thoughts on a 44 mag as a first handgun purchase

[CLASSIC12]

Wow that’s an impressive lineup.

Since we’re answering a ghost, my first gun was a S&W 422 which I didn’t like and got rid of quickly. My second gun was a 1988 Desert Eagle in .44 Magnum. I had no problem adapting to the larger caliber.

 

[Pythonman]

I started off with a used model 10 .38 Special and after one range trip traded it off for a Colt Python. I was ready for an Anaconda very shortly thereafter. 44mags are not hard to shoot well at all. My 480 Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley OTOH.....?

 

[Snapping Twig]

Really?!

In my Bisley blackhawk, full potato 480's with 410g home cast is comparable to the 44mag IMO. A bit more, but not off-putting.

Now, when I shoot the same round in my Super Redhawk, not as much fun...

 

[bananaman]

I handload 6 or 7 calibers, so ammo cost is not a big factor. That being said, I prefer 45Colt, or 45ACP, to a 44 magnum. I have 2 (29's) right now, and plan on trading 1 off. My 25-15 is a pleasure to shoot & accurate. 625 JM is fun to shoot.
The decision is all yours!
I would love to pick up a 25-7! (who wouldn't right?) Bob

 

[Capt. F.]

no i dont reload, but once i get my life in order ( i just graduated college) i plan on reloading. i was planning on the 4 inch barrel and renting one at the range sounds like a great idea i was thinking that myself

I own a 4”, 6 1/2” and 8 3/8” Model 29. The 4” is more difficult to master.
Shorter sight radius, increased muzzle blast and lighter weight all contribute I guess. Not impossible, just requires more shooting AND more ammo so the sooner you can get into reloading the better.

 

[Pythonman]

Full throttle 44 mag loads out of my 9.5” SRH are down right comfy to shoot. 44 specials through that are laughably non recoiling. I can shoot 480s just fine through my SBH Bisley but I’ve been shooting 30 yrs. would not recommend as a first gun because it’s more of a specialized round tailored to expensive reloading almost exclusively. Brass is $53 per 100 and unless you cast (I do not) bullets cost about twice what 44 mag bullets run and most likely you would have to special order them.