I don't own a .44 Special handgun,,,

aarondhgraham · July 7, 2011, 08:25 AM

And I'm suffering from GAS (Gun Acquisition Syndrome) very badly.

A long time ago on a Pacific island far far away,,,
I had a beat-up Charter Arms Bulldog,,,
That old handgun had a big bark.

If any of you good folk have any .44 Special revolvers,,,
Please post a pic and description of your gun(s).

I'ld like to get some ideas for what my next acquisition could be.

Thanks people,,,

Aarond

Webleymkv · July 7, 2011, 08:59 AM

I don't currently own any .44 Special-only guns (just a .44 Magnum) but this is the last one I did own:

S&W Model 21-4

I have something of a love-hate relationship with the .44 Special. I love the cartridge, I really do, but I'm not so fond of the packages that it comes in. My first .44 was a Taurus 445 snubby. While the gun worked well enough, it was DAO (which I wasn't particularly wild about) and had absolutely horrendous muzzle flip with anything but the lightest of handloads. It was sold to help finance my S&W M66.

The M21 was a much more pleasant gun to shoot, but I never could get past the gun being as large and heavy as it was without being able to shoot .44 Magnums. That gun was sold and part of the money put towards my S&W 629.

Based on past experience, I think that a S&W 696 might be the .44 Special I'd most like, but they are neither common nor cheap. If I happened to find a good deal on a Charter Arms Bulldog or Rossi 720, I might pick it up to use as a glovebox gun.

Hawg · July 7, 2011, 09:03 AM

1926 S&W 3rd model. It was probably closer to 95% when I got it but it was made to be used not sit in a safe never to see the light of day or feel the heat of combustion. I hope you serious collectors are pizzin yourselves right about now.

pendennis · July 7, 2011, 09:26 AM

Here are mine -

They are the best-shooting revolvers I've ever owned. Don't make me choose!

Webleymkv · July 7, 2011, 09:28 AM

Quote:

1926 S&W 3rd model. It was probably closer to 95% when I got it but it was made to be used not sit in a safe never to see the light of day or feel the heat of combustion. I hope you serious collectors are pizzin yourselves right about now.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with shooting a gun like that. While I wouldn't try to run Kieth loads through it or use it for a regular IDPA gun, an occasional range trip isn't going to hurt it. As I've said many times before, the only reason I would refrain from shooting any gun I might own would be if the gun were unsafe to fire (in which case I'd be disinclined to continue owning it).

jrothWA · July 7, 2011, 09:30 AM

Local shop has original Charter for $260+tax.

Been eyeing it for awhile. Almost NIB, some wear on it.

Rampant_Colt · July 7, 2011, 09:41 AM

Taurus 445.

They're a bit heavier than the Charter Arms, but they absorb recoil better, and are more rugged:

@ Webley & pendennis, those 21-4s are absolutely stunning!

**Mike Irwin** · July 7, 2011, 10:25 AM

Here's mine, a 1980s vintage Model 24-3 target.

aarondhgraham · July 7, 2011, 10:32 AM

These are some fine pics my friends,,,
You have me in Pavlovian response mode.

Aarond

Hawg · July 7, 2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

There's absolutely nothing wrong with shooting a gun like that. While I wouldn't try to run Kieth loads through it

I wouldn't do that but I've posted it on other forums and the serious collectors had a fit because I use it. I won't let any gun be a safe queen no matter what it's worth. If it devalues it like it has this one so be it.

CWKahrFan · July 7, 2011, 10:37 AM

Fairly recent similar thread... .44 Special is my favorite! (A pic of mine is in there...)

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450884

jglsprings · July 7, 2011, 10:47 AM

My pair of Taurus (Tauri?) 44 Specials. I wish I could find a S&W for a reasonable price - cest la pool!

All of my N frame Smiths are 44 mags.

