.44 Special is probably the perfect big bore revolver cartridge. Back in the early 60's when Keith/Jordan/Skeeter were pushing for a .40-41 Police round if the ammo companies had just done as Keith recommended and put a 250 grain SWC in place of the 246 LRN and bumped the velocity up to 950-1000 from a 4" gun it would have been a done deal...and no need for the .41 Magnum.
The guns were already there...the 1950 Outdoorsman and the .38/44 HD Model of 1950.
The FA 97 is the perfect size for the .44 Special but was the last centerfire round chambered for it. First ones were .357 and .45 Colt, then .41 Magnum and .32 H&R Magnum....the .44 Special seemed to be an afterthought. Yet of the larger caliber rounds it is the only one that can take all bullets made as with the .357/.41/.45 Colt the cylinder is too short even for a Keith bullet or long nosed LBT if crimped in the standard crimping groove just like the S&W Model 27 is in .357 Magnum...
The only "problem" (if you want to consider it a problem) with the FAs guns is that the chambers are so tight and leads into the forcing cones so short that some cast bullets (like a wide front driving band Keith and some LBTs) can't be seated in the chambers. In my two .41s a real Keith 220 grain will not seat but the Lyman version that has a front driving band just a little narrower will. So it is something to consider before buying a bullet in bulk...
Glad to help you find what you were dreaming about Travis....hopefully on my next trip out west we can shoot again...
Bob
