44 special or 44 mag

[VA Shooter]

I have a question my friend just bought a 44 special Flattop and I asked him why he did't buy a 44 mag so he could shoot both he said that he liked 44 special more I have seen some posts about the 44 special here and was wondering if any of you feel the same as my friend does I would think that it would be better to shoot both I'am I missing something

 

[flatgate]

.44 Special calibre revolvers are usually smaller/lighter than their .44 magnum counterparts.

End of discussion. :D

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[DennisE]

I love the 44 special for its size, its accuracy and cause I don't need anything larger to handle any 2 or 4 legged critter within a 1000 miles of my house (if I did I'd use my 41 magnum). Dennis

 

[JWhitmore44]

I can understand, I've been a long time 44mag fan. But I do like the idea of a lighter, smaller frame gun in 44 special. More times that not you are shooting 44 spcl level rounds out of your 44 mag, specially if you are just plinking or target shooting. If you are hunting you probably shoot more magnum level rounds. The lighter gun will carry much nicer, and if you wanted too, conceal easier. The 44 spcl is quite versatile and can probably handle the majority of your shooting needs.

 

[Lee Martin]

My 44 Magnums see more 44 Special level loads than mag. There's a reason the old Special has lasted as long as it has.

 

[5of7]

In the case of the flat top Rugers, the 44 Sp. is just a perfect fit for that frame size and a joy to shoot.

At the same time, that gun is robust enough to withstand loads that are plenty powerful enough to hunt deer, hogs, or black bear. I am talking 240 grain bullets @1200 fps in a 5-1/2" gun.

So, if you are the kind of guy who shoots for fun and only shoots a few heavy loads on occasion, then the .44 Sp.--in a good solid gun like the Ruger Flat Top-- will fill your needs nicely, but if you are the kind of shooter that shoots a LOT of heavy loads, then probably you would be better served with a .44 Mg.

 

[CraigC]

Why would I want to carry around a 43oz .44Mag capable of launching a 355gr at 1200fps when a 37oz .44Spl slinging a 250gr at 950fps will do everything I need doing? :)

 

[Pal Val]

Warning! Shooting a .44 Spl can become addictive. The accuracy is excellent and it won't shake your bones like the .44 mag does.

 

[Rclark]

I don't shoot .44Mag loads very often. The .44Spec will almost do everything that 'I' need doing. With my .44Mag I found myself loading down to .44Spec levels anyway.... So when the .44Spec flattop came along ... I got one. Well, actually the real reason I got one is the medium frame flattop was the gun that should have been but wasn't as it was shelved when the .44Mag was introduced in '56. The medium frame and .44Spec is the perfect 'marriage' between gun and cartridge. Had to have one for that alone.... Anyway, now that I have three (and there will probably be more) I understand why the .44Spec has been around so long. Joy to shoot, smaller platform, very accurate, does what needs doing.... My .44Mags are gathering a little dust....

 

[gak]

What everyone has said :). I have and enjoy my .44 Mags--going 25 years now--and will not likely get rid of them "just because," but the .44 Specials have taken over the roost.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I have a S&W 44 mag that I carry/use a few times a year. My 44 Special gets used/carried several times a week.

However, I can surely see why you'd ask the question. The only way to answer it, that I know of, is for you to handle both models (say a Ruger Super Blackhawk and a New Model Flattop) and see which one you like more.

And to be fair to the 44 Mag ---- If so many of us weren't blurring the lines between the two calibers with our "warm" Special loads; the 44 Special would be much less popular. A 240 grain bullet @ 770 fps is pretty mild and has limited appeal --- at least for me. :D

 

[WIL TERRY]

when i look back i musta thought i'd choose the 44spl just for the lacxk of it's punkchewashun more than anything now it isjus cause it is spl like the 38 with elmers bullets and philsharpes......

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I like 'em both, but they are different guns for different purposes. The 44 Specials are generally lighter than the 44 Mags (some exceptions, like the S&W 329PD), but that isn't always the case. A lot of modern 44 Specials can take handloads that are pretty close to lower end 44 Mag too if you need a little more than anemic factory 44 SP loads. More importantly, they usually do what they are asked to, within reasonable expectations of the chambering, with less fanfare and a whole lot less blast and flash. If your primary interest is field use, they work, and if it is range time why have more than you need? Even in this day, a lot of shooters really can't handle a full on 44 Mag, at least most of the ones I see, and many never want to learn. It takes a bit of practice and acquired skill to do so.