SteelChickenShooter · July 7, 2011, 10:48 AM

Check gunandbowoutpost.com
They have or did have one for sale

rclark · July 7, 2011, 11:02 AM

And of course there is the SA Ruger .44Spec revolvers. Very very nice. Besides my CA Bulldog for CC, I have a Sheriff model (3 1/2" barrel), Blackhawk (5 1/2"), and just recently picked up a Bisley (5 1/2"). These are all on the flattop medium frame.

No pictures, but here is some reading up on them with pictures

.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Sheriff44.htm
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-44Flattop.htm
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ross...ley-revolvers/

Idahoser · July 7, 2011, 12:12 PM

this one isn't mine but it's identical.
Rossi 720. It's what the S&W 696 would have been if they'd ever made it on the K-frame. If they had, that's what I would have, but since they didn't, this is the next best thing. My favorite gun to shoot.

Smaug · July 7, 2011, 12:23 PM

Check out the S&W Night Guard series; I believe they make one of those in 44 Special/Magnum. 45 ACP too, which is maybe even a better cartridge due to the available free brass from the pistol shooters.

Dave T · July 7, 2011, 12:59 PM

These are all N-frames, listed from oldest to newest:

5" re-blued 1914 First Model 44 Hand Ejector, New Century or the Triple Lock.

1921 2nd Model 44 Hand Ejector with barrel cut to 5".

Re-barreled 4th Model 44 Hand Ejector or 1950 Model 44 Target.

Model 24-3 w/ barrel cut to 5".

Model 624, cut to ~3.5" and round butted.

I constantly argue with myself about which is the better revolver cartridge: 44 Special or 45 ACP. On any given day, either one could win. (smile)

Dave

mavracer · July 7, 2011, 01:05 PM

Don't have a pic of my SS Bulldog pug but here's my SA Rugers 4 5/8" BH and a 3 3/4" sheriff's vaquero.

my 696

old bear · July 7, 2011, 02:23 PM

Dave, great collection of N frames. As I get a little(sic) along in years my Appreciation for these excellent revolvers grows. I only wish I had forgone one or two K frames and invested in N frames. Oh-well such is life.

As I have been unable to find a 3 1/2" M-27 at a price I will pay, I may have to consider a 44 special.

tulsamal · July 7, 2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

I have something of a love-hate relationship with the .44 Special. I love the cartridge, I really do, but I'm not so fond of the packages that it comes in.

You are right. .44 Special is better in a gun that is appropriately sized. Which is why you don't shoot .44 Specials in your .44 Magnum N frame and then post about how you don't see why everybody likes them so much? The old large frame .44 Specials (mostly) predate .44 Magnum. They are the guns people like Elmer Keith used to work up the loads which became the .44 Magnum. Here in 2011, if I want that kind of performance, I will use the big Magnum revolver. But for 90% of my shooting, I would rather have the smaller, more handy, lighter gun that can use .44 Special.

In my case, I have several. Used to have two Rossi 720's. One of each model (DA/SA and DAO). I relented and let my gunsmith buy the DAO one from me but the other one is staying here. I normally carry a S&W M296 with the 200 grain DPX load. When Ruger came out with the .44 Special FT, I bought one with the 5.5" barrel. I also acquired a well used .357 OM and had it converted to .44 Special. That one has a 5.1" barrel.

Wow, do I really only have four now? That seems wrong! I may be missing somebody. Otherwise I need to go buy some more! Ruger is making the FT in .44 Special and stainless, I'm sure I need one of those.

Gregg

aarondhgraham · July 7, 2011, 02:49 PM

I was going to look up a few model numbers,,,
It turns out that the only .44 special still made is the Model 24 Classic.

I really like the looks of those older .44 Hand Ejector models,,,
That big old frame with that delicate tapered barrel is so very elegant.

At least I have some model numbers to look for,,,
I'm going to a gun show this Saturday,,,
Maybe I'll get lucky and find a deal.

