44 mag carry guns

[trlcavscout]

So I reload and cast my own 44 bullets so shooting the 44 makes since because I have lots of ammo and components. I have been looking at 44's in 2-3" but I am new to revolvers and don't know what options I have, the only 44 special I found was the charter arms and I am not interested in it. I was looking at the Ruger Alaskan but it is a big chunk of steel! What else is there in that size and under $900?

[encorehunter]

There is a S&W Airweight in 44 mag. Not small but definately lighter.

[Graves]

There is a S&W Airweight in 44 mag. Not small but definately lighter.

And it's a snappy sumbitch with man loads.

With all the other effective options out there I just can't see the point of CC'ing a 44 in any other environment than the woods.

[ray1970]

With all the other effective options out there I just can't see the point of CC'ing a 44 in any other environment than the woods.

This.

Hell, I don't even carry one when I'm out in the mountains. I am more afraid of a dangerous encounter with a two-legged critter than anything else in Colorado.

If I were to decide to carry one, the new S&W model 69 would most likely be my choice. It's an L frame and not an N frame and has just enough barrel to be effective.

[trlcavscout]

There is a S&W Airweight in 44 mag. Not small but definately lighter.

And it's a snappy sumbitch with man loads.

With all the other effective options out there I just can't see the point of CC'ing a 44 in any other environment than the woods.

Thanks, I will have to look some more I thought I read that air weight was discontinued in 44 due to problems? I haven't found a store around here with a big revolver selection to be able to hold them and figure out all the S&W frame sizes. I only hunt, fish, and camp in WY now in grizzly areas mostly so the 44 makes sense, I can't carry at work and I don't need to carry on my days off unless I go to town so mostly its a truck gun with a couple hours of carry here and there. Even the Ruger Alaskan fits my hand and stuff pretty good its just it weighs as much as my dog.


is the 329 the air weight you referred to? I found them on gunbroker but still over priced and all I see is 4" barrels, I would prefer 2"-3".

[Gman]

[trlcavscout]

The 629 is how I'm leaning, I wish I could find one local to check it out though.

[ray1970]

Here's the one I was referring to earlier, the model 69 "combat magnum". If you don't mind the silly lock like all the new Smith's have and can deal with five shots instead of six, this would be a good carry option. The 4.25" barrel should yield better velocity than the shorter ones you were considering and it should carry quite nicely since it is the same size as a 686.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

[earplug]

People I know who have carried lightweight N frames quit. Getting decent leather, dealing with speed loaders and weight or recoil.
Unless your paid to carry a N frame like a LEO forty years ago, why bother? I enjoy shooting games with my four N frames 625's and M-29, and I carried a M-27 as a rent a cop. But there are better solutions today.
If your stuck on getting one consider the S&W mountain gun version. or a 8 shot 627 with moon clips.

[trlcavscout]

I understand the options, I normally carry full size Glocks or sigs and don't mind the size and weight, and like I said I really don't carry unless I go to town and then it's mostly a center console gun. I make my own holsters, and ammo is practically free. A few buddies and my stepdad all shoot 44 so I am stocked in brass and lead. Recoil isn't a consideration and I carry 44 special factory ammo when I have carried them in the past which is very manageable even for the wife and kids. If I was gonna get another semi for carry it would be the new HK VP9 which I have been considering but then I have to start all over stockpiling ammo, the way it sits I wouldn't have to load 44 for quite a long time so changing makes no sense.