Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Is the 44 mag a novelty for a nonhunter?

I got a Jedi Master 1000, NIB, that I may be persuaded to part with....

What grip frame does it have?

For the most part, yes, unless you are a dedicated enthusiast.

I've always like the 41 better, but the packages are essentially the same.

MM

It really comes down to what you, or your friends can shoot well. As Mackay stated they are not hard to kill, or at least make them go away. A good hit with a 22LR is better than a miss with a 44 Mag. Bigger pistols are heavier, and for the most part in a magnum harder to master. A 38 special is what I have found to be a good starter pistol to learn the basics and still have enough oohmph to get the job done. Practice, practice, practice. That is the key. A 357 will also handle the 38 special. 44 Mag can use the 44 special. A shotgun gives one quite a bit of latitude to make a "hit". A pistol is not very forgiving.

mackay,

an informative, stellar post.

i especially enjoyed the experiential comments on car-struck critters.

unconventional to say the least--but i too, have at times utilized 250 gr pills in .45 acp, but have only launched these heavier weight pills in the hk usp.

components being so arranged, puts this tidy little package a shade or two under near magnum class, sans the noise and subsequent recoil.

a well composed pic--with handgun cleverly located in the golden section. that pic makes a chap want to go hunt, shoot, and climb--all in one...

While I love them and they do everything I could ask, I'd have to say my 3 .41 mags are a novelty, more so than my single 629 Classic...since I reload, I can make the .41s meet just about any need above a .22. I don't think I have 100 rounds through the 629.

I got my first .41 mag in 1971 as a high school graduation present.

My choice was the 41 as well, 357PD. My 629 4" went to my son. Not so sure for the OP either would be a good answer to the question however.

Yes, IMHO a 41mag is even more of novelty handgun.

Regarding my friends with the coyote problems. I'm going to recommend a shotgun for them since they're not "gun" people.

However, I'm still waffling whether a 357mag or 44mag fits my needs better. There's also an emotional connection with the 357mag since it was the first center fire handgun I had from moving from 22lr.

To answer your question directly, if black bear are the largest threat, my opinion is that a heavy .357 mag hardcast SWC or WFN at combat range would do for your heaviest hitting need. If you are not using it as a primary hunting piece at 50 yards or more, it should be fine. What's a .35 Rem doing at 150 yards compared to a .357 mag heavy bullet at 50 feet?

Guys, the .44 can be loaded down to really mild levels, but you have the option to step on the gas, and nothing you do to the .357 will make up for its lack of diameter. I love the .357 but I really think the .44 is a better choice from mild to wild.

Plus 1,000 give me a .45 Colt anyday!

Me too, but given the choice between a .357 and a .44 Magnum, I would always opt for the bigger hammer.

This is the truth,

I don't know how many times I have read something to the effect of " this or that caliber is not needed on anything in North America, short of big bears."

These people do not live in farm and ranch country.

Thanks for the Kudos, Hi vel.

That spot is a pretty nice little area, mostly inhabited by antelope and cattle. Quite a few wild horses in the same valley, but for whatever reason, they tend to stick on the west side of the valley.

Heck of a view. Or at least usually. Right now all you can see is smoke on the distant horizon for the most part, for about 1/2 the state.

I think it may have been a novelty when first introduced but that changed once it's full potential was realized.

you are very welcome--that pic is a 10+...

might i ask what mountain range is in the background?

(i don't recognize the various profiles of the mountain ranges in your state, as i've only climbed one peak in idaho--my wife and i made the summit of borah in 1996).

Hi vel,

That is the Lost River Range. Mount Borah is actually straight south, about 10 miles or so from the mountains in the background.

It is a great area to go goof off and go exploring up the various draws and mountains.

Well, I've decided to keep the 44mag for now.

This is the one I will start my reloading career on! :-)

Is an AR15 not needed by anyone other than a soldier? Same dumb question..... I cannot belive this thread took up 10 pages.

Lets see, you cna shoot 44 spcl out of it.. you can load it down.... you can shoot full power loads....

oh and if you want a level action carbine to match your calibur, the 44 marlin is 1000x easier to come by than a 38/357 combo...