Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
#87011
05/05/2011 1:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 147
Mike Hefner
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My handling a couple full sized 7 1/2" barrel 44 mag revolvers made me realize they are not for me. I researched some belt guns as backup for Black Bear at less than 25 yards and narrowed it down to the following that I'd greatly appreciate advice on acquiring: Taurus 444multi 28 oz empty or S&W 329PD 25 oz empty
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#87013
05/05/2011 2:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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My handling a couple full sized 7 1/2" barrel 44 mag revolvers made me realize they are not for me. I researched some belt guns as backup for Black Bear at less than 25 yards and narrowed it down to the following that I'd greatly appreciate advice on acquiring: Taurus 444multi 28 oz empty or S&W 329PD 25 oz empty I tested a 329 PD a while back and liked it. I personally would buy it over the Taurus, but that's just me. Even with stout 320 grain loads I felt it handled the recoil well and wasn't at all abusive. I would attempt to try one out before plunking down my cash.
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: Whitworth]
#87014
05/05/2011 2:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 147
Mike Hefner
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Thanks Whitworth, I am leaning toward the 329PD. Just don't know how to go about trying one out.
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#87015
05/05/2011 2:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Thanks Whitworth, I am leaning toward the 329PD. Just don't know how to go about trying one out. You're welcome! Keep us posted!
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#87016
05/05/2011 2:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 694
430man
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Thanks Whitworth, I am leaning toward the 329PD. Just don't know how to go about trying one out. Whit is like me where recoil means very little to us. Also gun weight has never been an issue nor has barrel length. Keep in mind that what we do can do makes others turn green and toss cookies. I have watched Whit bleed, use more band aids and never bat an eye. The .44 can turn you into trash so you better be tough and find something to try first. My opinion is that if a gun is too heavy to carry, you are not strong enough to handle recoil. We are talking OUNCES and I bet the candy bars in the back pack will put the gun to shame. Look at the little men during the civil war, most were children and carried hundreds of pounds while walking cross country for hundreds of miles. Look at our great troops today. I feel for you wanting 4 oz less to carry! Would you carry an empty canteen because water is too heavy? I want water and a real gun!
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: 430man]
#87020
05/05/2011 4:24 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 300
rickiesrevenge
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A buddy bought a 329pd. It shot ok. With some of the heavier bullet handloads that we loaded for it recoil wasn't very pleasant. I would much rather shoot my FA454. The smith would be nice to carry all day though.
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: rickiesrevenge]
#87026
05/05/2011 5:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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The smith would be nice to carry all day though. Ain't that the truth!
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#87028
05/05/2011 6:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
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Another option is having a 44 Blackhawk customized, you could have any blackhawk customized but it would cause the cost to start to jump. This is an old model 357 I rechambered to 44spcl and modified for my wife to carry while hunting. The gun has a 3" barrel and weighs just under 29ounces unloaded. The grip frame has been shortened so for a full size aluminum frame and a magnum cylinder you might be around 30oz or less on a factory 44. This particular gun has a shilen barrel with a larger diameter than factory.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: wapitirod]
#87029
05/05/2011 6:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
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As far as your question on which gun the Smith or Taurus I'd take the Smith everytime. My supplier tells me that they haven't been seeing as many failures as they used to but there is no reason to think that their customer service has improved.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: wapitirod]
#87032
05/05/2011 7:47 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 486
briarhopper
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I would choose the Smith over the Taurus hands down. As has been said, the lighter gun will of course kick more. However, if you are looking for bear back-up and not a plinker, you should be fine. Shoot light loads at the range to get used to the gun, even 44spcl., Then drop the heavies in as you head out. If you ever have to actually use it on the trail, recoil will not be your top concern. A gun that is uncomfortable for a person to carry will eventually NOT get carried, making it useless, regardless of how sweet it shoots. Be happy and comfortable with your choice, choose a gun wou WANT to carry, one that makes you go hunting or hiking just so you have an excuse to carry it.
If it were supposed to be easy, they'd have sent my little sister to do it.
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: Mike Hefner]
#87033
05/05/2011 8:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
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Do you need a 44 Magnum for 25 yard black bear? I don't think you do. A 44 Special will get the job done handily at that distance and be more pleasant to shoot. Ruger makes a Bisley in 44 Special with a 4-5/8" barrel that is soon going to be riding my belt. It might be worth a look for you as well. A few ounces can be a blessing when it comes to shooting comfort, over carry comfort.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: s4s4u]
#87034
05/05/2011 8:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Do you need a 44 Magnum for 25 yard black bear? I don't think you do. A 44 Special will get the job done handily at that distance and be more pleasant to shoot. Ruger makes a Bisley in 44 Special with a 4-5/8" barrel that is soon going to be riding my belt. It might be worth a look for you as well. A few ounces can be a blessing when it comes to shooting comfort, over carry comfort. Another great option!
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Re: Lightweight 44 Magnum Suggestion
[Re: Whitworth]
#87062
05/06/2011 4:00 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
H2OBUG
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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I had a 329 and had timeing issues with it and had to send it back to S&W --when I got it back I traded it.
JMHO I would opt for a 45 or 44 Mtn. Gun
If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
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