So at the risk of getting a bunch of "hate mail", I am compelled to ask the question any way: What is the point of a revolver chambered specifically for the .44spl?? Lets not bother with frame size efficiency since there are wonderful L-framed revolvers chambered for .44mag - ergo, wonderfully chambered for .44spl. We have our N-framed .44mags that we can shoot with delight our .44spl. So, why in the world would any of us bother with a revolver chambered exclusively for .44spl when there are so many others that will fire both??
The .44spl?????
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Simply because...
Simply because I like them! Why do you obviously like the Model 34???
Simply because I like them! Why do you obviously like the Model 34???
Here's why...25 feet, and i guarantee you in the case of the 44 special, it's the arrow, not this indian, (with apologies to snubby fan)
Robert
Robert
At the risk of sounding defensive, that really doesn't answer the question. True, I love the 34, but show me a wonderfully, accessible J-frame chambered for the .22 mag that will also delight in discharging the .22LR. My question is not philosophical, it is a question that I am truly curious about. If defensive responses are what I can expect.........I expect I then have my answer.
Art Doc
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I can't shoot a 44 Magnum due to the severe recoil. And seriously, I have never needed 44 Magnum power. I would reverse your question and ask why we needed to invent the 44 Magnum when the 44 special was already here.
But that doesn't answer the question: if we have wonderful frame sizes that delight in firing both, why not buy the revolver that can discharge both.... frame size, etc being equal.....?
the inherent accuracy of the 44 special, combined with controllable recoil, and very good defensive/ stopping capability, and its ability to be uploaded to very good hunting velocities make it a great handgun round. now if the made a 5 shot K frame...
BLACKHAWKNJ
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IIRC a revolver chambered for the 22 Magnum can't fire the 22RF that well because it has a slightly larger bore diameter. The 22 Magnum is not merely a 22RF with a longer case.
Why do people want revolvers chambered in 44 Special. Because years ago they made them, the Colt New Service and the S&W N-frames, then they were discontinued-and now people want them. Back in 1972 or so Skeeter Skelton wrote about having an S&W M-28 (?) and a Ruger converted to 44 Special, he answered his friends who said "Just get a 4" M-29" by describing it as a "big heavy brute". (Elmer Keith would disagree). And Skeeter noted when he and George C. Nonte's field tested the Charter Arms Bulldog Skeeter's favorite 44 Special load of a 240 grain
SWC over 7.5 grains of Unique was too much for it.
Why do people want revolvers chambered in 44 Special. Because years ago they made them, the Colt New Service and the S&W N-frames, then they were discontinued-and now people want them. Back in 1972 or so Skeeter Skelton wrote about having an S&W M-28 (?) and a Ruger converted to 44 Special, he answered his friends who said "Just get a 4" M-29" by describing it as a "big heavy brute". (Elmer Keith would disagree). And Skeeter noted when he and George C. Nonte's field tested the Charter Arms Bulldog Skeeter's favorite 44 Special load of a 240 grain
SWC over 7.5 grains of Unique was too much for it.
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Presuming that an owner does not want to fire standard magnum cartridges in revolvers as light as their .44 Specials or .38 Specials I'll try to give you a couple answers that seem logical.
S&W installs different height rear blades in similar magnums and specials. Since magnum bullets usually get out before the barrel rises as high as it is when special bullets exit magnum chambered revolvers get taller rear blades. It's less likely that you'll run out of elevation adjustment if the revolver was designed for the cartridge.
Revolvers chambered for .44 Special get shorter cylinders so their bullets do not have as far to travel before getting in the rifling. In theory that could help accuracy. Of course you can down load the same bullets in magnum brass to get them just as close to the rifling but you get less powder efficiency. We also hear complaints about a little extra chamber cleaning being required when specials are fired in magnum chambers.
If I could only have one or two S&W .44s then they'd be magnums but some of the members here might have a gun or two more than they absolutely need. If that's the case with your .44s then why not make some of them specials?
S&W installs different height rear blades in similar magnums and specials. Since magnum bullets usually get out before the barrel rises as high as it is when special bullets exit magnum chambered revolvers get taller rear blades. It's less likely that you'll run out of elevation adjustment if the revolver was designed for the cartridge.
Revolvers chambered for .44 Special get shorter cylinders so their bullets do not have as far to travel before getting in the rifling. In theory that could help accuracy. Of course you can down load the same bullets in magnum brass to get them just as close to the rifling but you get less powder efficiency. We also hear complaints about a little extra chamber cleaning being required when specials are fired in magnum chambers.
If I could only have one or two S&W .44s then they'd be magnums but some of the members here might have a gun or two more than they absolutely need. If that's the case with your .44s then why not make some of them specials?
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handejector
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The 44 Mag was invented to please those who did not understand the inherent wonderfulness of the 44 Sp. That is a good thing, because it keeps 44 Specials out of their hands, leaving more of them for those of us who do. 
Seriously, if you don't know, I doubt I can make you understand. Why make guns for 38 Sp?
