44 spl versus 44 magnum

[EDELWEISS]

Im pondering a carry gun for trails and street use.  I Really like the S&W model 21 but Im concerned about limiting my self to 44spl only.  My hikes are pretty much limited to the Peoples Republic of Maryland so no bears are on the adgenda.  Mostly Im concerned about drunk and drugged nature lovers.

I know the 44spl has a good history, but Im more concerned about what rounds are available for it vs. the magnum.  Im pretty comfortable that any loading will stop an attacker, it more of a concern about  having to search for 44 spl when just about every place has 44 magnums on the shelf.  Here in the "breast of socialism" real gun shops are closing almost everyday.  Even Walmart has stopped selling guns in Baltimore.  They have ammo in 44 magnum but not 44 spl.

Am I being overly concerned, or should I just order a couple cases of ammo with the pistol???

[PA-Joe]

Very good point and you can still shoot the 44 Specials out of the 44 Mag!

[Old Griz]

You've got MidwayUSA, Sportsman's Warehouse, Reed's Ammunition and Research, etc., etc., etc., etc. Getting the ammo you want is no real problem. Shop around, do a little surfing, and find the best price. You pay shipping, but no sales tax. I try to buy by the case.

I still think you should buy the 21 if you like the looks. It's pretty classy (w/o the TR logo of course).

[Blackhawk44]

Another thought: maybe something in a .45ACP/.45AR.  Some version of the S&W M25/625.  Some loads exceed factory .44 Specials (and I love my seven).  Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore get very serious.  Walk in availability for a non-reloader would be even better.  Half and full moon clips load fast.  Final thought for any semi-serious .44 Special enthusiast- HANDLOAD! 

[warrior1]

 i'm a 44 special man and i like my taurus 6" ,and most certainly the model 21 is a most capable handgun,
as for ammo buy an ample supply of ammo to alleviate the worry of not being able to get ammo.
also the 45 acp in a revolver would also make a decent gun for your purpose. goood luck ,dan

[papajohn428]

I wouldn't worry about ammo availability, there are some WONDERFUL defensive loads for the 44 Special out there.  Cor-Bon, Glasers, Silvertips, Gold Dots, plenty to choose from, and any of them will stop an attacker given decent shot placement.  Some in the gun media have branded the 44 Special as the Cartridge of the Century, and I happen to agree.  Now if we could just get some more small 44 revolvers to choose from.......

Papajohn

[mcwoodduck]

Both are good.  For my hard earned $ I would get a 4" M29 or M629 and carry Specials as a trail gun.  Heck Dirty Harry used Specials.  I think Remington still loads the 200 grain Keith lead semi Wad cutters.  You then have the option of keeping a speed loader of magnums on your hip.  For that matter keep a couple of the snake shot loads on you as well to fill the pot with a squirrel or bunny.  I also like the larger adjustable sights for a trail gun.  That big red or white bar at the end of the barrel is easy and quick to see.  I have a 6" model 29 that I use and it will hide easily under a light jacket if needed.  I also have a M28 with a 4" tube that I carry when out walking in the back hills of Southern California.  Both wear smooth target stocks and I am your average sized person and a light jacket keeps others from asking why I have a gun with me.
By the way what did you get?

[jlbeebe]

I just bought a box of .454's from A-1 ammo. They offer free shipping. They have a couple loadings for the .44 spec. http://www.a1ammo.com/products/65.cfm

[unspellable]

By way of a "small" 44 Special I stumbled across an unfired NIB Taurus mid size frame 5 hole revolver with a six inch tube and adjustable sights the other day.  Bought it just because it was a mid sized 44 Special with six inch barrel and sights.  It's about the same size as a S&W K frame.  I believe it to be a discontinued model.

Not too long ago Taurus sold more or less the same frame with a round butt and snubby barrel in both conventional steel and titanium.  I had one of the titanium revolvers but found the cylinder to be misaligned.

Inspect thoroughly before buying any brand.  I've had lemons from Taurus, S&W, Ruger, Colt, Browning, & you name it.

[warrior1]

unspellable ,i've got that taurus, and she has handled everything so far. i enjoy shooting it and most any 44 specials.
of course i haven't seen many firearms i do not enjoy shooting. dan

[Lloyd Smale]

I love the 44 special and love the 21s. but that been said if i was to recomend a trai gun for the average guy id say go with a 629 mountain gun. Its just as light has adjustable sights will shoot 44 specials or mags and being stainless wont show holster wear like a blued gun. If you handload the 21 can be loaded to kieth level loads which will easialy handle what you want to do but theres very little factory ammo that is in this power level and being a fixed sighted gun if you regulate to this level it will never shoot to point of aim with plinking ammo. A 629 can be regualted to any power level with a sight ajustment and good 44 mag ammo is available about anywhere that sells guns.