But if one needs a 44 Mag, there are plenty out there and they are impressive when loaded to full potential ... if you can handle them so you don't look like that "all hat no cattle" guy at the range. I like to carry my 4" S&W 629-4 hunting. But I have found the 4 5/8" Ruger Flattop equally effective, and a bit more fun to carry. I also have a 5.5" Blackhawk and a Vaquero. When they are used it is with full 44 Mag loads. Fun to shoot standing at 50 yards. The Vaquero is actually more accurate than the BH, it balances better and is way fun. It would seems a shame to feed it mostly 44SP when it was born to do what it was supposed to do.

 

[trouble]

Agreed, I'd rather have the choice of the 2 rds instead of just 1, 44 mag for me.

 

[Rclark]

Agreed, I'd rather have the choice of the 2 rds instead of just 1, 44 mag for me.

I used to think that.... Not anymore. In fact, before I got my first flattop, I just trumpeted "Shoot .44Spec level loads in .44Mag cases" ... all you ever need in the .44 caliber :) . Now I understand.... How did John Taffin put it... "Those of you who understand this need no explanation, and those of you who do not probably would not accept or understand any explanation". Now if you don't reload, the .44Mag is a better choice in the big bores... that I agree with. The .44Spec is really a reloader's caliber to help it reach it's potential.

Even in this day, a lot of shooters really can't handle a full on 44 Mag

That probably is true .... but at least in my case... why bother with the Mag when the .44Spec works so well :) . I don't see any bigger hole in the target than shooting a .44Spec :D ... Groups are just as tight or tighter on a good day... Steel slams down plenty hard with the Skeeter load, and I don't get hammered either.... Velocities from 700-1200fps (sure 44mag gets up to 1400 or more but ...). It's good out to my eyesight range of 100yards (that is pushing it for handgun anyway).... I'd use a rifle if beyond that... So why bother.... unless stinging/numb/bleeding hands, noise, and concussion is something you enjoy or hunting the big ones (but then I'd just grab a .45 Colt loaded with linebaugh/Seyfield loads ;) ).... All relative, about a year ago, I let someone shoot my .45 Colt with SAMMI loads (250 going around 850) and after a couple of shots said he'll stick with his .38s. Every shooter is different. While I can shoot .44Mag (or hot .45 Colt), I certainly don't enjoy it. Been there done that. Around 240-280g bullet going 950-1050fps is my sweet spot.

 

[trouble]

I reload and can understand those that like the special better but i just prefer the ability to use heavier loads if need be. A 240/250@1000 will do alot so either will work, it's just what you like.

 

[WASATCH CHARLIE]

PICKED UP A PRISTINE OMSBH MFG.1960 DIRT CHEAP THIS SPRING. LIKE TO KNOCK STEEL CHICKENS OVER AT 50 YARDS . THEN FOUND I CAN DO THE SAME WITH 44SPECIAL LOADS AND WITH A LOT MORE EASE. SHOOTING 14GR. IMR4227 AND HOME CAST 220 SWC PROJECTILES.VERY ACCURATE WITH PEEP SIGHT.

 

[RonS]

I had one, a 5 1/2" .44 Magnum Blackhawk, (really, the frame was rollmarked just "Blackhawk") and it was a great gun, but I don't hunt so I only shot midrange loads in it and it was just so much bigger and heavier than my .357 Flattop that I eventually sold it. I plan to buy a .44 Special Bisley within the next month. I doubt I will sell that one.

 

[44shootist]

To me it's a big waste of a gun not to be able to shoot both the 44mag and 44spl.
Kind of like buying a sports car with a 4 cylinder when they also came with a V8.
I wouldn't buy a gun that wouldn't shoot both myself and the same goes for 357mag.

 

[dougader]

In the case of the flat top Rugers, the 44 Sp. is just a perfect fit for that frame size and a joy to shoot.

At the same time, that gun is robust enough to withstand loads that are plenty powerful enough to hunt deer, hogs, or black bear. I am talking 240 grain bullets @1200 fps in a 5-1/2" gun.

So, if you are the kind of guy who shoots for fun and only shoots a few heavy loads on occasion, then the .44 Sp.--in a good solid gun like the Ruger Flat Top-- will fill your needs nicely, but if you are the kind of shooter that shoots a LOT of heavy loads, then probably you would be better served with a .44 Mg.

Right on. I decided I don't need a 44 mag after I got a 44 Special Ruger Flat Top. I never owned a 44 mag for longer than a few weeks; always traded them off for something else in 45 Colt, and only had the 44 mag dies around to handload a few shells for my brother-in-law.