If one only wishes to shoot loads within the range of the 38 Sp and 44 Sp, why have that extra chamber length for the bullet to have to jump, and to collect grime?
If shooting within that load range, there are many of us who just like to shoot the old guns that were once the top of the heap.
To each his own.
Seriously, if you don't know, I doubt I can make you understand. Why make guns for 38 Sp?
If one only wishes to shoot loads within the range of the 38 Sp and 44 Sp, why have that extra chamber length for the bullet to have to jump, and to collect grime?
If shooting within that load range, there are many of us who just like to shoot the old guns that were once the top of the heap.
To each his own.
For myself, no desire for a .44mag or bigger. But I like to make big holes, 41mag, 44spl, 45acp, 45lc. The 44spl fills the gap between 41 & 45.
I recently got a Ruger GP100 3in 44spl for $539. What 44 mag could I have purchased new for that price?
I recently got a Ruger GP100 3in 44spl for $539. What 44 mag could I have purchased new for that price?
delcrossv
Member
Probably the same reason I like my 38/44 Heavy Duty better than my N frame .357
BLACKHAWKNJ
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Actually the 44 Special was introduced in 1907, it was the 41 Magnum introduced in 1964 to fill that "caliber gap". I have often why the large frame revolver went out of fashion and the 44 Special didn't become the police standard.
BC38
Member
I can only speak for me, but my Model of 1950 44 Special (Pre-24) is one of the most accurate and sweet shooting handguns I own. It is just easier to shoot well than any of my 44 magnums. None of my 44 magnums will shoot magnum or special rounds as accurately as it does.
My other 44 Special is a Charter Arms Bulldog, and it is a light, compact carry gun that would require a longer cylinder - making it less compact and slightly heavier - in order to accommodate 44 magnums. For its purpose - a 5 shot CCW that makes BIG holes - it is better as a 44 special than it would be as a 44 magnum.
My other 44 Special is a Charter Arms Bulldog, and it is a light, compact carry gun that would require a longer cylinder - making it less compact and slightly heavier - in order to accommodate 44 magnums. For its purpose - a 5 shot CCW that makes BIG holes - it is better as a 44 special than it would be as a 44 magnum.
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Fishinfool
Member
A five shot .44 spl. on a 3 1/2 inch, tapered barrel K frame, with fixed sights regulated to a 240 grain bullet at 850 fps would be the cats meow...
Considerably lighter and more compact than an L frame .44 mag. A perfect woods gun for about 95% of what you might care to shoot.
Larry
Considerably lighter and more compact than an L frame .44 mag. A perfect woods gun for about 95% of what you might care to shoot.
Larry
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Muley Gil
US Veteran
Most .44 Special revolvers are about a half pound lighter than a similar .44 Magnum and handle a bit more "lively".
GB
Member
Trying to explain the magic of the 44 special to someone is about the same as trying to explain the smell of the air after a heavy rain on the desert sage or the look of new snow in the pine trees. In gun terms - Colt SAA or a Model 70 or LC Smith shot guns - either you get or you don't. It is a state of mind. The 44 Special is --- --- Just special.
Grayfox
US Veteran
Along with all the reasons already mentioned, .44 Magnums always have a heavy, straight barrel. .44 Specials usually use the thinner tapered barrel which makes them lighter, gives them better balance and they just feel better in your hand.
But also because they're just so damned cool!
I own 1 .44 magnum and 7 .44 Specials.
edit to add:
Opps, forgot one. Make that 8 .44 Specials.
Model of 1950 Military
But also because they're just so damned cool!
I own 1 .44 magnum and 7 .44 Specials.
edit to add:
Opps, forgot one. Make that 8 .44 Specials.
Model of 1950 Military
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Attachments
Oracle
US Veteran
I love my models 29 and 629 44 magnums. If a person wants to buy a revolver chambered in 44 special more power to them, enjoy.
The only downside of the 44 special I have seen is the low availability and choices of the ammunition on the store shelves on occasion.
The only downside of the 44 special I have seen is the low availability and choices of the ammunition on the store shelves on occasion.
ImprovedModel56Fan
US Veteran
Charter Arms Bulldog.
Ackley1952
Member
Why would anyone want a 20 gauge when a 12 would do a
better job ?
better job ?
steelslaver
US Veteran
Why did they make Corvettes with small blocks when they had big blocks?
Why did the make Novas with 6 banger.
The 44 mag is an interesting concept, and I have 3, but what will they do over my favorite 45 colt? Abuse my hand and the guns frame, burn more powder, flame cut and forcing cone erosion? After 50 yards it is all about the right hold over and bullet placement. Show me a deer or even a elk sized creature that is hit well with a .452 255 gr slug at 900fps, that will run away when it would fall down with .429 2450 gr a 1250fps. Not likely. Show me the guy that should be shooting at these same animals with a normal length revolver at ranges over 100 yds. Not really many of them.
A 44 mag is not a good choice for self defense no matter what Dirty Harry carried. It makes the same sized holes in paper as a 44 special. A guy that can shoot a 44 mag and hit a pie plate at 100 yds can do the same thing with a 44 special, just needs more front sight.
