FA Model 97 44 or 45?

[KRP 45]

I wanted to say hello to everybody again. It has been a while since I have been on here. I had a model 97 in 45 Colt and really liked the gun. I did not like the short cyclinder. I was using a 255 SWC with 9 grains of unique and it worked fine. I had to sell it. I wanted to get another 97 and was wondering about getting the 44 special instead. I do not think you would have to worry about bullet length as much. Also, I have never owned a 44 special. I will have to say that the 45 Colt is my favorite caliber especially with cast bullets. Do you think the 44 special would kill deer as good as the 45 Colt. What about black bear? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Graybeard]

Yeah I think the special will do all you want of it. In the FA97 I personally think it's a better choice than the .45 Colt tho both are very nice.

I've really come to like the .44 Special and shoot it a lot. Mine is a Ruger Flat top with 5.5" barrel. I'd love to have an FA97 .44 Special but at this time it's just out of my price range.

[ratgunner]

I'd choose the .44 myself just because I'm already set up for it

[BigMuddy]

The deer I have killed with a 44 special have been just as dead as the deer I have killed with a 45.

Trust me the 44 special will work on deer. I have not killed a bear but have no doubt it would work there too.


Dan

[HGunner]

The model 97 in 44 special is probably your best bet for a hunting revolver as there are MANY bullet options and the revolver is very strong for caliber.  I also find it easy to get accurate loads in this gun using jacketed bullets and gas checked bullets from Montana Bullet Works.  It is a little heavier than the 45 which I think is a benefit for careful shooting (hunting).   The 5.5" is great for all around use including hunting.  For pure hunting another inch of barrel might be even better.  BUT, if can be happy with the limited number of bullets you can use in the 45 then it is great too!  Cast Performance makes a nice 265 grain WFNGC that works as does the Hornady 250 XTP.  The 45 is noticeably lighter and I think it might be at its best with a 4.25" barrel as a general purpose packing pistol.

[KRP 45]

I think I may try and get another 45. I liked the one I had, and after seeing Muduen shoot a string into with one! Hope you all can help me find one. A a buddy said about the 45, a school bus does not have to be going fast to kill something, haha.

[gcrank1]

Im a 44 cal. fan, it has been really difficult for me to make a load that did not work in one. Remember, Ol' Elmer made his first 44 'magnum' loads in Spl cases and the FA is certainly a strong enough gun. But if you are set up for 45 cal. instead and dont want to re-invest, its a fine caliber too  .