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Posted: 5/11/2021 8:24:49 AM EDT
I only have one wheel gun... a 686 4” 357 mag talo edition.
I want a big boy now. A gun I’ll probably keep in my car along with my main carry gun. Looking at a 629 performance center 2.62” 44 magnum. According to some YouTube videos with certain loads it gets close to 800 ft lbs of energy. Am I dumb for wanting a snub 44? Heck if I end up getting one I might look for a snub 500 s&w mag next 
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Posted: 5/11/2021 9:10:26 AM EDT
[#1]
I don’t own one, but I shot a friends. My 4” .44 seems tame after that one. I suppose one could download the 240 gr stuff, but we were shooting my book stout 240s in my 4” and his snub.
The shorty 44 just not for me. Probably not him either, he had owned it for a dozen years and still had half the box of bullets he bought with it. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 9:24:47 AM EDT
[#2]
I've had a 2-3/4" and 9-1/2" 44 mag. I currently have a 6-1/2", but kinda wish it was a wee bit closer to 5".
As for the 500 S&W, I had the 4" version. I could shoot it 1 handed, but the allure was short lived. If it's for anything more than fun and saying I have it, go longer (I'd say 4" min). |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 9:32:54 AM EDT
[#3]
I fired one once. I didn't even make it through the first cylinder before I handed it back to the owner. Describing the recoil as "harsh" doesn't really describe it well enough.
That said, no, you're not dumb for wanting another gun. buy the gun. buy all the guns. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 10:07:57 AM EDT
[#4]
Insane, masochistic, unconcerned with efficiency, already or soon to be deaf. All of those might be objectively true. Dumb? Dunno but you're displaying some tendencies that suggest you're probably fun at parties.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 10:17:10 AM EDT
[#5]
I have a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan, 2.5" barrel. I don't think it's that bad on recoil. YMMV.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 10:46:54 AM EDT
[#6]
It sounds like you're wanting this as a truck gun. Shooting one without ear and eye pro is close to a flash bang going off.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:01:42 AM EDT
[#7]
I owned a 3" .41 Magnum 657. It went up substantially in value because they didn't make very many. It was too big and heavy to carry concealed. It was more of a novelty than a useable firearm. It's your money, spend it any way you want. I prefer 4" barrels on any magnum revolver. At least 6" or longer if you plan to hunt with it.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:17:42 AM EDT
[#8]
Two shots should do it.
Why do you think that you see so many big bore pistols for sale with a box of 48 rounds included? |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:22:20 AM EDT
[#9]
I want a 44 special snubby, Charter arms used to make one that seemed to show up regularly at crime scenes
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:23:00 AM EDT
[#10]
Get a medium length barrel 44 is a beast
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:31:12 AM EDT
[#11]
A 2 1/2" N frame is on my list of Someday Guns. 41 mag, 44 mag or 44 special doesnt matter. It just has to be big and old.
To me its kind of like a having a Shelby Cobra in the garage. Basically useless but really fucking cool. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:37:55 AM EDT
[#12]
To me, its all about HP to weight, and usability.
The 629 performance 2.6" barrel is still a large firearm in size, despite the barrel length. It comes in at 37.5oz. In contrast, the Ruger SRH Alaskan is a really large firearm and is 45oz, nearly 1/2 lb more. The silly Model 69 with a 2.75" barrel is even lighter at 34.4oz. It's just my opinion, but anything sub 40oz in a full 44 magnum is going to be a handful, anything sub 30oz is going to be horribly punishing (aka 329 PD). No, its not going to fly out of your hand and smack you in the head....but its not fun, either. Sub 3" and 44 magnum is also an non-ideal combo unless you wan to load you own ammo. You lost a ton of umph at that length and get a massive muzzle blast. On a semi related note, I own a Charter Bulldog and with hotter 44 special and weighing in at 19oz, that thing can be punishing to shoot. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:40:19 AM EDT
[#13]
A snubby .44 mag isn't going to use the cartridge to it's full potential. I think a 4" gun is a more practical choice.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 12:03:20 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I want a 44 special snubby, Charter arms used to make one that seemed to show up regularly at crime scenes Have one, an earlier Stratford gun. Quite nice really. 44 special isn't a pussy cat but it is manageable. Most 44 special ammo is loaded pretty light. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 12:05:24 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: A snubby .44 mag isn't going to use the cartridge to it's full potential. I think a 4" gun is a more practical choice. ^ This. 4" 44mag revolvers are pretty handy without excessive blast. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 2:07:26 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I want a 44 special snubby, Charter arms used to make one that seemed to show up regularly at crime scenes My lgs has a .44 special nightguard 
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Posted: 5/11/2021 2:09:15 PM EDT
[#17]
The shortest I'd want would be the 3" 629 due to the longer ejector and a hair better performance. Not a fan of unfluted cylinders but that's mostly aesthetic although there is a little weight savings.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 2:58:46 PM EDT
[#18]
I had one. It was to heavy to carry all the time yet not heavy enough to lighten any of the recoil. I considered it a fine experiment and sold it.
