Posted on 02/19/2002 6:45:09 AM PST by DETAILER
Hi everyone- just a short request for info from fellow Freepers. I just got the opportunity to purchase a Charter Arms .44 special bulldog- from a friend that has owned it for years and not shot it in years, who now finds himself in a little cash crunch. I can get it cheap! I've never shot the .44 special and wanted to hear any opinions about it out there. It's a short barrel, I know it won't be accurate much more than room distance, but that's exactly what I want it for. What do you all think?
"I prefer a 45 ACP or the 45 Long Colt, but I would get one if it is really cheap."
My preference in a handgun also.
Check out:
http://www.levergun.com/articles/44_Special_Bulldog.htm
http://www.amfire.com/php/container.php?content=newsPost.php&newsPostID=99
I firearm with a round in a chamber will, in a house fire, shoot that round with the same force as if you'd pulled the trigger. IMHO, if you have time to get to a gun which is not in your immediate possession, you have time to chamber a round.
The fact that you can keep it even if the government decides to outlaw them.
I have my eyes on the 45 GAP round right now. If it lasts and gains market share in the next year or so, I may embrace it.
To be able to have a 45 caliber handgun in the size of a 9mm one is certainly an attraction. I think the GAP round is beginning to have a decent rep in street shootings too. So, we shall see.
I have no use for the 40 short and weak. I saw one Kaboom a couple of years ago, and that was enough for me.
The 44 special is a very effective manstopper at distances up to 50 yards in that particular barrel length. Get a longer tube on it, such as a smith and wesson sixgun with a six inch bbl, and you can reach out somewhat further.
I think I'd load it with Glaser Safety Slug or Powerball controlled expansion ammo in a short tube revolver like that. It will maximize your stopping power.
Don't forget, you cannot shoot the really hot loaded 44 specials in that Charter. It won't take the beating for very long.
What's with the ugly red backstrap?
Load it down with inverted wadcutters.
A few of those'd stop most any argument.
Many moons ago, in the grip of an Alaskan winter, my mother decided to 'burn' some trash in our fireplace to get some wood started. Not knowing a couple of Air Force issued 45 shells had fallen into a bedroom trash can (spilled off the dresser?) she and my sister snuggled up to the warmth only to be rudely awakened by a couple of blasts.
Ashes-on-fire were quickly upon them. My question is: how lethal might the projectile have been, given that the casing was probably moving with the same speed in the opposite direction? [True Story]
It is loaded with .44 special hollowpoints.
I'm not hunting grizzly bears and do not need the extra recoil.
Many a bad man has gone to his ultimate punishment at the business end of a .44 special.
I happen to think that the .44 spl is a good caliber for home defense, and it doesn't beat the crap out of you like a full blown .44 mag.
FWIW, I've shot "downloaded" .44 mag for years in pin competition. If you load your own, you'll be able to send a 240gr hard cast LSWC downrange at around 750 fps for practice and fun (very little recoil), but you can get good, commercial protection loads, like the W/W Silvertips or CCI Gold dots.
In commercial loads, you can go light and fast, or heavy and slow, depending on what you're most comfortable with.
Mark
Old thread. Check the year. He should be back as I feel all vets should have a say, even if it offends a few. If lead has been tossed your way defending this country, I'm willing to listen. Happy Veteran's Day (yesterday).
There are good heavy, defense loads available. From CorBon, W/W (Sivertip), CCI (GoldDot).
Mark
And it's especially not fun out of a gun like the Star Firestar. It's about the same size as a .380, like the Colt Mustang. 10 rounds is about enough for me.
Mark
While it's no .44Mag (I've loaded 185gr jhp to 1750 fps through my Super Redhawk - I'd never fire that in my 629!), you can get CorBon 165gr JHP @ about 1150fps, and W/W and CCI have 200gr loads at around 900 fps.
Not too bad.
Mark
Hey, since we're talking about .44Mag and 629s, anybody have any idea how much a Power Special 629 Grand Master might bring? It's in good condition, and with me being out of work, if I don't get a job soon, I may think about selling some of my collection, at least those that I haven't shot in years. Ron Power builds (built, actually, as he's retired now) some of the best S&W actions around.
Mark
From what I've read, ammunition which is not contained in a firearm barrel isn't much of a threat. As soon as the powder starts to burn, the seal between the casing and the bullet will be opened, allowing most of the gas to escape harmlessly. In an experiment where rounds were placed on a metal table which was heated until they cooked off, casings usually travelled less than a foot. In some cases, the bullet stayed attached to the casing and the primer went flying (after which all other gasses vented out the primer hole). The primer could fly some distance, but because of its light weight wouldn't pose much of a threat.
The charter arms bulldog is a great gun. It's definitly a handfull with those .44 specials. If the price is right as you said, jump on it.
.44 magnum, yes
.44 special is a pussy cat. It can be hand-loaded to considerable velocity, but factory loads are easy on the shooter.
My S&W N-framed Model 24 with a 3" barrel.
That big old heavy frame soaks up all the recoil. I've put a set Miculek stocks and some Meprolight tritium night sights.
Thanks SC. Sounds like this is what might have happened. I heard there were a couple of loud 'bangs' and hot ash went through the chain-link screen in front of the fireplace, landing on my little sister.
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