1st handgun

I am wondering if you mean to say you will be getting your first handgun, as opposed to your first gun. Sounds like you already have a marlin. If I was looking for a first handgun it would be a k22 and then get the big gun. They are so cheap to shoot and that trigger time is invaluable. I have bigger guns that I wouldn't give up but I simply wouldn't be without a k22. Try one before you blow you wad on a 29-2.

Hey guys!
I am from NY. I am looking for my first gun. As you might have guessed by the title I am strongly considering 44 and not just any 44 a S&W 29-2 in 8 3/8. Just about the time i am going to get my first gun i will be starting to reload (got myself another rifle this time its a Marlin 1895 CB in 45-70 its a bit expensive to shoot but fun as hell so reloading is becoming a necessity). I was considering Colt Python but its might be too rich for my pocket right now. I was hoping to get some feedback as far as my choice for my first handgun. I should mentioned it will be the gun i take as back up hunting and a gun that will be taken to a range. Thanks in advance

 

[TDC]

Ultra12,

Buy the barrel length you want with your Mod. 29... Each length has its negatives and its benefits. I've hunted big game successfully (bear and elk) with long barreled S&W's for over three decades. With a quality shoulder holster, like a clam shell Bianchi X-15, Safariland or a Nelson "Untouchable" you won't know the extra barrel length of the 8 3/8 is there.

The benefits of a longer barrel are a noticeably more precise sight radius and a much more stable shooter sight picture, far less muzzle blast, better recover-ability and somewhat better ballistics. The negatives can be the 2 to 4" of additional length, slightly more weight and a hassle to carry in anything less than a good shoulder holster...

As a fairly new shooter, take them both to a local range and try them both. I believe you'll find the 8 3/8" infinitely more accurate for you, which is the most important consideration with a hunting/backup gun. You'll experience much less noise report and perceived recoil -- all in all -- a much more pleasant gun to practice with and shoot..

JMHO....Flame suit on......

 

[rck281]

The NRA museum has the Dirty Harry gun and it has a 6.5" barrel.

I wouldn't buy any 44 as a first gun. Since you are an experienced shooter, I would buy a 357 for my first revolver or a 9mm as a first auto. Althought there's nothing better than a 22 to learn how to shoot a handgun. If you want a 22, you should consider a M17 or M41.

 

[Sidewinder 319]

Buy the .44 Mag. If you need some thing lighter shoot .44 Specials. The .44 Spl. is a fun and effective round.

 

[kennyb]

i'll chime in with the 45-70 is easy to reload for...i just bought my second 45-70...this one is the short barrel "guide gun" and its stainless steel...the 29-2 is indeed a classic the 6.5"was the one in the dirty harry series

 

[Art Doc]

A 44 Magnum as your first gun?

Odds are pretty good that after 6 shots you sell it and take up golf. Might want to try something with less recoil as a starting point. The 44 Magnum really isn't a beginner's gun.

 

[ckprax]

I don't see a problem with a .44 as your first handgun, especially if you are going to reload. An 8 3/8" N frame is a heavy gun, it will soak up recoil very well. You can load up light target loads for the range and heavy stuff for hunting.

If strictly for a back up gun I would get a 4", the 8 3/8" would be perfect to hunt with.

 

[ultra12]

A 44 Magnum as your first gun?

Odds are pretty good that after 6 shots you sell it and take up golf. Might want to try something with less recoil as a starting point. The 44 Magnum really isn't a beginner's gun.

I shot a lot of hand guns and bigger the bang bigger my smile. It's. It's crazy but I liked S&W 500 more than any 9 or 38. I have 3 rifles 3006 45-70 and 7.62 54r and a 12 gage benelli. I am not too sensitive to recoil. Although my friends 338 made me flinch first few times I shot it. It was significantly stronger recoil than my marlin in 45-70 The reason I am considering 44 as my first gun is due to gun control laws in my state and city. I can't buy as many guns as I want so I have to pick and choose the ones that has most practicality and personal preference goes with classic firearms. My list of guns to have re as follows : 44 29, colt python and colt 1911. There are plenty 1911 around. I understand it better to learn on a wheel gun so gun and unfortunately 1600+$ python is a bit more than I can spend right now. I don't think I would be compromising by getting a 44 mag. Am I wrong?

 

[ckprax]

I don't think I would be compromising by getting a 44 mag. Am I wrong?

If you have a 44 there is no need to compromise

To me a Python makes for a better investment than shooter. The prices right now are astronomical. They are great guns but a 686/586 or GP100 can do everything a Python can but at a fraction of the cost.

1911's are awesome but are not ideal for a back up woods gun IMO. They can be temperamental with ammo and do not have the stopping power of the .44MAG. A 1911 in 10mm would be tempting...

For your intended purpose I think a M29 or M629 is a great choice. Now you just need to decide on barrel length.

 

[ultra12]

For your intended purpose I think a M29 or M629 is a great choice. Now you just need to decide on barrel length.

I live in NYC so there aren't many gun shops. And our laws require us to purchase within state or send it to FFL. Sending it and FFL fees make gun almost 100 $ more. I will be visiting gun shops further out 1-2 hour drive from house as well as local Dicks cabellas and gander mnt. I am looking for 8 3/8 or 6.5. It's just a matter of funding one and price.

 

[ckprax]

I live in NYC so there aren't many gun shops. And our laws require us to purchase within state or send it to FFL. Sending it and FFL fees make gun almost 100 $ more. I will be visiting gun shops further out 1-2 hour drive from house as well as local Dicks cabellas and gander mnt. I am looking for 8 3/8 or 6.5. It's just a matter of funding one and price.

Wow you are deep behind enemy lines! I hope you find something nice in your price range.

 

[C&R Bill]

Wow you are deep behind enemy lines! I hope you find something nice in your price range.

Seriuos question = Do they even allow you to "possess" a handgun "in the City"?? I actually thought you were forbidden to possess ANY handgun inside NYC.

 

[Art Doc]

Sounds like you have experience with big guns and know what you want.

 

[CT Smith Fan]

I would try to get the feel of a 6-1/2" vs a 8-3/8" barrel, the balance of the shorter barrel is much better. I agree with Sebago Son on this one, shorter may be better.

 

[ultra12]

I would try to get the feel of a 6-1/2" vs a 8-3/8" barrel, the balance of the shorter barrel is much better. I agree with Sebago Son on this one, shorter may be better.

That would be great. Now if I can only find a store that has both guns in stock