Now I wish I had kept it and just loaded 44 Special for it.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 3:13:26 PM EDT
[#19]
The Smith M69 comes in a shorter 2.75” barrel now. Seemed like a nicely balanced piece when I fondled one at a show. I love my 4.25” model 69. Full house loads are quite manageable but I typically carry it with mag brass loaded with 44 Special range loads. I changed to the older smith style rubber grips as they fit me perfectly.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 3:16:09 PM EDT
[#20]
I have a 44mag Night Guard. Scandium frame with steel cylinder. Recoil is stout with full power loads.
44spcl loads in it are nice. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 3:27:14 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have a 44mag Night Guard. Scandium frame with steel cylinder. Recoil is stout with full power loads. 44spcl loads in it are nice. I have a 4" 329. Kills on both ends. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 6:18:51 PM EDT
[#22]
I think big bore snubs are cool. From chopped 1917 Colts, then Jovino's chopped smiths, and the Astra Terminator line. I ended up with a 325pd.
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Posted: 5/11/2021 8:48:56 PM EDT
[#23]
You can always shoot 44 specials.
The all-steel n-frames are pretty heavy even in snub configuration, 41.5 oz for the 4" barrel 629 vs 37.4 oz for a 2.6" 629 - so while recoil will be a bit worse in the shorter gun, it's still a lot more tolerable than the 4" scandium frame 329 at 25 oz. I was thinking about replacing my 4" with that exact PC snub, but then I got a really nice El Paso Saddlery shoulder rig for the 4", and it carried so well that I didn't feel the need. That said, I'll probably cave and buy one anyway someday. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 10:35:13 PM EDT
[#24]
I say, if you want it, get it. Personally, 3" barrels are as short as I go in any caliber but especially in magnums. My .44 mag is a 4" N frame with an extra inch of compensator which is about perfect in my opinion. I also have a 3" .357 mag GP100 that I love.
Doesn't matter how odd or weird or off the wall it may seem to everyone else, if you want it, buy it. |
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Posted: 5/11/2021 11:37:19 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Smith M69 comes in a shorter 2.75” barrel now. Seemed like a nicely balanced piece when I fondled one at a show. I love my 4.25” model 69. Full house loads are quite manageable but I typically carry it with mag brass loaded with 44 Special range loads. I changed to the older smith style rubber grips as they fit me perfectly. I like mine, but have never shot any full house 44 mag loads in it. I either shoot 44 specials or handloads that top out at 1000 FPS. 
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Posted: 5/12/2021 9:15:26 AM EDT
[#26]
Get good grips it’s not an issue. I’m not a sadist but I don’t understand how so many say large bore snubbies are brutal. Unless you were using tiny little panel grips.
One of my main carry guns is an Astra terminator.44 snubnose. Not why more difficult to conceal compared to a normal full size seni auto and with pachmayer grips very manageable recoil. |
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Posted: 5/13/2021 12:04:46 AM EDT
[#27]
OP, sounds like you just want a big bore revolver. Why not a .44 Special, or perhaps a .45 ACP or one of those ACP/Colt Redhawks?
Quoted: I have a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan, 2.5" barrel. I don't think it's that bad on recoil. YMMV. I think those are awesome; though I'd love to see a 4-5" .44 SRH with a standard barrel and frame profile (the tiny grips on the Redhawks puts me off). Does it roll up or just smash back? |
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Posted: 5/13/2021 12:51:59 AM EDT
[#28]
I just got one of the current 629 3" Deluxe revolvers. Haven't shot it yet.
Rob |
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Posted: 5/13/2021 1:43:10 AM EDT
[#29]
I have a snub nose in .45 ACP, it is snappy enough. I can't imagine that a .44 Magnum would be pleasant. A good friend bought a 500 S&W and sold it in short order, it wasn't any fun at all. Just a form of expensive self abuse.
My Ruger Vaquero can handle .44 mag equivalent rounds but you know what everyone enjoys shooting in it? COWBOY LOADS. 
