I'll play.
696
624
24-3
Wolf & Klar
624's
USFA
696
624
24-3
Wolf & Klar
624's
USFA
The .44 is Special
- Thread starter Chopper1388
- Start date
deadduck357
Member
Does a 696 count?
DGNY
Member
For those of us who grew up reading Elmer Keith and also Skeeter Skelton, the 44 Special has a warm place in the heart.
In recent decades it has clearly been outclassed in ballistics by the .44 Magnum, 454 Casull, the 480, 460s, 475s, 500s etc. etc. But for practical utility in/on the fields and ranges of 48 of USA, and in economy of lead and powder, it is hard to beat. A 250 grain cast SWC starting at 1150 ft./s or a bit more is hard to stop and have any target within, say, 50 yards long complain about its lack of real world power.
To me it is interesting that this noble cartridge, and its equally noble rifle analog, the 30-'06 (born but one year earlier), still holds sway in the hearts and minds of so many, even though, admittedly, there are many more paper –powerful cartridges both in hand gun realm and in the rifle realm.
So, to the .44 Special, I say "Well done!" May you, and the revolvers chambered for your dimensions, power and éclat warm the hearts of pistoleros for many decades to come!
In recent decades it has clearly been outclassed in ballistics by the .44 Magnum, 454 Casull, the 480, 460s, 475s, 500s etc. etc. But for practical utility in/on the fields and ranges of 48 of USA, and in economy of lead and powder, it is hard to beat. A 250 grain cast SWC starting at 1150 ft./s or a bit more is hard to stop and have any target within, say, 50 yards long complain about its lack of real world power.
To me it is interesting that this noble cartridge, and its equally noble rifle analog, the 30-'06 (born but one year earlier), still holds sway in the hearts and minds of so many, even though, admittedly, there are many more paper –powerful cartridges both in hand gun realm and in the rifle realm.
So, to the .44 Special, I say "Well done!" May you, and the revolvers chambered for your dimensions, power and éclat warm the hearts of pistoleros for many decades to come!
Walter Rego
Member
I have a model 24-3 4", a Colt SAA 4.75" and a Ruger Flattop Bisley 5.5" in .44 Special.
I often see gun forum discussions about why choose a .44 Special when you can have a .44 magnum and shoot Specials or reduced loads out of it and have more power when you need it ?
Notwithstanding that the .44 Magnums usually have heavier barrels, with the .44 Special cartridge, you either "get it" or you don't. If you don't, it will be hard to convince you otherwise.
I often see gun forum discussions about why choose a .44 Special when you can have a .44 magnum and shoot Specials or reduced loads out of it and have more power when you need it ?
Notwithstanding that the .44 Magnums usually have heavier barrels, with the .44 Special cartridge, you either "get it" or you don't. If you don't, it will be hard to convince you otherwise.
75Vette
Member
I came close to completing my 44 'special' mission. I'm still missing the 4"ers and the humpback. I shoulda got on the ball before the prices went up like Captain Kirk! 
Here's what I have and I love 'em all.
Here's what I have and I love 'em all.
