Revolver versus pistol

[intakexhaust]

hot load 44mag in a snub nose is like a pocket sledgehamer

[on2wheels52]

btw, if you're an FFL holder you won't have it for long if you don't know the difference between a pistol and a revolver.
Jim

[71scgc]

.44 mag in a short barrel is a waste of propellant.

Carter

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

hot load 44mag in a snub nose is like a pocket sledgehamer

.... on the shooter's hand and ears.

[Taz's Master]

Originally Posted by 71scgc

.44 mag in a short barrel is a waste of propellant.

Carter

Compared to a longer barreled revolver, but can you equal the velocity and energy of a .44 magnum, from a 2" barrel, in another caliber with a 2" barrel? What I'm saying is, I know a 2" J Frame in .357 will not perform like a 6" 686, but a 2" .357 J Frame will out-perform a 2" .38 special J Frame.

Buying a .44 Magnum for its performance, you would likely want a 6". But if you want the most power in the smallest package, maybe you should check out a Ruger Alaskan. A longer barrel in the same caliber will out-perform the shorty, but it will give you lots of power in a snubbie.

Ballistics By The Inch is an interesting web site.

[Jeff Higgins]

Hmmm... as far as I can see, no one here has advocated a .44 mag snubbie. If you guys are referring to my Charter Arms Bulldog Pug, let me remind you that it is a .44 Special, not a .44 mag. Size-wise, it's somewhere between a J and K frame Smith. It only has a five shot cylinder. It's very concealable, quite light, and a joy to carry. Not so much to shoot, though.

I've never seen a .44 mag that would make a viable concealment gun. Carry gun, yes, if you can carry it out in the open in a suitable holster. Beyond just barrel length, the size of the frame and cylinder simply rules them out for concealed carry.

Here is my 3" Ruger Super Blackhawk. While its 3" barrel qualifies it as a "snubby", the cylinder, frame, and grip frame would make it very difficult to conceal.



Here it is with two "full size" .44 mags, a 6" Virginian Dragoon and 6" M29. As you can see, the short barrel makes little difference in overall size.



As far as the short barrels "wasting powder", it all depends on what you are after and how you load the ammo. I like W-W 231 or Unique in my shorter barreled, standard (non-magnum) velocity loads. I use W-W 296, H110, or 2400 in my "magnum" level loads intended for the longer barrels. There is a vast difference in burning rates between these two groups of powders, with the two faster burning powders excelling at achieving standard velocities in shorter than standard barrels. If you are not looking for true "magnum" velocities from the snubbies, they serve quite well.

[patz]

Speed loaders are a nice accessory for .357 revolvers. Two in the pocket or on the hip, yer golden. If you need more than that you shouldn't have been there to begin with.