JackBull
Hunter
Want a 44 Spl for home defense. American made and 6 shots. Which would you chose, RH 44M, Alaskan 44M, SW Mtn Gun 44 Mag or the SW NiteGuard 44 Spl, Add another choice if there are any.
Best Available 44 Spl
- Thread starter JackBull
- Start date
Charter Arms Bulldog Series. 100% American made. Bulldog Series website
Since you're running .44 Special for defense, use Federal HST 200-grain or Speer Gold Dot 200-grain. They're designed to expand at .44 Special velocities and won't overpenetrate like hard-cast loads. Stay away from the 240-grain loads, they're too slow to expand reliably from shorter barrels.
codebreaker
Single-Sixer
I think the S&W Night Guard is a 5 shot and I suspect the Charter arms is too.
LDB
Blackhawk
Will you sometimes CC it? Then the shortest barrel DA Ruger. Only ever kept in the house? The longest barrel DA Ruger. To have the most fun at the range and secondarily be acceptable for home? One of the SA Blackhawks. Good luck with your decisions.
Hondo44
Hawkeye
In doors you need to consider confined spaces, removing it from its storage space or locker, and quick maneuverability. So a short barrel and lighter gun are a must. But recoil is a big factor s too light of a gun can be a problem for follow up shots. The main thing is familiarity with the gun choose, both handling it and dealing with recoil! Have a speedloader with the gun! So there's multiple choices that fit those requirements. Only you can choose but I hope those considerations help with you decision.
My personal choice is a S&W 296 scandium alloy L frame .44 Spl 5 shot, double action only, with old style thumbpiece for better ergonomics. Has a Stainless cylinder replacement for the titanium cyl for a little more heft. Basically the equivalent to the Model 396 Night Guard.
I also use a 624 Stainless N frame 3" 44 spl 6 shot because it's less recoil for my wife. Basically equivalent to the Alaskan 44M or SW Mtn Gun 44 Mag.
My personal choice is a S&W 296 scandium alloy L frame .44 Spl 5 shot, double action only, with old style thumbpiece for better ergonomics. Has a Stainless cylinder replacement for the titanium cyl for a little more heft. Basically the equivalent to the Model 396 Night Guard.
I also use a 624 Stainless N frame 3" 44 spl 6 shot because it's less recoil for my wife. Basically equivalent to the Alaskan 44M or SW Mtn Gun 44 Mag.
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needsmostuff
Blackhawk
I had Charter Arms, Rossi and taurus all in 44 spl.
They all went away when I got two S&W mod. 69 revolvers. One in each length.
Yeah, they are 44 mag but they like deep seated wadcutters loaded to spl. specs. just fine.
They all went away when I got two S&W mod. 69 revolvers. One in each length.
Yeah, they are 44 mag but they like deep seated wadcutters loaded to spl. specs. just fine.
That was my thought as well, but then he wants a 6-shooter so....
I'm not sure that 6th shot is worth the larger frame and cylinder, but I understand.
Timbo23
Plinker and accumulator
No one has mentioned the GP100 in 44 Spl. It's appears to be available.
Granted it's a 5 shot but so is the Charter Arms Bulldog and some of the S&Ws mentioned.
Granted it's a 5 shot but so is the Charter Arms Bulldog and some of the S&Ws mentioned.
Yeah, my first thought for a double action. 5 shot rather than the OP's spec'd 6 but like mine so much, I'll accept the loss of 1 round .
Five up is enough for me with the lightness of a Bulldog. I have the Ruger GP-100 .44 Special as well and it is a tank in comparison. I chose the Bulldog for any Concealed Carry. Never owned a S&W as not into DAs.
No need to expand. Just penetrate. 240gr SWC works for me... and hope I never have to 'use' it in the first place.
My favorite 44 Spl bullet was the old Speer "Flying Ashtray".
Not sure you'll find any 6 shot .44 spl only, in anything but the Magnums you mentioned, maybe in Ruger single action.
rammerjammer
Blackhawk
If available means only in current production I'd recommend the S&W Mod 69 or 396.
If available means you can find a used out of production on auction sites like Gunbroker I highly recommend looking for a Rossi M720.
If available means you can find a used out of production on auction sites like Gunbroker I highly recommend looking for a Rossi M720.
jerrydcolt45
Bearcat
S&W 629 44 mag and sp 6 shoy
Hondo44
Hawkeye
rkrcpa
Single-Sixer
I Like the 696 (now the 69) for a defensive 44 spl
If that's too old school you can always upgrade
If that's too old school you can always upgrade
ProfessorWes
Hawkeye
Happy with my two flattop .44 SPLs; if I were to go double action I guess it would be, in terms of price, availability and trigger feel, a contest between the .44 SPL GP-100 and the S&W M69. I'd be shooting specials through the latter.
The new Night Guards look great, but would be a pricier option.
The new Night Guards look great, but would be a pricier option.
Most of my .44 Specials are 5 shot models, though the last two have 6 shot capacity... :love:
The longer barreled firearms typically accompany me while out hunting.
The longer barreled firearms typically accompany me while out hunting.
The Happy Kaboomer
Single-Sixer
The "old" 6 shot 24's & 624's are out there..........N frame
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Another Hit-N-Run post by the OP....I don't get it.
Sugar River
Buckeye
Can you spell A.D.D.........?
Hey, he was asking for information . . . looks like he's been getting it. ;)
bpimwheel
Bearcat
My Bulldogs... (older stainless steel)
One for each hand.
One for each hand.
I'll submit another suggestion. Any 6 shot revolver that will accept .44 spl. Any one of the choices mention in the OP.
You could always go with a pair of Redhawk Kodiak Backpackers 