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Posted: 5/13/2021 9:06:31 AM EDT
[#30]
 I bought this Charter Arms .44 special a few years ago after I saw the $200.00 price tag. Couldn’t find any ammo until a few months ago, shot it once with the wooden grips, then promptly ordered aftermarket grips. It’s shootable, but it’s a handful. |
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Posted: 5/13/2021 11:52:32 AM EDT
[#31]
Don't do it.
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Posted: 5/13/2021 4:13:58 PM EDT
[#32]
I had a 329 4". Really hurt to shoot. Sold it and got a S&W 629 Performance Center 4" with a comp. I can shoot that all day compared to the 329. Short barrels with magnums is not my idea of fun
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Posted: 5/13/2021 8:34:20 PM EDT
[#33]
I'd stay with a 4" barrel in 44 Magnum. The shorter barrels are fun flame throwers for a while but get old really quick. The 4" guns (I have both S&W and Ruger in the 4 inch barrel length) are much more comfortable and more ballistically efficient.
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Posted: 5/14/2021 8:55:42 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I owned a 3" .41 Magnum 657 It went up substantially in value because they didn't make very many. It was too big and heavy to carry concealed. It was more of a novelty than a useable firearm. It's your money, spend it any way you want. I prefer 4" barrels on any magnum revolver. At least 6" or longer if you plan to hunt with it. Your 657 sounds like the late '80s run of 3" S&W Magnums that Lew Horton commissioned. IIRC, they did runs of 3" stainless models in .357/627, .41/657, and .44 Mag/629. I passed on a LH 3" 657 back in the early '90s and am still kicking myself for it. I own a tuned 4" M58, the original .41 'Police Magnum,' but I always thought the 3" 657 was a cool, good-looking Magnum snubby. I'd rather touch off .41 mag rounds from it than .44 mag loads from a 3" M629 any day.  |
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Posted: 5/15/2021 3:58:33 PM EDT
[#35]
I'll try my best. I have a S&W 629 Deluxe 3" and I absolutely love it. I love the size of it and it's quite the shooter. Hope this helps.
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Posted: 5/15/2021 4:31:47 PM EDT
[#36]
44 snubs are cool. I’ve got a 3” 629 and a Lee Horton 3” 24-1 44 Special. I’ve shot magnums through the 629 exactly once. 10.5gr of Herco behind an Acme 240gr SWC. It’s midrange but still took a small piece of flesh off my hand courtesy of the cylinder release. This is with wood combat grips. 44 Specials are much nicer. My preferred load is 7.5gr of Herco behind the same 240gr SWC. Enough juice to be fun but not brutal. My 4” 29’s and 624 are much more pleasant to shoot, but the snubs are just sweet.
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Posted: 5/15/2021 5:35:19 PM EDT
[#37]
I own a Lew Horton 629 with a 3" barrel , it has a regular fluted cylinder and a full length ejector rod shroud.
Years ago I owned a Charter arms 44spl bulldog. The Bulldog was quite a handful to shoot and stung your hand quite a bit. I was young and stupid so it was fun in its own way. Now the LH 629 is a pretty heavy beast and it does recoil quite a bit ( but not so very much more than my 6 1/2" 629). Real big push but not the stinging slap to the hand the Charter arms would give you. My advise would be to get one (if you can find one of the real 629s). Full house 44 mag loads? Likely not a steady diet but a handload about half way between a 44 spl and a 44 mag can be possible to shoot well and still has a crazy level of power. I believe S&W made/makes a 44 mag or 44spl on a 5 shot L frame and I believe they also made something on a alloy frame . I believe all these guns to be just silly stupid due to the light weight. Wanting a 44 snub gun is a little silly but it also can be a very interesting and fun gun. Another fun gun I have is a S&W 21. Old school blued N frame 4" fixed sight taper barrel 44 spl. Somewhat lighter because of the slimmer barrel. Surprise is because of the big fat blued frame even with fixed sights the site picture is very much similar to the S&W adjustable site picture. 4" barrel allows the 44spl to move out with some velocity and it a great gun. Being a N frame I am comfortable pushing 44 special handloads a bit into warm areas . Not sure when my gun was made or if they are still cranking them out , nice gloss blue finish but it has the lock. |
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Posted: 5/16/2021 2:00:52 PM EDT
[#38]
I love snubby 44's. Have a 629 PC 2.5" and a 69 2 3/4". I had a couple Bulldogs, they are junk.