Aarond

Sharpsdressed Man · July 7, 2011, 07:04 PM

Ruger Flattop .44 Special. [IMG]

[/IMG]

orionengnr · July 7, 2011, 07:16 PM

Had a stainless S&W 696, a Scandium 396 (currently owned by a forum member who has posted pics of it here) and a blued Taurus 441.

They were neat revolvers, but I never fell in love with the cartridge or the package. As a result I sold them all.

A 24 or a 624 might have done the trick, but I was seduced by N-frames in .45LC and .41 Mag. And there I remain.

cochise · July 7, 2011, 08:07 PM

I have enjoyed the family of ".44's". I am in my 60's now so the specials are what I shoot mostly. I started reloading over 30 years ago, (scary thinking about it), and shooting is more fun with mild loads. My Lew Horton would not allow speed loaders so I bought an extra pr of stocks and modified them.

My favorite was / is the 3" 624 so I gave it to my son. He said it shoots pretty good!

461 · July 7, 2011, 08:32 PM

I had a .44spl Taurus (431) years ago which just never measured up and soured me on Taurus. I always meant to get another special but they always ended up being magnums for some reason. Well I finally bucked the trend and got another .44Spl, I picked up my new flat top Blackhawk yesterday so I'm back in the club. Looking forward to shooting it if I ever get a day off.

There was a Charter Arms Bulldog at the shop I got the Blackhawk at and I was tempted but thought I should play with the Blackhawk for a while first.

July 7, 2011, 08:25 AM	#1
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I don't own a .44 Special handgun,,, And I'm suffering from GAS (Gun Acquisition Syndrome) very badly. A long time ago on a Pacific island far far away,,, I had a beat-up Charter Arms Bulldog,,, That old handgun had a big bark. If any of you good folk have any .44 Special revolvers,,, Please post a pic and description of your gun(s). I'ld like to get some ideas for what my next acquisition could be. Thanks people,,, Aarond __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

July 7, 2011, 09:26 AM	#4
pendennis Junior member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 572	I love 'em Here are mine - They are the best-shooting revolvers I've ever owned. Don't make me choose!

July 7, 2011, 09:30 AM	#6
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	G.A.S. is RAMPANT! Local shop has original Charter for $260+tax. Been eyeing it for awhile. Almost NIB, some wear on it.

July 7, 2011, 09:41 AM	#7
Rampant_Colt Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 1,478	Taurus 445. They're a bit heavier than the Charter Arms, but they absorb recoil better, and are more rugged: @ Webley & pendennis, those 21-4s are absolutely stunning! __________________ member of an elite paramilitary organization: Eagle Scouts

July 7, 2011, 10:25 AM	#8
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Here's mine, a 1980s vintage Model 24-3 target. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

July 7, 2011, 08:59 AM	#2
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I don't currently own any .44 Special-only guns (just a .44 Magnum) but this is the last one I did own: S&W Model 21-4 I have something of a love-hate relationship with the .44 Special. I love the cartridge, I really do, but I'm not so fond of the packages that it comes in. My first .44 was a Taurus 445 snubby. While the gun worked well enough, it was DAO (which I wasn't particularly wild about) and had absolutely horrendous muzzle flip with anything but the lightest of handloads. It was sold to help finance my S&W M66. The M21 was a much more pleasant gun to shoot, but I never could get past the gun being as large and heavy as it was without being able to shoot .44 Magnums. That gun was sold and part of the money put towards my S&W 629. Based on past experience, I think that a S&W 696 might be the .44 Special I'd most like, but they are neither common nor cheap. If I happened to find a good deal on a Charter Arms Bulldog or Rossi 720, I might pick it up to use as a glovebox gun.

July 7, 2011, 09:03 AM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	1926 S&W 3rd model. It was probably closer to 95% when I got it but it was made to be used not sit in a safe never to see the light of day or feel the heat of combustion. I hope you serious collectors are pizzin yourselves right about now.

