Snubbie 44 Mag vs 44 Special?

[NE450No2]

I would get the 44 Mag.

You can always shoot any of the 44 Special factory loads, or any of the 44 Mag factory loads.

And you can reload, to what ever in between power/recoil level, you like.

In a pinch, on a road trip, it is much easier to find 44 Mag ammo.

And ANY 44 Mag ammo beats NO 44 Special ammo.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

I spent a few years living in a cabin in a very remote area in Alaska.Fresh bear tracks around my cabin were a fairly regular occurance.I have a bit of experience in this area.

I'm not sure what bears you're talking about but the really large one's seem to be underestimated by a great many who comment on the forums.You asked for opinions.I'll offer mine with saliant points that I consider most relevant.I'll make it brief and I won't debate with anyone on the matter.

It's true that many outfitters and guides carry heavy caliber handguns in bear country but those with experience normally focus on brain shots with such weapons.Whenever I see the term "stopping power" being used when discussing handguns against a large bear's charge,I immediately conclude that the weapon is being very overrated.

I have been bluff charged on numerous occasions.Unless you're one who is simply prone to panic,shooting will be necessary at only very close range.At such a distance,anyone who cannot realiably hit the brain of a large animal in such conditions needs practice.

I'm not nearly as impressed with slow moving heavy pistol bullets as many on the forums seem to be.A large bear has a thick skull that slopes and a hit at less than an ideal angle has a good chance of skidding rather than penetrate when a low velocity is relied on.Some of the claims and expectations that I read simply do not jibe with my experience.

I recommend plenty of steam for reliable penetration and although I understand the appeal of the snubbies,I'm not enthused about their use in this area.I would prefer a longer barrel for several reasons and the snubbie's advantage in the woods is more imaginary than real in my opinion.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Without great shot placement, I doubt any handgun (or rifle for that matter) will help with a bear, so these comments assume good placement.

Carry a rifle for a bear, but if you are doing something else, and a long gun is not convenient, then a handgun is fine. Given the weight of the N frame, I cannot imagine how a snub magnum is of any advantage over a 4 inch Elmer Keith Model 29, or a four inch Mountain Gun in 44 Magnum.

The main advantage of the "snub" is the "cute" factor, but we pick bear protection guns for effectiveness, not cute. Bears are not "cute" either, so be careful.

Get a 4 inch 629, load with something you can control - a 240 to 250 grain solid at 950 to 1,000 fps and I think you are better off than a screaming full power magnum that you cannot control for follow-up shots.

Just my two cents.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I just love Bear Threads! If I had to carry a .44 snub for last moment bear protection, it would have the word MAGNUM after the .44 and would be loaded accordingly.

I'd prefer to carry my 4" 29 and would feel very inadequate with either one.