I have a 454, but rarely shoot it unless I'm prepping for a fishing trip to Alaska.

 

[Major T]

Why not have one of each? I have the 50th Aniv. Flattop .44mag and I love it. For working on S I L's ranch and just bumming around, the .44 special 4 5/8" just cannot be beat. jack

 

[CraigC]

To me it's a big waste of a gun not to be able to shoot both the 44mag and 44spl.
Kind of like buying a sports car with a 4 cylinder when they also came with a V8.
I wouldn't buy a gun that wouldn't shoot both myself and the same goes for 357mag.

That's just plain silly. Life is certainly better with more .44Spl's (and .38's too!) in it.

You need to change your handle, "shootist" would not seem to be appropriate.

Mmm hmm....waste indeed. :roll:

 

[44shootist]

Indeed Craigc,
A personal attack cause someone has a different opintion?
By the way cute little ladies guns in your picture should fit right in your purse and not kick to hard for you.
So rude for me to say what I really think and disrespect you isn't it? thats what you did to me.
See you launch a personal attack others strike back.
Don't get mad just rattling your cage back, maybe you might be more friendly next time and respect what other have to say whether you agree or not.

 

[CraigC]

You gave your opinion and I gave mine. Nothing personal about it. I didn't insult your manhood, your intelligence, spit on your dawg or question your momma's virtue.

IMHO, no one who calls himself "44shootist" should be without half a dozen each .44-40's, .44Spl's, .44Colt's and .44Mags. Maybe throw in a .445SuperMag for good measure. Let alone be resistant to the virtues of a good .44Spl. :D

 

[Bucks Owin]

I'll take one of those "lady's guns" off your hands anytime CraigC! 8)

JMO, but I'd like to have both. A shortish .44 Spl on a small platform, FT or SAA, and a 10.5" SBH for hunting/silhouette....

Oh yeah, and a .44/40 Vaq too!

.44 cal? Got it covered! :wink:

 

[5of7]

I think someone above nailed it when he said that the .44 Sp is a handloaders gun (or words to that affect).

If a friend of acquaintance were to ask me the question that the OP asked, I would probably ask if he was, or was considering handloading. If the answer was no, then I would ask if he was figuring on doing any hunting with a handgun. If that answer was yes, then I would advise in favor of the .44 Mg.

If he found out that he couldn't handle it, he could always sell it and but something else....

 

[CraigC]

Agreed, Bucks and 5of7. Keep yer dirty paws off ma lady-guns. :p

Sometimes I forget that not everybody handloads. Of course, if you're a serious shooter, you have to. The .44Spl is definitely a handloader's cartridge, not at all unlike the .45Colt. Hell, I can't imagine NOT handloading for any of them.

 

[Rclark]

I can't imagine NOT handloading for any of them.

Me neither..... I took 4 hours off work this morning just so can run 10 tests this morning over the chronograph (going to be rainy and windy on the weekend).... 6 of those tests were just primer tests and two different lots of powder..... :) . Another test was a specific load shot out of different gun just to see difference between the two. Can't image shooting without reloading and testing :) . Reloading/research/testing is more than half the fun! I kind of relate it to looking for the perfect pack'n' pistol... Looking for the perfect load ... May come close, but never happen ... but I'll just keep look'n!!!

As for .44Mag got that covered if I ever need to go there. My 50th flattop and SBH will fill that roll.... The thing is ... if I have to reach for a .44Mag ... why not just reach for a .45 Colt BH instead? A question I often ponder....

 

[ndcowboy]

To me it's a big waste of a gun not to be able to shoot both the 44mag and 44spl.
Kind of like buying a sports car with a 4 cylinder when they also came with a V8.
I wouldn't buy a gun that wouldn't shoot both myself and the same goes for 357mag.

Good! More 44 specials for me! Less competition is a good thing :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[gak]

To me it's a big waste of a gun not to be able to shoot both the 44mag and 44spl.
Kind of like buying a sports car with a 4 cylinder when they also came with a V8.
I wouldn't buy a gun that wouldn't shoot both myself and the same goes for 357mag.

Good! More 44 specials for me! Less competition is a good thing :lol: :lol: :lol:

+1 Actually, everyone's made good points, I just enjoy/prefer the midframe platform more now that it's out...and just don't miss shooting the hot magnums that much...but know I can with my old Vaqueros when the itch needs to be scratched.