what is it about the 44 special that it is not nearly as common or popular as the 38 special? and how do the two compare as far as self defense and general shooting purposes?

also, how does the 44 spl compare to the 357 mag as a self defense round?

Thanks

Dave

I don't know, but I think that much of the reason is the size of the revolvers each cartridge was chambered in. The 44 Special was always, to the best of my knowledge, chambered in large(r) framed revolver, until the Charter Arms Bulldog, Rossi 720, S&W 696, and S&W ??? Titanium. The 38 Special was chambered in very small, small, medium, and large action guns AND it was commonly used by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

As the late Skeeter Skelton once wrote when comparing the 44 Special to the 357 Magnum; "It is a case of a good big man beating a good small man". I wouldn't want to get shot with either, but I carry 5 200 grain Winchester Silvertip factory loads in my Rossi 720.

I think that S&W made a mistake by putting a 3" barrel, in lieu of a 4" barrel, on the 696. I never liked the way that that revolver balanced or pointed and think that an additional inch of barrel would have made a difference. I sold my 696, but have a 696 cylinder with the intent of having a 4" 66 357 barrel rebored to 44 to test my theory (someday).

Jeff

260Remguy,



If your intent is to use a M696 cylinder in a M66 Frame - it's not possible in any practical sense. The M696 (L-frame) has a larger cylinder diameter than the M66 (K-frame). Also, the M696 cylinder is a 5-shooter and won't work with the cylinder hand geometry of the six-shooting M66.



Although I like the M696, I agree with your assessment of the .44 Special in general - a fine defensive cartridge in a handgun that's too big.



PS: The S&W Ti in .44 Special is the M396. I just can't like HIVIZ sights and the Nuclear Regulatory Commision logo on the side plate <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

I think the 44spec isn't as popular as the 38 because of the large frame the 44 needs. As to the better defensive gun I'ld go the 44 , because I think its easier to shoot than the 357. But if concealment is a priority then the 357's with the smaller frames is the way to go.

Until relatively recently it was only found in larger-framed revolvers, so it wasn't popular for carry.



Some years ago ,when I was giving a great deal of thought as to which handgun to get for the nightstand, I decided on the .44 Special. With Silvertip ammo it is a stopper.

The .38 doesn't pack as much punch, and the .357 can, with certain loads, overpenetrate and create problems. The Special seemed to be the perfect combination of what I was looking for.



The .44 Special has a small, but very dedicated, group of users.

The five-shot S&W 696 (3" bbl.) in .44 Special is one of the most enjoyable and shootable revolvers I've ever owned. It's not exactly a compact, but it's surely a whole lot handier than an N frame such as the Model 629. Unfortunately, S&W has dropped this model, but if you can find one, you'll have yourself a real gem.

I sent mine to AT Custom in CA for a trigger job, installed Ahrends grips, installed AO Express sights, and when complete, I had a real package. It loves the superb Pro-Load ammunition, and it's incredibly accurate. Easy to shoot as well.

I love the .44 Special. It's just a great cartridge........

AD

I think of the .44 special about like also think of my beloved 6.5x55, they are both such wonderful under rated rounds that today lack a really suitable launch platform.

I had a .44 special built up on a .357 flat top blackhawk frame that is a real jewel. It the perfect platform for this round, but took a little $ to get there. But such is life! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I also, have a S&W 696 3" 44 special. To my way of thinking the 3" balances just right. I've got Uncle Mike boot grips on mine for concilibility. It's kinda large, but fills your hand better than any 2" "stubbie"
This one is on my "keeper" list.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Virgil B.

I bought the 696 to replace the 720, partly because it was a S&W and partly because of the grief that I get from guys for having the Rossi as my "walking around gun". I just could never get it tuned to suit me, despite having had it Magnaported, tuned, and swapping grips to my standard Eagles, so I sold it awhile back.

The handgun that I carry the most is a 624 with a 5" barrel, trimmed back from 6.5", that I had made up to match my favorite 357, a 27 5". It is a fine piece that suits me perfectly and I'm confident would meet with the approval of 44 Special experts like Keith and Skelton.

FWIW, I think that the pistol smiths at Ahlman's are 1st class and their prices are so reasonable that anybody can afford for have their revolver tuned to near perfection for less than $100.

Jeff

For what its worth, my handgun of choice in the .44 Special is the Taurus Mdl 431- a five shooter! On the ranch I carry it with the first 2 in the cylinder loaded with snake-shot, the next 3 with the WW Silvertips. Better than good in the accuracy department with an excellent factory trigger. I couldn't ask for a better "hip-hugger"!

Ol' John

My favorite carry piece is a Taurus Mdl 441, a 5 shot snubby with a 3" barrel and adjustable rear sight. It's a little big, but I don't exactly carry it to the mall either. It carries and shoots well for me.

I don't understand why it's not more popular. Overshadowed by the 44 mag or the slim and trim semi-autos, I guess. Paper ballistics bring it close to the 45 ACP although the one-shot stop statistics don't reflect that either.

I HAVE ONE OF THE 696 SMITHS AND FIND IT TO BE A VERY ENJOYABLE TO SHOOT. EASY TO HANDLE AND TO CARRY.

Hondo,

where do you get the snake shot for your 44??

Hey biathalonman,,who did your 357 conversion??I have a 38/44 S&W in .38 I want made into a .44SPL. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I had Andy Horvath do it. I first read about his work in Big Bore Sixguns by John Taffin and later on Taffin's web site there were various articles about his work. check out www.sixgunner.com and you should be able to find his info, if not let me know.

He was real easy to work with and his turn around time was quite short...I seem to recall it taking about 6 weeks or so.

LD,
I use the Speer plastic shotshell capsules w/bases. For powder I use their recommendation on powder charge and I load the capsule with #12 shot instead of #9's. I purchased the capsules and a 25# bag of #12 shot about 10 years ago and still have about 20 or so rounds left. Most snakes get the charge at about 6-8 feet and does the job... rather well .

Ol' John