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Posted: 5/16/2021 8:25:27 PM EDT
[#39]
I've owned lots of 44s, 6", 3" and the one I have now, 4". Loved them all, and was looking for a 3" when I bought the 4" 629. The best thing I ever did was put on a set of VZ grips. I can shoot full house magnums as much as I want. Amazing recoil control, no pain whatsoever. Been longing for a 629 Mountain Gun since they came out, never could find one I could afford. Maybe one day? If so VZ grips will go on it immediately.
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Posted: 5/16/2021 9:36:04 PM EDT
[#40]
I have the 2.75" Model 69 and yes, it is a handful with full house magnum loads, but with Skeeter's load in 44 Special cases it is a very manageable handgun.
Speer used to offer a 210gr GoldDot in .44 Magnum tailored to short barrel revolvers. Unfortunately, they apparently discontinued it about the time I purchased my gun 4 years ago or so. That load is plenty powerful and I find I shoot it well. Sadly I've only managed to lay my hands on 6 or 7 boxes s those are carefully rationed. |
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Posted: 5/17/2021 10:48:19 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryNot going to lie that picture gave me a chub |
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Posted: 5/17/2021 12:49:41 PM EDT
[#42]
I'll go against the grain here and say don't do it.
.44's are big frame guns, and even with a snubby barrel, there are still big guns to carry and lug around. Then when you do fire it, it's going to recoil a lot more than a longer barrel version, have more flash and bang, but less power. So you're left with a still big gun, that isn't at all fun to shoot. I think 5" inches is the best length (that's what she said!), for a .44 mag. Plenty of velocity, enought weight to keep the recoil down and make it fun to shoot, but not too long to carry such as with the 6" or longer versions. |
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Posted: 5/17/2021 1:06:24 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have the 2.75" Model 69 and yes, it is a handful with full house magnum loads, but with Skeeter's load in 44 Special cases it is a very manageable handgun. Speer used to offer a 210gr GoldDot in .44 Magnum tailored to short barrel revolvers. Unfortunately, they apparently discontinued it about the time I purchased my gun 4 years ago or so. That load is plenty powerful and I find I shoot it well. Sadly I've only managed to lay my hands on 6 or 7 boxes s those are carefully rationed. |
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Posted: 5/17/2021 1:18:17 PM EDT
[#44]
Go for it, they're fun and fit in smaller spaces.
In fact if you can swing it, get two. There's something to be said for a brace of big bore pistols. |
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Posted: 5/18/2021 8:04:35 AM EDT
[#45]
I have a 3" barreled M24-3LHS in .44Special and a 3" barreled M629-5 Mountain Back Packer in .44Magnum... I carry the M24 semi-regularly with 200 grain Gold Dot's in the burbs... I've carried the M629-5 with 305 grain Underwood hard cast "Keith's" for the mountains, kayaking, fishing, etc in Highlands NC... I even shot a silhouette match with the maggie with 300 grain Prvi-Partizans just to show I could do it and do it rather well. Svelte leather gloves are a must for the M629 maggie when shooting a box of ammo though. The M24-3 and factory loads doesn't bother me one bit with or without the gloves.
I vote to get one!  Attached FileOEM Smith holster sourced for the M24 makes carrying her pretty comfy actually with a Beltman Bullhide Belt and internal stiffener.  Attached FileI've woods carried her too with Underwood's 255 grain hard cast keith's as well about a dozen times... Great load, no flash, hits hard, all while being manageable. My favorite handgun I've ever owned! 
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Posted: 5/18/2021 10:16:48 AM EDT
[#46]
Now that this is a pic thread ... sorry about the quality, some of these pics are old. I don't still own ALL of these, but I do still have most of them. I added a few 4 inch favorites.
44 Mags            44 Specials       |
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Posted: 5/26/2021 12:16:56 AM EDT
[#47]
Love my 629-6 Backpacker. The DT tarted up rounds will burn my eyebrows off every time.
 
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Posted: 5/26/2021 12:21:09 AM EDT
[#48]
Also have a 4" 629-4 Mountain Gun
 but don't really consider it a snub.
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Posted: 5/26/2021 2:01:22 PM EDT
[#49]
Man! I love those Rossi 720's. I had one and foolishly pawned it. I went back for it, but they jerked me around enough that I threw up my hands and left without it. Those are going for twice what I paid for mine. I never thought I'd miss it, but I do.
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Posted: 5/26/2021 2:27:11 PM EDT
[#50]
I've got a 3 inch barreled Smith 696 .44 special (L frame) and I love the thing. It's actually fun to shoot and light enough to carry but I don't think I'd enjoy a .44 mag in the same size at all.
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