Lots of people on this forum own a 44 mag. But, the number of people here that have actually killed animals with one is a small share of that.
I wouldn't be surprised to find almost as many 44 special 45 colt and 41 mag and even 357 kills.
99% of handgun owners simply have no real need for a 44 mag. I am not knocking the gun, like I said I have 3 of them, but need one no.
BTW, At one time I was really into it and I have shot deer with a 44 mag, a 357 and 30 Herret and a 45 colt. They all fell down, none deader than the other.
Hunting now I mostly use a rifle, I do carry a handgun. Usually a 4" 45 colt. I would shoot a deer or even an elk with it. I can not imagine a situation where I would do it with a 44 mag, that I would not with my 45.
But, then I only have 6 dedicated 44 specials. A Taurus 431, a CA Bulldog, a Target Bulldog a 696 no dash, a 296 and a 396
Why did the make Novas with 6 banger.
The 44 mag is an interesting concept, and I have 3, but what will they do over my favorite 45 colt? Abuse my hand and the guns frame, burn more powder, flame cut and forcing cone erosion? After 50 yards it is all about the right hold over and bullet placement. Show me a deer or even a elk sized creature that is hit well with a .452 255 gr slug at 900fps, that will run away when it would fall down with .429 2450 gr a 1250fps. Not likely. Show me the guy that should be shooting at these same animals with a normal length revolver at ranges over 100 yds. Not really many of them.
A 44 mag is not a good choice for self defense no matter what Dirty Harry carried. It makes the same sized holes in paper as a 44 special. A guy that can shoot a 44 mag and hit a pie plate at 100 yds can do the same thing with a 44 special, just needs more front sight.
Lots of people on this forum own a 44 mag. But, the number of people here that have actually killed animals with one is a small share of that.
I wouldn't be surprised to find almost as many 44 special 45 colt and 41 mag and even 357 kills.
99% of handgun owners simply have no real need for a 44 mag. I am not knocking the gun, like I said I have 3 of them, but need one no.
BTW, At one time I was really into it and I have shot deer with a 44 mag, a 357 and 30 Herret and a 45 colt. They all fell down, none deader than the other.
Hunting now I mostly use a rifle, I do carry a handgun. Usually a 4" 45 colt. I would shoot a deer or even an elk with it. I can not imagine a situation where I would do it with a 44 mag, that I would not with my 45.
But, then I only have 6 dedicated 44 specials. A Taurus 431, a CA Bulldog, a Target Bulldog a 696 no dash, a 296 and a 396
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Neversink n Klapperthal
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the Model 24 / 624 is a lighter weight gun than the 29. Its almost like a Model 27 chambered in 44 Spl. Its definitely a different gun than the 29
I am amazed no one has mentioned Skeeter!
Read this then you will understand:
The 44 Special - A Reappraisal
10. SKEETER RESURRECTS THE 44 SPECIAL
Read this then you will understand:
The 44 Special - A Reappraisal
10. SKEETER RESURRECTS THE 44 SPECIAL
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Jessie
US Veteran
I understand the question. Why get a gun that’s limited to only shoot the .44 special when a .44 magnum will shoot both?
A gun properly made for .44 special is going to be lighter and quicker handling than its magnum brother. Chamber cleaning after shooting specials out of a magnum cylinder has been mentioned.
Guns as light and handy to carry as the Charter Bulldog would not be possible.
So, if I’m only going to be shooting .44 specials, why carry the extra weight around?
It’s true that the ammo is not as prevalent as the magnum ammo but that is changing lately. If you reload it’s absolutely no problem and you can really appreciate the caliber much more.
It just exists and it’s not going away any time soon.
A gun properly made for .44 special is going to be lighter and quicker handling than its magnum brother. Chamber cleaning after shooting specials out of a magnum cylinder has been mentioned.
Guns as light and handy to carry as the Charter Bulldog would not be possible.
So, if I’m only going to be shooting .44 specials, why carry the extra weight around?
It’s true that the ammo is not as prevalent as the magnum ammo but that is changing lately. If you reload it’s absolutely no problem and you can really appreciate the caliber much more.
It just exists and it’s not going away any time soon.
...because we can... Seriously though, all points mentioned are good ones and, IMHO, valid. If one hasn't acquired or shot a strickly .44 Special revolver then I can see why one would question the validity of owning one. It has to be experienced to truly appreciate all the attributes.
Ammunition availability is scarce to say the least. I wouldn't recommend this caliber to someone who didn't reload their own. Well, unless you have lots of cash to spend...
Ammunition availability is scarce to say the least. I wouldn't recommend this caliber to someone who didn't reload their own. Well, unless you have lots of cash to spend...
Dave.357
Member
So I can tell my wife I do not have
One (I do) an then go to a gun
Show.
I have never used this yet but
I am running out of reasons
To go to gun shows.
One (I do) an then go to a gun
Show.
I have never used this yet but
I am running out of reasons
To go to gun shows.