July 7, 2011, 10:32 AM	#9
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Ooooooh,,, Pretty and Shiny,,,,, These are some fine pics my friends,,, You have me in Pavlovian response mode. Aarond __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

July 7, 2011, 10:37 AM	#11
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Fairly recent similar thread... .44 Special is my favorite! (A pic of mine is in there...) http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450884 __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

July 7, 2011, 10:47 AM	#12
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	My pair of Taurus (Tauri?) 44 Specials. I wish I could find a S&W for a reasonable price - cest la pool! All of my N frame Smiths are 44 mags. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

July 7, 2011, 10:48 AM	#13
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	Check gunandbowoutpost.com They have or did have one for sale

July 7, 2011, 11:02 AM	#14
rclark Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2009 Location: Butte, MT Posts: 2,619	And of course there is the SA Ruger .44Spec revolvers. Very very nice. Besides my CA Bulldog for CC, I have a Sheriff model (3 1/2" barrel), Blackhawk (5 1/2"), and just recently picked up a Bisley (5 1/2"). These are all on the flattop medium frame. No pictures, but here is some reading up on them with pictures . http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Sheriff44.htm http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-44Flattop.htm http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ross...ley-revolvers/ __________________ A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king.

July 7, 2011, 12:23 PM	#16
Smaug Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 3,210	Check out the S&W Night Guard series; I believe they make one of those in 44 Special/Magnum. 45 ACP too, which is maybe even a better cartridge due to the available free brass from the pistol shooters. __________________ -Jeremy "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." - Eric Hoffer

July 7, 2011, 12:59 PM	#17
Dave T Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2000 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,456	These are all N-frames, listed from oldest to newest: 5" re-blued 1914 First Model 44 Hand Ejector, New Century or the Triple Lock. 1921 2nd Model 44 Hand Ejector with barrel cut to 5". Re-barreled 4th Model 44 Hand Ejector or 1950 Model 44 Target. Model 24-3 w/ barrel cut to 5". Model 624, cut to ~3.5" and round butted. I constantly argue with myself about which is the better revolver cartridge: 44 Special or 45 ACP. On any given day, either one could win. (smile) Dave __________________ RSVN '69-'71 PCSD Ret

July 7, 2011, 02:23 PM	#19
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	Dave, great collection of N frames. As I get a little(sic) along in years my Appreciation for these excellent revolvers grows. I only wish I had forgone one or two K frames and invested in N frames. Oh-well such is life. As I have been unable to find a 3 1/2" M-27 at a price I will pay, I may have to consider a 44 special.

July 7, 2011, 02:49 PM	#21
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	So I went to the S&W website,,, I was going to look up a few model numbers,,, It turns out that the only .44 special still made is the Model 24 Classic. I really like the looks of those older .44 Hand Ejector models,,, That big old frame with that delicate tapered barrel is so very elegant. At least I have some model numbers to look for,,, I'm going to a gun show this Saturday,,, Maybe I'll get lucky and find a deal. Aarond __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

July 7, 2011, 07:04 PM	#22
Sharpsdressed Man Junior member Join Date: June 21, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,176	Ruger Flattop .44 Special. [IMG][/IMG]

July 7, 2011, 07:16 PM	#23
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,173	Had a stainless S&W 696, a Scandium 396 (currently owned by a forum member who has posted pics of it here) and a blued Taurus 441. They were neat revolvers, but I never fell in love with the cartridge or the package. As a result I sold them all. A 24 or a 624 might have done the trick, but I was seduced by N-frames in .45LC and .41 Mag. And there I remain.

July 7, 2011, 08:32 PM	#25
461 Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 1999 Location: Omaha Posts: 250	I had a .44spl Taurus (431) years ago which just never measured up and soured me on Taurus. I always meant to get another special but they always ended up being magnums for some reason. Well I finally bucked the trend and got another .44Spl, I picked up my new flat top Blackhawk yesterday so I'm back in the club. Looking forward to shooting it if I ever get a day off. There was a Charter Arms Bulldog at the shop I got the Blackhawk at and I was tempted but thought I should play with the Blackhawk for a while first. __________________ -Tim-